Page 49 of Wild Love
“They are?”
She nods enthusiastically. “I especially like your idea for the photo shoot. It’s perfect for Johnny. Your knowledge of him really comes through. I could practically hear him in your summary.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment, channeling my inner Maverick, but I had fun coming up with it.”
“It shows.”
“It’s a little different than their other campaigns. Do you think it’s too far?”
One of her shoulders lifts slightly. “No, I think it’s exactly what they need to sell this new line, but we should run it by them before you do the photo shoot.”
“Okay. Yeah, I was planning on doing that after I had it all detailed out.”
“The tricky part will be scheduling and finding locations for the shoot. The Wildcats have agreed to let us do it here, but it can’t look like it was shot here. Nothing that seems like the Wildcats themselves are endorsing the products. That sort of endorsement costs a lot more than what they’re paying.”
“While we’re on the topic, I want you to know that I appreciate what you and Johnny did to get me here.”
“You didn’t know,” she says, and I shake my head. “I pieced that together yesterday.”
“I wouldn’t have taken the job if I had,” I admit. “But I am going to do my best to prove I’m the right person to be here regardless.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Dakota. I suspect Johnny had ulterior motives, but I think his career is going to benefit.” She points to her laptop. “You’ve already proven it, at least to me.”
“Thank you so much.”
“I can talk to Coach Miller about letting us use the locker room for the photo shoot. It’s probably going to be a hard no the week of camp.”
“What about next week?”
Her brows lift. “You think you can get it ready that quickly?”
“Absolutely. I’m so excited to work on this.”
“Okay, then. I think he’ll be okay with that, but I’ll double-check.” She cocks her head to the side and studies me. “You and Johnny Maverick…”
Heat floods my face. “We’re just friends.”
“I don’t like telling people what to do with their personal time, but unfortunately, relationships between players and interns have caused issues in the past.”
My heart flutters in my chest. “I understand. You don’t have anything to worry about with me.”
“Good. See you tomorrow, Dakota.”
16
Dakota
When I get backto my apartment, Maverick and Charli are still here. Maverick’s hurt leg is stretched out along the couch, and his laptop is in front of him. He’s wearing a headset and playing some video game.
“Hey,” I call, dropping my purse and laptop bag on the counter.
“Die, Rauthruss,” he says and tips his head up to me. “Ah fuck, fuck. Dammit.” The screen goes red. “You win again, fucker. I’m going to get you. I gotta go. Dakota just got home. I’ll catch you guys later.”
“Hey,” he says with a sheepish grin. “How was work?”
“It was good. How’s the knee?” I pick up a warm ice pack from the floor in front of him.
“Fine.” He runs a hand over his messy hair. “I didn’t realize it got so late while I was fucking around with the guys. I hope you don’t mind Charli and I stayed here all day.”
