Rush to the Altar (12 page)

When Jake came into the room, he went straight to her, put his hand on her back, leaned in toward her ear and whispered, “Thanks for putting up with all this. You’ve got that determined smile on your lips, so I know you’re miserable.” He gave her a quick kiss on her forehead that was noticed by several of the media persons, but no one had time to take a picture, thank goodness. Maddie sighed, a little dreamy, watching him join some of the other members of the team at a long table in front of the giant Racers logo.

The media peppered them with questions, everyone in good spirits over the win. It didn’t take long for Jake to finish and come back over to her. He was dressed in a black suit, looking the epitome of tall, dark and handsome and smelling heavenly. This is a business date, Maddie reminded herself over and over, but the words didn’t seem to be sinking in past the thumping of her heart. Just relax and enjoy it, she lectured herself.

“Let’s get out of here,” Jake said, taking her hand and pulling her along the stadium halls and out into the parking garage, where the temperature felt about twenty degrees colder. Jake helped Maddie into her coat, his hands lingering around her shoulders. “If I haven’t said it out loud yet, you look great tonight.” He looked her up and down with a wolfish grin.

Maddie smiled and looked away from his scrutiny. “Thanks.” Sasha was right as usual. The mini-skirt and boots seemed to be a hit.

He led her over to a sleek black SUV and opened the door for her. She had to climb up to get inside, so opposite from her car where she had to sink down into the old, battered seat. She laughed as she slid across the huge leather seat, leaned back against a molded headrest, complete with speakers and headphone jacks, and then glanced over at the glowing blue monitor on the dash. Sheesh, she hoped Jake hadn’t seen her getting out of her beat-up car at work. She took a deep breath, unclasped her fingers and sent up a quick prayer for strength against the glamour. Jake and his world seemed bigger than life. Was that why she was so nervous?

As Jake got in she commented, “Nice SUV. It’s so roomy inside.”

“Yeah, I wanted a Bugatti but I’m too tall, so I settled for this.” He flashed her that teasing grin that made her feel like they had their own little private jokes.

“How did you like the game? Better seats this time?” Jake asked as he pulled out of the parking garage.

“My dad was in absolute heaven. Thank you for the tickets. And yes, the game was really exciting so close to the floor.”

“Good. Robinson was on fire tonight.”

“Really? Which number is he?”

Jake laughed, “Fifty-one. Tall black guy.”

Maddie laughed. “That narrows it down.” She paused, then blurted out, “I think I only watched you. I’m afraid I didn’t pay very much attention to the other players.”

She was cursing herself for being so honest when a pleased look flashed across Jake’s face. He reached over and grasped her hand. “That’s okay. I wouldn’t want you giving that much attention to anyone else.” He stopped at a red light, looked over at her and brought her hand to his mouth giving it a small kiss, his perpetual five o’clock shadow rubbing against the smoothness of her hand, making her want to touch his face.

 The light turned green, but they didn’t notice as they stared into each other’s eyes in the dark car with the bluish light from the interior making their faces glow.

She couldn’t move, sat frozen, just feeling the moment—the way her heart pounded in her chest, the way his eyes glowed with intensity, the way—

A car honked behind them, jerking Jake back into action, turning his attention back to the road. He lowered her hand but didn’t let go, squeezing it instead, and said, “I knew you would bring me luck. I like it when you’re there.” He was quiet for a second, seeming embarrassed that he was so honest, and then quickly said, “Would you mind if I go home real quick and change? I have a condo downtown so it’s not far from the restaurant.”

Maddie nodded her head. “I don’t mind. But you look great.”

“The new dress code. I have to wear a suit anytime we are on Racers business, but I sure would like to get into something more comfortable.”

“Okay.” Maddie thought about being in his home with him and felt the need to remind herself who and what he was—who and what she was.

They pulled into a gated community where Jake waved to the uniformed security officer, who nodded and opened the soundless gate. The streets were narrow, immaculate and well lit. He pulled around to number 614, pushed a button on his steering column and pulled into a three-car garage. It was dark inside but Maddie could make out the sports car parked next to them, a couple of motorcycles and a four-wheeler edged to one side. A ski boat with matching trailer sat gleaming in the third bay.

