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A Perfect Distraction(77)



“Used to get. Other than the Tampa thing, I haven’t graced their pages in months.”

“Which is why they’ll focus on your latest bit of arm candy.”

“You’re way more than that.” Irritation sparked within him. “Attending the gala evening with you sends that message loud and clear. Once they know things are serious between us, they’ll back off. There’s no story in a steady relationship.”

“It doesn’t work that way, especially for someone like you. It’ll whet their appetite for more.” She sighed wearily. “I’ve been through this before. I was the wife of a sports star who loved the glare of the media spotlight. I’ve only just escaped the circus surrounding my divorce. I’m not sure I’m ready to face it all again.”

He’d chosen the wrong tack. He’d have to do some sharp skating if there was to be any chance of her going with him.

“I don’t want the attention anymore, either. But this isn’t just a social function. It supports the team, and local children’s charities benefit. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from the piranhas.”

“I’m sure you’ll try, but you won’t be able to keep a low profile.”

He hated that she was right. “Once I’ve fulfilled my commitments for the Cats, I’ll make sure we enjoy the rest of the evening undisturbed.”

“You know it doesn’t work that way.”

Frustration bubbled inside. She wasn’t giving him anything to work with. “It can if we want it to.”

“Something always goes wrong.” She shook her head sadly. “Despite the promised good intentions. Whether it’s because of the free-flowing booze or the larger-than-life egos or the exclusive-desperate media, there’s always trouble and it always escalates until it’s blown up out of all proportion.”

“I take it you’re talking about the jerk again.” His lip curled.

Maggie nodded. “In the beginning, I loved those kinds of events. The glitz, the glamour, the famous people, the fabulous clothes, even the publicity. But I grew to dread them.” Her eyes darkened at the painful memory. “Lee was always at the center of the trouble and I always bore the brunt of the fallout.” Her voice faltered on the last word.

Jake’s fingers curled into a fist. He wished he could make her ex suffer. Instead, he smoothed a curl from Maggie’s forehead. “From what you’ve said, he chased publicity. And trouble. This will be different. I’m different.”

Surely she knew that by now. Doubt twinged his chest.

“I know you’re not like him.” Maggie laid her hand on his.

Jake twined their fingers together, breathing a sigh of relief when she didn’t pull away.

“That doesn’t mean trouble and publicity won’t court you,” she continued. “When it does, because I’m with you, it’ll rebound on me.” She paused. “It’s not just myself I’m worried about. It’s Emily. I don’t want to do anything that will catch Lee’s attention.”

“I thought he’d been quiet since that last crazy demand. He didn’t even take up your offer to Skype with Emily.”

“I’d like to keep it that way. I can’t risk anything that gets him thinking about the custody agreement again. Em’s been through too much already.”

“I promise I won’t let anything happen that could hurt you or Emily.”

Maggie’s tense gaze searched his face. She must have been slightly reassured by what she saw because her expression eased a bit. “I’m sure you’ll do your best.”

“So, you’ll come to the gala evening.” Jake started to relax, his mind already rushing ahead to how he could make the evening special.

“I need some time to think about it.”

Her response stopped him in his tracks. He tamped down his impatience. “It’s a few hours one evening. How bad could it be?”

“Maybe we could wait until another function, later in the season,” she hedged.

Desperation rose, threatening to choke him. He searched frantically for a way to convince her. “There isn’t another function like this unless we win the Cup. Even then, that won’t be until June.” He didn’t want to wait that long.

“Then maybe we could attend one of the other team events. Something a little lower profile. Don’t the wives and girlfriends get involved in the coat drive and the food drive?”

“Sure, and I’d love for you to be part of those, but the gala evening is special.”

“Jake, please.” Her imploring tone caught his attention.