Page 23 of Beautiful Storm

“Are you kidding me?” Suit man stands as he cuts me off, his hands on his hips in anger. “I’ve been working my ass off here and you give the newbieProject Storm? You giveProject Stormto a girl?”

What?

“Sit down, Jake,” Jim demands. “There’s a time and a place for this discussion and this isn’t it.”

Jake sits but his expression doesn’t waver. Meanwhile, rather than take offense over something I’ve been fighting all my life, I ignore his sexism as my brain focuses on what's more important than some asshole's opinion of me…What the hell is Project Storm?

“Amelia will be heading upProject Stormbecause that’s who we want,” Tom says with pursed lips. “Her style is more suited to the fast pace of the show.”

“What show?” I blurt out and then grimace. “Sorry. It just wasn’t—”

“Ah, yes. It wasn’t in your bible. It’s a high-profile show that we’ve been keeping to ourselves. We’ve been granted access to the San Francisco Storm football franchise. Full access. And that means all the players, all the staff, and all that goes along with it.”

“Wow. That’s incredible,” I say out loud, but inside I’m screaming,“God-fucking-dammit.” Hayley is going to have a field day with this information. “And what’s the angle?” I force a smile, while mentally banging my head against a wall.

What was I thinking sleeping with Luke? I don’t even like him. I spent the better part of my childhood and teen years wishing he would disappear, and then I go and sleep with him. And now, ina sick twisted turn of events, I’m going to be working with him.I’ll repeat… Goddammit.

Oblivious to my inner spiral, the creative director of the company, Patrick, launches into a speech about their early concept, and when he’s done, his eyes lock on mine. “We’re excited for your ideas once you’ve had a chance to process everything. This project could get us the exposure we need to break into the next level.”

“I’m curious…” I hesitate before asking the first question that comes to mind. “Are the players all aware and happy about the full access you’re planning?” Because I anticipate we’ll have some push back from the team.

“Of course,” Patrick says, though I can tell he’s not so sure. “Why wouldn’t they?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because not everyone wants to be on TV.”

Jake laughs out loud before shaking his head and turning to Tom. “This is what I mean. She’s the wrong person for this job. The guys will love the exposure. Trust me.”

CHAPTER SIX

Luke

Our media liaison, Keeley, smiles as she finishes telling us all aboutProject Stormwhile I wait for the backlash.Three, two, one…

“No fucking way,” my friend Dylan, one of our star wide receivers, protests. “I’m out.” He walks away, grumbling about not wanting to be on camera, and I get it. He’s never wanted the limelight. He plays because he loves the game, but if he could, he’d do without all the bullshit that comes with the job. In fact, I was ninety percent sure he was going to retire when his first kid was born, but then he surprised me and kept playing. But his family and privacy will always come first.

Me on the other hand… “I think it’s a great idea,” I say honestly. “Count me in. Just tell me where I need to be.”

According to Keeley’s big speech, the San Francisco Storm is set to feature in a new TV series showcasing the world of professional football players. It’s not the first show to spotlight a football team and won’t be the last, but from the way they’repitching the idea, it sounds like the first to be this intrusive. They’ve basically been given a backstage pass into our lives.

And it’s great! I have nothing to hide…anymore.

“Thank you, Luke.” Keeley giggles, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d assume she was flirting. But I’ve been there, tried that, and discovered she does not mix work and pleasure.Such a shame. “We’re not sure who they want to feature yet, or how it’s going to play out, but I’m grateful for your enthusiasm. All I know at this stage is that it’s happening, and the crew are coming in next week for a walk-through to discuss plans.”

“Why the hell would the bigwigs agree to this?” Wyatt, our offensive tackle, asks under his breath, confusing me. I would have put all my money on this being his thing. “I mean, I’m all for it,” he adds, making me grin, “but I’m genuinely shocked.”

We all are, with the exception of Thomas, our quarterback, who suspiciously doesn’t appear shocked at all. And if he already knows something, he and I are going to have words.

The meeting adjourns shortly after Dylan’s walkout, and I rush to meet up with Thomas. “How long have you known?” I ask, catching him in the hall.

Thomas pauses, turning to face me. “What makes you think I knew?”

“Uh. Maybe the complete lack of surprise on your face when they announced it. You forget how well I know you.” Thomas and I have been friends since high school, and now he’s engaged to my sister. It’s safe to say, I can read him.

He sighs as his shoulders drop. “They mentioned it last week, but I wasn’t allowed to say anything. I was told in case they needed backup selling the idea.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“Why would they ask you to do that? You hate the idea.”

“What?” His eyes widen, making me burst out laughing.

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