She was about to let herself out when Jake appeared beside her and opened the door. He took her hand, helped her out and led her to a door at the back of the garage. He seemed to like holding her hand, because he didn’t let go, just turned the lock with his key, opening it and saying, “This will only take a minute.”

“Sure, take your time,” Maddie assured him, eager to see how he lived.

The landing led up a flight of stairs to a pair of elegant French doors and then inside to the main living area. Huge vaulted ceilings with skylights, a giant fireplace that Maddie could easily stand inside of and a deep floor area, tastefully furnished in dark leather sofas and chairs, met her view.

Turning from the room, she remarked, “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thanks. I had a decorator come in. Hey, make yourself at home, feel free to poke around and I’ll be right back, okay?”

Maddie nodded, watched him walk into the recesses of the house, then turned to study his living room. She walked further into the main living area—lots of black and white, the specialized lighting that gave the room an intimate feel, the obvious thousands spent on electronics. Modern, sleek and masculine—the ultimate bachelor pad.

Wandering into the adjoining kitchen, she marveled at the latest stainless steel appliances, the dark granite countertops and sleek European cabinetry. The dining room looked rarely, if ever, used and more formal than the rest of the condo with a huge chandelier and an ornate dining set. Down the hall was a large guest bathroom done in greens with a glass backsplash, black cabinetry and sleek shower/tub combo with matching glass tiles. Again the impressive lighting above the sink, the clean lines of a modern faucet and sleek cabinetry.

Next, she found his study. It was surprisingly warm and homey compared to the rest of the place, filled with basketball paraphernalia. Awards and trophies were displayed on the built-in bookcases and scattered in elegant ease on low tables. Framed photos of Jake with teammates, the mayor and some celebrities graced the walls like magazine covers. A large framed photo sat on Jake’s desk, facing his chair. She couldn’t see it, but was curious. Was it his family? Didn’t he have a sister with kids of her own making him an uncle? Or a girlfriend? What if it was Tiffany? Had he broken up with her for good? She didn’t want to think about why and how she knew so much about his personal life, instead hurrying around the corner of the desk so that she could see it before he returned. As she edged around the desk, a light came on automatically, startling her. She backed up, into a small table, heard something topple and spun around in time to see something made of crystal fall to the wood floor, making a terrible crashing sound.

“Oh no!” she heard herself cry, kneeling down to look at the pieces. She reached for the largest piece and stared at it in horror.

Jake came running into the room, wearing only a pair of dark jeans. “Are you okay?” He stopped short, looking at the broken trophy.

“Jake, I’m so…sorry.” Maddie looked up, remorse filling her heart.

Jake knelt down beside her, picked up one of the pieces and grimaced. “A college championship win, 1999. We were the underdogs that year. It was a great final game.” He touched her shoulder. “It’s okay.”

“Can I replace it? Can they make you another one?” Maddie asked in a choked voice.

Jake shrugged. “Maybe, but it’s just glass. It was a night when we were on. We played well, got lucky and won.” He looked down at the broken piece in her hand. “Maddie, let me see your hand.”

Maddie looked down, realizing for the first time the throbbing pain. Sure enough, she had a long cut on her left index finger, blood oozing out onto the piece of glass she still clutched. It had smeared on her skirt and the other hand, making a horrible scene. Her stomach rolled in response.

Jake pulled her gently up. “Let’s get you to the sink.” He led her through the house to his bedroom, another ultra-modern room with vaulted ceilings and skylights. She held her hand tightly to her chest, trying not to drip on the white carpet, hurrying through the huge length of it, noting the rumpled bed with a giant black fluffy blanket and then into his bathroom with its marble tiled walls, a huge jetted bath and standing, glass-enclosed shower. Turning on the faucet, he held her hand under the water for a minute, washing the area. Maddie blinked at the stinging sensation.

“You okay?”

“Yes,” Maddie lied.

He raised her hand to look closely at it. “I don’t see any glass in there, that’s good. It’s pretty deep, though.” He looked down into her eyes. “We may have to get this stitched up.” He opened a cabinet and pulled out a soft cloth. “Here, let’s apply some pressure to it.”

