She pursed her lips in thought, still undecided about how much to reveal.
"Hey, babe, you should know by now you can't put anything over on me. You obviously have the hots for Fuller.”
She swallowed and choked on her own saliva, grabbing for a glass of water.
"Easy," he said, laughing. "It's just me, so before you try and argue, remember I'm the one who knows how you always felt left out when your sisters would start with the girl talk growing up. And I also know how hard it is for you to date or open yourself up to guys on any level other than friendship. So why wouldn't I notice your reaction when Fuller rolled out the red carpet for Veronica but ignored you?"
"Way to watch out for my feelings, Roper." She glanced down at her hands, unwilling to meet his gaze or admit he was right.
"Hey, you've been dancing around those feelings, which hasn't helped you any, so I decided it was time to bring things out into the open." He raised his eyebrow, challenging her to talk openly with him.
"I had no idea I was so transparent," she muttered.
"Only to those who love you best." He treated her to his trademark grin and the dimples women loved. Thank God she wasn't into him that way, Micki thought wryly. She had enough trying to handle her attraction for Damian Fuller.
"So what are you suggesting? That I step up…how?"
"Why hasn't Damian noticed you as anything other than my publicist up until now?" John countered her question with one of his own.
"Because…" Her voice trailed off. She really didn't want to tread these painful waters, Micki thought. Didn't want to dig into the differences between herself and her sisters, the girlie girls versus the tomboy.
Not that her sisters had ever criticized or belittled her choice to be more like Uncle Yank. In fact Annabelle had coddled and babied Micki. She'd looked out for her little sister and made sure Micki felt safe and loved. And though Sophie had been more reserved, that was her personality. Annabelle reached Sophie more easily because they had more in common. Still, when all was said and done, there was a loyalty between the sisters that ran deep. In their hearts, the Jordan sisters remembered being left alone in the world by their parents with the knowledge that they only had each other to count on. Each other, Uncle Yank and Lola, their surrogate mother.
'I’m going to tell you why Fuller hasn't noticed you yet," John said, intruding on her thoughts.
His soft tone indicated she wasn't going to like what she heard. "I don't suppose you can spare me the details?"
Roper shook his head. "Fuller hasn't looked twice because you blend into the woodwork, doll."
She winced at his too-accurate assessment.
He patted her hand. "That's not to say there's anything wrong with who you are. I happen to adore you. It's just that you've fallen for a guy who likes frills. Now take me for example."
“At the moment, I wish someone would."
He shook his head and laughed. "We're hanging out and I'm wearing what?"
Micki didn't have the foggiest notion what he was talking about "Clothing?" she asked.
He groaned. "A Hugo Boss shirt, Polo pants and Cole Haan loafers. I've gelled my hair and-"
"Waxed your back and painted your nails with clear polish. I get it. You've done all the things I'm trying to break you of doing until the season's over!
"Exactly." John leaned back in his seat and smiled contentedly. "If you would put in half the effort, Damian couldn't help but notice that gorgeous face, perfect complexion and those darling curls you hide in a ponytail." He gave a fake shudder at the last word.
She glanced at the ceiling, thinking about the validity of his point. The insecurities she'd experienced growing up around her beautiful sisters and the self-doubt she'd felt with Veronica in the locker room today surfaced again now.
He leaned forward. "So what's going on in there?" He tapped on her forehead.
"It's just that if I change who I am on the outside, then I wouldn't be me. Don't I deserve to find someone who appreciates me for who I am?"
"Of course you do." John placed a comforting hand over hers. "And if you did what I just suggested, you would still be you-only more obvious. Once you catch the right man's interest, he'd be a fool not to see all you have to offer him."
"You're a great guy," she told him, then gave him a sideways look. "I notice you didn't say that Damian Fuller is that right man."
John shrugged, conceding the point, then leaned back again in his chair. "Fuller's my captain and teammate. I admire him. But he's still living the life of an athlete who just made his first million. He may have the potential to grow up, he may not. I don't want you to get hurt but…"
"But what?'
