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Katie closed her eyes for a silent prayer of gratitude, followed by another promise to herself to straighten the hell up as far as Landon Ryan was concerned.

"FAB-TV? Uh, yes, I’m familiar. Entertainment news, a few reality shows, lots of fashion and style based content."

Lorinodded."We’vebeenindiscussionsabout getting some of our players involved in a television show during the off-season and we need a liaison for the project. Someone that can step in, go to meetings, speak for me when I can’t be there. For some reason—because I’m not at all sure you’re ready for this—my instincts keep pointing to you. It comes with a significant pay increase, but also more dedication."

Katie’s chin bobbed for an astonished second before her brain kicked in and urged her to speak. "I’m ready, Lori. Nights, weekends, whatever it takes."

"Good that’s what I like to hear. You’re not a whiner, Katie; I like that about you. Plus, people seem to like you. They have anatural inclination to do what you ask. We can use that."

A cheer rose up from the crowd, so aptly timed that Katie easily pretended it was for her. Lori not only offering her a promotion of sorts, but complimenting her in the process? Surely that deserved a little celebration from the universe.

The cheers were for the Mavericks, of course, who got an easy first out on the very first play. Landon fist bumped with Hernandez, who had made the grab, and then the two teammates shared a joke they both chuckled at. And in that moment, with everything right in Landon’s world and everything looking up in Katie’s, she finally let herself believe that maybe everything would work out. That maybe, justmaybe, theyweremeanttobetogether.

This must be what being on drugs felt like, because Katie felt high.Highlikeoneofthoseamusementparkridesthattakesyouto the top of a tower and revolves around so you can see how everything in your world looks beautiful from this view.

But she forgot about the fact that most of those amusement park rides have a sharp drop right after. Lori passed her a file folder, and Katie’s instincts screamed that she didn’t want to see what lay inside.

TRIXIE LOO

Sign: Leo

Occupation: Student, model

Likes: Caviar, traveling, pinot grigio

Biggest Turn Off: Bad hygiene

Dream Partner: “Someone who enjoys a nice lifestyle and traveling. Someone who will treat me like a princess. I don’t mind if he’s a little older.”

CYNTHIA JOHANSSON

Sign: Virgo

Occupation: Nurse, model/actress, mom

Likes: Coffee, spending time with kids, yoga

Biggest Turn Off: Being rude to the server

Dream Partner: “A good provider who is good with kids. I wouldn’t mind if he has his own kids or if he wants another baby. I just want someone to spend time with and travel and to start a family with.”

KINSLEY BROWN

Sign: Gemini

Occupation: Sports broadcaster, model

Likes: Football, baseball, hiking, traveling, pizza

Biggest Turn Off: Dog people

Dream Partner:“I usually date athletes. Not because of the clout, but because we have very similar interests. I not only watch sports, I was the only girl on the Little League team in my town growing up and I used to be in a lingerie football league.”

chapter 29

Trixie Loo? What kind of name was that?To be fair, the name didn’t matter much. Not with a face like hers. In fact, all the women in the folder were strikingly beautiful. Different ethnicities and body types, but all with perky cleavage beneath their pearly teeth and long lashes.

"HaveyoueverseenLastFirstKiss?"Loriasked.

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