Page 24 of The Linebacker

“Why do you think something is wrong?”

“You look perplexed.”

She sighed. “The photographer is out for at least two months. We need to bring someone on quickly. I have an idea and I just want to make sure what I’m thinking actually makes sense.”

She was only talking to him because he was the first person to come along after she left Jeff’s office. If one of the custodians had asked her, she’d have spilled her guts to him, too.

Or so she told herself.

“I have time. Bounce it off me.”

“Do you know anything about photography?”

He lifted one shoulder, let it drop. “I like looking at pictures. And anyway, that’s not the issue. It’s needing validation for your idea. So run it by me.”

Damn it, why did the guy always have to be so logical?

“Fine. My college roommate?—”

“Allison.”

“No.” She shook her head. “There were three of us who lived together in college and for a few years after. Emma is a professional photographer.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“She’s not a sports photographer. She started out doing nature photography, traveling all over the world, but then she had some personal issues and her mom got sick, so she came home. Er, went home to LA. Now she’s a freelancer, using weddings and family portraits to pay the bills, but I know she’d rather be doing something else. I’m just not sure if sports photography is it. Nor am I sure that Jeff will like it if I convince one of my best friends to take this position, which is pretty important for our image.”

“Would I recognize any of her work?”

“Did you ever pay attention to the art displays in Levi’s Stadium when you were part of the 49ers organization?” she asked.

“Sure. There’s some pretty cool stuff hanging in that stadium.”

“One of Emma’s images is in there.”

“No shit. Which one?”

“It’s a tailgate, all women wearing 49ers gear and cheering on the team.”

“Oh, yeah, I know that one. It got a lot of attention when it first went on display. Attestation that women were sports fans all on their own. No men necessary.”

“Exactly.” Diana felt herself beaming. “I’m going to call her, see if she wants to fly up to talk to us.”

“Great idea. Good luck,” he said before continuing down the hall toward the locker room.

She stood where she was, watching him walk away. Again, without looking back.

She was both elated because he’d helped her talk through this dilemma and frustrated as hell because that had been a perfectly normal conversation. Between friends.

There had been no flirting. No teasing. No underlying sexual tension.

Well, that last part wasn’t true. At least, not for her. Anytime she was that close to Amil, her entire body wound itself into a knot, eagerly anticipating him unraveling her.

And then she was disappointed when it didn’t happen.

Except it wasn’t happening because she didn’t want it to happen.

But she did want it to happen.