Page 92 of Fashionista's Playbook

“In those tights, you look like the type to crave a multitude of tastes.” He sneered and preened like he’d made the greatest comeback of all time.

“It’s a wonder you ever get laid, Ward.” The usually jovial Clutch Berkley glowered at him. “Get lost.”

There was a moment when he didn’t move, and I really thought Clutch might hit him. He spun away, mumbling rude comments under his breath.

“That guy is such a dick.” He shook his head. “I’ll toss him.” He turned to me, a huge smile splitting his handsome face. “Youput him in his place. Men like that don’t react well to a woman with moxie.”

I laughed and started back to Travis, Clutch at my side.

“Trying to steal my date, Berkley?” Travis took the plate and dropped a chaste kiss to my lips.

The little flutter of excitement in my belly whenever he kissed me would never get old.

“I mean, when she looks this good, of course.” Clutch took my hand and spun me in a small circle.

My face was warm and most likely pink by the time he stepped back and ushered a tall, beautiful woman toward me. “This is Harley James, Harley this is Moriah Travis’ girlfriend—the designer I was telling you about.”

Everyone in fashion knew who Harley James was. Tall, dark haired with huge blue eyes and an angular face—she was the runway’s next big thing. She smiled brightly and grasped both my hands.

“Claudia showed me one of the dresses you designed for her. We have to get together soon.” She wore an overly long red sweater with a smiling cartoon Christmas tree on the front. Discussing high end fashion while dressed like this seemed ridiculous.

“My natural style is a little funkier, more fashionable boho, than what I’ve been finding. Think you could come up with something for the league awards?”

I barely heard her, as my blood throbbed in my ear and sickness settled in my gut.

Clutch’s face was serious, as it had been with Ward, and he’d leaned in close to Travis. I watched Travis change, his body going rigid, and knew Clutch had told him what had happened.

Our gazes caught, mine nervous and his like steel.

“I’m serious. I’d like to get with you this week and have you work up some designs for me, maybe we could make some trades? I’ll do some publicity stuff for you?”

The most monumental moment of my fashion design career and I was about to screw it all up. I begged him with a pleading glance and turned back to Harley. “That sounds amazing.” I dug around in my purse and pulled out a business card. “Get in touch next week and I can come to you.” Too bad that retail space Travis and I had looked at wasn’t available yet.

She beamed and bounced in a little circle. “I always wanted todiscoversomeone. This is great.”

I made a mental note to give Claudia Jones a huge discount next time she commissioned something from me.

Harley did the two-cheek air kiss thing I’d always seen models do on television before Clutch swept her away. Travis dumped his plate in the trash and scanned the crowd for Ward.

“Do you see him anywhere?” There was a warning in Travis’ voice that left me cold and more than ready to go home.

“Please, don’t.” I held a hand to my stomach and took a fortifying breath. “I just had one of the biggest career opportunities ever dropped into my lap. I am enjoying our first holiday party with your team. Can we not let that jerk ruin tonight?

He warmed to me as I wrapped my arms around his middle. “I’m going to tell him to back off.”

It was my experience that would only make it worse. But I couldn’t tell Travis that. “For me, can you just let it go?”

“For tonight.” He dropped a kiss on my head.

Happy Holidays, Jersey Chasers! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I’m secretly hating on all you folks not in Texas, with your chilly temps and snow on the ground. But things down here are heating up, especially for our favorite bad boys.

I know of at least two, usually single, Outlaws spending their holiday season cuddled up to someone special. Looks like swimsuit model of the year, Harley James, will be getting a special present from one particularly yummy wide receiver.

And what about Tightest of the Tight Ends? His mermaid seems to be here to stay, complete with ugly sweaters and festive decorations. I just love a Cinderella story come to life, don’t you?

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Travis

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