by Reese Ryan
“We managed to have a good time, despite getting tossed out—thanks to your indecent exposure.” He smiled at the warm memory of the two of them strolling on the beach that night, hand in hand.
They’d crashed a sunset wedding on the beach. Kendra had been moved by the ceremony, her eyes brimming with tears. She said it was the most perfect thing she’d ever seen. He wiped the tears from her face and promised to marry her one day in a sunset ceremony right there on that beach.
He’d attempted to keep his promise, but look how that turned out. Nate shook his head, purging the memory from his brain. Jaw stiff, his hands clenched into fists.
Kendra seemed aware of the shift in his mood. She clutched her portfolio. “Is this still a good time?”
“As good as any.” He opened the door wider and stepped aside to allow her to enter.
“This place looks incredible.” Her eyes danced as she glanced around the open space. “I haven’t been here since they first broke ground.”
That had been by design. He’d bought the land and had this place constructed because he expected to build a life here with her. To one day watch their children surf the same beaches they’d surfed together as kids. When everything fell apart, he’d done his damnedest to keep her out of the space that was meant to be theirs.
“Thanks.” He crammed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Can I take your coat or get you anything before we get started?”
She removed her wrap, unveiling a low-cut silk blouse that complemented her curves nicely. “That coffee smells great. I’d love a cup.”
“Coming up.” He headed for the kitchen. “Is it okay if we work in here today?”
“Of course. I want to make this as convenient as possible. I’m willing to accommodate your schedule in any way necessary.” Kendra set her portfolio and laptop on the black, poured concrete kitchen countertop.
He grabbed two mugs from the cabinet, filled her cup, added cream and handed it to her.
Kendra thanked him and settled onto her seat, then opened her laptop and pulled two copies of a thick, bound document from her leather bag. She handed him one and opened the other. “I’d like to give you the overview of the plan Marcus and I agreed on.”
Nate thumbed through the document quickly. Neat, efficient, color-coded. Very Kendra. He dropped it onto the countertop with a thud. Leaning back in his seat, he sipped his coffee. “Shoot.”
* * *
Nate was determined to make her turn and run, just as she had seven years ago. Well, they were beyond that. She’d signed her name to a contract and walked away from her most lucrative client.
No turning back.
She’d stayed up late the past few nights working on the proposal, and Nate wouldn’t give it more than a cursory glance?
Fine.
She hadn’t expected him to give in easily. But if he was already annoyed with her treatise on how to get his career back on track, he certainly wasn’t going to like the steps she’d outlined.
Too bad.
This was what needed to happen if he wanted to get out of this predicament and land his new contract and endorsements.
Kendra met his defiant gaze. “Our campaign will focus on three strategies. First, you need to meet with each person you mentioned on that tape and apologize. Talk to them man-to-man and explain what happened—before we go public. Call anyone you can’t get a sit-down with. Then we make the public apology.”
Nate was growing more agitated by the minute. He folded his arms. “If I’m apologizing to each of them individually, what’s the purpose of a public apology?”
“You said your tight end was more concerned with his individual stats than winning a championship. That your quarterback, and long-time friend, has been dialing it in all year. You slammed your defensive players for skating on their natural talents and having poor work ethics. And you claimed your running back is three years past his expiration date. All of that is public. So your apology needs to be, too.”
“It’s not like I didn’t call myself out for my mistakes, too. Funny how they didn’t include that part.”
“I get it. That makes me believe that this Stephanie Weiss who broke the story is out to get you. This was calculated. Vindictive.”
Nate bristled at the mention of Stephanie’s name. “If they were going to leak the video, I just wish they’d shown everything.”
“Fortunately, someone leaked the full video. Probably the person who actually recorded it. At the press conference, we’ll play the missing part where you skewer your own mistakes, too. Then you’ll make a statement. We’ll go from the emotional angle of the disappointment you were feeling—with yourself and the rest of the team. Any sports fan can sympathize with that. Explain that while the critique was your honest assessment of what led to the loss, you regret the harsh words you used to express it.”
Nate’s lips puckered like he was sucking on a lemon. He nearly drained his coffee mug. “Fine. Anything else?”
“Be honest. Tell them your team is your family, and like most family disputes, this one will be resolved behind closed doors, not in the public arena.”
“Won’t they want to ask questions?”
“Doesn’t mean you have to answer them.” She shrugged. “We’ll establish from the outset that you won’t be entertaining questions.”
“That’s an idea I can get behind,” he mumbled. “What’s the second strategy?”
“We have to change the narrative out there about you on our terms. We’ll cherry-pick media outlets that are trustworthy, but we’ll lay the ground rules about which topics are off-limits.”
“If I’m not talking about the tape—which is what they’re all going to want to talk about—what am I there to discuss?”
“At this time of year, there are a million opportunities to discuss the play-off games—on radio, television, newspapers and blogs. You can offer your razor-sharp game analysis there. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a career as an analyst once you retire.”
