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Houston winked. “I make it my business to know.” He laid his forefinger against his temple. “By the way, my brother never told me why you wanted me to come on this date versus him. Care to enlighten this old curious George?”
Color stole into Kelly’s cheeks. Although she already knew the answer she pondered Houston’s query, the million-dollar question swirling around in her mind.
Did Houston need to know the truth?
Kelly cleared her throat. “I bid on Austin because I utterly love to annoy Sabrina Beaudreaux, whom I hadn’t seen in a while. She and I are old college roommates. The lady treated me horribly the first semester. I eventually ended up changing roommates.”
“I heard there was tension between you. Members of our family felt it at the auction. We tried to accept Sabrina in our lives. Austin was going to marry her, but the Carrington family was never comfortable with his decision or with her. She was rude to us and she constantly showed an unattractive spirit of selfishness and heartlessness.”
Kelly snorted under her breath. “I’m sure your family didn’t see the half of it. People Sabrina dislikes, fears or is just plain jealous of are the ones who feel the full brunt of her meanness. She often made me the butt of her downright crude and unkind jokes.” Kelly cringed at the painful memories.
“I’m sorry for whatever you endured.” Houston closed one eye and peered at Kelly through the other, letting her know she still hadn’t answered his question. “I’ve heard what you’ve said, but I’m also aware of what you haven’t said. Why me?”
Amused by his persistent line of questioning, Kelly smiled softly. “Why not you?” she asked straightforwardly.
“That’s what I want to find out,” he said, eyeing her inquisitively. “You’re the only one with the answers.”
“Although Austin was the most popular male athlete on the auction block Sabrina wasn’t the only reason I bid on him. I simply had a desire to check out the chemistry I felt the first time I saw you in person. So I asked Austin if he was willing to make a switch for the luncheon.” She’d told Austin not to reveal her agenda, like she thought that would really happen between brothers.
The famous triplets, Austin, Dallas and Houston, born to Angelica and Beaumont Carrington, were tall, toffee-brown-complexioned, sinfully handsome, athletically built and buff beyond imagination. The brothers’ sexy, athletic physiques, Southern accents, sparkling ebony eyes and silken curly hair had women all over the nation swooning. Kelly had found out she was no exception on her first glimpse of Houston.
Leaning forward, Kelly made unflinching eye contact with her date. “I find you attractive and sexy and I wanted to see if the first unbelievable reaction I had to you was real.” She trilled off the sweetest, most heart-stopping laughter he’d ever heard. “It was.”
Feeling good about Kelly’s remarks, Houston laughed jovially. “You’ve hit a tender spot in my heart. The compliments are so sweet.” His gaze strayed momentarily. “You’re not alone in your reaction. I confess I was also enamored with you on each of our quick encounters. It’s nice to share lunch with you, Kelly Charleston—very nice.”
While extending her hand to Houston, Kelly felt the heat rise in her cheeks.
The meals were delivered in a timely manner. Once the waiter found out everything was to his patrons’ satisfaction, he promptly disappeared.
Kelly didn’t know if Houston was into blessing the food or not so she took the lead and said a short supplication. Following his enthusiastic amen, he looked up at her, approval shining in his dark eyes.
The next look Houston gave Kelly was odd. “I know this is just a celebrity charity date, but I try to let people know who and where I am regardless of the situation. As for the women I date, rarely is there a second one. Because of my profession and lifestyle, I have a lot of platonic female relationships, but I’m not the type to commit. I only date one woman at a time, but even that is never serious.”
Kelly was totally surprised at Houston’s pointed remarks. He’d been up-front on sharing his views on relationships, but she wasn’t sure the timing was appropriate.
The look on Kelly’s face let Houston know he’d caught her completely off guard. “You may think I shared too much information for a first-time get-together, but that’s the way it is with me, Kelly. I’m direct and up-front, pulling no punches. Big problems arise for me when I don’t lay my cards out in plain view.”
Taken slightly aback by how painfully direct he was, Kelly took a sip of her drink. “It is a bit much, but only because I’m surprised by the timing. Are you perfectly clear from the jump with every woman you meet? And why aren’t you the committing type?”
