Kissed by a Carrington

They both laughed.

Houston was too much of a challenge for Kelly to walk away from.

“I liked the interesting way you’ve defined yourself. You’ve left me with no doubt about your character. I’m impressed with how you live your life. It’s commendable. I hear you saying you walk through your existence being true to self. I like that.” Nothing of what he’d said about his view on romantic relationships had been disrespectful or despicable. In fact, he had been up-front and rather sensitive about it.

She liked integrity and sensitivity in a man. Kelly didn’t know for sure, but she felt strongly Houston possessed both—and probably a wealth of other fine characteristics.

Houston was pleasantly surprised by Kelly’s assessment of his character. “I’ve never heard anyone interpret me the way you just did. Very few people get me right off the bat. It seems that you have. Thanks for the generous sizing up.”

“You’re welcome. Does it scare you that I’d love to learn more about you?”

“I don’t scare easily, Kelly. But I have to warn you. You might not like everything you learn. Things you hear about me might not exactly be the truth, either. When in doubt about who I am, simply ask me.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks for being so transparent.”

Kelly had seen Houston’s remarks about being a confirmed bachelor and his inability to commit as interesting challenges, something she was always up for. He’d be surprised to know how competitive she was. However, this was the first time in her life she’d ever entered into a competition to win a man’s heart.

If Houston truly believed he’d never commit to any one person, she’d accepted the challenge to show him otherwise. Proving him dead wrong wouldn’t be easy, but she had already decided to pick up the gauntlet he’d thrown down.

If Kelly had her way, Houston would come to want her in every way a man wanted a woman. Yet it didn’t look as if there’d be another encounter for them. But all was not lost. Kelly was an eternal optimist.

Time flew by with the speed of lightning while Kelly and Houston enjoyed the delectable food and learned a few more interesting tidbits about each other. Humor and seriousness had been a part of the conversations, leaving each to wonder what exactly made the other tick. If nothing else, they both knew how to ride out the choppy waves. Despite Houston’s rules on personal relationships, he found it difficult to deny himself a chance to learn more about Kelly. She had first exposed a nerve then she’d pressed on it relentlessly. He’d been intrigued by a woman before but never to this degree. No one had ever made his heart race with the force of hurricane winds.

Glancing at her watch, Kelly got to her feet. “This has been one interesting meeting.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry it has to end, but I’ve got a few important matters to tend to before the day is done.” Kelly couldn’t let Houston know how deeply she feared seeing him only through her television set.

Houston stood, towering over Kelly. “Interesting is just one of many words that describes our luncheon. All good things come to an end. I have had a great time with you.” And I’m no longer sure that this is the end of us, as I was in the beginning.

Kelly and Houston appeared enthralled with each other as he walked her out.

Chapter 2

Not one to easily give in to bouts of nervousness, Kelly was surprised at the annoying tremor in her heart and at how dry her full, generous lips and mouth felt. The Sahara Desert was an adequate description for the dusty-tasting, cracking condition of her tongue. In spite of the juicy berry-wine lip gloss she wore, her lips felt parched.

Meeting the entire Texas Cyclones team and its owner and management staff wasn’t a nerve-racking occasion for Kelly. Yet knowing Houston was among the group had her regretting the decision she’d made not to reveal to him the legal contract she’d signed to join the franchise as a team physician. Houston had imparted a fair amount of his personal history to her, but she hadn’t given up nearly as much.

For the auspicious occasion Kelly had worn her favorite red power suit, simplified by a soft, silky white blouse. The dressy business attire, a perfect fit on her slender, well-toned body, was visible proof of her belief in the benefits of exercising regularly. Red patent-leather heels, almost the exact color as the suit, weren’t as hot as the stilettos she’d worn on the luncheon date with Houston.

As the professional basketball team filed into the room, Kelly ran her fingers lightly through her reddish-brown tresses. Bouncing with full body, her hair shone with the glossy product her stylist had sprayed on generously after a wash and blow-dry.

A few deep breaths helped to calm Kelly. Then her eyes engaged with Houston’s ebony ones. The expression on his face was totally unreadable, like a mask put perfectly in place to hide the true image behind it. Her breath suddenly felt tangled.