Nate shrugged. “I could do that, I guess.”
“And you’ll be phenomenal at it.” Kendra smiled, encouraged that Nate had taken well to at least part of the plan. “You’ll also need to talk about your philanthropy.”
He frowned, his eyebrows forming angry slashes over his dark eyes. “The Johnston Family Foundation isn’t some cheap publicity stunt. I’m not looking to blow my own horn.”
“I know, which makes the work you do all the more admirable.” She held up a hand, holding off the next wave of protest. “But just think how much more good you could do if you publicized the work you’re doing with wounded veterans and high-risk children from low-income families.”
Nate stood and paced the floor. “Our clients have been through enough. They need someone to give them a hand, not someone else who only sees them as a means to their own end. No.” He shook his head. “I won’t do it.”
Kendra inhaled deeply, then took a different approach. One Nate might better understand.
“You don’t want to take advantage of your clients. I admire that. But if we can’t repair your reputation, you won’t be in a position to help them as much as you’d like.”
He didn’t respond, but stopped pacing and rested his chin on his closed fist.
“Besides, if more companies—including your current sponsors—were aware of the programs your foundation offers and the difference you’re making in people’s lives, they’d want to contribute. That means you’ll be able to help even more people. Isn’t that what you want?”
“You know I do, but I won’t betray their trust.”
“I’d never ask you to do that.” Kendra softened her voice. “All I’m asking is that you give them the opportunity to help themselves and others. I’m sure a lot of the families your foundation has helped would be eager
to participate in a goodwill campaign to spread the word and increase funding.”
Nate dropped into his seat, as if he were exhausted from a fight. “Fine. I’ll agree to some media coverage for the foundation programs, but I need final approval on anything we put out there.”
“Absolutely.” She hoped he didn’t see how relieved she was. “Any other concerns?”
“Yeah. What if the interviewers aren’t willing to stick to the script?”
She nodded solemnly. “Always a possibility. One we’ll make sure you’re prepared to handle in a way that won’t aggravate the situation.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It will be.” She smiled, hoping to reassure him.
“And the third strategy? Do I even want to know what it is?”
He knew her well enough to know she’d saved the option he’d like least for last.
“It’s time for you to come out of the Stone Age and start using social media.”
“C’mon, Kendra. I’ve got a crisis on my hands. You said so yourself. I don’t have time to mess around on social media.”
“The public is only seeing you through the filter of the news media and talking heads out there. Social media puts you in control of your own message, in real time. Your fans—and potential sponsors—will get a better sense of who you are.”
He shook his head slowly, thoughtfully. A marked improvement over the adamant refusal issued moments earlier. “The last thing I want is more people in my business.”
“I understand your reluctance. Especially in light of what’s happened. The reality is, they’re already in your business. This way you become the gatekeeper. You let them in, but in a way you completely control.”
Nate grunted. “Don’t really have a choice, do I?”
Kendra tried to hold back her grin. “Not really, but I promise to make it as painless as possible. I’ll actually be running the accounts for you, so it won’t be as much work as you’re imagining. Promise.”
He nodded reluctantly. “If you really think this is the only way we win, okay. I’ll do it. Anything else we need to discuss?” His posture was tense. As if he couldn’t wait to get her out of his house.
She tried to pretend it didn’t hurt that he wanted her as far away from him as possible. “Actually, there is something else we need to discuss. What’s the story on Stephanie Weiss?”
Nate frowned. “Marcus didn’t tell you?”
“He thought it would be better if you explained.” She shifted in her chair. “I gather you two were together at some point, or Marcus wouldn’t have been so cryptic about your connection.”
“Not one of my best decisions.” He tapped a finger on the countertop, staring beyond her. “Stephanie dragged me into the middle of a scandal back then that nearly ruined my relationship with my teammates. Now she’s done it again.”
“Exactly what happened with her?” She sighed when he narrowed his gaze at her. “If I’m going to help you, I need to understand what’s going on, and not just what I’ve read on the internet. I need the complete picture. We can’t afford to get blindsided again.”
An uncomfortable silence settled over them as he stared out the window onto the backyard. He didn’t want to talk to one ex about another.
She got that. She’d probably feel the same. Still, she needed to know more about this Stephanie Weiss. Beyond what she learned from watching her reports online and reading her bio. And if she was being honest, it wasn’t just her professional curiosity that needed to be satisfied. “Did you love her?”
He scowled, the corners of his mouth pinched. His resentment of the question rolled off him in waves. His answer was quiet, but emphatic. “No.”
Kendra went to the coffee machine and refilled her cup. She held her hand out for his. “You don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. I’m a big girl. I can handle the truth.”
“I told you the truth. I wasn’t in love with her.” He thrust his empty cup into her hand. “We were only together a few months. What difference does it make, anyway?”
“Helps me understand her frame of mind. If we’re dealing with a woman scorned nursing a vendetta, we need to stay two steps ahead of her.” She returned the mug to him, filled with black coffee.
