Flirt with Desire: Flirt with Me Series, #2

By Amy Manemann

In Flirt with Desire…

Tough as nails publicist, Mia Scott, has built her career by dodging the advances from her elite clientele. Her number one rule: Never mix business with pleasure. Until a split-second decision leads her to a night of unbridled passion—and the morning after blues when she discovers the man she spent an amazing night with is her newest client. 
 
Professional baseball pitcher, Evan Ahrens, knows he messed up—and messed up royally. One mistake on the field puts him on thin ice with the league and lands him a new PR rep to fix his soiled image. While tossing back a few drinks to blow off steam, he meets his match in a feisty, dark haired woman who takes him to heights he's never been. There's only one problem: She's the new publicist, and she's made it clear there will be no repeat performances. 

Flirting with desire gives way to uncontrollable passion as Mia fights her growing feelings while trying to keep things professional, while Evan decides that for once in his life he wants something more than to play ball. The game just went from saving his career, to winning her love.

The Flirt with Me Series: This series or three books was previously released as fan fiction in Melissa Foster's Remington World. With permission from Melissa Foster, the story and characters remain the same with new titles and covers. Flirt with Desire was previously published as Pitching for Love in 2016. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Manemann
• Release date: Nov 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386235828

Book preview

Chapter 1

Mia Scott brought the glass of champagne to her lips, taking a deep, gratifying drink of the bubbling liquid. The grand re-opening of Sweet James Taffy and Fudge Shop appeared to be a raving success, she surmised, eyes roving over the crowded room. Mia was genuinely happy for her friends, Ava Sweet and Hudson James, taking in the happy couple who stood among the throngs of people. The obvious love between them was palpable, if not nauseating, and she wouldn’t be surprised if there were wedding bells in the near future .

However happy she was for her friend, Mia couldn’t help the pinch of longing at her own solitary status. Not that she didn’t have any options. She was just selective with whom she chose to spend her time. A highly sought after publicist, Mia spent her time fixing the problems of her elitist clients, often times dodging their requests to take things beyond a working relationship. Her tough as nails demeanor combined with her Mediterranean roots drew more than her fair share of admiring stares and salacious offers. Too bad for them, however, Mia made it a strict rule to never mix business with pleasure.

Her client list consisted of spoiled elitists from pro athletes to musicians, all with a different problem for Mia to fix, yet it was always the same song and dance. Someone messed up, their career was in danger, and she was sent in to fix things. Mia did her job, and she did it very well. Her six figure bank account could attest to that. Still, sometimes she grew weary of the vain world she was surrounded by.

Seeing the enraptured look on Ava’s face as she gazed at Hudson made Mia envious, and a sigh escaped her lips before she could prevent it. Once upon a time she too had tried her hand at the whole relationship game. And failed miserably. The complaints were all the same. She spent too many hours at work, spent too many hours entertaining clients, and at the end of the day, she just couldn’t commit to being in the relationship. Mia didn’t blame them for moving on, eventually finding she enjoyed the peace and quiet of her two bedroom penthouse. It beat coming home and having to expend extra energy stroking a pouty boyfriend’s ego. Or so she liked to tell herself.

Catching Mia’s eye, Ava slipped out from under Hudson’s muscled arm to weave her way through the crowd to Mia’s side.

Ava drew Mia into a hug, giving her a squeeze. I’m so happy you came. A wave of sugary sweetness hit Mia’s nose, and she inhaled the sweet, familiar scent. Ava never strayed far from her kitchen where she created and pulled the most amazing taffies SoHo, New York, had ever tried.

I wouldn’t have missed it. Thanks for inviting me. Mia drew back, a genuine smile on her face.

That’s good to know. Hudson and I were placing bets on whether or not you would get tied up with a client and ditch out. Ava joked, her blue eyes sparkling with laughter.

Her comment hit a little too close for comfort, and Mia shifted uncomfortably. It’d been awhile since she and Ava had hung out, a fact that both surprised and saddened her. When had that happened? Sure she sucked when it came to dating, but surely she hadn’t blown off her friends too. Had she? With startling clarity, Mia realized she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d actually had a night out with just the girls, which meant it was probably a lot longer than she cared to admit.

In her defense, these past few months had been crazy busy with balancing two demanding clients. Tomorrow morning she would be meeting with her newest client, a baseball player for the New York Marlins. While there never seemed to be enough hours in the day, she still got the job done, and her clients were always happy. To her, that’s all that mattered. Or, at least it used to.

Very funny. You know I wouldn’t have missed your grand reopening for anything. I know how much this means to you, and if it’s important to you, than it’s important to me.

You know I’m teasing. And for the record, just because you choose to bury yourself in work instead of having a life doesn’t mean your friends have forgotten about you. We’re still here, hanging around, patiently waiting for you to pick up the phone and call. Ava’s grin was infectious, taking the sting out of her honest words.

Mia winced. Sorry, I didn’t mean to ignore you. Things have just been…

Busy? Ava supplied, filling in the blank when Mia’s voice trailed off. Apparently she’d given Ava that song and dance one too many times.

Yeah, busy. How’s Hudson doing since taking over the family fudge shop? Mia switched topics, her eyes straying to the man in question. She tried not to ogle Hudson’s hunky profile, hard as it was. Hudson stood at a towering six foot, with sandy blonde hair, a face swoon worthy enough to make a girl melt, and deep set blue eyes Mia knew crinkled at the corners when he laughed. In addition to being sinfully handsome, he was also a likeable guy and fun to be around. Yep, Ava hit the jackpot when her taffy shop moved next door to Hudson’s family’s fudge shop. Hudson was the complete package, and he had eyes only for Ava.

