“Hi, Grace Turner. I'm Logan Rice. Nice to meet the new intern. Congrats. I've heard it's hard as hell to get picked for it.” His voice was gentle and reassuring.
I couldn't help but smile at him.
“Thank you. I hate to brag but I worked hard to get it. Spent last year shadowing the volleyball AT and did clinical hours at the rehab center. Hence, why I'm in this dress hauling water coolers onto the field. You’re the defense coordinator, right? Started two years ago and could be credited for having one of the best defenses in the Midwest?”
“I like a woman who knows her stuff.” He winked. Aw hell. It was such an old-fashioned thing, but damn. “But yes, that’s me.”
“You're so young, though.” Hello, word vomit. “When I picture defense coordinators, I picture a bunch of old guys with beer bellies. You surprised me. That's all. Good for you.” I hope that saved me from more embarrassment. I’d had enough for the day, thank you very much. But, karma enjoyed messing with me.
He grinned, a twinkle in his eye. “You aren't entirely wrong. I am young, but, to quote you, I worked my ass off to get here.”
“Good for you,” I said again, awkwardly repeating myself. We shared a smile. I glanced at the players on the field working on kicks and plays. The combination of the sounds, smells, teamwork from every staff member flowed so smoothly. The sense of belonging helped fuel the void not having a family left. This already felt like home. “How long have you been working with the team?”
“Oh, a couple years. I played in college and didn't want to go through the draft. Loved the sport and knew the coach. Voila.” He held out his hands in a gesture I used often.
I laughed, my shoulders finally relaxing. “Well, I'm glad to find a friendly face here. I'm going to have my work cut out for me.” I sighed, looking around the field and found Asshole Anderson glaring, and I mean, glaring at me. His piercing stare hit me, hard. I forced myself not to flinch.
Logan followed my gaze and let out a slow whistle. “So you’re paired up with Anderson? How’s that going?”
“Yup.” I popped the ‘p’ at the end of the word.
He grimaced for a second. Then he ran a hand through his hair, scrunching up his face. “Damn.” He shook his head, this time smiling. “He's one of the best, but he's a real dick.”
I burst out laughing. “I'm not sure if this is a test or not. If I agree with you, you might tell him and I'd be fired. If I defend him, I look like a brownnoser. So, I'll choose this moment to make my exit. Nice meeting you, Logan.”
“You too, Grace Turner.” He winked at me again.
I bid farewell and found Asshole Anderson walking my way. I tried to hide my wince. I refused to show him weakness. But damn. I needed ice. I began to ask him what else he wanted me to do, but he interrupted me. Rudely, crassly, and I wanted to punch him.
His jaw tensed as his hooded eyes narrowed into slits. His rough voice hardly more than a growl. “You can go now.”
That was all he said. No good job, or nice work. No critiques or directions for the next time to show up. He spun and walked away without a backward glance.
Screw that.
I strode after him, ignoring the awful sour feeling in my gut.
“Mr. Anderson?” I yelled.
He halted.
I walked over to him, fists clenched. Should I call him Mr. Anderson? Brock? I had no freaking clue. “I did everything you asked without complaint. When do I show up next?”
He whipped around, his teeth clenched for reasons beyond me. “Tomorrow.”
“Seven?” Excitement and dread poured through me. I would get great experience starting early, but I knew without a doubt, this was going to be hell.
He nodded, looking at me with disdain. “Wear more appropriate clothing tomorrow and don't be late.”
I nodded, not willing to feel guilty about my outfit. He was a mean, unhappy man. Screw him—I was here for football and a potential career.
I checked my Fitbit app on my phone as I limped to my car. I walked over seven miles that morning. I groaned into my fist as I hobbled out the main gate.
Gilly called and I immediately called her back, telling her everything. She gasped, moaned, and cursed at all the right parts. She demanded we go pick out new clothing. Of course, I gave in. I had no choice. The extra money I made waitressing was going to go toward a new wardrobe, and although the job was a dream, I wasn’t wild about my new uniform. There was no cool way to wear polos.
Gilly assured me a push-up bra and tight pants would help, but I shooed her. I chose athletic yoga pants, reasonable khaki shorts, and five school football tees, polos, and tank tops. I was set clothing wise. Emotionally? I was a few tacos and margaritas short of a fiesta.
“I can't wait to see you kick ass,” Gilly said over wine later that night. “You earned this chance and you’ll prove him wrong. I know it.”
Her brother, our third roommate, sipped his beer, and nodded along with his sister. They were my chosen family and their support meant so much.
My email pinged with my new insane schedule. The internship was paid, but, due to Asshole Anderson starting me two weeks early, I had double shifts six days a week. I would work nine hours with him, and seven hours at the steakhouse. Goodbye social life. Goodbye world. It might be near impossible, but the challenge lit me up inside.
He wanted to be a dick?
Game on, Anderson.
Don’t stop now. Keep reading with your copy of INTERNSHIP WITH THE DEVIL by City Owl Author, Jaqueline Snowe.