Houston didn’t look a bit surprised or particularly shocked to see Kelly standing there. His gaze was hot and unwavering, swirling all about her, tampering with her calm demeanor.

Smile, she quietly commanded him. Smile that beautiful smile for me, Houston Carrington, just long enough to ease this web of confusion I feel.

“Well, men, this is Dr. Kelly Charleston, the newest player added to our team roster. She’s the highly qualified sports medicine physician I just briefed you on,” Maxmillian Sheffield, the franchise owner, announced. “Is she not as beautiful as I said?”

“Hear, hear,” someone shouted from the middle of the room.

As the team did “guy things,” wolf-whistling and pumping fists, Kelly blushed, her sienna cheeks glowing. So Houston had known about her contract before he’d walked into the room, she thought. Yet his expression hadn’t given it away.

Maxmillian Sheffield, simply referred to as Max, filled any room he entered with his greatness. Kelly’s few encounters with him had put her in the middle of what his staffers had said about him. He was kindhearted, considerate and wore on his shirtsleeves the incredible humility and humanity he also carried inside his heart.

One of the wealthiest men in the country, Max lived modestly, comfortably, but fully, sharing his overflowing coffers with the less fortunate. Max was a giver. Kelly had heard it said many times by others; only God could beat Max at giving.

“Kelly is on board to take care of our team’s medical needs,” Max said, “mainly the orthopedic-related ones. I brought her to us on the highest of recommendations, but no need to repeat all that. Even though our season is over and we’re not in the playoffs, we hired Kelly to help with our summer league, preseason training and our future seasons. Without further ado, I present to you Dr. Kelly Charleston. Let’s give her a hearty round of applause.”

Enthusiastic hand clapping and warm smiles of approval appeared genuine.

Kelly stood in the center of the room, as opposed to timidly hiding behind the podium. “Hello, guys! It’s a pleasure and a privilege to sign on with the champion NBA Texas Cyclones. I’m grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime. I won’t travel with the team, but I’ll be prepared to meet all your needs at home.”

Kelly went on to let the team know that besides their own marvelous facilities, they’d have full access to the same state-of-the-art equipment her orthopedic practice had installed in their downtown medical/athletic facility, Houstons Sports Medicine Center.

“One of my partners in private practice, Dr. Jacoby Quinn, is also under contract with the team. I’d also like you to know I’ve been a staunch Cyclones fan for many years. Now that we’re slightly acquainted, I’m open to any questions you might have.”

Houston’s left eyebrow lifted. “Any questions?” he asked pointedly, giving Kelly a mere sample of just how incorrigible he could be.

Kelly licked her lips in a stirring manner, a provocation intended solely for one Mr. Carrington. “Any questions that have to do with sports medicine or my credentials,” she shot right back, her killer smile knocking him totally off-kilter.

Many of Houston’s team members had attended the charity event for Haven House. As far as anyone knew, Austin was the only triplet bid on. Houston would like to keep it that way. Never in a trillion years would he intentionally give away his recent association with Kelly, yet he relished a little harmless fun at her expense.

Laughing inwardly, Houston quietly conceded round one to Kelly.

Kelly happily answered all the astute questions the players asked her. Her demeanor was professional, but she was savvy enough to allow her sensational sense of humor and effervescent personality to ooze. Her desire was to win the team’s support, but she also wanted the guys to trust and like her. It would definitely make her job easier.

Max slid his cupped hand under Kelly’s elbow. “Instead of the partial tour you had the day of your interview, I’d like to give you a full one of the facility and also show you where to hang up your stethoscope during the paperwork portion of your workday. I hear chart entries and signings are the least popular part of your profession.”

Kelly laughed at Max’s great sense of humor. “That’s for sure. Cramped fingers and hands are occupational hazards, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m ready to go if you are.” As Kelly left the room with Max, she waved at the players, smiling broadly.