“That’s the only reason you want to know?” He peered at her over the rim of his mug as he took a sip of his coffee.
She returned to her seat and tapped a few keys on her computer, waking the screen up. “Of course.”
He smirked, unconvinced. With good reason. She was lying through her teeth.
“So, what led to this scandal and why does she have it in for you?” Kendra put down her mug, prepared to type her notes.
“Do we really need to get into all of this? It’s ancient history.”
“Not to her, I’m guessing.”
“Stephanie was listening to my phone calls. Checking my text messages. She discovered a teammate of mine was in serious trouble. She broke the story using the info she’d gathered, saying it was from an unnamed source. When I read the story, I recognized what she’d done. Since we were dating, my teammates and the public believed I’d been feeding Stephanie information. I broke it off with her, publicly denied I was the source and discredited her story.” He frowned. “She was fired, and none of the top media outlets wanted anything to do with her.”
“I’m sorry you ended up in the middle of it.”
“Should’ve known better than to sleep with the enemy, right?”
“Real journalists aren’t your enemy. They won’t always give you the glowing praise you want, but the good ones are honest and fair. They’re only interested in the truth. Those are the media personalities we need to make our allies.”
“Good luck finding any of those.” He finished his coffee and moved to the sink to rinse his cup.
“Got a few in mind. I think you’ll be pleased.”
He grunted, his biceps bulging as he folded his arms over his chest. The gray quick-dry athletic material stretched to accommodate his firm pecs. He flipped his wrist and checked his watch. “Anything else?”
Kendra swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Nate seemed fully aware of her reaction to him and utterly pleased with himself for evoking it. She shook her head. “No, I think we’re good. For now. I’ll keep you updated. Marcus’s assistant, Kara, gave me access to your calendar. I’ll add any interviews and appearances as I book them.”
“All right.” He pinned her with his gaze. “Is that all?”
“Kara will make the flight arrangements for your apology tour once you request meetings with each of the guys. I’d begin with Marauders’ owner Bud Flynn and then the head coach.”
The smug expression crumbled. “Why? I didn’t say anything about either of them.”
“This media circus is disruptive to the entire team. Besides, Bud has been like a second father to you. He gave you your big break. Don’t you think you owe him an apology?”
Nate sighed. “I’ll call him as soon as I’m done.”
“Good.”
“Don’t mean to rush you.” He checked his watch again. “But I have another appointment.”
“Right. Sorry. I know you’re busy.” Kendra put on her wrap and packed up her things. She slipped her bag on her shoulder, tucked the portfolio under her arm and turned around, nearly running into Nate.
“Look, I know I’m not the easiest guy to work with, but I do appreciate the work you’ve put into this.” He leaned in closer, his warm breath whispering against her skin. “And I just want you to know...”
The doorbell rang. Nate sighed and cursed under his breath before turning toward the door.
“Nate, what were you going to say?” Kendra followed him, her heart beating hard. Something in her desperately needed to know what Nate was going to say b
efore they’d been interrupted by the bell.
“Doesn’t matter.” He shook his head then turned to open the door.
“I came a few minutes early so we could work on those positions you had so much trouble with the other day.” A tall, gorgeous blonde wearing a short skirt, a cropped top and thigh-high boots floated inside carrying a large duffel that looked like it weighed twice as much as she did. The woman finally noticed Kendra. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had company.”
“I was just leaving.” Kendra forced a polite smile.
Nate placed his hand low on the woman’s back and introduced them. “Layne, this is Kendra—Kai’s mom. She’ll be handling my PR. Kendra, this is my friend Layne.”
Layne gave Nate an odd smile before offering Kendra a limp handshake. “Pleased to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” She turned to Nate without waiting for a response. “I’ll go ahead and get everything set up.”
“Great. Thanks, Layne.”
The woman sauntered off, obviously familiar with the house.
“She’s pretty.” The words came out before Kendra could reel them back in. “She’s built like a dancer.”
Nate smirked, holding the door open a bit wider. “She takes great care of her body. And mine.”
“I certainly don’t want to get in the way of that.” Kendra forced a smile despite the deep ache in her chest at the thought of Nate and Ms. Ballerina Body doing God knows what. “I’ll follow up tomorrow to see how the phone calls went, and if I need to run interference with anyone.”
“Don’t think that’ll be necessary, but thank you. Kiss li’l man for me. Tell him Dad’s got a surprise for him this weekend.”
Before she could respond, he’d closed the door behind her. The sound echoed in her head like the closing of a vault.
Maybe she was still nursing feelings for Nate, but he’d obviously gotten over her.
Chapter 5
Nate sank into the whirlpool after his hot yoga session with Layne and made his calls.
He’d tucked his tail and done a good bit of explaining. First to Bud Flynn, then to Coach Emerson. Bud was out of the country. He tentatively accepted Nate’s apology by phone, but insisted they meet in person once he returned. He scheduled a meeting with Coach Emerson.