Free Going All the Way (Knights of Passion Book 1) by Megan Ryder

meantime, don’t kiss anyone or do anything that might get you in trouble, okay?”
    He smiled, a picture of innocence. “Of course, Stacia.” He stood up and walked out of the office, whistling an off-tune song, confident he had made his point.

Chapter Five
    A fter her surprise confrontation with Jason, Stacia needed to escape. She left the stadium and stopped for pizza, her comfort food. She had found this little pizza place specializing in authentic New York-style pizza and retreated there whenever she needed to hide and relax. She was enjoying the sweet tang of the sauce and garlic, trying not to drop the grease on her laptop, when her cell rang.
    She wiped her fingers on her napkin and clicked it on. “Hello?”
    “Stacia!” Sophie’s voice blasted through the phone, worry evident in her tone. “I’ve been worried sick, even thought about calling the cops. Good thing I talked to Michael. What happened last night?”
    Was it only last night? So much had happened in a twenty-four hour period. She swallowed a few aspirin to rid herself of the return of her hangover headache. Or was it a stress one? After the crazy way this day had gone, it could be anything. Reality had a funny way of dispelling everything, along with a new challenge. Only this challenge was something she should probably run from, as fast as she could.
    “Stace? Hello?”
    “Sorry, Sophie. Just thinking.” She popped the last piece of crust in her mouth and chewed quickly. “Michael talked to you?”
    “Forget Michael. What happened last night? I want the details.” Now that she knew Stacia was okay, Sophie’s voice was excited, talking fast and loud.
    “It’s a little personal. And if you really wanted to know, why didn’t you stick around?” She wiped her mouth with the napkin, buying time. It was kind of nice to be on the receiving end of one of these calls, her giving details about a one-night stand and not Sophie.
    Her friend’s voice cooled a bit. “Didn’t want to be the third wheel. Besides, the parents summoned me to the manse. Had to put in an appearance, to hear about how my life is pointless, I need to settle down. Be more like my older sister, Charlotte.”
    Stacia almost dropped the phone. “Tell me they tried to fix you up again with one of their country club boys?”
    Sophie laughed, her amusement ringing in her voice. “Not after I dumped the appetizer on the last one. No, this was more about me settling down, having a career they can brag about at the club. They want me to go back for my PhD in psychology. As if being a social media consultant, playing on Facebook and Twitter isn’t good enough for them.”
    Stacia winced, reminders of her last conversation with her father replaying in her mind. “But you’re not just playing around. Your skills at social media are critical to the success of our clients.”
    “Don’t tell them that.” Her shudder came through the phone line. “Besides, I’m at loose ends right now and I want details. Was your man as delicious as he looked?”
    Stacia leaned back in her seat, pizza finished, appetite still present for more than pizza. She couldn’t resist teasing one last time. “If you hadn’t tried to interfere, it would have gone smoother.”
    “I was worried. You were acting completely out of character.”
    “I was only doing what my best friend has been preaching.” For months, Sophie had been complaining that Stacia was all work and no play. Once Stacia cut loose, Sophie didn’t approve. Seems like she couldn’t please anyone this week.
    A smile curved her lips. Oh, but Jason had been pleased. Very, very pleased. Until they met at the stadium.
    “You’ve never listened before,” Sophie grumbled.
    “Fine. It was magnificent. Best ever.”
    “Fine, don’t tell me.” In typical flighty habit, Sophie changed the subject. “So, what’s the new job? Another politician?”
    “No, no. I’m working with the Georgia Knights, with one of their players.”
    Her