Game For Love: Best Laid Plans (Kindle Worlds Novella) (4 page)

He leaned in and she met him. His kiss was gentle yet through. They hadn't even greeted each other hello yet but somehow it felt right no words had been spoken. Garret slid his hand along her waist and pulled her into his muscular frame. Maura leaned against him reveling in all that wonderful strength. Another thing she hadn't known she was a sucker for-—someone whose hold made her feel safe yet vulnerable all at once. Maura stiffened. No man would ever make her that way again. Garret pulled back slightly looking at her with those damn all seeing eyes.

“Hello.” He rubbed his thumb along her side.

Bare skin
. She wished fervently for magic powers so she could be naked and he could touch her with those fingers.
You're such a hussy.
Maura chuckled then said, “Should I say the other part to the song?”

“Which one?” Garret smirked. “There are quite a few of them out there.”

“I love Adele's as well as Lionel Richie's version which uses the word 'Hello'.” Maura hummed a few bars of each.

“Hello is a great word to use.”

“It can convey so much according to how it is used.” Maura lowered her voice and said, “Hello.”

“DD don't do a come-hither voice on me unless you want me to take you to the nearest flat surface,” Garret said then groaned.

“Who said a flat surface is needed?” She smirked. “A wall is a very useful thing. It isn't just used to separate rooms or us from the outside world. Poor walls are so unappreciated for their other valuable uses.”

“Woman.”  He growled.

“Man.” She widened her eyes and wiggled her eyebrows. “Now that we have it straightened out what we each are, shall we go?”

Garret stared then chuckled. “Woman, you're going to drive me nuts.”

She stepped closer to him and spoke by his ear. “You have no idea.”

Garret glanced at her sharply and inhaled. The flare of his nostrils and the determination in his gaze made her pulse race. Maura licked her lips and he followed the movement with his gaze. He lifted his hand and stroked a finger softly against her lip. Maura followed his touch with her tongue then caught his finger between her teeth. The intensity in Garret’s gaze increased. Maura locked her knees wondering how fast they could get naked. From the look in his eyes, Garret would be more than willing to oblige her. Maura moaned and moved closer ready for anything he could give.

The slight chime of her cell made her stop and come to her senses. Maura licked his finger then released it.

“DD.” Garret shivered.

Maura controlled her need and stepped back frustrated but pleased he was feeling the same way. “Stop calling me Diva.”

“Technically I'm calling you the initials for Diva Duo.” He stated primly. “It's a wonderful name. My cat is the first Diva in my life and you're the second.”

“And again you are comparing me to your cat.” She sighed playfully. “I don't know if I should be offended or flattered since you obviously love you cat.”

“I'd go with flattered. Diva is awesome.”

“I bet you talk with her too.”

“Maybe.” Garret grinned sheepishly.

“You do. Man, please tell me there is a video of you talking with her. Did you used to go over plays for your game with her too?”

“Woman.” He widened his eyes and wiggled her eyebrows. “Now that we have it straightened out what we each are, shall we go?”

“Touché. “ Maura lifted an eyebrow. “But I wasn't calling you man it was just a figure of speech.”

“I couldn't resist.” Garret stepped back.

She came outside and turned to close her door. “Is that right?”

“Yep.” Garret chuckled. “And to answer your earlier question, No I didn’t used to talk to Diva about plays for my games. She hates football.”

Maura finished closing her door before facing him. “You’re cat hates the game you played?”

“Yep.”  Garret shrugged. “With a passion. She’d get really aggravated whenever it came on or I talked about it when she was in the vicinity and wouldn’t let up until I stopped talking about it around her or turned it off. I don’t watch any games around her. Any other sport she is fine with and very vocal in the teams she likes.“ He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her toward the stairs.

“So let me see if I understand.” Maura glanced at him. “Because you cat doesn’t like football you don’t talk about it or watch it when she is around.”

“Nope.” Garret paused at the base of the stairs.

Maura stopped too. “She is a Diva.” She laughed. “She’s demanding and has you wrapped around her finger.”

“Exactly like a cat. And yep she is. Been that way since I got her.”

At his fond smile Maura couldn’t resist. She kissed him softly then. “You’re so cute. All gooey over your kitty.”

“Woman. Don’t call me cute.” He scowled but there was a smile on his face which made her know he was playing.

