Block Shot (Hoops 2)

“Love her,” I interrupt with a grimace. “Yeah. You mentioned. Look, if you can check your inner fangirl, that’d be great. Banner may be your Wonder Woman caped crusader in this business, but she’s also the managing partner for a rival agency that just set up shop a few blocks from Elevation.”

“Okay.” Iris nods and gives me a rueful smile. “But I do really like her.”

“Most people do.” I roll my eyes. “Just remember you work for me, and she and I vie for the same clients.”

“Have you ever blocked her shot?” Iris asks softly, probably because we’re closer to our seats now. And Banner.

A cocky grin takes over my mouth. I’m known for the block shot. Like in basketball, when one opponent deflects a field goal attempt as the ball is on its way to the hole, I love nothing more than to let another agent think he has a client on lock. Meanwhile, I knock on back doors and meet in back rooms to convince the client I’m the better option. I block their shit just when they think they’re about to score.

“No, I’ve never blocked Banner’s shot,” I reply, but level a frank warning look at Iris. “But I wouldn’t hesitate. Results trump feelings.”

“Jeesh. Glad I’m not an agent,” Iris says. “I’ll stick to marketing. Less blood.?

??

That’s what she thinks. If I was in marketing, there would be blood.

Banner is studying her phone when we reach the seats, but her client Quinn isn’t. She’s smiling up at me like I’m an ice cream cone in the Mojave Desert.

I get that a lot and use it with no shame.

“Hi,” I say, meeting Quinn’s eyes with a smile of my own. “I think these are our seats.”

Banner’s head pops up, and her eyes narrow before she pulls her professional mask in place.

“Banner Morales, wow,” I drawl, setting Sarai down at the seat between Iris and me. “Long time no see.”

Her expression says not long enough, and her polite smile barely disguises it.

“Jared, great to see you again.” She looks over at Iris and Sarai. “Introduce me to your family.”

Pause.

Does she think I’ve . . . procreated?

“This is Iris West,” I say pointedly. “My sister-in-law and my niece, Sarai. Iris, this is Banner Morales.”

“Nice to meet you.” Banner shakes Iris’ hand and offers a wide natural smile for Sarai. “Hi, Sarai. Aren’t you the prettiest thing?”

Sarai burrows her head into the pant leg of my suit and peek-a-boo smiles at Banner, who tweaks her nose and chuckles.

“I bet you’re not shy at all,” Banner continues, her whole focus on my niece. Sarai giggles and shakes her head. “She’s beautiful, Iris.”

“Thank you,” my sister-in-law replies, sliding me a cautious glance before going on. “I’m really looking forward to hearing you speak at the convention next week.”

“In Denver?” Banner asks, her expression surprised. “You’re an agent?”

“No, sports marketing,” Iris says.

“Well, I look forward to seeing you there.” Banner glances at me. “I’m just putting it all together now. Sister-in-law, so you’re married to August?”

“Yes.” Iris beams, and only the most hardened cynic would doubt she’s with my famous brother for any reason but love.

“Now I recognize you,” Banner says. “You haven’t been married long, right? Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh.” Banner sends her friend an apologetic look. “Sorry! This is my friend Quinn Barrow.”