She didn’t realize she was silently crying until Jake’s thumb reached up and traced a tear.

“Does it hurt?”

“A little, but that’s not why I’m upset. I just can’t believe I destroyed one of your trophies. I’m so sorry.”

“What can I do to convince you it doesn’t matter?”

Maddie looked up at his face, then her gaze dropped lower to his bare chest. She felt heat steal up into her cheeks and quickly looked back into his eyes.

He smiled a slow, melting smile that said he could read her thoughts. His gaze roved over her face and it felt oddly like the warmth of the sun, like a heated caress that left her skin tingling.

She saw him stare at her lips, like the time in her office, but he was fully clothed in the bright lights of an office that day. Now he was shirtless in the semi-soft light of his private bathroom, a messy bathroom that smelled like him and his cologne.

He took a step forward, cradling her hand between them, guarding it from further injury while reaching around to her back and pressing her closer. She tilted her head back, saw her vision go dark as her eyelids closed, felt him coming nearer, his breath on her face, then felt his mouth against hers.

He tasted good. Cool and heated at the same time, soft lips that knew just how to move across hers. She slid her free hand up his back, feeling his warm, smooth skin, up to his nape and then across one shoulder blade, feeling the well-defined muscle. His kiss made her knees go weak and a heady lightheadedness whirled through her mind. Maybe it was the blood loss, but she was quite sure she’d never been kissed so thoroughly before in her life.

She pulled away, needing air before the floating black dots took over. They were both breathing heavy and Jake looked as wonder-filled as she felt. “Maddie…”

It was as if neither of them knew quite what to say.

Jake was the first to resurface to reality. Looking down at her finger, he said, “I should call Dr. Howe. I think he’ll make a house call for us.”

Maddie tore her eyes away from his, making herself look down at the offended finger, lifting the cloth and studying the cut. “Do you really think I’ll have to have stitches? Don’t you have any of that wound glue around?” She had used it on Max a time or two and knew how well it worked.

Jake laughed and led her over to his bed. “We’re not gluing your finger together. Now sit down and I will call him. I want him to at least take a look at it.”

She nodded and watched him call the doctor, secretly thrilled he had yet to put on a shirt. His body was perfect. She tried to keep herself from audibly sighing when he lifted an arm to rub the back of his neck. He turned a little, showing a huge bicep. She jerked her gaze away, only to return to him when he laughed at something the doctor said, watched again as he turned away from her showing broad shoulders that tapered down to a slim waist. She tried not to stare but the ache of her finger throbbed like a beating heart and staring kept her mind on other things.

He hung up and she quickly averted her eyes.

“He’ll be here in about twenty minutes. You need anything?”

She needed him to put his shirt on but she wasn’t about to say that out loud.

“Can I get you something? A glass of water? A drink?”

Maddie shook her head. “Oh, no, thank you. I’m fine, really.” She bit her lower lip and looked at her finger. “Is our date ruined?”

Jake shook his head. “I don’t think so. I’ll cancel our dinner reservations and then we’ll just hang out here if that’s okay. I’m sure we can think of something to…talk about.” His eyes turned smoky again, the green more gray, and Maddie had to look away. What if he was just really good at this? What if he spoke like this to the countless groupies that flock to a NBA star? She had to keep her wits somewhat about her and protect herself. After all, she was on an auction date…for charity. It didn’t really count, did it?

They moved into the main living area. Jake had donned a dark blue shirt that hung from his shoulders in perfect elegance. He motioned her over to the deep, soft cushions of the couch. He sat close to her, talking in low tones about the game, obviously pleased with the win, making Maddie want to love basketball as much as he did. He had an arm draped over the back of the couch near her shoulders, but not touching. It took effort not to lean into his side and just nestle there.

Just as she thought that the doorbell rang. Great. Time for pain.

Sure enough, it was Dr. Howe. He was an attractive, fortyish man with an easy smile and manner that made Maddie glad he was there. He took a quick look at the cut, brought out a medical bag and before Maddie had time to feel nervous had stitched two stitches, promising no scar to mar the “beauty” of Maddie’s hand.