Free Too Hot to Handle: A Boys of Summer Novel by Katie Rose

a prank,” she explained. “This team has a reputation for pulling practical jokes.”
    Jeffrey looked like he was about to burst. His face was flushed red, and his nostrils were as wide as the Holland Tunnel. “But this is exactly opposite of what we planned! I don’t want the Sonics portrayed as jokesters. I want us to be seen as a first-rate team.” He slammed his fist on the desk.
    She had to reposition her chair again to hide the bin full of baseballs. “I think we can use this to our advantage,” she said smoothly, handing him a folder. “Here is my press release regarding the incident.”
    “Ms. Case,” John said condescendingly, “I don’t think a press release is going to help.” He seemed more than a little pleased to see her squirm, but she managed to keep her cool.
    “I think this one will. I’m focusing on the team’s good nature. Pranking is actually a very healthy way to release stress, and for the team to bond as a cohesive unit. And everyone in America loves a good joke. I’m focusing on the angle that this team is working and playing harder than ever, using social media and YouTube to get additional exposure.”
    Jeffrey perused the sheaf of papers, then looked up and gave her a look of undisguised admiration. “This is good. John, if you are interviewed, you should take the same stance. This could work out well for us. I really like the tone of this article. But there are a couple more things we should consider…”
    Nikki hid a sigh of relief as Jeffrey and Pete discussed their strategy. John had stormed out of the room, obviously annoyed. She didn’t care. It had taken her days to come up with a way out of this mess, but when she realized that even she thought the wigs were funny, maybe so would everyone else.
    “Ms. Case.” Jeffrey paused in his deliberations and stared at something behind her. “Why is your trash can full of baseballs?”
    “Ah, I’m thinking to use them in a photo shoot,” she managed. “Maybe have Ryan toss the ball in the air, and then crack the hell out of it while doing his interview. Thought it would give an interesting visual.”
    She never was a good liar, but to her disbelief, Pete and Jeffrey nodded together in approval.
    “Great idea,” Jeffrey said, picking up one of the baseballs. “I love that.” Nikki wasn’t sure, but she thought Pete winked at her. Jeffrey was oblivious. “What else have you got?”
    Leaning down to open her filing cabinet, she gasped when she looked inside. In addition to the folders, notepads, and pens, two beady eyes stared back at her and a row of jagged teeth lined the grin of the baby croc.
    “I’ll just…get you the other releases later.” Quickly she closed the door with her foot, her heart beating as if trying to escape from her body. “I’m still working on them.”
    “That’s fine,” Jeffrey said, placing the other folder on her desk and turning to leave. With his hand on the door, he glanced back at her with a sincere smile. “I’m really pleased with your efforts. I know it’s been a tough week for you, and this team can be a little rough around the edges. None of the other PR reps worked out for us. But I think the boys are beginning to cooperate with you.”
    He left her office and she nearly collapsed on the desk. But Pete remained, a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.
    “Crocodile?”
    Incredulous, she nodded. Pete grinned, blew a huge pink bubble, and then snapped it.
    “I’ll have a man come in and get rid of it.” His smile turned into a grin. “Consider yourself lucky. The last PR rep got tarantulas in her powder room.”
    Nikki shuddered, reminding herself to use the public bathroom at the end of the hall.
    —
    “You boys need to treat the little lady a little better than you have been.” Pete masticated his gum as he stood in front of the team, his eyes moving from one player to the next to make sure they understood his message.
    “Why, did she go and tell on us?” Brian McCauley