Page 16 of Mission: Merry Christmas
She changed into pajamas and laid across the bed, flipping through the channels for something to watch. Christmas was just around the corner, but it felt like summer here. It didn’t help that Drew didn’t have one single decoration in the house. The poinsettia table runner had been a lucky find, but even that was pretty subtle.
There wasn’t much on television. She settled on a reality show between neighbors seeing who could out-decorate each other with Christmas lights. She texted Corinne to let her know things were on track. It took her no time to fall asleep after the hectic first day on the job.
The next morning Avery’s phone rang in the middle of her yoga workout. She answered it on speaker and continued the stretch.
“Hey, Avery. So, it’s going smoothly?”
“It was a rocky start, but yes.” Avery stood, and sat on the edge of her bed. “We have a plan. He seems committed to it.”
“I knew you could do it. I owe you big time.”
“Actually, I owe you. This place is amazing, and this job is keeping my mind off my problems.” She glanced at her watch. She was supposed to meet Drew at eight, and it was nearly that now.
“We’re not talking about those problems. Remember?”
“Right.” She leaned back against the pillows. “Poor guy. He was worried to death. It was a rookie mistake, but he’ll be fine.”
“You didn’t call him a rookie, did you?”
“I probably did. Why?”
“You really don’t recognize him?”
The play in Corinne’s voice came off as a challenge. “Drew?” She crisscrossed her legs. “No. Well, he has a familiar look to him, but no, I definitely don’t know the name or him. Should I?”
“He was only Rookie of the Year two years ago.”
Avery couldn’t place Drew Martin. Rookie of the Year? “Wait a minute.” He was taller than she’d ever realized, but there was something in the rumble of his voice, and those dark eyes. Only usually, he was squeaky clean cut. And in all those commercials. How had she missed it? “Oh my gosh. I was so preoccupied with his attitude. It’s Drew La—”
“Laskin,” Corinne finished with her. “Sorry. His sister swore me to secrecy. I guess you can see why now.”
“I can, but I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. That explains the blue and yellow colors on this house, too. Team colors. I thought it was a little odd. I mean, all the other houses on this island are pastels and beachy colors.”
“Martin is his sister’s last name. She and her husband live there on the island, too, but she’s had to come to the states on business for a few days. I’m sure you’ll meet her soon enough.”
A tingle of dread went down her spine. “Corinne, we really might have a problem here.”
“Why? If anyone can get him back on the field, it’s you. You’re the best at what you do.”
“I have a non-compete. Remember? If Tom thinks I’m down here trying to woo Drew Laskin, there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
“I didn’t know he was a client.”
“He’s not, but he’s on the top five list. Everyone has been working like crazy to get him moved over to us. Like, money’s no object attack mode.”
“If he’s not signed with The Ware Agency, I doubt there’s anything Tom could say about it, and frankly, who cares if he gets mad.”
“I hear you, but really, I don’t want to rattle his cage right before I know where I stand. I need to get my contract over to an attorney this week.”
“He’ll never find out,” Corinne said. “Drew needs this to stay quiet, and you do, too. Seems like a perfect situation if you ask me.”
She sucked in a breath. Itwasa nice place to hunker down for the holidays. “I have to tell him the situation.”
“Fine. Tell him, but please don’t blow it out of proportion. Tom will be so busy worrying about getting married, the last thing on his mind will be you.”
The doorbell rang. “I’ve got to go. Someone is at the door, and Drew’s in the steam room. I’ll talk to you later.”
ChapterNine