“Man. You call me DD even though I tell you not too.” Maura tweaked his nose. “So I’ll call you cute.”

“Humph…that’s not the same thing.”

“You’re also cute when you pout,” she teased.

He shook his head and then continued onto his Tribeca. She walked beside him.

“So how goes your trying to do some leisure?”

Garret glared at her. “I’m leisuring just fine.”

“Uh huh. From what we discussed last night you wouldn’t know leisure if it bit you in the ass.” Maura stepped into the vehicle after her opened the door.

Garret closed it then jogged around the hood and got in. “I do know what leisure is.”

“Sleeping until six is not leisure.” She leaned back against the seat.

“From what you told me you're no better at leisure.”

“True. But I'm not the one who is retired.” Maura relaxed, enjoying their banter.

“Semantics.” Garret turned left to get to the main street. “So are you ready to tell me where we're going?”

“Just head towards the center.”

“You're taking me on a date to the center?” he asked, disbelief plain in his tone.

“No. Where I'm taking you is just near there.” Maura shook her head. “Just trying to build the suspense until we get there.”

“Okay.” Garret drove in the direction of Rising.

As he did they continued to chat and just as the night before Maura was surprised they had so many of the same viewpoints. Soon they were near the center.

“Keep going straight and I'll tell you when to turn.”

Garret did as she said and when she saw the turnoff.

“Make a right here and find a place to park in the lot.”

Garret continued on and shortly they were parked. He unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to her.  “Now will you tell where you've taken me to?”

“A street fair.” She leaned forward. “I wanted to get here early before the crowds start coming. That way we can browse at our leisure.” She smiled. “I'm going to teach you what that is.”

“Leisure.” He snorted. “Okay, lead on oh great teacher of leisure.”

He got out then closed his door before coming around to open hers. Maura exited and waited for him to lock the doors. They headed toward the fair. As they walked they talked. Garret took her hand in his as they walked side by side. Once they neared where the fair started she started to see early birds like her already checking out the wares of the vendors.

“Miss M,” a familiar voice called.

She glanced to her left and saw Darcia and some of the others from the center. Maura glanced at Garret and realized maybe this hadn't been a good idea. When she decided to bring him her she hadn't thought of the past times she'd come here and the various people from the center as well as neighborhood who'd she'd run into.

Too late now. Oh well it wasn't like she had planned to hide they had went out. With Garret in tow, she walked over where the group was.

“Hey guys.” She waved. “Are you all enjoying yourself?”

There was the usual teenage shrugs of indifference. Maura smiled knowing for them to be here that early they wanted to come.

“Mister G,” one of the boys said.

The others greeted Garret. They'd just stop calling him newbie a few days ago. Maura knew that was their way of starting to respect him. She hoped that it wasn't misplaced. Garret as he joked around with the kids. He was comfortable with them. Heck in general it seems as if nothing bothered him.  It made her wonder if he ever lost his temper. Even on the field he'd been known for his cool -headed ways. He'd let what he could do, do the talking for him.

They soon parted ways with the kids and continued on through the fair. As the day wore on they saw others from the center and neighborhood. They greeted her as well as Garret. As they did Maura realized he'd started to become part of their community. She didn't know if that pleased or made her uneasy.

* * * * *

A few weeks later Maura still didn't know which way she felt. She observed Garret as he interacted with the kids. He and Symon had split them up on opposing teams with each of the men as their coach.  The other volunteers were spread throughout the group to assist. The athletics program was fully operational with loads of help. They already had plans to have their first inter-center game—which they would host—with another center from Manhattan. There were also many others lined up from all the boroughs to follow—some hosted here and others away. The kids as well as community were excited.

“Staring again,” Heather teased from behind her. “You'd think you'd get enough of looking at him on your dates.”

Heather came to stand beside her. Maura glanced at her. “I'm working. It's my duty as director to check on the programs.”

“You sounded almost convincing.” Heather pushed her shoulder against hers. “You ready for tonight.”

Maura nodded. It was their benefit. They would announce the programs they had, were planning and then hopefully get some donations so they could implement more things needed.

“I hate these things,” Heather said.

“You just hate you have to dress up,” Maura retorted.

Heather was more about anything casual and comfortable.

