Beyond the Face-Off

Chapter 6

Kelly and Anna finished playing and went inside the clubhouse. Kelly reluctantly put her name lower on the tennis ladder, and Anna preened as she moved her name up. Anna waved good-bye, and Kelly stayed and chatted with two other members.

When her stomach rumbled with hunger, she decided it was time to head home to eat. "Great seeing you guys. Keep the thirtieth open. I'll save you front-row seats on opening night."

"Awesome. We'll look forward to it."

Kelly picked up her bag and walked outside. She stopped when she saw Jake leaning against the wall, his attention focused on his cellphone.

When she walked closer, he looked up. "Good game," he said with a grin.

Kelly snorted. "Yeah. Thanks. I tend to do better if I pay attention." She looked at him curiously. "Are you waiting for a ride?"

Jake shook his head. "Mike and Trevor are running interference with the media throng that showed up."

"Really?" Kelly craned her neck to look around the corner. Mike and Trevor were walking away from a group of reporters. "Wow. Quite the crowd. What a golden opportunity for advertising."

Jake lifted his eyebrows. "I don't think Mike is ready for that, though. He's trying to keep the tennis day a surprise."

"The tournament, sure. But it's a great marketing opportunity for the team."

Jake shrugged. "Maybe."

"The press would love getting an interview, and what's better than keeping the Quakes front and centre in the media? Highlights the great things the team does off-season. Even without mentioning the tournament, there are other events you could talk about."

"Thinking about applying for a spot with the team's media relations?" Jake asked dryly.

Kelly grinned crookedly and relaxed. "Or not. How come you aren't out there with them?" She watched him shift uncomfortably. "I'm pretty sure yesterday's picture in the newspaper was a repeat," she said with a laugh. "It's like a daily game of 'Where's Waldo?' with you."

The light in Jake's eyes dimmed. "You know what they say about too much of a good thing."

"Oh, I don't think anybody minds," Kelly said with a broad smile.

Jake smiled wryly. "Thanks." He pulled himself up. "I was going to head out for a bite to eat. Would you like to come?"

Kelly felt a flush of pleasure at the invitation. "Love to."

"Let's hope the media circus has moved on. I'll call a cab."

"Oh, no need. I have my car." She nodded toward the parking lot and started walking. Jake fell in step beside her.

As soon as they rounded the corner, bulbs flashed in the dim light and two reporters called his name.

"Shit," Jake whispered. "Busted."

Kelly grabbed his hand. "Smile and wave but don't stop. My car's over here." She grinned at him, and they sprinted to her car. They settled inside with the reporters waving at them to stop. Kelly waved back and turned out of the parking lot.

She glanced in the rear-view mirror. "I think they're following us."

Jake slunk down in the seat and swore. "Sorry about this."

"Are you kidding? I love it. I hope they mention Danali's Drugs when they splash it across the headlines."

Jake looked at her with raised eyebrows and smirked. "Sadly, it's a definite possibility."