Page 1 of A Whole New Game

1

CARLEE

“That one inthe red polo. That’s the one I’d go for if I were you,” Morgan says over the rim of her martini glass. She sips the tart drink and darts a meaningful glance toward the group of professional baseball players currently playing darts on the other side of the room. We’re at the home of the team’s captain, Lawrence Turner, for an informal end-of-season party. None of the coaches or higher-ups are here which is the only reason I agreed to attend.

“Stop it. I’m not going to ‘go for’ any of them.” I sip my fruity seltzer, not bothering to look over my shoulder to see who she’s talking about.

My best friend pouts. “You’re no fun, Carlee Jones. No fun at all.”

“This is myjob, Morgan.” While enjoy spending time with the team—they’re good guys—I know the importance of not crossing the line with any of them.

“Yes, and hooking up with one of these single studs should be a perk of the job. But no, my angelic childhood best friend isn’t going to take advantage of this opportunity any other woman in the country woulddiefor.”

I roll my eyes at her dramatics.

I work for the Texas Lonestars, the professional baseball team located in Dallas, as a social media marketing specialist. It’s my dream job. One I’ve spent the last six years post-college busting my ass to get. I used to work for a technology company, then a big-name clothing retailer, before finally choosing to work as an independent contractor for an assortment of smaller, local businesses in Dallas and the surrounding area. It wasn’t until I ran a successful campaign for my hometown’s local athletic shop that I made a name for myself. Their featured, custom clothing merchandise still has a three-month-long waitlist, and I ran the social media campaign that made their store go viral over a year ago.

There are times when I miss exploring creative ways to maximize exposure for small businesses, but nothing, and I meannothingbeats working for the Lonestars. My family is big into sports, and I’ve been a fan of the team my whole life. When I majored in business and marketing, I’d always hoped to work for a sports team. I had no idea my skills utilizing social media would land mehere, but I’m glad it did.

So, no, I’m not going to risk my position by sleeping with one of the team’s players. No matter how hot they are.

“What would women around the country die for?” Joshua Chen, this season’s rookie first baseman appears next to us, holding a beer and wearing the bright, goofy smile he’s known for. His warm brown eyes are locked on Morgan. The twenty-two-year-old is a shameless flirt, but a wholesome one. He could easily have a girlfriend if he wanted, but he seems content to just play the field. No pun intended.

“Carlee’s job,” Morgan answers, tilting her head and trailing her eyes over him. “You’re looking good, Joshua. Almost legal.”

“I am legal.”

“Barely.”

He straightens his neck as if being taller will make him look older. “Come on, Morgan. You’re only like… what? Four years older than me?”

“Try six,” she laughs.

“Six is nothing.” Joshua quirks his lips, showcasing the adorable dimple on his left cheek. “I can work with six.”

“I’m sure you can.” She pats his arm placatingly.

“What are your plans for the off-season, Joshua? Are you planning to go back to Singapore?” The young man grew up in California where he was the star of his college team before being drafted to the Majors, but his father’s relatives live in Singapore. I know his family tries to visit at least once a year, usually during the holiday season.

“I am,” he confirms. “One of my cousins is about to have his first kid, so we’re trying to be there for that.”

“That’s nice.” In my head, I’m already wondering how he can capitalize on the trip for his social media accounts. I’m sure there are companies and businesses in Singapore who’d want a popular American baseball player to be seen using their products or frequenting their establishments. I’ll draft an email to him and copy his agent and PR rep to see what they think about it.

“Holy shit!” Joshua’s exclamation yanks my thoughts away from business plans. He’s staring at the cell phone in his hand with wide eyes. “Holy shit,” he repeats.

“What is it?” Morgan shifts closer and stands on his tiptoes, looking over his arm at the screen.

“No way!” Someone else cries out.

“Hot damn!”

“Yes, let’s goooo!”

Excited shouts pop up around the room, accompanied by enthusiastic claps and high-fives. Almost every player in theroom is staring at their phones with a mix of disbelief and excitement.

My phone buzzes. I sit my drink down and retrieve the device from my back pocket. The sports app I use has a notification. I tap the screen and read:

Breaking News: Minnesota Loons trade starting pitcher Corey Johnson to Texas Lonestars in four player deal.

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