Free The Deal with Love (One on One) by Jamie Wesley Page B

the organization until she was the assistant director of basketball operations. They didn’t care that she’d served as the Stampede assistant GM for the past two years. Not that any of that should have mattered. Most GMs in professional sports had never played professionally, but no one questioned their credentials once they got the job. They cared about their results. All she wanted was that same consideration.
    A low growl caught her attention. She hastily lowered the menu she hadn’t been reading.
    Christian looked livid, his body poised like he was ready to spring out of his chair and rip into the guys next to them. She shook her head slightly, hoping the men at the next table didn’t see her. She appreciated his concern, but she was a big girl and could fight her battles herself. Besides, she was a representative of the team. Getting into arguments with fans in public was not the way to go. Not that she had any desire to get into arguments with fans anyway. Fans were the lifeblood of the team and the reason everyone associated with it, including her, had a job. They were the reason her father had bought the Stampede a few years ago. They were entitled to their opinion. All she could do was put her head down and work hard. She’d win them over eventually.
    Christian didn’t look inclined to heed her warning. Reaching across the table, she gripped his hand and sent him a pleading look. Though his eyes still glittered with anger, he settled back in his chair.
    She released a silent breath of relief. “Thank you,” she said softly. “Let’s order.”
    He nodded and picked up his menu. “The lunch special is enchiladas, rice, and beans. I’m having that. What about you?”
    Elise picked up the menu and actually perused its contents this time. “The chicken fajitas.”
    After the waiter took their orders, Elise took a sip of water and eyed Christian over the top of her glass. “My father proved he’s a better researcher than I am. But I have an excellent memory. He said you were an award-winning documentarian. What award, or should I say awards, did you win? What was the documentary about?”
    Christian studied her. “Excellent memory, hmm? I’ll have to remember that. When I was a kid, I was fascinated by the news. I still am, if I’m perfectly honest. I made a documentary about cutbacks in newsrooms and how that negatively affects new coverage, the communities the news outlets cover, and the morale of reporters. It’s hard to be looking out for justice when you’re told to get a story out as quickly as possible or told to work on a story because it will get ratings.”
    “And the awards?”
    “I won ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at a few film festivals.”
    Elise tilted her head to the side. “A few? How many is a few? Are you being modest?”
    “Will I get brownie points if I say yes?”
    She laughed, the tension that had taken residence in her shoulders thanks to the loudmouthed Stampede fans melting away. The delicious aroma of sizzling fajitas filled the air. Their waiter had returned with their food. “Lucky for you, you’re saved by the food.”
    They tucked into their meals.
    He looked up a few minutes later. “I just remembered I forgot to tell you I have a conflict Monday. I won’t be able to film you until the late afternoon.”
    A dart of disappointment pinged through her body. Ridiculous. She should welcome a few extra hours of solitude. “What’s up?”
    “We’re having a career day, and I’m hosting a panel for my students. Local professionals are going to talk about their careers and answer questions.”
    “Sounds cool. Do you need another panelist?”
    “Are you offering?”
    “Yeah. I happen to think my job is pretty cool.”
    A big smile bloomed across his face. “Then consider yourself a member of the panel.”
    On the way back to the office, Christian glanced her way from the driver’s seat. “You’re not the only one with a good memory. Are you okay?”
    She didn’t