Instead of Max showing Kelly areas of the training center she’d already seen, he took her to the various sections she hadn’t toured, in the interest of time. The Texas Cyclones’ training facility was an amazing architectural structure. It was also a massive building, with a number of elevators and escalators provided for easy access from one point to the next. Lots of marble, brass, stainless steel, ceramic tile and an abundance of glass and textured walls could be found throughout.

Upon reaching the area Max had saved for last, he opened the door with a key and allowed Kelly to precede him. With his fingers already on the light switch, he quickly flipped it. “This is your personal hangout, Dr. Charleston.”

The loud gasp from Kelly pleased Max. His employees were important to him and their happiness was also. He was one of the youngest owners in the NBA, but he was known as having the wisdom and charisma of someone far older than his thirty-eight years.

The red-and-gold welcome banner hanging high above the desk made Kelly smile. “Oh, my goodness! This is so unbelievable. Look at the size of my office. It’s like an apartment inside here. Every piece of office equipment imaginable is installed.”

Kelly had another fit when she discovered the private bathroom. “For me, this is equal to the fabled executive washroom. Does it get any better than this?”

Max’s expression suddenly sobered. “It can always get better, Kelly. That’s what our franchise is about. Making things better is our never-ending goal for all concerned in this business and for the city of Houston and the community at large. In keeping with President Obama’s message, I’m willing to do anything I can to bring about change, change for the better good of our country and her citizens. Adding you to our staff is one of those remarkable changes. Again, welcome! We’re blessed to have you.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.” Holding emotions in check was sometimes hard for Kelly.

A warm hug was warranted—and Kelly would have loved to give Max a big one. She thought it was too forward of an action for now, yet she believed it’d happen one day. Max was truly a wonderful individual and he genuinely cared about his players, his staff and all the others he’d mentioned. Kelly was beginning to see his heart of gold.

“I have one more surprise for you. Then I’ll set you free,” Max told Kelly.

The reception Max had planned in Kelly’s honor was another nice surprise for her. As her eyes misted again, she turned to the owner. “This is very special. Thanks, Mr. Sheffield. I appreciate how you’ve gone out of your way to welcome me.”

Max waved a scolding finger. “‘Mr. Sheffield’ only works for me in the boardroom. Even then, most of my associates call me Max. Please, Kelly, if you don’t mind, I prefer Max. You’ll soon find out I’m a staff-friendly boss.”

Kelly reached for Max’s hand and held it briefly. “Max, I’m honored!”

Max smiled broadly. “Glad we have that settled. Now let’s go get a couple of plates and hit the buffet tables. If we don’t hurry, there’ll be nothing left. My guys love to eat. We’ll also pop the corks on a few bottles of celebratory champagne.”

“I’m all for that,” Kelly enthused. “Everything looks so appetizing.”

Kelly felt both tired and rejuvenated as she ran for her car. She had stayed at the reception until the last person had cleared the room. In her opinion, everything had gone extremely well between her and the attendees. Even though her official duties wouldn’t begin until the summer league got under way, she was looking forward to it and the preseason and regular season games. She would be in-house periodically to set up her office and familiarize herself with the team’s training facilities and procedures.

A few of the guys had dubbed her Dr. C. The majority of the players simply called her Dr. Kelly by the time the festive reception was over.

As Kelly buckled her seat belt, a light thump on the driver’s window caused her to look up with a slight start. It surprised the daylights out of her to see Houston’s mesmerizing eyes peering back into hers. Dazed by his sudden appearance, it took her a minute to realize she had to turn on the engine before lowering the window.

“Congratulations and welcome aboard,” he stated, sounding quite genuine.

“Thanks. I’m excited about working with and getting to know the team before the official season.” She paused a moment. “I apologize for not giving you a heads-up on my professional role with the team. I now know that I should have.”

“You aren’t obligated to tell me anything about your personal life. I was there to fulfill my obligation to help Haven House collect the bid you made. That’s done now.”

Kelly looked nonplussed. “What do you mean by that, Houston?”

Houston shrugged. “It was my understanding you might not cough up the funds unless I agreed to the luncheon date in place of my brother.”

“Excuse me!” Kelly felt terribly affronted. “There’s nothing further from the truth. That’s thinking I may be a thief. Who in Hades did you hear that from?”

