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shoulder. Her back was to him as she talked on the phone, and unconsciously she twirled the string of pearls around her neck and crossed her legs.
    “The Sonics are a different team this year. I think it took getting to the World Series to change their thinking, make them take the whole thing more seriously. They are showing up for workouts early and staying late. No, I’m not kidding! They’ve even stopped hanging out at the tiki bar.”
    She swung around in her chair, startled when she saw Jake posed lazily at the door. In her prim suit and pearls, with her black hair pulled back in a chignon, she looked as uptight as a schoolteacher on her first day of class and ten times as sexy. As she held up a finger, indicating she’d wrap up the call in a moment, he wondered how she’d react if he walked over and undid that bun, letting that black hair spill over her shoulders as he slid his fingers through the silken tresses…
    “I sent you a couple of press releases. Take a look and let me know if there’s anything you think we can work with. In the meantime, want to stop by and check out the team? I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…
    “Great! See you then.” She hung up the phone, and her eyes met Jake’s as he sauntered forward and took a seat.
    One black brow arched inquisitively as she studied the distance between them. “Can I help you?”
    The frosty tone was back. Jake’s grin was slow and deliberate. “That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.” Before she could react, he gestured to the phone. “Was that a reporter?”
    “Yes. Chris Smith. He’s covering spring training for the Sonics this year. I want to make sure that the work we’re doing is getting the right level of attention. Season ticket sales are down after that barroom brawl last month. I am hoping that our new image and work ethic will start to change public opinion about the team.”
    “I understand what you’re trying to do,” Jake said shrewdly. “But I think it might be smart to hold off on the media for a bit.”
    “What do you mean?” She tucked back a lock of hair that had fallen from behind her ear and then tapped the clipboard, completely unaware of how enticing she looked. “I plan to call all of the local journalists. It’s important to form good relationships with them so they are open to receiving my press kits and story ideas. I want them to see for themselves…”
    “Do you mind if I give you a little advice?” When she stared, he continued in the same lazy way. “Back off a little. You were on the right track with the barber, but shutting down the beer at the tiki bar isn’t what I call honey. This is a talented group of guys, and after a game, they need to let off steam.”
    Her blue eyes blazed and she defiantly got to her feet. “I’m sorry if this group of frat boys doesn’t like the new rules. We’re trying to create a picture of a professional team that’s here to work.”
    Impossibly, she looked even hotter all outraged. Her cheeks blazed pink and she bit her lip, unconsciously reddening it. All he could picture was taking that mouth with his own, peeling off that conservative power suit, and making her come with the same intensity she flashed at him now. Fascinated, he had to shake off his thoughts to continue.
    “There’s more than one way to gain good press,” he said. “Having a beer with a fan or signing an autograph can foster positive attention as well. But I’m not here to argue your tactics. I’m just concerned you’ll have a mutiny on your hands.”
    “What we are doing here is a lot more important than the players having a good time,” she said firmly, although she retook her seat. “If they can’t get with the program, then maybe they’ve chosen the wrong team. But either way, it’s time for them to grow up.”
    Jake rose to leave, but when the lock of hair slipped forward once more, he couldn’t resist. Slowly, he tucked it back for her behind her glasses, pleased to