And find more from Ashley R. King at ashleyrking.weebly.com
Want even more romance? Try INTERNSHIP WITH THE DEVIL by City Owl Author, Jaqueline Snowe, and find more from Ashley R. King at ashleyrking.weebly.com
Grace Turner scores the opportunity of a lifetime interning with an Ex-NFL player. But working under Brock Anderson turns out to be the job from hell.
The hometown hero turned athletic trainer has a reputation as the best in his field, but his volatile personality makes working with him miserable.
Despite the animosity between them, he’s highly respected in his field and interning under him could mean everything for her career.
The long days, longer nights, injuries, and busses filled with smelly athletes are the easy part.
The biggest battle is the unwarranted attraction to Brock that she can’t seem to shake.
But as Grace spends more and more time with her brooding boss, she uncovers that his abrasive nature is deep rooted in his grief—something she’s no stranger to.
The glimpses of the man beneath the harsh exterior Brock presents to the world leave Grace conflicted in her feelings for him. As the internship draws to a close, Grace is faced with a choice that could set her future on an entirely new course.
BUY NOW!
Want More City Owl Press Books?
Click here to sign up for the City Owl Press newsletter and be the first to find out about special offers, including FREE book days, contents, giveaways, cover reveals, and more!
Sign up now and become a City Owl Reader today! And join our City Owl Reader-Author group here for even more deals and a whole lot of community and fun!
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I want to thank God for all He’s done for me. Writing is a gift and I thank Him for it every day. I’m grateful for His love, unending glory, and grace, and for dreams that come true. None of this would be possible without Him.
To Jared, my whole universe— I struggle to find the words because they simply aren’t enough to express the depths of my love and gratitude for you. You’ve always been my biggest supporter and have never doubted me, even when things looked bleak. It’s one hundred percent accurate to say that I wouldn’t have made it this far without your love and unending enthusiasm for not just this story, but for each of them. When I didn’t think I could do it, thank you for playing Runnin from Creed II to pump me up, for the clips from Rocky, for always making me laugh so hard my stomach
hurt, for always being down for period piece binge watches, for loving Pride & Prejudice as much as I do, for letting me bounce ideas off of you, for helping to create characters (hello, Paul Mercado lol). I am grateful for the hours spent helping me craft the perfect tennis scenes, for making sure that I got Julian Smoke just right. Gah, I’m thankful that I have a hot (inside and out) tennis player of my own with incredible calves haha— I love you more than words, boo. Thank you for sharing this beautiful life with me. To our adorable cat child, Cleo, thank you for the cuddles and keeping me company while I write. I love you, you cute, rotten thing.
Without Charissa Weaks, my amazing, supportive, and brilliant editor, none of this would exist. Words cannot express my gratitude for everything you’ve done— for taking a chance on me, for making my dream come true, for believing in Julian and Amalie’s story. I am grateful for your boss level editing skills, for making this story stronger and tighter, as well as for everything you’ve taught me along the way. Your patience and kindness have meant so much and have made this entire process the greatest joy. You are a rock star!
To Tina Moss and Yelena Casale, as well as the entire City Owl team, you’ll never know how grateful I am that you took a chance on me, for being so kind and patient, always willing to help or answer questions. I am so proud to be a part of the Owl Squad. Thank you to Marianne Hull for your copy edits, as well as to Miblart for the beautiful cover design.
Bill and Carol, my parents, both of whom are no longer on this earth. My love of writing stems from both of you. I’m thankful for my Mom who cultivated a love of reading in me, for taking me to the public library so that I could check out stacks of books bigger than I was, for encouraging me to read to her every night. To my Dad, who cheered me on, who believed in me always, who told me I could become a writer if I wanted to. I miss and love you both and wish you could be here to share this moment with me. Thank you for your love.
To my second parents, Phil and TK, thank you for your constant encouragement, for always believing in me and praying for me. I am so glad that I not only have Jared, but I have you both as well. You never gave up on me or laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a writer. TK, thank you for always being so willing to read my novels— even those from the early years that were definitely not good haha. Phil, thank you for always being so excited whenever I have writing news, for always checking in on how things are going, and for not doubting that I could do this thing. I love you both more than you know!
Ginger, thank you for being the best sister I could ask for, for fueling my love of reading, for introducing me to Anne of Green Gables, period dramas, and for the countless Babysitter Club books you bought for me when I was younger. Lee, thank you for the Stephen King novels, for helping me figure out my writing style, for never doubting me. Aaron, thank you for being you. I’m so proud to be your aunt. Also, thank you for helping me navigate this process with your knowledge and expertise. I love each of you more than you know. Thank you for your love and support— it means so much. I am so lucky to have you as my family.
