Full Court Seduction. Synithia Williams

need a plan. Today.”

      Eric looked around the table. “You can’t be serious?”

      Coach Simpson nodded. “We are. We want Jacobe to remain a Gator, that’s no secret. We also want everyone to see that he’s an asset to the team.” Coach tilted his head slightly in Brian’s direction. The hairs on the back of Jacobe’s neck twitched some more. He eventually wanted to go to Phoenix, but if that didn’t pan out he didn’t need the Gators refusing to sign him next year.

      “We’ve finally hit our rhythm as a team,” Coach continued. “If we keep playing like we’re playing we’ve got a shot at the play-offs and, I believe, the title. We’ve built something great here. Let’s keep it going.”

      “I hear you, Coach, but I can’t play if I know every time I foul someone I’m going to be called into the conference room and told to behave.”

      Brian snorted. “That was a lot more than a foul.”

      Rebecca cut in before Jacobe could respond. “That’s why we met before you were here. We all want you to remain a Gator next year.”

      Jacobe narrowed his eyes and studied them. Coach and Rebecca eyed him intensely, and Brian looked like he was tired of the entire fiasco. Wariness had his stomach churning.

      Eric shifted in his seat. “You keep saying that. Are there plans to drop him?”

      Rebecca and Coach both shook their heads and said simultaneously, “You know we want him.”

      Brian sat forward and nailed Jacobe with a hard stare. “You’re a free agent next year. We won’t keep a liability.”

      “Are you threatening my client?” Eric’s voice turned hard.

      Rebecca tried again for the friendly smile. “Of course not. Which is why I’m working on a plan to make you more likable.”

      Jacobe’s shoulders tightened. “Excuse me?”

      “You aren’t seen out and about doing things in the community. If you take up a project or a cause, people will see that you’re giving back instead of just...”

      “Being a distraction and hindrance,” Jacobe finished for her.

      He gritted his teeth. Like many other athletes, Jacobe gave to various charitable organizations. Mostly to programs that mentored young boys and gave them direction and support. He gave his money but not his time. He was still getting his own life figured out—how could he possibly make a good mentor?

      Eric gave him a reassuring look before turning to Rebecca. “What are you thinking?”

      “We’ve come up with a list of organizations that you can be seen with.”

      Jacobe shook his head. This was his image problem. He’d find a way to fix it. “I’ve already got an idea.”

      Rebecca frowned. “You do?”

      “How about protecting the river,” Jacobe said. “It’s a big part of our city. I’ve got a friend who works to protect the St. Johns River and the beach. You can’t deny that seeing me out there saving sea turtles or some stuff like that would make people like me.”

      Eric nodded and tapped his finger on the table. “That could work. Being green is in right now.”

      He almost laughed. He’d known Danielle back when saving the planet wasn’t just a fad and she was the earth’s number-one champion. “I know it’ll work.”

      “Can you set up something with them by the end of the week?”

      “I’m sure I can.” He already planned to see Danielle later that day to apologize. He still wanted to sleep with her, but he wouldn’t assume she would readily fall into his bed. That night in college was a once-in-a-lifetime action. He had a feeling that the woman she was today wasn’t going to come to him on a spontaneous whim. He’d have to earn a place in her bed.