Page 22 of Mission: Merry Christmas
“That’s nothing new. They’ve been trying to talk me over to that group for a long time.” He lifted his eyes to the ceiling. “Wait, I’m putting the pieces together. You’re the one that started their wellness program, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“Youarethe best. I’ve got buddies who sing your praises.” He pressed his hand to his chin. “Some players have been pushed to play with concussions and injuries that… well, I’m preaching to the choir. You are changing the industry by making the player’s health a priority. It’s really nice to meet you.”
“As much as I’m glad to hear that you appreciate my work, it’s unfortunate that Tom Ware will probably not continue that program the way I designed it.”
“That’s too bad.”
“It’s out of my hands now. He can do whatever he wants. I signed a non-compete with him, so I, on the other hand, cannot do whatever I want.” She pressed her hands together. “This is where our situation becomes a problem.”
“I’m not a client. So, I don’t see the problem?”
“You’re one of the top five. Your face, about the size of the television, is plastered on the focus wall in the boardroom. Well, not this face.” She drew a circle in the air around his head. “The clean-cut version of you without all that luxurious hair... or that sexy scruff... and the big smile you have when you’re playing with Nico. Which, by the way, I really like it when you smile.”
That great smile made an appearance with knee-weakening effect. “So, you like this look?”
She chewed her lower lip. “It’s growing on me.”
What an understatement.
He stepped closer and her heart rate kicked up. “You’re growing on me, too. You’re fun when you’re not all uptight. Thanks for bringing my smile back.”
“Drew, if Tom finds out I’m here, he’ll blow this out of the water. He’ll be even more determined to get you under contract. He’ll ruin you if he can’t have you. I wouldn’t want to put your career at risk.”
“You said yourself I’m going to be fine,” he said moving so close that she had to look up at him. Her breath hitched and hung in the back of her throat.
“I know, but—” She placed her hands on his chest because she couldn’t help herself.
“I need to keep this quiet. You need to keep this quiet. Fortunately, we’re on an island in the middle of the ocean with guard lizards out front.”
“I’m never going to live that down, am I?” She eyed him playfully.
“Probably not. It’s kind of fun giving you a hard time about it.”
“Seriously, Drew, I think it would be best if I left.” She pushed away from him, taking a necessary step back to catch her breath. “I’ll leave all the instructions here for you. You’re on a good track. You and Nico can finish this on your own.”
“You can’t leave.” He closed the gap, reaching for her hand and squeezing it. “Nico really likes having you around.”
“Nico is sweet.”
“Yeah.” Drew looked away, then settled his gaze on her. “Honestly, I like having you here, too. Let’s just keep our eye on the ball.”
“Baseball analogy? I like it, but—”
“We’ll have a nice Christmas here, and then both of us will make New Year’s resolutions and have a happy New Year.”
“You think it’ll be that simple?”
“Why not? You just keep me on task. I wasn’t ever going to sign with The Ware Agency, no matter how high the praises were about you or the negotiations they’ve been making.” He lifted his chin. “Here’s the thing. Gabe, my agent, he took a chance on me when I was a rookie. I was still wet behind the ears, and he believed in me. I’m not going anywhere. Ware can keep trying to recruit me, but any man crazy enough to let you go the way he did that right before Christmas, well, that’s not someone I want representing me.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“It’s true. Besides, what are the odds of him ever finding out?” Drew shrugged. “You’re stuck with me until New Year’s.”
“Only because I like to see all my patients to the finish line.” Could she get through New Year’s without falling for this guy? She had to. Good grief, she knew better than to let this happen. Probably a combination of the warm sun and island air impairing her better judgment. “I’m breaking my own rules, which is a first for me, by the way.”
“Rules are meant to be broken.”
