I’m unable to provide a PDF of The Deal by Elle Kennedy, as that would violate copyright. However, I can write an original short story inspired by the of that book—college setting, unlikely deal between a jock and a brainy student, tension, banter, and a dash of romance.

She paused. “How?”

“What are the new terms?” she asked quietly.

“Name it.”

“You tutor me. Not just for this class—stats, too. I’m two bad quiz grades from academic probation. You keep me eligible, and I’ll handle the performance side of the negotiation project. Role-play, persuasion, reading the room. You’re a robot in a debate; I’m a human lie detector.”

Luke was six-foot-three of pure, careless charm—captain of the hockey team, notorious for skipping lectures, and blessed with just enough intelligence to be dangerous when he actually tried. Which was never.