Smooth Play (Brooklyn Monarchs 2)
He frowned. “Why do you keep asking me that?”
She thought her eyes would cross. Stubborn man. “Because I need an answer.”
“No, that’s not the only reason. The blog isn’t your style. You’re too confrontational to sneak around and post anonymous messages.”
Not good enough. If he wanted her to help him, he needed to trust her. “Is that the reason? I’m too confrontational to be an anonymous blogger?”
He spread his arms. “What do you want from me?”
“Your trust. But I don’t think you’re ready to give it.” She pressed the power button on the dishwasher. “It’s time you told Connie and Serge what’s going on.”
Troy caught her arm and pulled her to him. “Will you help me find the blogger?”
His heat. She could grow addicted to his touch. But like the moth and the flame, theirs would be a relationship that wouldn’t last.
Andrea stepped back. “I’ll find the Insider. But I won’t do it for you. It’s the hottest story in New York sports since the question of whether A-Rod was taking performance-enhancing drugs. I want this story. I’m sure every other sports reporter wants it, too.” She left the kitchen.
Troy closed his palm to hold onto her touch. She’d been toying with him. Andrea had intended to investigate the Monarchs Insider all along. She’d apparently also decided to make Troy sweat. Stubborn woman. Troy pushed away from the counter. It was time to face the music. When would this nightmare end?
Faith, Constance, Tiffany, and Serge had returned to the living room. Andrea took a position beside Faith’s armchair and gave him a pointed look.
This is it. No more stalling. He looked from Serge to Constance. “I have something to tell you.” He took a steadying breath. “I’m no longer with the Monarchs.”
“What?” Constance’s fair brows flew toward her blond hairline.
Serge held Troy’s gaze. “This has to do with the interview you gave ESPN, doesn’t it?”
Troy nodded, then tried a wry smile. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Serge shook his head. “That took—” He cut himself off and glanced down at Tiffany. The little girl gave him a curious look. Serge returned his attention to Troy. “Courage. That took a lot of courage.”
Constance’s gaze swept from Serge to Troy. “What happened?”
Troy made himself meet Constance’s puzzled green gaze. “I accused Gerry of being the Insider.”
Constance gaped. “That blogger? What makes you think that?”
Serge answered her. “Gerry may be part owner, but he doesn’t want the team to be a success.”
Andrea continued the explanation. “He’s contacted the media about printing negative stories about the team before. And he doesn’t care whether the stories are true.”
Constance’s jaw dropped. “But that’s crazy.”
Tiffany giggled. “My mommy said ‘That’s crazy.’”
“No one said Gerry was sane.” Troy smiled at the little girl’s levity.
Constance’s gaze swung to Troy. “But if the team isn’t successful, he loses money.”
Troy shrugged. “He doesn’t care. Destroying the franchise is more important to him.”
Constance scowled. “It must be nice to have so much money that you don’t care whether you lose some of it.”
“No kidding.” Andrea’s tone was dry.
He saw amusement rather than resentment in her eyes.
What was behind her question in the kitchen? She’d repeatedly asked why he didn’t believe she was the Monarchs Insider. Why was that so important to her? He knew she had too much integrity to attack someone anonymously. But his answer had upset her. What was she looking for? She said she wanted his trust. Could he trust her?