Heated Rivalry

He knows how to win her surrender ...She Wants What He's Got . . .Valerie Parker is desperate to win the affection of her emotionally distant father and land a promotion at his advertising firm. Her biggest obstacle is junior partner Steven Crennell, a dazzling former NBA star who scores all the big accounts. But Valerie's attempt to outshine her charismatic rival unexpectedly leads her straight into his arms.She's Everything He Needs . . .Steven hopes to dispel the playboy stereotype left in the wake of his NBA career. Between battling his ex-fiancée and focusing on his work, finding his soul mate isn't on the agenda - until he meets his match in Valerie. And when competition leads to explosive passion, he learns that the game of life - and love - involve a very different set of rules.Praise for Heated Rivalry"The age-old romantic conflict of opposing lovers is fresh and exciting in the skillful hands of Patricia Sargeant. Heated Rivalry steams the page from the beginning to the satisfying end." - Donna Hill, Essence best-selling author"When ex-NBA star Steven meets advertising executive Val, The Taming of the Shrew never read so well - or so sexy." - Shirley Hailstock, best-selling author"Patricia Sargeant not only touches the heart, she touches the soul of the reader." - Karen Kelley, USA Today best-selling author"Heated Rivalry sparks with sexual tension." - Janice Maynard, USA Today best-selling author"An absorbing ... emotional journey with broad appeal." - Publishers Weekly"Heated Rivalry by Patricia Sargeant lives up to its title with a riveting plot and memorable characters." - Romance In Color"Drama with a hint of humor is rife in Sargeant's latest. Readers will savor this right to the end." - RT Book Reviews"There were several storylines happening simultaneously, and Sargeant does a great job of weaving them all together." - Urban Reviews"HEATED RIVALRY is a treat and worth the read for the true romantic." - The RAWSISTAZ ReviewersExcerpt: Heated RivalrySteven finished his burger. "Tell me about volunteering at Miami Children's Hospital."Valerie placed her napkin on the table. "What do you want to know?""Everything. What do you do there?""I volunteer in the recreation room. I'm the Crayon Lady." Valerie laughed and her features lit up. Her full lips parted, showing perfect white teeth. Her eyes twinkled and danced.A warm feeling started in the pit of Steven's stomach. He could listen to her laughter and gaze at her smile for years. "Let me guess. You draw with them.""Once or twice a week since high school.""When I was in high school, I went to every basketball camp in Miami-Dade County.""I saw you when you played for the Miami Waves. You were like art."Steven watched Valerie return her dishes to the cart. He stood to do the same. "I don't think anyone's ever said that about me."Valerie turned, almost bumping into him. She was caught between his body and the cart. Steven held his ground. Her heat drew him closer. He breathed her scent, lavender and vanilla. He wanted to bury his hand in her ebony hair. Her eyes mesmerized him. Steven reached around Valerie and laid his dishes on the cart."What type of art?" His voice was husky. He hadn't intended it to be. What was she doing to him?"Modern." She answered without hesitation. "Bold and powerful. Full of energy and contrasts.""Funny. That's what I feel around you. Restless energy and conflicting reactions."She searched his gaze. "What conflicting reactions?"He couldn't resist any longer. Steven reached out and filled his hands with her hair. It was soft and warm. "Your vulnerability draws me closer, but your temper makes me want to run and hide."Her smile teased him, tempted him. "Do I frighten you?" She reached out and squeezed his left bicep. "A big, strong professional athlete?""Sweetheart, you bring me to my knees."Steven leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.