LITMIR.BIZ

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      “I meant, what did you think talking about this openly would accomplish?”

      He shrugged. Then sighed. “Honestly I don’t know. Like I said, I don’t want to lose you as an agent.”

      “Then you must know we can’t possibly have any romantic entanglement. Ours is a business relationship.”

      “Entanglement? You make that sound like a game of Twister. I’m not talking about just an entanglement. Yes, I get our business relationship makes things more complicated. And, yes, it makes sense to walk away from any kind of personal relationship.”

      Sam felt physically relieved. He understood. That was good. That would prevent him from making any more ridiculous comments.

      “But it doesn’t change the fact we still want each other.”

      Comments like that.

      “Evan.” Sam sighed. What in the hell was she supposed to do with a man like this? One who was just so out there with himself. Wasn’t he worried he was going to get hurt? Because it’s what she would most likely do. To protect herself she would lash out like a cat that has encountered an overfriendly dog who wants to play. A few swipes and the dog would walk away whimpering.

      “Okay, look, I can see it makes you uncomfortable to talk about it. I’ll drop it for now.”

      “Thank you,” she said, feeling for the first time since he’d started speaking she could take a deep breath.

      “Here’s the thing, though, Sam. I’ve learned a lot in the last few years since I first met you. I’ve learned you don’t get anything in this world you truly want without taking some risks. While our situation might not be ideal, don’t think it means I’m not going to try for it. For you. Because now I know what it means to take that risk and win. I’m not afraid.”

      He moved around her, and Sam turned to watch as he opened the door to the office and left. Happy that she’d been able to keep her mouth closed. Because what she had really wanted to say was...don’t go.

      Which of course was ridiculous. They were having dinner that night with Jocelyn Taft Wright and her husband, Pete. A thank-you from Jocelyn for Evan having agreed to the interview.

      Today was Evan’s off day, and really it was generous of him to give up his free time to do the press conference in the first place.

      Sam took a few deep, calming breaths. All things considered, nothing too terrible had happened. Evan had confessed to wanting her, but she hadn’t really done the same.

      She hadn’t been able to work up the steeliness to actually lie to him, so it was better she say nothing. Now she knew she would have to work much harder to keep a personal distance between them.

      What made that so hard was that beyond wanting him, she actually just really liked him. She had an idea that maybe leaving Minotaur Falls was the smart choice. Distance would surely help the situation. Only it felt a little like cowardice, not to mention humiliating.

      Hey, Evan, I want you so much I can’t be in the same town as you for fear I’ll give in and jump your bones.

      No. Leaving was not an option.

      “You’ll get over it,” she told the empty room.

      * * *

      KELLY LAWSON WATCHED from her car as the elegant blonde left the stadium and headed to her Mercedes. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at the cool, sleek business suit, slim high heels and sophisticated haircut. All things she had wanted for herself, but nothing she could ever afford.

      Not that she regretted for a second where all her hard-earned money had to go.

      “Mom, I don’t huh-understand why we’re here if there’s no game today. I huh-thought we were going to see a baseball game.”

      Kelly looked at her son, and her love for him overwhelmed her. He took a hit of his inhaler, and she schooled herself not to wince. The humidity at this time of year wasn’t bad in upstate New York, but really they should be in the least humid environment she could find for him. Anything to make his breathing easier.

      She reached over to ruffle his hair. “We are, Connor. Soon, I promise. I just wanted...”

      I wanted to see him first.

      “I wanted to make sure I had the right directions first. This is like a dry run.”

      She hadn’t been prepared for the punch in her gut when he came out of the stadium. It had been so long since she had seen him, and now...now she was committed to doing this thing.

      For Connor. For Connor she would do anything.

CHAPTER FIVE

      “THIS WAS LOVELY of you to invite us to dinner,” Sam said as they entered the restaurant. Minotaur Falls wasn’t a mecca for fine dining, but this was by far the best restaurant in town.

      “My pleasure,” Jocelyn returned. “You did me a favor today. Pete and I appreciate it. This is the least I could do to offer my thanks.”

      “Not going to lie,” Evan said. “I’m not a fan of the interview stuff, but anything to help the team.”

      Pete, Jocelyn’s husband, studied Evan with a skeptical gaze. As if it was hard to believe he was truly that honest. Although Sam was beginning to believe that’s simply who Evan was. What you saw was what you got.

      I want you.

      Yes, he was a man who felt very comfortable with the truth. Sam hadn’t been able to get those words out of her head since he’d said them.

      The two couples settled into a booth, Jocelyn and Pete across from her and Evan. Not that she was in any way part of a couple, of course. It was just the situation, that she and Evan were here with Jocelyn and Pete. Another couple. That the four of them were having dinner.

      Enjoying each other’s company. And laughing and having fun.

      Not that you couldn’t have fun on a business dinner, of course. However, Sam needed to remind herself she was here only in a business capacity. Yes, she might have taken special care with the dress she picked out. Yes, she might have changed three different times before settling on the black jersey with the plunging back, and, yes, maybe she had been more than a little thrilled when Evan had called earlier and offered to pick her up.

      This way she could have some wine and relax, as Evan didn’t drink during the baseball season. When she’d asked him why, he’d told her he didn’t like to have his senses compromised in any way.

      Sam thought it sounded reasonable, but there had been something in his voice when he said “senses” that made her think of sensuality and that made her think of things she shouldn’t be thinking about.

      Accepting his offer of a ride was in many ways a test for her self-control. Of course he could pick her up. Absolutely he could open the door for her. Yes, she could sit next to him in the cool confines of his truck without there being a hint of intimacy.

      Yeah, right. Then how come you can’t keep from looking at how close his thigh is to yours in the booth?

      “So, Evan, are you more nervous or excited for your debut start in The Show?” Pete asked as soon as the waiter had left with their drink orders.

      Evan opened his mouth and then abruptly closed it.

      Knowing instantly what he was afraid of, Pete held his hands up. “I’m not on the job right now—no notepad. This whole dinner is officially off the record. Tonight I’m just Jo’s husband.”

      Evan nodded, and Sam wanted to praise him for at least realizing he needed to be cautious any time when speaking to a reporter. He was learning.

      “Then the answer is nervous,” Evan said with a small chuckle. “Not about playing. I mean, that will

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