“The point is I like it here. I like the organization. I like the players, and I like the promise. I’m not interested in leaving.”
Jaclyn lost her breath. Those words made her so happy. She felt as though she’d already won the finals and was holding the trophy. She blinked away tears.
Chris spoke again after a beat of silence. The guy was working Jaclyn’s last nerve. “This is about Jackie Jone
s, isn’t it? She’s a beautiful woman and I understand you don’t want to lose her. But it’s not as though you’d be leaving the city. You’d just be a couple of subway stops apart. It wouldn’t hurt your relationship if you worked for the Knicks. In fact, it could help your relationship if you didn’t work together.”
“If this were just about Jack, I would leave. But, as I said, I like the team. I’m staying here.”
Jaclyn had heard enough. She pushed open DeMarcus’s door and confronted the startled men. DeMarcus stood.
She nodded at the pudgy middle-aged man in the visitor’s seat before DeMarcus’s desk. “Chris Carl? I’m Jaclyn Jones.” The agent’s face flamed red as he got to his feet and shook Jaclyn’s hand. “Please stop trying to pilfer my head coach. He’s made it clear that he likes peanuts.”
Chris’s face glowed even brighter. “I think that’s my cue to leave. It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Jones.”
“Jackie.” She folded her hands in front of her.
Chris nodded. “Jackie.” He glanced at DeMarcus. “See you later, Marc.”
Jaclyn watched the flustered man stride from DeMarcus’s office.
DeMarcus put his hands in the front pockets of his mustard Dockers. He studied the back of Jaclyn’s head and the riot of black curls swinging around her shoulders. “Were you listening at the door?”
She turned to face him. Her grin was unrepentant. “Of course.”
DeMarcus ran his hand over his hair. What did this mean? “I was going to tell you about the Knicks’ offer.”
“I think you need new representation.” She folded her arms across her chest. “What kind of an agent brings you an offer of a new job while you’re sitting in your office? That’s not very bright.”
DeMarcus searched her eyes. She didn’t seem angry. “Chris isn’t a bad guy. He wants what’s best for me and realizes my current salary doesn’t accurately reflect my worth.”
“No, it doesn’t. You put what matters most to you—your reputation and your family’s name—at risk to bring the Monarchs a winning season. You got us to the play-offs.” Jaclyn smiled that special smile that touched his heart.
DeMarcus swallowed. He’d waited a long time for that smile. Too long. “Does that mean you’re open for negotiation?”
She stepped closer, circling his desk. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“You said you like the organization and you like the players. How do you feel about the owners?” She stopped in front of him.
DeMarcus arched a brow. “I can’t stand Gerry.”
“What about me?” Jaclyn’s words were breathy and unsure.
“I’m in love with you.” DeMarcus’s voice was husky with restrained emotions.
Jaclyn closed her eyes briefly. She gripped his elbows as she swayed on her sexy stilettos. When she opened her eyes, they were damp. “I’m in love with you, too.”
DeMarcus removed his hands from his pockets and settled them on her slender waist. He wished that it was as simple as “I love you,” but it hadn’t been before. “What about separating our personal and professional lives?” He held his hands up. “I know I can sometimes be a control freak, but I don’t mean to undermine your independence. I can learn to make decisions with you instead of for you. Just give me a chance.”
Jaclyn smiled. “I know you’re only overbearing because you love me.”
DeMarcus frowned. “Is there a compliment in there?”
Her cool hand cupped his jaw. “You’re a strong, courageous man who’s willing to sacrifice a lot for the people he cares about, but never his integrity. What’s not to love?”
“Did my winning that final game prove how much I love you?”