Free Catching Cameron: A Love and Football Novel by Julie Brannagh Page B

and free agency over the offseason?”
    It was all Zach could do not to roll his eyes. So, she wanted to be all professional and shit? He’d see about that.
    “There are a few new guys, but we’re mostly sticking with the same guys that brought us to the championships we’ve enjoyed. It’s important to reward loyalty, Cameron.” He paused for a moment and gave her an especially toothy smile. “I hope you don’t mind my calling you by your first name, by the way.” She gave him a stiff nod. “I feel confident when I’m playing next to guys who would walk through fire for the team. These guys don’t cut and run when there’s a problem. They work together toward a common goal.” He paused again. “I’m sure you know what that’s like.”
    He watched her expectantly. She’d narrowed those gorgeous eyes at him. If looks could kill he’d be dead, and she swallowed hard. She glanced down at the notes in her lap again. It was so quiet in the studio he could hear someone talking through her earpiece. She gave whoever was talking a slight nod.
    “The Sharks had some struggles last season. Did you make any personal adjustments on the offseason to prepare for a different outcome?”
    “I spend the offseason preparing as a rule, but I’m also a firm believer in adjusting to the situation I might find myself in. I’ll do whatever I have to do to win, Cameron.”
    “That’s great to hear, Zach. You signed a huge contract extension in the offseason as well. Talk to me about the fact you’ll spend the rest of your NFL career in a Sharks jersey.”
    “Funny you should mention that. I’m a pretty big believer in dancing with the one that brung you, Cameron. The Sharks have treated me well over the years. It’s an honor to stay with those that do.” He leaned forward. His words were weapons, and she was about to find out how sharp his weapons were. “Plus, the money’s great, but it really doesn’t mean that much to me. It’s all about the people I love. My needs are taken care of, and I have a few of the things I want, too. Ultimately, it’s about what’s important in life.” He gave her another big, smarmy grin. Her face flooded with color. She looked like she was about to erupt off her chair. “Money’s not a lot when you don’t have someone to go home to at night.”
    She gave him an equally forced smile. “That’s an interesting perspective, Zach.”
    “Oh, it is,” he said. “I knew you’d agree with me.”
    C AMERON HAD AN entire notecard of questions left to ask, but she was tired of playing cat-and-mouse with Zach. She also wondered if the fact she was afraid he was going to bust out on-camera with additional information about their history together showed on her face. She’d had to cover or conceal her true feelings many times on the air before, but thank God she’d insisted this be taped, not live. Maybe they could piece together enough of an interview that she wouldn’t have to re-tape before broadcast. Right now, she was torn between running away from him, or taking off her shoe and smacking him with it.
    “Money means little to me”? This was the same guy who took a five million dollar check from her dad to annul a seventy-two-hour marriage. He was lying through his teeth, and another wave of hurt and embarrassment engulfed her. She took a deep, centering breath and faced the camera again.
    “It looks like Zach might be on the hunt for a special lady. We wish him luck with that—”
    “ One special lady, Cameron. Let’s make sure those watching don’t forget that.” He lifted one eyebrow. “I’m a one-woman man.”
    She ignored the comment; it made her want to scream. He might want to inform the four women he’d been at the Gramercy Tavern’s bar with a few days ago, too. “In the meantime, there’s breaking news from the Sharks. Maybe you’d like to share that with our viewers.”
    “Absolutely.” He had a notecard of his own in his lap, she noticed. A prepared