Player's Challenge by Koko Brown Page B

weeks.”
    Wills eyes widened. “No. This is the first I’ve heard of it.” He fished in an army-green messenger bag and pulled out a reporter’s notepad and pencil. “Can I get more information?”
    “Of course.”
    While Gemma supplied Wills with the details of Devin’s camp, a referee whistle blared across the field. Footballs dropped to the ground, more than one kid groaned in dismay, and Devin’s entire group crowded around him, begging for high fives.
    As soon as he was disengaged from fourteen adoring fans, Gemma waved Devin over. Skin sun kissed by several hours outdoors, he looked like a Greek god with a lopsided grin lifting the corners of his mouth. Unfortunately, when his gaze drifted to Wills and his cameraman, his smile faded.
    Gemma crossed her fingers when the two shook hands. This was the first big test since he’d he’d promised to turn over a new leaf. She just needed to stand back and trust he’d follow the script they’d rehearsed. And most importantly, he needed to think before he opened his mouth.
    Five minutes into the interview, she had nothing to worry about. Devin was charming and affable, and in full control of the dialogue. Animated, he talked passionately about the kids which segued into his soccer camp for disadvantaged youth. He even handled questions regarding the past season with aplomb.
    Everything was going smoothly, almost too well.
    “Now the season is over and you’re a free agent, do you know where you’ll end up after the transfer window closes?”
    Looking stumped by the question, Devin placed his hands on his hips. Gemma clamped down on her bottom lip. He was playing Wills like a cat with a mouse. “Croydon’s my first choice, but if we can’t come to an agreement I’m interested in looking at other clubs.”
    “Boom,” Gemma whispered.
    “Do you think other clubs will come looking, considering your penchant for drama?”
    “A few embellished tall tales and I’m a beacon for drama,” Devin snorted. “My numbers on the pitch are well documented. Hopefully, the league will overlook my past transgressions and take into account the eighteen clean sheets I recorded this season.”
    “So you should only be judged for your play on the pitch?”
    “Exactly. Professional athletes are just that. We play sports and our athletic abilities should be the only thing we’re measured by.”
    “But you can’t deny your heightened profile puts you in a precarious position as role model.”
    Devin opened his mouth, but paused. His eyes cut to her, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “It’s now become glaringly apparent especially after working with these kids today. In the future, I plan to be more cognizant of my actions.”
    Not wanting to push things, Gemma stepped in. “I hate to cut things short, Wills, we need to give the other news outlets an opportunity.”
    “You’re good,” Wills said shaking his head. He shook Devin’s hand, thanked him for his time then hustled off, cameraman in tow.
    “How did I do?”
    “Perfect,” Gemma crowed as she led him to the wolves. “Now all you have to do is repeat that performance five more times.”
    ***
    “Gemma!”
    Gemma looked up from the papers spread out around her. “What!” she yelled back.
    “Do you have a moment? I need some help.”
    “Not really,” she murmured, pushing her glasses back up her nose. Today was turning out to be a very long day with the soccer camp earlier and Yvonne’s sudden request for an in-depth analysis of his old contract. The sun had set and she’d only tackled the first page.
    Still, Gemma pushed away from the dining room table. She desperately needed a break and now was a good time since she’d planned on pulling an all-nighter.
    Mentally checking off all the things she needed to accomplish before the night was through, she trekked down the hallway. “Where are you?” she asked, entering his master bedroom.
    “In the closet.”
    Gemma followed the sound of his