Page 19 of Striking Heat

I sit back in my chair. I almost wish the whole thing had been my idea, because he’s buying it. August is grinning like an idiot, probably because he brought daddy a winning idea.

“Okay,” he says, turning his attention to Mackenzie. “The idea does make sense, but I need to know how you feel about it.”

She sighs. She’s going to put up a fight. “Do I have to tell him about my personal life?”

“Well, it would help,” I chime in.

She shakes her head. “He doesn’t need that kind of information, Mr. Cromwell.”

He nods and I worry he’s about to say no and give her what she wants.

“You don’t have to answer every question I ask,” I tell her. “And I won’t print any question you don’t answer.”

“And the article will be flattering?” she asks.

All eyes are on me. “Yes, I will write great things about the team.”

“And me,” she throws in there. “No more saying that I lack attack.”

“The press did enjoy the fact that you two sparred in the pressroom,” August adds in. “I think it could be a nice selling point. If we can figure out how to use it, that is.”

I look over at Maxwell, who’s studying us both very carefully. “Makenzie, dear, I would like for you to do this, but I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. I refuse to be one of those owners.”

She smiles and nods, and Maxwell continues.

“But the press for this would be great. The whole community is still on the fence about us. They really were behind the Orlando Pride. And now we’re here. I want them to accept us. This might just be it.”

Mackenzie’s shoulders sag. A large sigh escapes her perfect lips. “I have to do this, don’t I?”

“I could just pick another player,” I chime in, giving her an out. “What about the goalie? Could I write an article about her?”

Her nostrils flair just a bit. For whatever reason, the thought of me working with a teammate does not sit well with her. “I will do it.”

August is clapping with joy.

“Are you sure, young lady?” Maxwell asks her.

“Yeah, if it’s good for the team, then I’ll do it,” she confirms.

He nods. “Okay.”

“Okay,” I reply.

“Can we see a copy before it goes to print?” August asks.

I nod. “Yeah, I can arrange some sneak peeks.”

“Sneak peeks? Why is that plural?” she asks, eyes narrowed in my direction.

“Because I thought it would be fun to do a few pieces on you.” I’m grinning. “I think it could be great. I could write one about your personal life, the good work the Blaze is doing for the community, and all about the team and how well you’re gelling.” I pause, turning to see that both Cromwell’s are grinning.

“I like it,” August says. “I knew I liked you.”

I smile in his direction. “Thanks.” I’m proud of myself for how quickly the ideas are flowing. I also like that I’ve found a way I can spend more time with Mac, and she has to let me.

“Do you have any questions?” Maxwell turns to Mackenzie.

She swallows, looking down at that same piece of string on her tank from earlier. “I just wanna play soccer. I’ve never had this much media attention. Sure, we’ve had articles written about us in Portland, but it was thewholeteam, not just me.”