Keeping Score — Patricia Sargeant

Keeping Score: Brooklyn Monarchs, Season 1, Book IIIEvery moment is hot – on and off the court ...To be a pro basketball champion takes endless drive and passion. But being a winner on the court often means losing off the court. . .He's an NBA legend, considered the best of the best. Now veteran player Warrick Evans is determined to lead his team all the way to the championship. It's his last shot before he retires, but the media can't get enough of his story – and all the attention is turning his teammates against him, not to mention his wife.Dr. Marilyn Devry-Evans has always stood by her man, even when it meant standing in his shadow. Now she wants to focus on her own career, and on scoring her own dream job. But with the spotlight bearing down on them, Marilyn is reaching her breaking point. Especially when a secret comes to light – one that could destroy not only her career, but her marriage.ExcerptHe released his grip on the kitchen counter and stepped forward. I miss you, Mary.Her wide eyes were filled with sadness and confusion — and it was all so pointless.I miss you, too. Her voice was husky.Relief rushed him, rocking him back on his heels. Warrick closed his eyes briefly. She still cared. He had reason to hope. Then come home.Marilyn shook her head, her expression miserable. It's not that easy, Rick.He moved closer. Her body's warmth pulled him like a magnet. He wanted to bury his head against her neck and inhale her fragrance — jasmine and talcum. He missed breathing her scent as he fell asleep at night and woke in the morning.Warrick studied her features one by one — high forehead, short nose, sharp cheekbones, sexy lips, stubborn chin.Do you love me? His voice was a whisper.Marilyn dropped her arms. Of course I do.His heart healed. And I love you. It isn't any more complicated than that.Her rich dark eyes searched his. Yes, it is. I don't like opening the newspaper or logging on to the internet and finding stories speculating about our marriage and whether I'm good enough for you. I don't like people attacking you and questioning your character.It doesn't matter what other people think. All that matters is what we know, and I know that I need you in my life.He reached for her, lowering his head until his mouth met hers. Her lips were soft and welcoming beneath his. It had been more than four weeks — twenty-nine days — since he'd last touched her. Tasted her. He was starved for her loving. Warrick held her tighter against him, tracing the shape of her mouth with his. She opened for him.Praise for KEEPING SCOREA keen understanding of the human heart gives this mature romantic story a realistic tone. The dialogue is explosive, seductive, and pleading as it artfully shows the silent strength of the characters. – Publishers Weekly(Sargeant) paints the separate lives of her characters with extreme detail. ... Keeping Score is a playbook for a happy and stronger married life. – USA TodayThe writing is clever and funny, and the rooting interest for the lead couple is high. Readers will love the depth of emotions that this couple shares with us. – RT Book Reviews