"Maybe Fuller has potential. That's up to you to discover."
Micki shivered at the prospect.
Meanwhile Roper fidgeted in his chair, glancing at his watch when he didn't think she was looking. "Hot date?" she asked.
“Would you be insulted if I said I had to eat and run?"
She rolled her eyes. A free night during the season didn't happen often. "Of course not but you need to promise me you'll behave. No more antics or giving the press cause to speculate on anything, okay?”
"You drive a hard bargain," he said, as he cocked his head to the side. "How about we make a deal? I won't get the earring I wanted if you promise to consider my advice-you step up a little and see if Fuller notices you" He winked, then rose, collecting their plates and placing them in the sink.
The man was a true find. "Some woman's going to be lucky to land you, Roper."
"I'm nowhere finished sowing my wild oats."
She stood and walked him to the door. I'm afraid Damian isn't either."
"You'll never know until you try." John wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulders. "Remember Roper's word to the wise-life is nothing without risks."
She laughed. "I'll remember."
He kissed her head and took off.
Alone in her apartment, Micki rinsed their plates and dried them, her mind preoccupied with Roper's words. He was right about a lot of things but most importantly about her feelings for Damian. She did have the hots for him and had since this past New Year's Eve. Damian's kiss, planted on her in a drunken stupor, had been a prelude. One taste hadn't been enough and he'd whetted her appetite for more. When his full lips had been on hers, and his hard body against hers had warmed her in the cold winter air, she'd realized how much she desired the man.
Micki wanted to feel the excitement of a home run with Damian. Unfortunately he didn't even remember reaching first base.
THE NEXT MORNING, Micki stood in front of the mirror in the restroom of the Hot Zone. She eyed her standard look-her blond curls hastily pulled into a ponytail and her white button-down shirt tucked into a pair of black slacks-and frowned at the lackluster sight.Was it any wonder that when she strode into a locker room full of naked men, none of them "stood at attention"?
She was sick and tired of being considered one of the guys, especially by Damian, and Roper had made it perfectly clear why the man failed to notice Micki. Last night's conversation was fresh in her mind and she couldn't help but be frustrated with the status quo. Though her practical side understood that being treated as an equal was what female reporters and publicists had been fighting for years, the female side of her had been ignored too long and demanded recognition.
"Micki? It's meeting time." Her middle sister, Sophie, called from the hall.
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Micki turned away from the mirror just as Sophie stepped into the ladies' room.
Her gaze scanned Micki's face. "Okay, what's wrong?" Sophie nailed Micki with the knowing stare she'd perfected as a child.
The desire to reveal all was strong until Micki's gaze raked over her beautifully dressed sister. Not a stray hair fell from Sophie's sleek chignon, and her purple tweed suit was the height of fashion. Probably Chanel. No quick, off-the-rack shopping run for Sophie or Annabelle, Micki thought.
Her insecu
rities rose full force and any thoughts Micki had of admitting her recent bout of uncertainty fled in the face of Sophie's perfection. "What makes you think anything's wrong?" Micki asked, lifting her chin a notch.
Sophie turned the lock on the company restroom door, shutting them in the small lounge area alone. "You're my sister and I know you. Since Annabelle married Vaughn and got pregnant, you haven't been your usual spunky self."
Micki placed a hand on the white sink, aware of the cold porcelain beneath her hand and the intensity of her grip. "I'm not jealous."
Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Did I say you were? Listen," she said, approaching Micki slowly. "I know that Annie's marriage and move has changed the dynamic of your relationship."
Micki acknowledged that truth with a nod. Annabelle used to live across the hall from both Micki and Sophie until she and Vaughn had relocated to his lodge in Greenlawn, a small town in upstate New York. Though the couple had kept Annabelle's apartment, they didn't spend much time there. Even Sophie's presence and Roper's visits didn't ease that loss.
