Various States of Undress Read Online Free Page B

literally.
    â€œI don’t want to disappoint my boss, and I’m betting you feel the same way about yours,” she continued.
    â€œSure. I sign autographs, pose for photos, visit Little League teams. Like I said, I’m busy.”
    â€œThat’s nice.” She nodded. “I’m flattered that you found the time to come all the way up to the press box and tell me, in person, that you don’t have time for an interview. Thanks.”
    He smiled a little. “You’re welcome.” Then he stretched his arms, his broad chest expanding with the movement. He flexed his long fingers, braced a hand high on the post, and grinned at her again. Her heart flipped down into her stomach. Oh no.
    â€œI get it, you know. I’ve posed for photos and signed autographs too. I’ve visited hospitals and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and I know it makes people happy. But public appearances can be draining, and it takes time away from work. Right?”
    â€œRight.” He gave her a curious look. “We have that in common, though it’s not exactly the same. I may be semifamous in Memphis, but I don’t have paparazzi following me around and I like it that way. You interviewing me would turn into a big hassle.”
    â€œI won’t take much of your time. Just think of me as another reporter.” She ventured a warm, inviting smile, and Brett’s dark eyes widened. “The paparazzi don’t follow me like they do my sisters. I’m the boring one.”
    â€œReally?” He folded his arms across his lean middle, and his gaze traveled slowly over her face.
    She felt her heart speed up. “Yes, really.”
    â€œI beg to differ.”
    Before she could respond, he gave her another devastating smile and jogged up the steps. It was the best view she’d had all day. When Brett disappeared, she collapsed back against the post. He was right, of course. She wasn’t just another reporter: she was the president’s brainy daughter—who secretly lusted after athletes. And she’d just met a hell of an athlete.
    Talk about a hot mess.

Chapter Three
    T HE FOLLOWING MORNING , Georgia smoothed the front of her dress as she rode to work in the back of the Secret Service SUV. Looking out the window, she strained for a glimpse of the TV station, but all she could see were the huge leafy trees that lined the cracked concrete boulevard in north Memphis. After a moment, the SUV slowed and turned into a narrow driveway in front of a long, low building. It was brick-fronted, and, next to a set of double doors, there was a sign that read “WHAP, Channel Nineteen News. Memphis to the Bone.”
    â€œTo the bone ?” she whispered to herself.
    In the front passenger seat, Stan stifled a chuckle, and Ernie slowed the vehicle, grinning. “Sure this isn’t a porn studio?” he whispered to Stan. Stan glanced over his shoulder at Georgia. “Ignore him.”
    â€œI would, but I was wondering the same thing.” Georgia let out a pained chuckle. She was rewarded with a peal of laughter from the agents, which calmed her nerves—a little bit.
    Stan shook his head. “We don’t mean to make fun of your workplace.”
    â€œIt’s okay. I mean—I just did, right?” She blew out a breath. “But no, you’re right, Stan. I need to think positive.” She nodded, and as Ernie drove, she trained her eyes on the driveway, which curved around to a tall metal security gate with a call box outside.
    Ernie stopped the vehicle in front of the gate. “Ready, Georgia?”
    Hell no . But she nodded slowly. “Yeah.”
    Her stomach flipped as she rolled down the window. After clearing her throat, she reached out, her fingers hovering over the button on the call box. This was it. Her entrance into the professional world of journalism.
    Despite the crappy beginning of her internship; a poor night’s sleep in a hotel; her