Page 110 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“Yes!” Sammy does a fist pump and runs behind the counter. “I’ll get paper!”

“All right, settle down,” Clare says as Sammy darts through the kitchen doors. “That’s awfully nice of you, Mr. Braden.”

“Clay, please.”

“Clay, then,” she says sweetly. “Ben told me you’ve been practicing with him every day. Thank you for spending so much time with him.”

“It’s my pleasure. Ben’s a good kid, and he’s got real talent. He’s sure to go far.”

“Speaking of going, Mom,” Ben says. “You better take off if you’re going to make Sammy’s appointment. I’ll ring Clay up.”

“Don’t be silly, honey,” she says. “This one’s on the house.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Sammy runs out from the kitchen waving a piece of paper. “Wait! He’s gonna give me an autograph!” He hands me the paper and pen. “Sammy is S-A-M-M-Y.”

“Got it.” I learned early on to use my fame to help kids stay in line, and I scrawl, Sammy, study hard, be a good friend, and listen to your mother and your coaches. I look forward to seeing you play. I sign my name and hand it to him.

Sammy beams as he reads it aloud, and Clare mouths, Thank you.

As they head out, Ben says, “Thanks, man. You just made my little brother’s lifetime.”

“Happy to do it. Do you cover for your mom often?”

He lifts one shoulder. “Not really. Are you still cool with meeting me and the guys later?”

“Definitely. I look forward to it.”

Pepper

“There’s my girl,” Clay says as he walks into my office carrying a box from the café and what I know is a latte.

My heart still trips up every time I see him, and this morning it’s got an extra little something to trip over. “Hey, you.” I come around my desk, brimming with happiness. I breathe him in as he kisses me. “I had a nice surprise about an hour ago, you sneaky thing.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“I received a call notifying me that my company name has been added to the directory downstairs. How did you get that done so fast?”

His lips twitch like he’s stifling a grin. “Who says I did anything?”

“The building manager.”

“Damn. I was trying to keep that on the down-low.”

“You’re amazing. How did you do it?”

“Where there’s a will…”

“There’s a way. Yes, I know.” I go up on my toes and kiss him again. “Thank you. That was really sweet of you.”

“I’m just making sure my girl gets the respect she deserves.” He hands me the latte. “How’s your day?”

“Better now.” I peek into the box. “You don’t have to bring goodies every time you come here.”

“But I get to see that smile when I do.”

“Let me clue you in on a little secret. My smile is not because of the treats.”