Page 34 of Hear Me Roar

Holyshit.

“Oh wow. Who was it, if you don’t mind my asking?” I asked, racking my memory through all my clients. I had no idea any of them were associated with Amari or any NFL player for thatmatter.

“Evelyn Cooper,” she answeredsweetly.

Of course, one of my bitchy stay-at-home moms who drove me up the wall. She only worked out because her husband refused to pay for plastic surgery. I had no problem passing her along to Luis when I went touring the U.S. with Hazel. To say I was surprised she’d recommended me didn’t even coverit.

“I’ll have to thank her for the recommendation, that’s for sure. But what can I help Mr. Dorsettewith?”

“He’d like to set up an interview to get to know you a little better, and find out what you have to offer as far as a personalized training regimen would go. Does that sound like something you’d be upfor?”

“Considering it’s Amari Dorsette, yes, I’m definitely up for that,” I admitted, to which Gingerlaughed.

“Great! Are you available any time thisweek?”

“I’m almost positive I have Wednesday morning free, but I’d have to check my calendar and I’m not at my desk. Would I be able to give you a call backtomorrow?”

“Certainly, that won’t be a problem at all. The number I called you from is my direct line, so feel free to call back whenever you’reready.”

I could hardly contain my excitement, all but bouncing in place as the possibilities of what this meant slapped me in the face. “Perfect! I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please thank Mr. Dorsette for considering me, and let him know I’m looking forward to meeting withhim.”

“Will do, Mr. Carr, and thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I realize it’s the Fourth, so not many people would be taking a business call at thishour.”

“It’s my pleasure, really. I’ll speak with you tomorrow, MissScott.”

As soon as I hung up the phone and fist pumped the air like a rabid maniac, I rushed back inside to tell my girl the news. She was going to flip the fuckout.

“Babe,” I yelled, shutting the sliding glass behind me with a loud smack. “Baby!”

Hazel poked her head out from the kitchen with a wooden spoon in hand, eyes wide from the baritone of my voice. “What the hellhappened?”

“You arenotgoing to believe who just calledme.”

“Who?” she asked as I bounded up to her and scooped her in my arms, hurdling us back into the kitchen to set her on thecounter.

“Amari-fucking-Dorsette’sPA.”

Cue here, where her eyes widened all the more. “Holy shit. Are youserious?”

“Very serious. Apparently, one of my old clients recommended me, and he wants to set up aninterview.”

Her arms tightened around my neck, a wide smile stretching across her face. She might’ve squeaked a little too, which was fucking adorable. “This ishuge,baby, seriously! Congratulations! When’s yourinterview?”

“Don’t congratulate me just yet. I told his PA I needed to check my schedule, though, I was sure Wednesday would begood.”

“Either way, Amari Dorsette’s PA just reached out to you becausethey want you.That sounds like something tocelebrate!”

I rubbed the back of my head, my mind still reeling. “We’ll have plenty of time to celebrate when and if he chooses to go withme.”

Hazel smirked and shook her head, amusement etched all over her face. “He will, trust me. He’d be foolish notto.”

“I think you’ll find, kitten, that your opinion isbiased.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t make it any less true. You’re good at what you do,babe.”

Humming appreciatively, I brushed my lips against hers with a smile. “So how ’bout that stirfry?”

“Shit, the beef tips!” she yelped in my grasp and shoved at my shoulders with every bit of force she had, jumping off the countertop onto herfeet.

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