Hot Number (Hot Zone 2)

Sophie shook her head. "Apparently Spence has been away on vacation and she hasn't been able to talk to him. Either that or she's avoiding it. Who can blame her?"

"Well I have my hands full with Damian's mess, so it's just as well I don't have to deal with any more upheaval at the moment."

"Amen".With that, Sophie collected the garbage and rose from her seat. "But you know Uncle Yank's birthday is in a few days. Spencer will be back by then. We're all going to have to deal with this soon."

Just then, Amy knocked and entered. "I'm leaving for the night."

Micki waved her hand in the air. "Enjoy your evening.”

The other woman smiled. "You, too. Oh, since you asked me to hold your messages all afternoon, here they are. The only one that can't wait is on top." The secretary handed Micki the pink stack of papers before taking off.

"Anything interesting?" Sophie asked.

Micki glanced down and groaned. "Just a message from Damian that he's sending a car to pick me up around eight. He says I should plan on swinging by the stadium for him and then he has some things we need to do."

Sophie frowned. "If he's asking for evening work, tell him you expect overtime pay."

Micki had spent the day at her desk. She glanced down at the flirty miniskirt she'd chosen this morning, when the sun was still shining bright and the newspapers hadn't yet hit her desk. Now it looked tired and wrinkled. "I can't go out like this. I look like hell."

"Then it's a good thing you have a chance to go home and change."

She closed her eyes and let out an exhausted groan. "I can't imagine what he could possibly need from me tonight."

Her sister grew suddenly quiet, causing Micki's nerve endings to prickle uncomfortably. "What is it?"

Sophie leaned closer, her soft gaze settling on Micki. "I was just thinking… What if Damian just needs you?"

Sophie's question haunted Micki for the next few hours. It haunted her as she changed into jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. It haunted her as she returned to the office and then climbed into the back seat of the limo he'd sent to pick her up.

And it haunted her now as she waited in the car outside the stadium for Damian to emerge after the press conference following tonight's game. Huge floodlights lit up the night sky as people swarmed out of the various exits, animated and flushed with excitement, thanks to the latest Renegades win.

Micki watched from her back seat in the limo, protected by the complete anonymity afforded by the tinted glass windows. She sat in her private world and contemplated her sister's words.

What if Damian just needs you?

Damian had never hinted that he wanted anything more than professional help but there'd been moments when she'd caught his gaze and the connection between them had returned as strong as it had been on the island. As much as she didn't think he'd contemplate resuming their relationship when his life was such a mess, neither one of them could deny the chemistry. A powerful attraction she needed to control.

Nothing could happen between them again. Not if this baby was his. Micki would never allow herself to end up in the middle of Damian and Carole's relationship, nor that of Damian and his child. She respected the sanctity and traditions of marriage and family too much.

She doubted she had much to worry about anyway. Damian hadn't been in touch with her-not until he'd gotten into trouble and needed her help.

As much as she wanted to hate him for getting himself in this situation, she couldn't. And as much as she wanted to pound him in the head until he said Carole was lying, she couldn't do that, either. What she intended to do was quite ironic, actually. She was going to become the one thing she'd made a special effort not to be- Damian's buddy, pal and friend. And if she hated him for anything, she hated him for reducing them to that.

THE POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE ran long. Instead of discussing the game, reporters wanted to talk about Damian's personal life, which he and Coach Donovan had already declared off-limits. Still, they were reporters, which meant they didn't take no for an answer. They asked, he declined to reply. It took him longer than he'd have liked to finally make his way down to the limo and meet up with Micki.

The chauffeur opened the car door and Damian slid in beside her. Her eyes were shut and he had a chance to study her. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her softly made-up face. Just her presence gave him the sense of peace and comfort he lacked.

The driver slammed the door closed and she bolted upright in her seat.

"Hey." He smiled at her startled expression.

"Hi." She ran her hands up and down her bare arms and shivered. "I fell asleep"

He nodded. "Sorry I ran late." He tapped the Plexiglas partition, indicating the driver should go, and the car started up for the trip to Jersey.

"Congratulations. I was listening to WFAN. You have another win under your belts."

"Thanks."