“Afraid I can’t give up my sources.” Houston was now wondering if Austin had lied to him just to get him on the date. His two brothers would never stop the irritating attempts at matchmaking. “We’ve met the perfect woman for you,” Austin and Dallas had crooned to Houston.

“Then you shouldn’t repeat what you thought was said. It is a bold-faced lie. I rendered the entire bid amount in a check made out to Haven House before I left the event. Have a nice life!” Angrier than she’d been in a long while, she smashed her finger against the button controlling the driver’s-side window.

Houston reacted quickly to the unexpected rising glass in an attempt to avoid decapitation. For several seconds, he just stood there, looking after Kelly’s car, which sped through the parking lot like it was on the track at a NASCAR racing event.

It looked as if he owed the vivacious Dr. Kelly Charleston an apology. If that was the case, Austin was guilty of putting him in an unattractive position. As he thought back on his comments about collecting on the bid, he realized he hadn’t exactly been sensitive in how he’d phrased it. It was so unlike him.

Houston knew he had to see Kelly again, at least one more time. An apology was necessary, no matter who’d misrepresented the reason for the date. Her thinking he was an insensitive jerk didn’t sit well with him, not when he wasn’t like that. As he conjured up the stunned, wounded look on her face, he felt a sharp ache of deep regret.

Why do I act so out of character when I’m around Kelly? Houston wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer, since he probably wouldn’t like it.

By the time Houston made it to his Porsche, which was a different color and model from Kelly’s, he had his mind made up about seeing her again. As he settled onto the driver’s seat, he thought about how to apologize. No one had to tell him he’d hurt her feelings and no one had to advise him to make it right.

Houston turned the key in the ignition and revved the engine for a few seconds. The car shot out across the lot, slowing as it turned out of the parking area and onto the street. He looked ahead to try and spot Kelly’s car. By the way she’d sped off, he wasn’t surprised she was nowhere in sight. Just as he came up on the next exit, he saw her car moving slowly down the ramp. Following the Porsche off the freeway, he kept her in sight until he could signal her to pull over. Then he recalled they’d exchanged cell-phone numbers in case either had to cancel the luncheon date.

With his Bluetooth earpiece in place, Houston used the phone’s voice-command capability to get Kelly on the line. She responded on the first ring, sounding irritated and a bit disgusted. “Hey, Kelly, think you can pull over for a minute? I need to talk to you.”

“Who is this?” she asked, knowing full well it was Houston.

Houston didn’t believe for a second Kelly didn’t recognize his voice. If she’d stored his number in her cell, his name had also shown on the viewing screen. “It’s Houston,” he said, tolerating her petulance. “Let me have a word with you, please.”

She sucked her teeth. “You’ve said enough. Frankly, I don’t want to hear another remark coming out of your mouth.”

Houston chuckled under his breath. She was red-hot and he found her little temper tantrum bold and sexy. “Suit yourself, but you don’t know what you’re missing out on.”

“Like hell I don’t!” Kelly pressed the end button on her cell phone just to show him she didn’t care about anything that had to do with him. It hurt her to know he believed she’d withhold the promised donation. The reason she’d supposedly reneged on the deal hurt her more than anything else.

His mood turning somber, Houston repeated the voice command. It rang several times before he realized she was refusing to take his call. He understood her anger and could appreciate her feelings. However, he aimed to apologize…and his intent was steadfast. One way or the other, he planned to let her know how sorry he was.

Minutes later, Houston caught up to Kelly again, leaning on his horn to get her attention. As she glanced over at him, he gestured for her to pull over. Please, he mouthed, hoping she’d comply. If not, he’d follow her to her destination, wherever that was. She’d either park somewhere or eventually run out of gas. His tank was full.

Houston had pretty much shown Kelly how persistent he could be during their lunch date so she wasn’t surprised by his actions. If she didn’t pull over, she didn’t believe for one second he’d give up. Houston was no quitter.

Slowly, Kelly steered her car over into the right-hand lane so she could turn up into the Walgreens discount store parking lot. She had her choice in slots since the area was near empty.

