Page 31 of Playing with Temptation

Kendra ignored the twisting in her gut. “Then we’ll just stay alert. Be sure not to give her any new ammunition.”

Nate stood suddenly. “Got a long day tomorrow. I’ll take your bags to your room.”

He was gone before she could thank him.

Kendra poured herself another glass of wine. This time she’d be ready for Stephanie Weiss.

CHAPTER 11

Nate took his place behind the lectern and straightened his tie. He adjusted the microphone and thanked everyone for coming, then explained that he would play the full video.

Stephanie pressed her lips into an angry slash and folded her arms. Her ire confirmed that playing the entire video was the right move.

Score one more for Kendra.

He stepped aside while the five-minute video played in its entirety. Nate glanced over at Marcus and Kendra standing in the corner.

His brother nodded reassuringly. Kendra’s confident smile filled his chest with warmth and eased the tension in his shoulders. He wouldn’t admit it to Marcus, but he was glad Kendra was there. Especially since his twin sister—off on one of the solo island vacations she took a few times a year—couldn’t be.

When the video ended, the lights came on again. Nate launched into a prepared script, giving a brief overview of what happened that night and why he was so frustrated with himself and his teammates. He made it clear he’d offered his sincere apologies in person to everyone who was available. Nate apologized again for his lack of thoughtfulness and the impact it had on his teammates and the Marauders organization.

He ended by stating emphatically that he intended to suit up for the Marauders for the remainder of his career.

“Our team has come so close to going to the big dance. During the off-season, we’ll work hard as individuals and as an organization to ensure we’re giving our all every single time we take the field. It’s what every man on the team wants. Most important, it’s what the loyal fans of this city deserve. Thank you for coming.”

Nate stepped away from the microphone, relieved the press conference was finally over. He was especially grateful Kendra insisted they not take questions.

Score two for Kendra.

“Is it true you just returned from Montana where you pressured Wade Willis to retire before next season?” Stephanie shot to her feet, to the surprise of everyone in the room.

“Of course not.” The words came out of his mouth before he could stop them. Kendra had already warned him someone was bound to push for questions. He was supposed to say, “No further comment.”

So much for that.

“Wade is still one of the elite quarterbacks in this league. This past year wasn’t his best year, but it wasn’t mine, either. We’ll both be stronger next year.”

“So you admit you’re a big part of the reason the team has stalled in the play-offs three years in a row?” Stephanie could barely hold back her smirk.

Nate’s shoulders knotted. He pressed his lips into a harsh line and breathed out slowly. “As I stated that night on the video, I need to be better. We all do. No further questions.”

He stepped away from the microphone and made a beeline behind the curtains and away from the hungry pack of jackals clamoring to ask the next question. Nate pressed his back against the wall, angry with himself for not sticking to the script. He’d let Stephanie rile him. She knew he wouldn’t let that accusation hang in the air, unanswered.

And how the hell did she know he’d just returned from Montana, anyway?

He looked up at the click of Kendra’s heels coming down the hallway. She wasn’t happy. Neither was Marcus, who was hard on her heels.

“Why didn’t you stick to the script?” Marcus gestured wildly. “Were we not clear about not taking questions?”

“I know I should’ve ignored her question, but I couldn’t leave the fans thinking I’m trying to push Wade out.”

“There are going to be a lot of accusations hurled at you in the next few weeks, man. You can’t respond to every one. We’ve got a plan. If you stick with it, everything will be fine.” Marcus stormed away, likely in search of a strong cup of coffee.

Nate turned his attention to Kendra. “Go ahead. Let me have it.”

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