Page 9 of Love In The Spotlight

He was surprised. He figured she might be like him in that she always had to be right.

“Okay.”

“Why do you seem so shocked?” she asked, leaning back. “Did you think I was as cocky as you and had to make sure my opinion was the lead one?”

He laughed. Truly laughed. “It had crossed my mind. I’ll admit I was cocky and arrogant in my youth. Now it’s more about confidence.”

Something he portrayed more than he felt.

At least in the past two years.

Being thrown into the unknown wasn’t something he’d ever dealt well with.

“I’m full of confidence,” she said. “You have to be being the only girl among so many brothers.”

“There are eight of you,” he said. “You’re the third oldest and the only other girl is the youngest.” It was the shocked look on her face that had him smirking. “Hey, you’re not the only one that can do their research. I’m not just a dumb jock.”

“I don’t think I saw anything that said you were dumb,” she said.

“But you’re dying to know about Penelope Plush Soap?” he asked. “And the story behind it and how it came about?”

“We can start with that,” she said. “But before we do, would you like something to drink? Some food? I can have lunch brought in. I believe we are going to be here for a few hours.”

“If you’ve got water, that’s good,” he said. “I tend to stay hydrated throughout the day. As for food, sure, if it’s not something greasy. I know you’ve read a lot about me in my football career during my off time, but I’m serious about my health.”

“We’ve got a cafeteria on this floor.” She got up and moved to her desk and pulled a paper off of it. “These are the specials today and the menu. I printed them out.”

He looked at the specials. “I’ll get the salmon salad,” he said.

“Easy enough since that was my choice,” she said. “Give me a minute and I’ll put the order in to be delivered at noon. Will that work?”

He looked at his watch. It was just a little after eleven. “Whatever is easiest for you.”

She returned to the chair across from him with his bottle of water and then said, “Okay, now it’s time to get down to business.”

3

MAKE HER BROTHER PROUD

Laken took her seat across from Jamie.

He was looking awfully relaxed in her office in his jeans and sneakers.

She wouldn’t mind wearing the same outfit but never did in the office.

She wanted to be taken seriously in her position. Being a woman and West’s sister often had people dismissing her.

Her age and her looks played another part in it.

Most times she didn’t give a crap what other people thought, but for some reason she didn’t want this ex-athlete to look down at her.

Or think of her as just a chick on his arm.

She wasn’t that and wouldn’t be.

Men like him got on her nerves.

Those who thought they could walk on water.

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