Jo McNally - The Life She Wants

Luis and Tim were discussing Gallant Lake and the workout routines they preferred—they were both very fine male specimens—while Shane devoured a maple scone, watching her with hooded eyes. He liked to play this see-who-talks-first game, but she wasn’t in the mood for games this morning.

She gave him her sweetest smile. “I guess you could say this is the first meeting of Team Tori.”

He returned her smile and upped the ante with a wink. “I thought you didn’t want to be an employee?”

She convinced her heart to resume normal operations. Something about this man was both deadly and delicious.

“There are all kinds of teams, Shane. We care about Tori, so that makes us a team.” He glanced at Luis, but didn’t argue with her.

“Actually, this might be a good time to set some expectations.”

“Such as?” She picked up a ginger cookie—Nora knew they were her favorite—and nibbled at it.

“As you’ve so very bluntly pointed out, I need to be doing a better job of watching out for Tori’s best interests.” He gestured in her direction. “I’m working on that, and right now, you’re the unknown factor in her circle of influence. Being her pal is fine, but I won’t allow you to interfere with her career.”

Mel rested her chin on her hand and fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Wow. It’s hard to believe any woman ever dumped a guy like you at the altar. And I won’t allow my new friend to be swallowed up whole by that so-called career.”

Shane snorted. “It wasn’t exactly at the altar, and I’m over it. As far as Tori’s career goes, you don’t have any say in that, sweetheart.” Her eyes narrowed on him. Shane didn’t seem to notice that Luis was now watching him closely. “You chose not to be a paid consultant, so you don’t get to be involved in that part of her life.”

Mel leaned forward. “You want to set expectations? Fine. You can expect to be wearing whatever drink I have in my hand, hot or cold, if you ever refer to me as ‘sweetheart’ again.” Shane’s eyes widened. “And you wanted me on your damn team a few days ago. Just because I didn’t want to work for you—which in hindsight seems like a very wise decision—doesn’t mean I intend to stay quiet.” He started to speak, but she held up her hand to stop him. “You need me, Brannigan. I bring experience to the team that neither you nor Tim nor, God forbid, Gary, can possibly offer.”

Shane stared at her for a heartbeat, then slowly smiled, as if against his will. He sat back in his seat and did everything possible to make it seem as if he was totally calm and in charge. But Mel made a living using body language to fool people into believing something that wasn’t true—whether it was self-confidence or sexual attraction. She caught the way Shane chewed on the inside of his cheek. One hand slipped into his pocket, probably clenched in frustration. His other hand tapped against the tabletop. She’d poked the bear, and the bear didn’t like it. Tough luck, bear.

Tim cleared his throat. “Mel, I think what Shane is trying to say...” He shot a dark look at his business partner. “I think he’s trying to say we appreciate your concern for Tori’s well-being, and we agree she needs advice from someone who has an understanding of her situation.”

Shane’s right brow arched sharply, which had a very odd effect on Melanie’s ability to think clearly. Big Ginger was one hellaciously attractive man. Until he opened his mouth.

“So you’re saying that someone who plays dress-up for a living can understand what an actual athlete is dealing with?”

Luis started to say something, but Tim stopped him with a look that both cautioned and sizzled. He didn’t even try to hide the swift kick he gave Shane under the table, and Mel was pretty sure it was with his metal prosthetic foot.

“Shane clearly hasn’t had time to do his homework. But I have.” Tim gave her a warm smile. “You were an overnight superstar at about the same age as Tori. You were away from your family and support group. You were under a lot of pressure from people you didn’t know. You ended up with a party-girl reputation you may not have deserved. And you’re worried Tori will make some of the same...” He looked chagrined. “No offense, but some of the same... mistakes ...for lack of a better word, that you did. Is that about right?”

“Thank you, Tim,” Luis said with a smile. “I’m glad at least one of you appreciates how much Mel can help Tori.”

And Tim Monroe blushed. Mel looked from him to Luis and back again. She hadn’t been wrong before. They were flirting with each other. Could they be any cuter? She grinned at Shane, wondering what his reaction to the two guys would be, but he was too busy staring at her to notice. His expression was a mix of confusion and reluctant acknowledgment. And it took all her body-acting skills not to squirm under the intensity of his blue-eyed gaze. He studied her for a moment longer, then nodded, as if to himself.

“Fine. Be her friend. Be on the team. But every team has a captain, and on Team Tori, that’s me.” Tim rolled his eyes at Mel from over Shane’s shoulder. “Her physical therapy wraps up in another week or so, so that’ll give her more time off.” He drained his coffee, then tried to intimidate her with an all-business warning. Big, bad agent man. “I know you think Gary’s up to no good, but Tori never complained until you showed up. That doesn’t mean we won’t be watching a lot more closely going forward. Tim will be around for a few days, and when he’s not here, I’ll stay or her parents will be with her.” He saw her surprised expression. “What? You wouldn’t take the chaperone job so we’ll have to handle it.” He frowned into his coffee cup for a moment. “If you can help her navigate teen fame, fine. As long as it doesn’t involve quitting the sport, I’d support that.”

“I appreciate your support and all, but I don’t work for you. What Tori and I discuss isn’t any of your business.” He started to object, but she rushed ahead, holding up a finger to silence him. “Look, I get that she’s your client and is technically your business. I’m just not sure if you’re all that good for her.”

“So I’m supposed to prove myself to you ?”

“No. You’re supposed to prove yourself to your client.” Mel dropped her warning finger and relaxed her shoulders. Turning Shane into an enemy wouldn’t help anyone. “Look, I’m not putting limits on what Tori and I talk about, and our conversations will be private. It’s the only way she’ll trust me. But I promise to give you a heads-up if there’s anything going on that concerns me. Fair enough?”

Tim spoke before Shane could. “That’s more than fair, Mel. And we appreciate your friendship with our client. Don’t we, Shane?” He gave her a smile. “Tori said something about having dinner with you tonight?”

She smiled back. “Yes. It’s Taco Tuesday at the Chalet. It’s a townie place. None of the locals will bother her.” It was one of Mel’s favorite things about Gallant Lake. The residents seldom raised an eyebrow over someone being well-known, whether they were guests at the resort or not. People just went about their lives.

“Athletes need a healthy diet...” Shane started, but Tim shut him down. Judging from the wince on Shane’s face, Tim was applying pressure with the metal prosthetic under the table as he spoke.

“But everyone should get a chance to enjoy tacos once in a while, right?”

Mel nodded and tried not to react when Tim winked at her. He was such a charmer. Luis let out a very soft growl of appreciation. Shane just growled before standing and stomping out of the café.