Page 44 of Hot Damn
“She’s early.”
Only a few minutes, but it’s a good sign. She either doesn’t like to be late or she knows we don’t have time to waste. Scooping up my keys from the bowl on the counter along with the garage remote Whit took out of her car before letting it be towed, I head for the front door.
I’m a few steps into the foyer when the doorbell rings again and I smile at the woman’s impatience. It’s barely a minute since she pressed it the first time.
I pull the door open with a grin on my face that quickly dies. “Can I help you?”
The guy on my front step jumps and turns back to face me. “Oh. I didn’t think anyone was home.”
It’s not an answer to my question and I’m standing here which proves his assumption is incorrect so there’s no need to say a word. Something that makes the guy squirm.
He’s in his twenties, mid to late if I were to guess, but I’m more interested in what he’s doing here. When he stares at me for another few seconds, his feet shuffling and his eyes shifting, I want to slam the door in his face.
Except at that moment Cami pulls into my driveway. At least I think it’s her. I have no idea what type of car she drives but the high end SUV seems to fit. And when the driver’s door opens and Cami steps out with a frown on her face my suspicion of this guy ramps up a notch.
Cami wastes no time getting to us and the frown on her faceturns into a downright scowl with laser-eyes that should have this guy dropping to his knees.
“Kenneth. What are you doing here?”
“Oh, hey, I...” His gaze darts back and forth between us. “Hi, Cami.”
She walks around him and stops in front of my door, kind of blocking me and the house from Kenneth, whoever he is. Her arms are crossed, her feet are shoulder width apart. The stance is a defensive one that makes me smile.
How she thinks she can protect me from this guy is anyone’s guess but I have to say the pleasure her protection delivers is one I’m not accustomed to but find appealing.
I cock my head and arch an eyebrow, sizing up the possible threat at my door. “So, Kenneth, you haven’t answered mine or Cami’s question.”
“Oh, right. Well, um?—”
“For god’s sake, Kenneth, get to it.” Cami’s voice is laced with exasperation without a trace of concern and I have to think she’s no longer worried this guy is here with nefarious intentions.
“I…” He licks his lips and swallows. “IwonderedifImightgetaninterviewwithHiggison.”
His words roll out in one long rush and it takes me a few seconds to separate them. “An inter?—”
“No!” Cami takes a step toward Kenneth, making him back up. “And you know better than turning up on someone’s doorstep to ask. If you want to interview anyone on the Rogues’ roster you contact head office. They’ll either grant or deny your request. If they grant it, they’ll tell you where and when the interview will take place.”
“But—”
“Nope. No buts. That’s the way it works with professional athletes, and you know it.”
“It’s not against the law?—”
“No, it’s not, but being on private property without invitation is trespassing. And thatisagainst the law.”
“Aw, c’mon, Cami. The Rogues aren’t letting anyone interview their players.”
Turning her head slightly, Cami says, “Beckett, can you call the police and then the Rogues’ GM please?”
“Okay, okay.” Kenneth holds up his hands as he walks backward. “No need to go that far. I’m leaving.”
“Good.” Cami’s attention is back on the guy retreating with his shoulders hunched and a frown on his face. “And, Kenneth?”
She waits for him to look right at her.
“Don’t come back.”
He shoots her a dirty look that has my fists clenching. I’d like to punch this guy in the nose, hopefully break it, for looking at Cami like that.
