Worth the Trade. Kristina Mathews

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ this game as anyone. My father trusted me. He listened to me. Valued my insight and instincts.”

      He’d never made a trade or signed a free agent without asking her thoughts on a player. She used a combination of sabermetrics and instinct. Going with her gut when the two offered conflicting advice.

      “I grew up in this clubhouse. I’ve played catch with more Hall of Famers and all-stars…” She fisted her hands on her hips. “I actually do know what I’m doing.”

      “I’m sure you do.” He was mocking her. His eyes twinkled. His dimples teased. His lips curled in a half-smile. “I’ll bet you’re very good at your job. But that’s not the problem.”

      “So what is the problem?” She folded her arms over her chest.

      “You’re my problem.” His smile faded. “You’re my boss. I shouldn’t want you…but I do.”

      Their eyes met. The connection between them impossible to deny. Pure, physical attraction.

      “And that’s why you’re distracted at the plate?” She wished he was joking. That he was only toying with her because he knew it wouldn’t lead anywhere. Couldn’t lead anywhere. It was all part of his game, and once he realized he was out of her league, he’d let it go.

      Except it didn’t feel like he was playing her.

      “Yes. You sit there in the front row, taking notes.” He dropped his gaze to her blouse, and the way his eyes blazed, she wondered if she’d forgotten to button it. “In your buttoned up suits. And your pulled back hair. It’s like you don’t want anyone to know what’s underneath. But it’s all I can think about.”

      “My suits?” She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. “You think about my suits?”

      “What are you hiding?” His voice was deep, rich, and way too sexy.

      “I’m not hiding anything.” Her pitch was too high, making it sound like she was indeed covering up something.

      “So you’re naked underneath all that black and gray?” A grin teased his lips.

      “No. Of course not.” Her cheeks weren’t the only part of her to flush. “But that’s none of your business, anyway.”

      “I know. It is none of my business.” He closed his eyes and exhaled in frustration. “Yet I can’t help but wonder.”

      What did he want her to do? Show him? Do a little strip tease right here in the batting cage?

      “It’s driving me crazy.” He opened his eyes and stared straight at her. Through her. “You’re driving me crazy. I can’t… I can’t get my head in the game because you’re there, taking up space.”

      “Why?” She hadn’t meant to ask the question aloud, but since she had, she continued. “I mean, I’m not the kind of woman men fall for. Never have been.”

      “What? Because you don’t dress in skimpy clothes and wear a lot of makeup, you don’t think men notice you?”

      “Not usually.” And she was fine with that. For the most part. She’d been just a girl, in a man’s world. But none of the players were ever bothered by her. They looked out for her, sometimes even teased her, like a kid sister. But they never took her seriously. Even when she came back from college, she was still Henry Collins’ little girl. Not even a consideration.

      “Idiots.” He clenched his jaw muscles. His fists, too. “Or maybe I’m the idiot. I know all the reasons I shouldn’t want you. But I do.”

      She felt a strange flutter in her chest. He wanted her. Even though they both knew it was a bad idea.

      “So if I wasn’t sitting behind home plate, you’d start hitting?”

      “Maybe.” He stepped closer. Close enough that she could smell the faint scent of soap and sweat. And pine tar.

      “If I move to the luxury box with the other owners, you won’t be distracted?”

      “It depends. Are any of the other owners men?” His eyes burned with suspicion.

      “They all are.” She was all too aware of that fact. “But Marvin Dempsey is old enough to be my father. And Clayton Barry? He doesn’t like me very much. I think he’s intimidated by a woman with equal power.”

      “He’s attracted to you.” He stepped even closer. Just short of touching her.

      “No. He’s married. With kids.” She laughed at the absurd idea. “His wife is a supermodel. He’s definitely not interested in me.”

      “Wanna bet?” He smiled, taking a step back.

      “Not really. Besides. We work together. And we never agree on anything. Even you.”

      “What about me?” His gaze narrowed.

      “He didn’t want to trade for you. Thought we should get someone flashier. With a bigger name. And a bigger price tag.”

      “Like who?” His ego had been pricked. Good. Maybe it would spark a hot streak.

      “It doesn’t matter.” She smiled sweetly. “I wanted you.”

      “Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. Flashed a dangerous grin. “And you always get what you want?”

      “Yes. When it comes to helping this team win.” At some point she was going to have to admit she wanted Marco Santiago, the man. But she wanted the ballplayer even more. She needed him to be the player she knew he could be. “I want this division. I want the pennant. And I really, really want the World Series. I believe you can help us get there.”

      He nodded, serious once again. “I want all of that, too.”

      He lifted his cap. Raked his hand through his hair. Replaced his hat.

      “Typical female.” He shook his head, mumbling to himself.

      “Excuse me?” She couldn’t pretend she hadn’t heard him.

      “You only want a ring. One with a ridiculous amount of diamonds.” He grinned. A crooked, cocky smile that reached his eyes. “I’ll get you that ring. Don’t you worry about that.”

      “You’d better. I gave up my youth to get it.” She was referring to the pitching prospect and the rookie outfielder she’d traded, along with a veteran relief pitcher, to bring him to San Francisco. Those guys would probably make an impact in the next few years. She wanted to win now. She needed to justify her father’s faith in her. And this team.

      “I’ll do my best,” he promised.

      “I’ll be watching. From the owner’s box.” She would sit up there at the Club Level. Watch the game on the big screen. Make nice with Clayton Barry, even though he coveted her position.

      She would keep her distance from Marco. Treat him like every other player. He was just another part of the team. They were already a good team. Good enough to win the division. Marco could help get them СКАЧАТЬ