"I know we've never been as tight as you and Annie, but I miss her, too," Sophie admitted, the uptight armor she normally kept around her softening as she spoke. "And maybe this is a good time for us to…" Her voice trailed off.
Could confident Sophie be hesitant, too? Micki wondered.
"Maybe we could get closer?" Micki met her sister halfway and hoped she hadn't misread her intent.
Sophie nodded and relief filled Micki. Apparently, despite their very different personalities, she and Sophie really had formed a bond, even if they'd drifted for a while. Annabelle's life change offered the perfect excuse for them to forge a new beginning of their own.
Micki knew just where to begin. "Soph?" Micki asked tentatively.
"Yes?" Her sister sounded just as wary.
With Roper's suggestion that she "step up" and capture Damian's attention ringing in her ears, she turned to her feminine, perfect-looking sister. "Can you teach me how to be more of a…girl?"
Sophie's eyes sparkled with surprise and excitement at Micki's words. 'It's about time!" she said, practically salivating at the idea of making Micki over.
Together they headed to the conference room to meet with Uncle Yank and tried not to rush him too obviously through the weekly meeting. They didn't have to worry since their uncle was overly grumpy thanks to Lola's appearance last night at a charity event.
Lola had been a surrogate mother to the girls. She'd also been Yank's assistant until she'd finally taken a stand. She'd told Uncle Yank to admit his feelings for her or else she was walking away for good. He hadn't believed her-why would he when she'd spent the better part of her fifty-eight years at the man's beck and call?
She'd sacrificed her youth and deserved more from her life and the man in it. So Lola had quit and gone to work for Spencer Atkins, Yank's biggest business rival and ironically his closest friend. She'd also begun dating him while Uncle Yank gnashed his teeth-and did nothing about it.
Everyone from her sisters to the office staff knew all Uncle Yank had to do was admit he was ready for a committed relationship and Lola would willingly return. At least they thought she'd come back, but lately she and Spencer seemed to be spending more and more time together while Uncle Yank grew ever more stubborn.
With Annabelle at a doctor's appointment and Uncle Yank in a surly mood, he'd dismissed their meeting early and demanded they all show up again the next morning. With the afternoon free, Micki and Sophie left the office for the day with the shared goal of making Micki over.
Now Micki sat on Sophie's bed, her knees curled under her, while Sophie made frequent trips to her bathroom and closet, creating separate piles on her dresser.
"Ready?"
"Ready as I’ll ever be."
"Then let's get started." Sophie handed Micki a pad and pen to take notes on what she would need to purchase to put Sophie's lessons into action. "This," she said, picking something up from behind her, "is a blow-dryer."
Micki rolled her eyes. "Tell me something I don't know."
"Okay, this red thing is the on/off switch. You have gorgeous hair but you hide it like you did when you used to pitch Little League." Sophie pulled out the elastic holding Micki's hair in place and yanked out a few strands in the process.
"Ouch." Micki rubbed her scalp.
Sophie ignored her. "A little light gel and some blow-drying and your hair will fall around your face in soft waves."
As she spoke, Sophie played with Micki's hair like she'd seen her do to Annabelle when they were younger.
"Are you getting all this down?" Sophie, the organized one, asked. "Blow-dryer, hair gel, soft styling spray. Write," she ordered.
Micki laughed and did as her sister instructed. Okay. Hair is done."
"Then on to clothing and makeup. The key is to accentuate your already beautiful qualities to make them pop more." Sophie excitedly went through some simple makeup tips with Micki and offered her the spare jars and tubes she had in her makeup cabinet.
"Good thing you're anal and afraid of running out of things," Micki said.
"It's even better that we have the same hair, eye color and complexion. Otherwise I'd drag you to Bendels for a full makeover. But that can wait until the weekend."
Sophie applied as she explained and soon Micki wore a full face of makeup. She'd expected it to feel like armor but instead it was light and made her look… sexy, she thought glancing quickly in the mirror. Heart pounding with excitement, she let Sophie lend her clothing, too.
