Hot Number (Hot Zone 2)

He patted her hand. "That's not to say there's anything wrong with who you are. I happen to adore you. It's just that you've fallen for a guy who likes frills. Now take me for example."

“At the moment, I wish someone would."

He shook his head and laughed. "We're hanging out and I'm wearing what?"

Micki didn't have the foggiest notion what he was talking about "Clothing?" she asked.

He groaned. "A Hugo Boss shirt, Polo pants and Cole Haan loafers. I've gelled my hair and-"

"Waxed your back and painted your nails with clear polish. I get it. You've done all the things I'm trying to break you of doing until the season's over!

"Exactly." John leaned back in his seat and smiled contentedly. "If you would put in half the effort, Damian couldn't help but notice that gorgeous face, perfect complexion and those darling curls you hide in a ponytail." He gave a fake shudder at the last word.

She glanced at the ceiling, thinking about the validity of his point. The insecurities she'd experienced growing up around her beautiful sisters and the self-doubt she'd felt with Veronica in the locker room today surfaced again now.

He leaned forward. "So what's going on in there?" He tapped on her forehead.

"It's just that if I change who I am on the outside, then I wouldn't be me. Don't I deserve to find someone who appreciates me for who I am?"

"Of course you do." John placed a comforting hand over hers. "And if you did what I just suggested, you would still be you-only more obvious. Once you catch the right man's interest, he'd be a fool not to see all you have to offer him."

"You're a great guy," she told him, then gave him a sideways look. "I notice you didn't say that Damian Fuller is that right man."

John shrugged, conceding the point, then leaned back again in his chair. "Fuller's my captain and teammate. I admire him. But he's still living the life of an athlete who just made his first million. He may have the potential to grow up, he may not. I don't want you to get hurt but…"

"But what?'

"Maybe Fuller has potential. That's up to you to discover."

Micki shivered at the prospect.

Meanwhile Roper fidgeted in his chair, glancing at his watch when he didn't think she was looking. "Hot date?" she asked.

“Would you be insulted if I said I had to eat and run?"

She rolled her eyes. A free night during the season didn't happen often. "Of course not but you need to promise me you'll behave. No more antics or giving the press cause to speculate on anything, okay?”

"You drive a hard bargain," he said, as he cocked his head to the side. "How about we make a deal? I won't get the earring I wanted if you promise to consider my advice-you step up a little and see if Fuller notices you" He winked, then rose, collecting their plates and placing them in the sink.

The man was a true find. "Some woman's going to be lucky to land you, Roper."

"I'm nowhere finished sowing my wild oats."

She stood and walked him to the door. I'm afraid Damian isn't either."

"You'll never know until you try." John wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulders. "Remember Roper's word to the wise-life is nothing without risks."

She laughed. "I'll remember."

He kissed her head and took off.

Alone in her apartment, Micki rinsed their plates and dried them, her mind preoccupied with Roper's words. He was right about a lot of things but most importantly about her feelings for Damian. She did have the hots for him and had since this past New Year's Eve. Damian's kiss, planted on her in a drunken stupor, had been a prelude. One taste hadn't been enough and he'd whetted her appetite for more. When his full lips had been on hers, and his hard body against hers had warmed her in the cold winter air, she'd realized how much she desired the man.

Micki wanted to feel the excitement of a home run with Damian. Unfortunately he didn't even remember reaching first base.

THE NEXT MORNING, Micki stood in front of the mirror in the restroom of the Hot Zone. She eyed her standard look-her blond curls hastily pulled into a ponytail and her white button-down shirt tucked into a pair of black slacks-and frowned at the lackluster sight.Was it any wonder that when she strode into a locker room full of naked men, none of them "stood at attention"?

She was sick and tired of being considered one of the guys, especially by Damian, and Roper had made it perfectly clear why the man failed to notice Micki. Last night's conversation was fresh in her mind and she couldn't help but be frustrated with the status quo. Though her practical side understood that being treated as an equal was what female reporters and publicists had been fighting for years, the female side of her had been ignored too long and demanded recognition.