Houston pulled his car in right next to hers and got out.

Kelly’s hands began to tremble. As Houston tapped his fingers lightly against the passenger-side window, she suddenly realized he intended to get into her car with her. She certainly hadn’t bargained for that. The idea of him seated so close to her, in such tight quarters, made her sweat. Yet she popped the lock open.

While easing his body onto the seat, Houston felt cramped in her car because his Porsche was custom-designed for his tall, athletic physique. He looked over at her and smiled gently. “I was an absolute horse’s behind back there. I was insensitive to you. I was at lunch on behalf of Haven House, but I’ve never enjoyed myself more. I know you are an honest person and would never skip out of a commitment, financial or otherwise. Can we please get past the bad start? I take full responsibility for it. I’d love to be forgiven.”

The soft and sincere way in which Houston had spoken had Kelly reeling. Her head was going around and around. The man made her dizzy. She didn’t even want to deal with her desire issues. Wanting him in a way she hoped he’d one day want her made her feel mental. “Why should I forgive you?”

“Because I asked you to and ‘cause I really want you to. I don’t want you upset with me. Just the idea of you mad at me is upsetting. The reason why I feel this way is that I like you, Kelly. You’re fun to be with. I’d love for us to become friends.”

Friends. She both liked and disliked the sound of the meaningful noun. Friend was too tame for what she wanted. Sharing in fire and brimstone and hot, breathless passion was more to her liking. Envisioning his beautiful body naked and steamy, stretched out on her mattress, his manhood hot, hard and ready for her, made her wish she was anywhere other than in the confines of her car. Imagining eating ice chips from his body and lapping the melting water with her tongue only heated her up more.

Kelly turned slightly in her seat and looked directly at Houston. “Why did you insult me like that? What you heard about the bid, do you believe it?”

“I didn’t intend to affront you. I believe you and what you told me. I plan to find out the truth. I don’t like being lied to, especially if it was intentional.”

She sighed with relief. “I believe in forgiveness and I’m a forgiving woman. That doesn’t mean I have to be your friend, but I like you and I want to be.” Leaning in, she kissed him gently on the cheek. “Thanks for believing in me. The donation to the home was never a condition of the date. I was always going to pay. I simply wanted the date to be with you. Remember?” Kelly had wanted to go out with Houston for the reasons she’d cited. She had wanted to find out if her bombshell reaction to him was real.

“I’m glad that’s settled. Think you’d like to hang out with me again?” he queried.

“Based on your commitment rules, I’d think you’d be the one to shy away.”

“We’ve already discussed that. You know where I stand. There’s nothing wrong with a man and woman becoming friends. Is there?”

There is when one is hot as Hades for the other. “You’re right.” She looked at the clock on her dashboard. “This has been interesting, but I’ve got to go.”

“Hot date?” Houston instantly wished he hadn’t asked such a personal question.

“Red-hot,” she remarked. Her hot date was with a steaming bath.

Houston reached for the handle and opened the door. Just before sliding off the seat, he leaned his head back in, catching her off guard as he kissed her. “Friends.”

“Friends,” she repeated, bewildered by the airy, fleeting kiss to her mouth. It was one of the sweetest kisses ever, though his lips had barely grazed hers.

Removing the cell phone from his belt, Houston handed it to Kelly. “Please store your home number for me so I can call. I’ll also give you my contact information.”

Taking hold of his phone, Kelly suddenly felt giddy inside. Wishing he wasn’t watching her so intently, she punched in the ten digits, hating the trembling in her fingers. Feeling shook up inside, Kelly inserted just her initials—K.C. Worried he may not find it like that, she erased it and put in her full name, adding M.D.

Kelly handed the phone back to Houston. Their hands touched. Then their eyes connected in a fiery way. As the heat of seduction emanated through their bodies, concentrated gazes held steady for several seconds.

Staring into Houston’s eyes was like looking into a midnight sky. It was too easy for Kelly to get totally lost in his dark gaze, too effortless for her to forget the world existed when he could draw her into his with a mere glance or a lingering one.