Player's Challenge by Koko Brown

account dedicated to her substantial rack.
    “If I have to keep it professional, so should you. Remember accountability.”
    “You’re right.” Devin’s expression turned serious. “Miss Holt, I’m actively looking at all offers.”
    Gemma balled up her fist like a fake microphone and shoved it into his chest. “And what are your options? Who’s shown interest?”
    Still in character, Devin leaned down as if pretending to be heard in her imaginary mike. “Croydon’s my first choice, but if we can’t come to an agreement, I’ll consider other offers.”
    “What other clubs? Are the offers lucrative?”
    “I’m not at liberty to say. We’re still in arbitration.”
    Gemma held out her hand. “Boom,” they said in unison, and pounding fists.
    Now that he was back on track, Gemma pulled out the day’s agenda as she followed him through Croydon’s players’ entrance. “Let’s go over the schedule again.”
    “Yes, Mum.”
    Gemma suppressed a laugh. “There’s a meet-n-greet with the kids at nine. Then you’ll stretch as a group followed by some drills. Break for lunch. Afterward, you’ll divide into groups and work one-on-one.” Gemma turned the paper over, checking for any additions. “At least you have one thing going for you. The day is pretty short. You’ll be done by two o’clock.”
    Devin adjusted the gym bag on his shoulder. “What are you going to be doing while I’m playing puppet.”
    “I thought about sitting on the sidelines and being pretty.” At his knee jerk reaction, a black scowl that could melt snow, she laughed. “Don’t worry! I’ll be in my own personal nirvana schmoozing the press.” She held her arm out and pretended to ride the pony while smacking its rump.
    They paused outside a pair of metal stadium doors leading to the players’ locker room. Before he went inside, he turned to her.
    “You love your job don’t you?” he asked grinning, which of course made her smile as well.
    “It’s a dream come true,” she gushed, unable to hold back her enthusiasm. “Like you, I’m extremely lucky to be doing what I love.”
    He ran his index finger along his jawline and Gemma braced herself. This particular tick of Devin’s was usually followed by some off-the-cuff comment which had her hair standing on end or wetting her knickers.
    His green eyes took on a thoughtful glint. “Full of bollocks?”
    Smiling, Gemma waved her hand over her head. “Up to here.”
    “I better go in and change.” He glanced down at his watch. “Registration’s in fifteen minutes.”
    He appeared as if he wanted to say more, but he didn’t.
    Somewhat deflated, Gemma stood there long after he entered the locker room.
    ***
    “What’s up, wanker?”
    Devin smacked Butler’s back on his way to his former locker. At the end of the season, the club always stripped the locker room of player’s names, especially the free agents.
    Butler tugged his jersey over his head. “What drugs did you start taking?”
    “I have to take drugs to support the club, give back to my community?”
    “Don’t give me that kumbaya shit, mate.” Butler pushed his shaggy black hair away from his face and secured it with a rubber band. “Who twisted your arm?”
    “My new agent.”
    Butler’s brows shot skyward. “Sounds like I need to sign on if he can get you to straighten up and fly right.”
    “ He’s a she and you better back the fuck off. She doesn’t need a bloke like you for a client.”
    “Oh ho! You’re fucking her already.”
    “No.”
    “But you want to.”
    “What makes you think that?” Devin yanked his t-shirt over his head and hung it in the locker followed by his jeans.
    Butler’s pale blue eyes widened. “You just confirmed it by not denying it.”
    “She has a no-fraternizing agreement in her employment contract,” Devin mumbled. After changing into his soccer kit, he sat down on the bench and put on his football boots.
    “So she’s open game?”
    A bolt of jealously so