Player's Challenge by Koko Brown Read Free Book Online Page B

Gladys. He’d been content with the second hand contact for years, maintaining some kind of connection had been better than nothing.
    Until a year ago.
    Devin increased the level on the machine to nine, jacking his pulse up to eighty percent. Heart racing, he was reminded of last winter when he’d noticed her on the sidelines of a match against cross-town rivals Kent F.C.
    Seeing Gemma again after all those years apart had knocked the wind out of him. She’d looked adorable in her skinny jeans, club jersey and sexy thigh-high boots. Her effect on him was so profound, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. In turn, he’d given up two goals. Not enjoying the death threats shouted at him, he’d snapped out of it by the third quarter and defended Croydon’s goal so they could go on to win 3-2.
    After asking around, he’d learned she’d been there to support Top Flight’s newest client, Royce Benedict, Kent’s bullish mid-fielder. Armed with this information, he’d hatched a plan.
    Devin still couldn’t believe it’d worked. Almost too well with her becoming his roommate practically overnight. Of course, that part hadn’t been part of his design. Needing to hit something, Devin punched the level button twice, increasing the speed of the conveyor belt. He hit his stride and ran full out. If he ever crossed paths with the wanker who’d attacked Gemma, he’d knock every tooth out of his head.
    Still, no matter how horrendous the circumstances, it’d worked in his favor. Gemma was under his roof. And he’d be a liar if he said he wasn’t going to capitalize on the situation. She was just too hard to resist with her cock-raising curves.
    Of course, the no-fraternizing clause in her contract was a huge stumbling block, but not an obstacle. They were both adults. They could keep a secret, right?
    ***
    After taking a shower, Gemma pulled on a pair of white jeans and a pink tank top. She was flat ironing her hair when her cell phone pinged. Without even looking at the screen, Gemma knew who it was. And all morning, she’d struggled with how much of last night’s events she would divulge Yvonne Floyd-Saito was a smart business woman, but she wasn’t a machine. She remembered her birthday, always asked about her welfare and her family’s. She’d even invited Gemma to her family gatherings including her daughter’s second birthday party.
    Still, Gemma decided to keep the conversation strictly centered on business. She didn’t want the conversation to drift to personal things, risk slipping up and putting her career on ice.
    “Calling to see if I survived the big, bad wolf?”
    “Guilty as charged.” Yvonne chuckled. “So, is the wolf ready to be tamed?”
    “Lock, stock and barrel.”
    In the pregnant pause, Gemma heard the blood pounding in her ears.
    “Hmmm…I don’t like that.”
    Gemma smiled. He’d had the very same reaction. “He’s assured me he’s ready to straighten up his act.”
    “We’ll see sooner, rather than later. I already have an assignment for you. Croydon is hosting a youth soccer camp this weekend. According to the club, Devin’s on the fence about participating. Make sure he signs on. Once you get confirmation, announce it on his social networks.”
    Gemma made a few mental notes and then moved to end the conversation. “I’ll text you as soon as I get confirmation.”
    Her boss wasn’t ready to hang up.
    “So?”
    “So what?” On edge and unable to sit still, Gemma walked from the guest bedroom into the living room.
    “What do you think of him? Besides the bad boy attitude, what do you think of Devin?”
    “He’s nice enough.”
    “Nice… nice …that’s all you have to say?”
    Gemma’s heart raced. There was no way Yvonne could’ve known about their past or her temporarily moving in with him. Needing to deflect attention from herself, Gemma turned the tables. “Why are you checking out the merchandise? Aren’t you happily married to one of the sexiest men in