Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“I didn’t even get to use my good stuff. That may have been a record.” Perry chuckles and puts his glasses back on.

“Anyone care to explain?” I ask, even though I have a good idea what’s coming.

“I had to believe it to see it. The infamous Crenshaw Bennett. Untouchable, cold as ice, and hard as steel. No one’s going to believe this.” Perry gives a low whistle.

“Gail?” I look for confirmation.

“Yes,” all three say in unison.

“What am I missing?” Bizzy huffs and narrows her eyes at me.

“Let me explain.” Darren raises his hands in the air like he’s in a classroom. “So Gail called me this morning to confirm the trip. When I questioned the change in plans, she said she had no details, but suspected, and I quote, ‘Mr. Bennett’s taking some personal time with a close friend.’ She also told me that personal friend would be accompanying us today. It wasn’t so much what she said but how she said it. I’ve got three sisters. I can spot the sound of romance. And Gail, she was all romance.”

“Fucking Gail.”

“That woman scares the shit out of me.” Perry gives an exaggerated body shiver. “She flat out told me to be on my best behavior or she’d kick my ass. She explained that Mr. Bennett would have a lady friend joining us, and if I pulled an attitude like I did yesterday, she’d personally make me regret it.”

A low cackle escapes from Bizzy, and she slaps her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her amusement. Finally, she gives up and laughs out loud. “Gail is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met. To hear she threatened to ‘kick your ass’ is hysterical!”

Perry, Joe, and Darren all exchange a look and turn to me. I know what they’re thinking; it’s not only my reputation that’s tough. Gail can cut a man off at the knees and smile while doing it.

“Bizzy, Gail and I have a reputation to upkeep. Let’s not give these guys the wrong impression.”

“What? She is sweet!” Bizzy defends.

Changing the subject, I pin Perry with a glare. “Obviously, you got the reaction you wanted. Are you going to quit flirting with my girlfriend now?”

He throws his hands in the air innocently. “Like I said, I didn’t even get to my good stuff.”

“Save it for another woman, Casanova.”

“Touchy, touchy.”

“Be a shame for that pretty face to get damaged right before we start scheduling promo shots for the season.”

His grin falls slightly, but he straightens his stance and holds my stare. “Yeah, that would be a shame. Especially since my new agent’s fees are going to cut into my plastic surgery fund.”

I jerk my chin, acknowledging his decision. He knows about my rate hike. He knows he fucked up with his attitude yesterday. But he also knows I’m a great agent, and he wants me to represent him.

Bizzy squeezes my shoulder, pride written all over her face. She knows what happened and understands the importance of his statement. My usual spike of adrenaline when landing a deal is nothing compared to the way her expression hits me. Without thinking about our audience, I lean in and steal a quick kiss, letting my lips linger a little longer than anticipated.

“Okay, now I’m definitely going to be Gail’s favorite. Not to mention, I have proof.” Darren waves his phone at me with a shit-eating grin, showing off the picture he took.

“When the hell did Darren Jackson, one of the toughest running backs in the NFL, turn into such a sap?”

“Hey, man, like I mentioned, I have three sisters. Besides, Gail told me to make sure and get pictures. This should make her happy.”

“Jesus,” I mutter, dropping my head to Bizzy’s shoulder.

She adjusts, rearranging her body to sit up straight. “So, guys, tell me about you! I met Joe last night, but we didn’t get much of a chance to know each other.”

The whole mood shifts instantly. Asking a group of three men, especially professional athletes, to talk about themselves, is one way to completely change the conversation. For the next hour, I sit and listen to each of them talk about their positions, boasting louder than necessary when trying to outdo the other.

I already know almost everything they tell her since I make it a point to know my clients, but she listens intently, giving them her full attention. When Darren starts talking about his season, she amazes him with her football knowledge.

“I get that you’re dating a sports agent, but damn, you know a shitload about the game.”

“Oh, Shaw didn’t teach me. My best friend, Nicky, did.”