“Duh.” Heather shrugged. “Oh well it's only a few times a year.”

Maura nodded. Although she didn't mind the dressing up. She wasn’t too fond of asking for money. That's why she gave the speeches and when they worked the crowd she left Heather to do her thing. She was good at getting money from donors.

“I have a few things I need to do before tonight.” She patted Heather on the shoulder. “I'll see you later.”

Heather nodded. Maura turned and walked away.

“Maura.”

She stopped and looked back as Garret called her name. He strode toward her. Maura stifled a moan. The sleek way he moved was so sensuous. He came right up to her leaving barely a hairsbreadth between them.

“About tonight…”

As he trailed off she stiffened expecting him to cancel on her. She'd went to many of these events alone but she'd become used to having him around.

That's what you get for having expectations other than disappointment from him.

“Are you sure I can't pick you up?”

She blinked as it took her a moment to realize he wasn't cancelling.

“Of course I'm not cancelling.” Garret frowned.

“Oh…I didn't realize I'd said that out loud.”

“You did. Why would you think I was cancelling?”

“No reason.” Maura smiled. “And no you can’t pick me up. I have to get here really early and it makes no sense that you come here and be bored out of your mind. You can meet me here at seven.”

“Okay,” Garret said.

She looked around then kissed him quickly. “It’s okay. I’ll let you escort me home.”

“As if I’d have it any other way.” Garret inclined his head. “I’ll meet you here later then.”

“See you then.” She turned him and pushed him toward the way he had come. “Now back to work.”

“Yes, DD.”

“Stop calling me DD,” she said in exasperation.

Garret laughed as he walked away. Maura shook her head and continued on her way. Her thoughts turned to what she had to do before tonight. Maura hurried to her office.

* * * * *

Hours later, Maura stood just behind a fern as she watched the people partying. She blew out a breath. The speeches had gone well and the interaction with the crowds that she and Heather had done had netted them some solid donations. All in all she was pleased how the night had turned out. Now she just needed a moment alone and then she could get back out there. Although she knew it was for the good of the center she really hated the being the center of attention at these things. Heck at any time. She was more into doing things and not wanting the praise.

“Hiding out,” a deep male voice said behind her.

Maura nodded. Garret placed his hand against her back and she pressed into it. He came beside her and she glanced at him. He looked very dashing in his tux.

“You and Heather are quite a formidable pair.”

“Why?”

“You’re the quarterback and she is the running back who completes the play.” Garret shook his head. “It’s amazing how you all got so many people to donate either money or time. And any other number of things.”

“We’re good,” she said smugly.

“Yes you are.” He hugged her against his side.

“These are necessary to keep the center going.” Maura glanced at her guests.

“I wondered how and why did you start this center?”

Maura stiffened the relaxed. She glanced at him then said, “I was tired of people making promises and not keeping them. I wanted to give people a place that when there is a promise it is kept.”

Garret glanced at her and didn’t say anything. Maura couldn’t believe she had said that. Usually she had a more tempered response when someone asked her about the center. Maura blew out a breath.

“You asked about my aversion to professional athletes.” Maura stared at him. “My brother was a great athlete—basketball. He met…well I won’t say his name
ever
. He met this asshole professional athlete who seemed to have an interest in helping him make it as they say. He kept making promises and we all believed him.” Maura closed her eyes then opened them. “What we didn’t know was that he was actually using my brother. He thought since my brother was a kid from a neighborhood like ours…” She made quotes with her fingers. “That he’d be easily lead. The athlete was looking to make himself look like he was giving back. At first he was nice, but then when my brother didn’t go to all these functions he wanted to trot him out at as the ‘poor underprivileged kid from a not so great neighborhood that he was helping’ this asshole got nasty. He even told my brother that was what he wanted and that he better do it or he’d make his life hell. And when my brother told him to fuck off he did everything he could to try to make sure he didn’t make it into the NBA.” Maura smiled fiercely. “He failed and my brother not only made it he gets to play against this man and kick his ass on the court.”

Garret narrowed his gaze. “That’s despicable.” He shook his head. “No wonder you don’t trust athletes. But not all of us are like that.”

“I know that but…” She rubbed her hand along her side. “It’s instinct for me to protect my center and those who come here. They are my responsibility and I’ll let no one do to them what was done to my brother.”