Page 164 of Stolen Bases

I nod like I know what she’s talking about. “Sure. It’s good to have you back.”

“Thanks. Just so you know, I majored in social media marketing and business, so I am fully capable of running your socials and helping with sponsorships, meetings, or anything you need.”

Something passes through her eyes, and it has me wondering why the heck she needs this job. She’s a Montgomery, for crying out loud. She can do anything she wants.

“Are you sure you want to work for me? I’m not that cool. My socials are horrible. I’m the worst at remembering my schedule, and sometimes I need help with personal stuff. Like sending gifts and shit. It’s dumb stuff, reall—”

She cuts me off, sounding desperate. “No. Please. I need this. Don’t worry about the personal stuff; it’s no big deal. But I need this job to show my dad I can turn a nonexistent online presence into something huge. That’s what I really want to do.”

“I wouldn’t say nonexistent.” I have a million followers.

“Spare me, Mr. Miller.” She stands tall, ready to explain how I am wrong in every way.

I bite back a smile. I enjoy seeing Gwen all grown up and ready to show these men up here what she’s made of. And if this is what she needs to make it happen, then I’ll be her guinea pig.

“Cam. If we are going to work together, call me Cam.”

“Cam it is. As I was saying, your online presence is atrocious. A four-year-old thirst trap and professional pictures taken by the team photographer are all you’re working with. Any player on the team can have a million plus followers just by being an Evader. Los Angeles is a vast area, and the team has an enormous fan base.”

Oh, she’s good. I have a feeling Gwen is going to be whipping my ass in shape.

“Walk with me to the locker room. I was just heading out for the day, but I would love to hear more about your ideas.”

She doesn’t stop talking the entire trip down the elevator. Her enthusiasm is infectious. She’s got me ready to try out all the different strategies on getting more sponsorships and giving back.

Gwen is so busy talking, her hands flying about—Talia does the same when she’s really into a subject—and misses the steps leading down as we enter the locker room. I grab her around the waist just before she hits the floor. The last thing I need is Ted ripping me a new one for letting his daughter get hurt on the first day of her new job.

Out of nowhere, I’m knocked off balance and I lose my grip on Gwen. I stagger back as Nico hits me in the chest with his fist. My pec burns, and I wince in pain.

“What the fuck, Romero?” I cry out.

“You break up with my sister two weeks ago, and now you’re bringing strange women into the locker room. What the fuck is wrong with you?” He grips my shirt and rears back, ready to punch me again.

Do not hit him.

I close my eyes, ready for the punch.

“Please don’t hit him,” I hear Gwen shout in panic. “I’m his assistant. That’s it.”

Nico releases my shirt, and I open my eyes to find him staring at Gwen like he wants to burn the skin right off her body. This fucking guy.

“Chill, Nico. Gwen is Ted’s daughter. You know, our boss’s boss.”

“Then why the fuck were you holding her?” He turns his glare on me.

I should be pissed at him for hitting me, but I’m not. He’s just being a good brother.

“She almost ate concrete, and I was just trying to make sure she didn’t hit the floor.” I look at Gwen and point at her. “You are a hazard. Please tell me you have medical insurance.”

She nods, and her lips twitch up as she raises her hand. “I do. Self-proclaimed klutz reporting for duty.”

Smart-ass.I bite back my laugh as I turn back to Nico. “Are we good here?”

“Yeah. Uh, sorry for jumping to conclusions.” Romero looks away in shame. He turns to Gwen. “I’m sorry, Ms. Montgomery.”

She squares her shoulders and lifts her chin. “You are forgiven, but I’m going to need something from you in return.”

Nico visibly swallows, and I love seeing him sweat. “Okay.”

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