AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jaclyn seemed puzzled. “They’re going to wonder why our team captain is standing on the sidelines in a suit. I’d rather be upfront with them than have them come up with reasons on their own.”
He shook his head, staring at his desk. “I wish the press and the public could respect Barron’s privacy.”
She rested her hands on her hips. “The fans have a right to know what’s going on with their players.”
“It could be a distraction.”
“Only if we let it.”
Troy nodded despite his continued misgivings. “I’ll have something for your review within the hour.”
Jaclyn stopped at the door. “Barron said Andrea played a big part in convincing him to get help for his drinking.”
Her words gave Troy pause. “I knew she was concerned about him.”
“She’s a very special lady. She’s been through a lot. And, instead of breaking her, it’s made her stronger.”
Troy slid his hands into the front pockets of his pants. This was the opening he’d been hoping for. “Andy told me what you did for her after she lost her job.”
Jaclyn crossed her arms and rested her shoulder against the doorjamb. “She’d suffered enough.”
“But she wrote an article full of lies that showed you in a bad light.”
Jaclyn shrugged her left shoulder. “I knew it wasn’t true. The people who mattered knew it wasn’t true. She’d paid for her mistake. It was time for both of us to move on.”
Troy shook his head in amazement. “Not a lot of people would have seen things that way.”
“She’s a good reporter.”
Troy narrowed his gaze. “You weren’t tempted to hold a grudge against her after that article?”
Jaclyn shook her head. “Not at all.”
“Why not?”
“What good would that do?” Jaclyn straightened away from the door. “Even though she says our history together doesn’t have anything to do with the way she treats us, her style of getting the whole story and not just the sound bites Gerry fed her has worked to our benefit.”
“Her last tip helped us move Gerry out of the franchise.”
“And for that, I will be eternally grateful.” Jaclyn dropped her arms. “The two of you are good together. She keeps you from acting on impulse. She’s been a good influence on you—and Barron. Have you stopped seeing her as the enemy?”
Troy forced himself not to squirm under Jaclyn’s teasing regard. “Yes. I’ve realized she’s not out to get the team.”
She smiled. “Good. I hope you’re both very happy together.” Jaclyn left his office.
Troy sat, spinning his chair back to his computer. He hoped they’d be happy, too. His career was back on track. His love life was looking up, and the Monarchs had advanced in the play-offs. What more could a person ask for?
“You are a good cook.” Andrea’s taste buds were still singing from the seafood platter Troy had prepared for their dinner.
“I’m not just a pretty face.” He led the way into his kitchen as they cleared the table together.
Andrea chuckled. “I suspected that when you and Serge made dinner for us the other day. But I’m even more impressed now that I’ve witnessed your skills without Serge’s assistance.”
Troy turned from the sink, took Andrea into his arms, and gave her a deep, lingering kiss that curled her toes inside her stockings.
He raised his head, keeping his eyes on her lips. “I’m not just good in the kitchen.”
Andrea licked her lips and felt his arms tighten around her waist. “I know. You’re also very good in the office.” She grinned, wiggling out of his embrace. With a bounce in her step, she left the kitchen to continue clearing the dining room table.