Ava smiled, already turning towards her boyfriend to give him a little finger wave. He returned it, blowing a kiss for good measure that made Ava’s cheeks turn pink. Mia’s stomach knotted enviously.

Pretty well. Amazing, actually. Everything is just kind of falling into place, from me moving in with Hudson, to knocking the wall down between our businesses and joining them. It’s almost like fate stepped in and guided us together. Ava’s voice was dreamy, and Mia forced a smile to her lips, not wanting to rain on Ava’s happy parade.

Where Ava was an optimist, Mia tended to be more of a pessimist, always waiting for that other shoe to drop. Mia wasn’t foolish enough to believe every story had its own happy ending. In her line of work, she’d seen far too many love stories gone awry to believe there was a happily ever after out there waiting for her. She’d given up believing in fairytales a long time ago.

I’m happy for you, Ava. I really am. It sounds like everything’s working out great for you and Hudson.

Ava frowned, tucking a strand of glossy brown hair behind her ear. But?

Mia started in surprise. But…what?

Ava cocked her head to the side, grinning. But you think Hud and I moved way too fast and things will fall apart in six months.

Mia’s jaw dropped, shaking her head. I would never say that!

Ava burst out laughing, drawing stares from a nearby group ogling one of Ava’s taffy tables. You don’t have to. I can see it in your eyes.

I just worry about you is all. Mia folded her arms over her chest defensively. You know I think Hudson’s great, but I would seriously kick his ass if he ever hurt you.

Ava rolled her eyes. And I love you for that. But really, I’m good. It’s you we worry about. When was the last time you actually went out?

I go out all the time, Mia huffed, indignant.

Ava arched an eyebrow. "On an actual date?"

Mia opened, then closed her mouth. Busted. Alright, it’s been awhile. But so what? You know I don’t date.

Um…hello? How are you ever going to get swept off your feet by a tall hunky hero if you don’t go out and live a little?

I am living a little. See, I even dressed up for tonight. Mia twirled, showing off the violet, silky dress and strappy high heels she’d worn in honor of tonight’s celebration.

Steering clear of the dating scene was one thing, but she was a hot blooded woman with needs, and it’d been months since she last felt the press of a hardened male body against hers. Celebrating Ava and Hudson’s success was as good a reason as any to find an all-encompassing hook up.

A mischievous spark lit Ava’s eyes as she perused Mia’s wardrobe, nodding her approval. It’s a start, I’ll give you that. Now to find you a hunk to go with it.

Mia’s eyes drifted over the men in the room, mentally discarding them one by one. Too old, too boyish, too bald, definitely married…if she was going to do this, and do it right, then she sure as hell wasn’t going to go with the boy next door. No way. She wanted a man who knew the ins and outs of a woman’s body, the kind of man whose eyes could seduce you from a single look. A man who wasn’t afraid to push the envelope in the bedroom…

And hello, jackpot. Mia’s eyes landed on a tall blonde, his head thrown back in laughter at something Hudson had said. Muscles bulged beneath his dress shirt as he moved, giving enticing glimpses of a muscular physique hidden below. Most notably were his very kissable lips, a sensual smile, and eyes that held a glimpse of something lying beneath the surface. He was a player if she’d ever seen one, and she’d had her fair share of them in the past. Mia had no doubt he would know the ins and outs of her body with practiced ease, and her body almost purred, the promise of a heated interlude forthcoming.

"Who is that?" she murmured, eyeing the man appreciatively.

Standing on tip toe, Ava followed her line of sight, chuckling softly when they landed on the eye candy caught in Mia’s crosshairs.

"That would be Paxton Davis, Hudson’s best friend. And that, she continued, nodding towards a woman coming up behind the men, is Rosa Rodriguez, his current date."

Mia frowned, watching the beautiful woman as she placed a possessive hand on Paxton’s arm. Current date?

Ava laughed. They’re both in denial, but they’re more serious than they like to let on. It started off as a one night stand sort of thing, though they’ve been exclusive for months.

Mia sighed, undeniably disappointed. All those undiscovered abs were someone else’s property, which was really too bad. She was certain Paxton would have been the perfect hook up for an evening of pleasure. Oh well, there’s always more fish in the sea.

Speaking of fish in the sea…, Ava’s voice trailed off, nodding towards another group of gentlemen on the far side of the room.

Wrinkling her nose, Mia shook her head. Those boys were definitely not up for what she had in mind, and she wasn’t about to waste her evening chasing a lost cause. She knew what she was looking for. Her internal radar said they weren’t it. Having been played for a fool in the past, Mia was more selective when it came to her one night stands. Fool me, once shame on you. Fool me twice…

The door above the entrance jingled, signaling newcomers to the party, and Ava squealed in delight at the handsome couple walking through the door.

A striking couple, Leanna and Kurt Remington drew admiring stares wherever they went. Mia knew the couple had met at Cape Cod where Leanna was trying her hand at her jam making business, and Kurt was working on his current thriller. Leanna had been undaunted by the world famous writer with a penchant for keeping things in their place, and he had been drawn to her messy, free spirited personality. If opposites ever attracted, then they were living proof of that.

Through Ava’s friendship, Mia had hung out with Leanna and Kurt on a handful of occasions. While she liked Leanna’s easy going attitude, she always felt a bit intimidated by the oh-so serious Kurt. And from a girl who was used to fixing her clients’ problems, it took a lot to intimidate her.

Downing the remnants of her champagne, Mia set her glass on a nearby table, ready to take her leave. She could tell Ava was anxious to go over and say hello, and Mia didn’t want her to feel like she needed babysitting. I think I’m going to take off, see what sort of trouble I can find. Call you later?

Relief crossed her face seconds