Running Interference Read Online Free PDF Page B

first—sort of a practice round. And then she went and did something stupid like think the encounter could be the start of something more.
    Jillian pulled Tanya’s hand from her mouth. “Oh, who cares? I’m sure he’s way better now. After all, he was engaged to a movie star. Sabrina Quick.” She puckered up in imitation of Sabrina’s trademark Botox-induced facial expression.
    “And TMZ said he cheated on her,” MJ added with a smirk. “I guess he’s a lot better at finding the hole these days.”
    She was sure he was, she was also pretty sure … “He didn’t cheat.”
    MJ waved a hand in dismissal. “How would you know? You didn’t talk to him the entire time he was with her. People change unfortunately.”
    “Not the fundamentals. He’s an honest, decent guy.” She was reminded of that today. “And he was raised by women. He wouldn’t screw one over like that, especially after his dad abandoned him and his mother.”
    “Didn’t he abandon you?” MJ asked. “Calling you when he was homesick or brokenhearted, and then not calling you for five years sounds like abandonment to me.”
    True. “I was talking specifically about cheating. He wouldn’t cheat.”
    “Well, I’m not sure the fact that he’s capable of abandonment makes him any better.”
    But maybe the fact that his father set the precedent made it easier. It didn’t mean Cam was a bad man. And why in God’s name did she feel so compelled to defend him?
    She muzzled it.
    “I say it’s a good thing he’s back,” Jillian said. “He’s hot. He’s loaded. Maybe you two can have a little fun.”
    Tanya didn’t need to have any more fun with him. She’d had more fun today at work than she’d had all year. And Rollins’ announcement that he’d opened the doors to Cam volunteering at the school while he was home just had her thinking it could happen again.
    “I say we get back to talking about the real problem here: the gym,” MJ said. “Please, try to get your dad to accept Tag’s help. Thirty thousand isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things.”
    Tanya glanced at the rock on MJ’s left ring finger. “Spoken like a woman who’s about to marry a rich man.”
    MJ shrugged. “Just think about it, okay?”
    “Actually … ” She hesitated, because after their conversation she wasn’t sure she should bring Cam up again. “I think I have a plan that won’t involve anyone handing over a big chunk of money. I’m going to ask Cam to work out at the gym on a regular basis while he’s home, and then I’m going to publicize it and charge an inflated membership fee.”
    “Work out with the Super Bowl MVP? It’s genius,” Jillian said. “I’ll help you promote it. We can set it up on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, you name it.”
    MJ stayed quiet a beat too long. “There are probably some legalities and logistics you’ll have to consider.”
    Of course there were. She didn’t even have Cam’s blessing yet. “Let me call him first, okay? Then we can iron out the details.”
    Because, come hell or high water, she was going to do whatever was necessary to get him on board with her plan.
    God help her.
    • • •
    Cam helped his mother up the crooked icy steps that led to his aunt’s house. This place was in even worse shape than his mother’s.
    The door flung open before they reached the porch and a woman squealed. “Get your ass in here!”
    Aunt Yvonne’s hand shot out to grab him when he was within reach. His mother’s sister was never short on enthusiasm. Or perfume. He coughed as he wrapped her up in a hug.
    “He’s here! He’s here!” The bouncy voice at his side belonged to his teenaged cousin, Corinne. Cam shook his head. The little fool was dressed in a crop top and booty shorts even though it was only 30 degrees.
    “Get back in that house with no shoes and no coat!” Aunt Yvonne let go of him to grab Corinne and drag her inside. “You’d better be hungry.” She directed the threat at