Joel tossed me his shirt, which reached my knees when I put it on. He said he needed to check out his room. I knew something was up when he opened the connecting door between rooms, from my side before walking out of my room door with his bag. He wore jeans and nothing else. There were no women in the hall or he wouldn't have made it back to my room alive.

There was a rattling noise a few moments later and Joel stuck his head between our connecting rooms.

I couldn't help laughing. "You're sneaky."

"You're complaining?" he asked as he carried his bag back into my room. He stopped and stood facing me.

I pulled the shirt lower feeling self-conscious as he stared.

"I need some rest and I've had enough of the guys for one day. I hope you don't mind room service." He walked over, hooked his arm around me, and pulled me against his chest. "I can't believe I'll have you beside me all night. Let's eat then hit the shower together." He made it perfectly clear there was more involved in showering than being clean.

His arms wrapped around me took away my nervousness and fear of rejection. I tipped my head back and gave him a tentative smile. "Do you rugby players have rules against sex the night before a match?"

His hand came up. He dipped his finger just inside my mouth and smoothed my saliva across my lips. Electricity zinged straight between my thighs. "I have certain prematch rituals that must be adhered to. The first is a date the night before my match." He rocked his hips into mine. "Our date will take place in the shower after we eat."

I went to my tiptoes and pressed my wet lips to his.

"Order dinner," he said gruffly.

"What do you want?" I asked against his lips.

"Two of whatever you're having. I need to make a few calls from my room. I won't be long." He walked away and my confidence momentarily wavered.

He didn't shut the connecting door and I could hear the drone of his voice as he talked rugby business. Leaving the door open helped. He wasn't closing me off. I took my laptop from its case and checked my email. The first came from Skylar.

Cami,

Just how well do you know Ted? He's always been nice to me, but I just got wind of a rumor floating around. He's saying he got you this gig because you're sleeping with him. He's not exactly nice guy material like rugby players, but if I'm crossing the line here, tell me. He doesn't have the power to get you this gig even if he thinks he does.

Skylar

That pissed me off. My eyes skimmed down to the next email and it was from Ted, the new guy on my jerk list.

Hi Cami,

I haven't heard from you and still don't have your number. Don't make me get sneaky and hit up one of the ladies in HR who owes me a favor. You're missed on the second floor. I know Colt, Ohio, doesn't have a lot to offer, so give me a call. 555-6238

Ted

If someone in HR gave him my cell number I'd make a stink and see them fired. Taking a break and unclenching my fists, I tried to calm down before sending a reply. I sent a message to Skylar instead.

Skylar,

Ted emailed me too. He wants my phone number and I assure you I don't sleep with men that I haven't given my number to. Just how bad will it go over if I blow him off or do what I really want and tell him off?

Cami

I clicked send and went to the last email, which was from Miller.

Hearing good things about you. Keep up the great work.

M

I bet he was hearing good things about me. His contact had to be Van, whom I slept with. Then there was Ted, whom I hadn't slept with, though he had no trouble lying about it. Damn.

Joel walked back into the room and walked behind me. His hands landed on my shoulders, gently massaging. "You don't look happy."

"I'm good. I just need to shoot an email to my boss." His hands lifted and I turned. "Don't stop." I began typing as his fingers went back to work.

Will have the next article turned in Sunday.

C

Short, sweet, and more than I wanted to say.

A knock sounded at the door. I scrambled up and added shorts beneath the shirt I wore as Joel walked over and opened the door. I moved my laptop so the server could put the large tray down. Something funny occurred to me and I smiled as Joel gave the guy a tip and shut the door behind him.

"What has you smiling?" he asked as he came closer.

"I finally paid for a meal even if you got the tip. I knew eventually I'd win." I began taking the dish covers off.

"You're quite easy to please."

"I'm just easy," I answered as a joke, but quickly realized I spoke the truth. Joel was busy complementing his burger with catsup as he chuckled.

"My kind of woman," he said with a wink.

Relief settled over me. We talked about the match as we ate and Joel gave me a little insight on the opposing team.

"The Timberwolves are pretty well matched with us. Their main kicker tops Quibly. We lost our last game to them because of goals. Quibly's been putting extra time in and we've been watching tapes. I think we've found their weakness, but this will be a tough match."

"You won't be annihilating them this time?"

"Of course we will. It's all about positive thinking and we will positively annihilate the Timberwolves."

"This is another superstition of yours?" I teased.

He took my left hand and bit the tip of my finger. "Tradition."

What would he do if I climbed across the table and attacked him?

He shook his head, reading my thoughts again. "Eat quickly."

Oh my.