Places in My Heart by Sheryl Lister Page B

her side. “Is helping you out of the car allowed?”
    She placed her hand in his. “Ha-ha, you got jokes now.”
    â€œHey, I’m just trying to keep my agent from dropping me before I get to the bargaining table.”
    She cut him a look and rolled her eyes. “Let’s go, Drummond.”
    He chuckled and escorted her inside.
    As soon as they entered the ballroom, several pairs of eyes swung their way, all filled with surprise. The butterflies that had previously calmed returned in full force. “Oo-kay. I guess it’s showtime.”
    â€œYep.”
    Before they could take a step, a man headed toward them with a wide smile.
    â€œLong time no see, Drummond,” the man said, shaking Omar’s hand. Although he had spoken to Omar, his eyes were locked on Morgan.
    â€œIt has been a while. Morgan, this is Garrett Butler, an old college classmate. Garrett, my agent, Morgan Gray.”
    Morgan bit back a smile at the man’s stunned gaze. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    â€œSame here.” Garrett glanced back at Omar. “Didn’t hear you’d changed agents.”
    â€œIt just happened recently,” Omar replied mildly.
    â€œWell, congratulations and good luck in the upcoming season. Ms. Gray, it was a pleasure.” He nodded her way and departed.
    â€œThat was easy,” Morgan murmured. “I hope it’s a sign of things to come.”
    â€œYes, let’s hope. Come on. I want to introduce you to a few people, and then we’ll get our seats.”
    â€œOkay.” After the first one or two people, the names and faces started to blur. But so far, no one had been rude. He stopped at a table in the front, dead center, and pulled out a chair for her. “Do we need to sit so close?” She had no desire to have her every move scrutinized the entire evening.
    â€œIt’ll be fine.” He lowered himself into the chair beside her.
    A man approached the table. “Omar. I’m glad you’re here. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
    â€œSure. Morgan, this is a good friend of mine, Bryson Harper. He’s the board’s chairman. Bryce, my agent, Morgan Gray.”
    Bryson grinned. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Gray. About time he showed up with somebody who looks better than the last three agents he’s had. You won’t get a better client than this one,” he said, clapping Omar on the shoulder.
    A smile lit Morgan’s face, and she laughed. “Thank you.”
    â€œMind if I borrow Omar?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œBe back in a minute,” Omar told her.
    Morgan watched Omar’s fluid gait as he walked away. Alone, she took the opportunity to check out the guests. She saw city dignitaries, football players and even a few sports agents in the sea of people mingling. She caught a glimpse of Jaedon Dupree standing in a small group and smiled inwardly at a woman trying to insert herself into the conversation. Not that Morgan could blame her. Morgan had met Jaedon at a conference where he was one of several presenters. With his towering height, mesmerizing voice and green eyes, he’d held the attention of every female lawyer in the building.
    Her brother waved from across the room and started in her direction. Then Malcolm bent and kissed her cheek. “Hey, sis. I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”
    â€œWe decided to make the announcement on our terms instead of waiting for the media to spin it.”
    â€œIt’s a good strategy. And the other parts?”
    â€œOther parts of what?”
    â€œThe relationship.”
    â€œThere is no relationship. It’s strictly business.”
    A smile played around his lips. “If you say so. Have you told the family yet?”
    â€œNot yet,” she said with a heavy sigh.
    â€œYou do realize your face is going to be all over the news after tonight. Better for them to hear it from you.”
    â€œI know.