Transformation complete, when she finally turned around before the full-length mirror, Micki stared at a woman she no longer recognized but one she definitely wanted to get to know better. She couldn't help wondering if Damian would feel the same way.
"Now remember, you can't just rely on the outer dressing," Sophie said, oblivious to Micki's thoughts. Her sister was obviously just pleased Micki was showing an interest in all things feminine, for once. She hadn't asked why.
"Attitude is everything" Sophie continued. "Fortunately for you, you're comfortable with guys, so that's one hurdle down. Now just flirt a little and you'll be all set."
Micki squared her shoulders and shimmied a bit, intentionally shaking her boobs. "Like this?"
Sophie laughed. "That's it. Work on the voice, too. A little breathy is sexy, you know?"
"Next thing I know you're going to ask me to sing Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”
Her sister grinned.
Micki glanced at her watch and groaned. "It's nearly midnight. Do you realize how early Fm going to have to get up in the morning to duplicate this look?"
"That's the price of beauty," Sophie said way too cheerfully.
"I might as well just sleep standing."
"Whatever works for you." Sophie shrugged, but couldn't stifle a yawn. "I don't know who you're doing this transformation for, but I hope you'll tell me one day."
Micki didn't know how to reply. She wasn't ready to admit the truth aloud. She could barely admit it to herself.
"I also hope he deserves you."
"I do, too," Micki said and hugged her sister. The only consolation she had was that regardless of Damian Fuller, this step in Micki's life was long overdue.
CHAPTER TWO
THANKS TO A CLUMPY mascara wand and a distinct lack of ability, Micki was late for work the next morning. Normally they didn't keep specific office hours but today Uncle Yank had insisted on his weekly meeting. With his obnoxious mood, Micki didn't want to draw attention to herself, especially not when she was dressed so out of character. However, with his vision problems and refusal to discuss the diagnosis of macular degeneration, Micki could only hope he wouldn't notice the changes she'd made.
She passed by the main desk, planning to head directly for the conference room, but the ringing of the telephone stopped her. Raine, the very new and young receptionist, wasn't sitting at her desk. Voice mail could take care of the caller but Micki hated to let one of their c
lients wait for no reason.
She grabbed for the phone. "The Hot Zone, may I help you?"
“This is Damian Fuller. I need to speak to Annabelle."
The deep, masculine voice reverberated through the telephone lines and Micki shivered, her reaction a jumble of emotions. She didn't know what affected her more, the rumbling baritone, the sound of his name, or the lingering memory of the degrading feelings she'd experienced in the locker room yesterday.
"Hello?" Damian asked, drawing Micki back to the present. "Is anyone there?"
She cleared her throat. "Sorry. I was distracted. Someone just stopped by the desk," she lied. "What can I do for you?"
"I already told you I'd like to speak to Annabelle."
"Oh right" She heard the annoyance in his voice and she quickly glanced down at the check-in sheet Raine was instructed to keep. "Annabelle isn't in yet Can I-" She was about to ask if she could take a message when an idea dawned.
Here was the man who'd prompted her transformation in the first place. Why not start flirting over the telephone? It would be good practice. Her heart rate picked up speed at the prospect.
"I haven't much time to talk," Damian said.
Before he could hang up, Micki pulled herself together. "Hold on, Mr. Fuller. I'll put someone on the line who can help you."
Micki pushed the hold button, then drew a deep gulp of air. Think sexy, think sultry, she told herself and settled into the oversize chair. She crossed her legs in an ultrafeminine pose and slowly lifted the phone. "The Hot Zone, Micki Jordan speaking. What's your pleasure this morning?" she asked in the huskiest voice she could muster.
"Micki?" He sounded as if he didn't quite believe it. "It's Damian Fuller. I needed to speak to Annabelle about the schedule she's got lined up for the team this coming weekend."
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