Brent, thank you for everything you’ve done to help me these past twelve years as I worked to become a published author. You stopped what you were doing countless times to help me work through synopses, query letters, even chapters. God knows I need help with commas and you helped me with those too. I wouldn’t have made it without you bro. I appreciate you more than you know. Melissa, thank you for your encouragement, cards, and excitement for this chapter of my life. Ryan, thank you for always believing in me during this writing adventure. Haley, thank you for your encouragement and support for this adventure, as well as for being my book cover model for Letters. A shout out to my precious nieces and nephews, Mazie, Graham, Claire, Seth, and Sofia. Kristen, I can’t thank you enough for being my beta reader, for your enthusiasm, kindness, and honesty. Will, thank you for helping me with this dream since day one, for the writing advice and edits of other works. I love each of you and am so grateful that we are family.
Karen Grove, you were the first person in the industry to make me stop and think, “Hey, maybe my writing isn’t total trash!” Thank you for believing in Amalie and Julian from day one and helping me work the monstrosity that it was into something that I could submit to publishing houses and agents. You taught me so much and I will always be so grateful for you, your amazing editing skills, and your encouragement. It means more than you know. Victoria Loder, who crafted my Twitter pitch for #PitMad, which led me to my fabulous editor, Charissa. Your pitch was perfect and catchy and is one of the reasons I landed the book deal. I am so grateful for your brilliant mind.
Bonnie, thank you for being my ride or die, for reading my stuff (and bless it, helping with those dang commas) even though you don’t like to read lol. I feel privileged and am thankful to have you as my friend. Erin, I am so grateful for you as one of my dearest friends, for the hilarious videos and memes you send me, for not doubting that I could do this for one second. To Candace, thank you for being my very first fan outside my fam from day one, for always being so kind and supportive and never hesitating to read over my novels. Lori, thank you for reading the very first draft of PTL even right after surgery, as well as for your love and support. Michelle, thank you for your encouragement and always making me laugh with funny memes in the group text. Erin, I am so grateful for you as one of my dearest friends, for the hilarious videos and memes you send me, for not doubting that I could do this for one second. Beth, you’ve believed in me since day one and have always been so excited and supportive of me each step of the way. Thank you for not only being a friend, but for being a photographic genius. Your photography skills are unparalleled and I’m thankful for your time, as well as for your inspired book photos and author shots. Vicki, you’re one of my favorite people at work. Thank you for always being so pumped about this adventure and for always being so kind to offer help if needed. Hillary, thank you for being another one of my favorites, for your card that brightened my day, and for always being so wonderful. Shelly, thank you for your precious card, as well as for never hesitating to look over a query letter or a chapter for me. Lindsey T., I am grateful for your kind heart, for always being so willing to read over my novels and for offering honest insight. I love each of you and everything you’ve done to get me here means more than you’ll know.
Jennifer L. Armentrout, one of my favorite authors. Thank you for encouraging me to keep writing all those years ago. You have no idea how much you help the writing world and that it is a better place thanks to you.
To my social media friends, fellow 2020 debuts and City Owl sisters, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, Inkslinger PR, and readers, I am indebted to you. Thank you for the support throughout this entire process as well as getting the word out about Painting the Lines, as well as for taking the time to read it. My heart is full.
About the Author
Ashley R. King is a middle school English teacher whose love of the written word began when her mom took her to the public library, letting her check out stacks of books taller than she was. She’s the least athletic person you’ll ever meet, but that doesn’t decrease her love for her favorite sport, tennis. She loves swoony romances and is addicted to sweet tea. When she’s not teaching or writing happily ever afters, she can be found snuggled up with a book, traveling, or quoting obscure lines from her favorite movies and tv shows. She lives in a small town in Georgia with her favorite person in the world—her husband, and their sweet and chatty spoiled cat, Cleo.
ashleyrking.weebly.com
About the Publisher
City Owl Press is a cutting edge indie publishing company, bringing the world of romance and speculative fiction to discerning readers.
www.cityowlpress.com
Additional Titles
ALL I EVER WANTED
By: Katrina Mills
Second Chance, Summer Romance.
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE
By: Mariah Ankenman
Cassandra Brown is de
sperate. Thanks to her grandmother’s last wishes, she has six months to nab a husband or she’ll lose Gran’s house.
CRAZY ON YOU
By: Nicole Terry
Romantic suspense meets comic relief with this amazing, car chasing adventure romance!
FORBIDDEN BY FAITH
By: Negeen Papehn
Sara knows her life would be easier if she married a man of her faith, but when has love ever been easy?
GHOST OF A GAMBLE
By: J. E. McDonald
There’s something extraordinary hidden beneath Wickwood’s picturesque façade.
HARVEST MOON HOMECOMING
By: Jessie Gussman
A tangle of arguments and decorations leads to a stolen kiss.
INFINITE US
By: Eden Butler
The bridge between this life and the next is shored up by blood and bone and memory. Sometimes, that bridge leads to the place we’ve always wanted to be.
INTERNSHIP WITH THE DEVIL
By: Jaqueline Snowe
Grace Turner scores the opportunity of a lifetime interning with an Ex-NFL player. But working under Brock Anderson turns out to be the job from hell.
LOVE IN HIDING
By: Diane Holiday
Award-Winning Author
Running from Danger, Caught by Love.
RESCUE ME
Painting the Lines: A Hot Romantic Comedy (Ace of Hearts Book 1) Page 28