Houston ran steady fingers through his dark curls. “I love meeting all kinds of women, love them in all shapes, sizes and colors. My career keeps me moving at full speed. I think it’d be unfair to tie someone down, especially when I can’t be there on a consistent basis. Commitments come with a certain amount of demands. I have a house but I’m also in love with a new condo…commitment is not my middle name.”
“Hmm, those are interesting and commendable edicts. I like a man who is straight and to the point, yet it’s unusual for stuff like this to come up in a discussion during a casual first lunch, don’t you think?”
“You don’t strike me as the kind of woman who kids herself. We’ve both mentioned our wild reactions to each other so I think the things I’ve said are appropriate.”
Shrugging, Kelly chuckled nervously. “Put like that, I’d have to agree. How do you define yourself and manage your life as a superstar athlete? And how are things for you out of the spotlight of superstardom?”
Giving several moments of intense thought to her queries, Houston pursed his lips. “I define myself as a man, Kelly, a simple man who tries to live an uncomplicated life. I try not to give out false hopes and I don’t go through life with unrealistic expectations from others or myself. No expectations equal no disappointments.”
Though fascinated by his philosophy, Kelly tried hard to hide her feelings. “Why don’t you believe in commitment?”
“It’s not that I don’t believe in it, because I do. I commit myself to important issues every single day of my life and I work hard to fulfill them. My job has me on the road a good bit. Personal relationships often suffer badly under that type of scenario.”
“So, do you just love women and then leave them behind in your traveling dust?”
Houston peered over at Kelly in a slightly scolding way. “Hardly! I’m up-front about my position.” He explained to her the number of women out on the road doing their best to distract a man from his good intentions. “I’ve seen marriage after marriage fail because of cheating, allegedly due to the numerous absences. I’ve also seen a number of successful ones, yet it’s the failed ones I seem to focus on. As for superstardom, that’s a label my brothers and I have inherited. We don’t see ourselves as such, in or out of our professions. Taught by our father to be the very best at everything we do, we are merely extremely hardworking men who relish success.”
As Kelly thought about how to turn away from their current conversation, she toyed with the idea of whether or not to tell Houston she had signed a contract as a sports medicine physician with his NBA team, the Texas Cyclones. Thinking it was better to wait until she was formally introduced to the entire team and the other staff members, she marked it off as a nontopic of conversation. After exposing her attraction to him, she didn’t want him to think she’d taken the job just to be around him. That wasn’t the case.
Feeling it was best to get off the subject he’d foolishly started, Houston summoned the waiter. Kelly requested another zinfandel and he ordered a glass of pinot grigio for himself.
While Houston waited for the orders to be filled, his mind flipped back to the constant taunting from his brothers over the phone last evening. He didn’t understand why Austin and Dallas stayed up in his personal business. Just because they’d both fallen madly in love didn’t mean he had to. He covertly took another look at his date. Curvaceous in all the right spots, Kelly only stood five foot seven compared to his six-foot-three-inch frame, but she was one tall order for any man to try and fill.
The waiter delivered the drink refills and promptly disappeared. Kelly reached out to accept the wine from Houston.
Hoping to lighten the dark mood he’d created, he pulled the drink back. “I forgot to taste your wine earlier, but I can’t let this one get by.” He took a small sip. “In case Sabrina paid the bartender to poison you, I want you to know I’m willing to die for you.”
Kelly felt the pain of her sharp intake of breath. Laughter bubbled within and broke loose. This gorgeous jock had said the sweetest thing, even if it’d been uttered in total jest. She could only imagine how wonderful she’d feel if he’d actually meant it.
Smiling brightly, Kelly accepted the drink. “So you’d die for me, huh? I hope we never have to find out.” She raised her glass. “Cheers.”
Houston gazed intensely at Kelly. “Would you die for me?”
Kelly’s eyes met his unblinkingly. “Of course, but please don’t quote me on it. I’d first want to know how I’m expected to lay down my life. Not so sure I’d step in front of a bullet or a fast-flying dagger intended for you or anyone else.”
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.”
