Free Dare To Love Series: A Kissing Dare (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Yvette Hines Page B

case.
    “Yes. However, there is a caveat to the preliminary offer.”
    “That is?” At the moment she didn’t care, she had made it this far and would do anything to actually get the official nod into the program.
    “Alex had a great suggestion. Because you convincing members of the team is one thing. However, you getting the players to buy in is another.”
    She moved from behind her desk and walked the carpet as she listened. “So, do you all want me to put together a briefing for the Thunders?”
    “No. The rookies are already at orientation week of training camp and the vets show up in the next of couple days. We are not even doing much with them at the moment. But, we would like to arrange a meeting with you and a player. Have you talk with him and see if he would agree to work with you.”
    Another test. Another hoop. “Okay, I can do that. When?”
    “Tonight. We all can meet for dinner. Something social and none official. If we bring him to the corporate side of the Dome, it would seem mandatory for him to be in the program and it is not.”
    “Understandable. Let me know the time and place and I’ll be there.”
    “I’ll email it to you.” Madison paused for a moment before continuing. “I will warn you Jo’el, we selected Tank because he’s a tough nut. He’s an amazing player and is a veteran in the league. He’s a leader on the team, but is known to keep to himself and not allow anyone in.”
    “Wow.” Jo’el knew her response was insubstantial, but she was a little lost for words from the description of the guy. He sounded like Hulk from the Avengers—a beast of a man with social issues.
    “You get Tank, the position in the program is yours,” Madison declared.
    “Okay. Well, I look forward to your instructions and will see you all tonight.”
    As Jo’el ended the call, she went back to her seat then picked up the desk phone and called the head partner.
    “Stosch here.” He answered with gruff authority.
    “Sir, its Jo’el. Just giving you an update.”
    “What is it?” Straight to the point.
    “Heard from Madison Dare. The team wants me to move on to the next stage and meet with a player tonight. I’ll work with him and if everything goes well SMS will have the position.” Her cell vibrated against the desk.
    “Yes, yes. Well, I knew they’d love you. Do us proud tonight, Joel, seal this deal.”
    “Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.” The call ended there. Maybe if I ‘sealed the deal’ he’d get my name right. She hung up the desk phone and reached for her cellular. Seeing the information from Madison giving her the exact time and place to meet them.
    She wondered about this player named Tank and considered doing a little research on him. Their program at the moment was only featuring the Miami Thunders and she was sure he would not be difficult to locate. Glancing at the things on her desk she still needed to handle, stuff that she was a little behind on with all the meetings and preparation for the post-football program. Amazing how the partners wanted her to take this new position and lead a new division, but that didn’t stop them from expecting her to do all their analyst work they needed for things. Knowing that the Thunder program were leaning toward her made her anxious to meet and train the new intern on strategies to take over for her.
    Going back to her report, she didn’t even attempt to tamper the smile on her lips.

Chapter Six
     
    “Tank, my boy. How’ve you been?”
    Donovan listened to the voice of his friend. Alex Dare had never been a teammate of his. Matter fact he’d put the ex-quarter back on his ass more than a few times. However, it had been the rookie that filled Donovan’s position who had landed Alex with a concussion and ended his career. “Good, man. Just gettin’ my head together for training camp. You know how it is.”
    “I remember. Look, I won’t hold you, but I wanted to see if you were available for dinner tonight with Madison