by Mignon Mykel
“Morning, Antonio.”
“Uh, sir, I just want to prepare you. The men have cameras; they are outside the door waiting for you to come out.”
Even through his broken English, I can make out the panic in his words. I pause in the middle of the lobby, noticing the crowd forming outside the revolving doors.
“I tell them they can’t come inside and to leave.” His eyes flash from mine out the windows spanning from the floor to the ceiling.
Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I’m about to pull up Jairo’s contact information when a call comes through from him. I swipe the screen to answer, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.
“Boss, it looks like your little Rocky moment yesterday has garnered some attention.”
Grunting, I wave to Antonio and mouth “thank you” to him as I approach the front of the lobby.
“I wasn’t expecting this shit.”
“Did you think Colson Rush getting in a fight with a thief in the middle of broad daylight wouldn’t spread? People are all up in arms, fearing the best three-point shooter messed up his shooting hand.”
“Well, I kind of hoped it wouldn’t. Luckily, I’m fine.”
“Tell me about your hopes and dreams later. I’m parked in front of the building right now. I’ll meet you at the door. Keep your head down and do me a favor, will ya?”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t get into a fight with any of these paps. They are pushy fuckers, and I know they’ll test you.”
“Don’t count on it.”
Rolling my eyes, I disconnect the call and pocket my phone. Keeping my head down, I avoid the flashing lights and the shouts of my name, making a beeline to the SUV as Jairo insists they keep their distance.
I don’t bother checking the news on my phone the entire way to practice. It’s clear word got out about what happened, and it’s best if I meet with Coach Carr having a clear head.
This is my first time practicing with the team since moving to Miami. The last thing I want or need is to be starting the season off on a bad foot. Last night with Sydney was great. Fuck, just the thought of her has images from last night filtering through my mind. I need to stay focused, though. I’m here to win games and take my team to the championship, that’s it!
A few minutes later, Jairo pulls up to the back of the arena near the staff entrance. Thankfully, I’m not met with the same crowd I had outside my apartment, finding only a few players and staff coming and going from the practice gym.
“Well, if it isn’t Mayweather himself.” The words come from behind me as I turn to see Jaxsen Wild walking toward me. He’s dressed in a pair of black joggers and a t-shirt, a black Miami Blaze cap covering his head.
Jaxsen Wild was the leading scorer last season and a force to be reckoned with in the league. He’s made a name for himself for having both a hot hand and a hot temper, so to hear him making jokes about what happened, the irony isn’t lost on me.
He reaches his hand out, clapping me on the shoulder. “Good to see ya, bro.”
“Thanks, man. Good to see you. Glad to be here! I take it you heard about what happened?”
“Yeah, PMZ broke the story. I’m sure Coach will be looking out, wanting to talk to you.” He glances down at my hand. It’s still a little banged up and sore, but I’m not about to let it hold me back.
“Yeah... shit just happened so quick, man. I walked up on this woman getting assaulted; the guy was trying to steal her purse. I wasn’t going to let anything happen to her, ya know? Just wish it hadn’t gone down like it did, especially with so many people around.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. Something tells me Coach will be cool with it.”
“I hope so,” I say, just as I hear “Rush” shouted from down the hall behind me.
Turning, I see Coach Carr standing outside the doorway leading into the gym. Although I haven’t worked with him outside of the All-Star game and he was going to be leading the USA Team at the games this year, his no-nonsense attitude and reputation for focusing on the game is well known around the league.
He nods his head back, signaling for me to come down and talk to him.
“Alright, I’ll see ya in the gym in a few.”
“You bet, man. Good luck.”
Stalking down the hall, I adjust my gym bag on my shoulder, anticipating how this conversation is going to go. I haven’t bothered to search to see what is out there, however, judging by the brief text this morning from Kristen, my assistant, I know it can’t be good.
“Hey, Coach.”
“Rush, good to see you. Come on in here and have a seat.”
He’s sitting behind a large desk, papers strewn all over, and three different to-go cups of coffee placed in the midst of it all as if he were so busy he couldn’t even be bothered to toss them out.
Setting my bag on the floor next to the chair, I take a seat, folding my hands in my lap, waiting to see how this conversation is going to go.
Wild seemed confident it wasn’t going to be a problem, and considering how often I’ve heard about him testing the limits, I can imagine he’d be the one to properly warn me.
“I’m sure you know why I’ve called you in here, so I will cut to the chase.”
I let out a slow but heavy breath.
“Now, I need you to know that at the Miami Blaze organization, we don’t condone violence of any kind.”
“I understand.” I nod, ready to justify my actions when he interjects.
“But this is also very personal to me. Before I get into everything, I want to personally thank you for what you did yesterday.”
Thank you?
“I’m sorry?” I say, tilting my head in confusion.
“Thank you, son. When Sydney told me what happened, my heart damn near dropped to my ass.”
I can’t help but laugh at his analogy, letting him continue.
“She’s strong and can hold her own with the best of ‘em, but when I heard about what happened and how you stepped in to help her, to save her from what could’ve been much worse. I just . . . I can’t imagine what I’d do if anything serious happened to my daughter. Thank you, Colson. I mean it, seriously, just thank you.”
What?
Sydney is who? Did he just say Sydney was his daughter?
Holy. Shit.
How could I not have realized this sooner? What the hell did I go and get myself into?
“She’s not here today, she had some things to tend to, but I’m sure you’ll be seeing her around. She just took over Executive Assistant of Operations.”
As if I could not have dug myself into a deeper hole by messing around with my coach's daughter, come to find out she’s also working for the Miami Blaze.
I was just telling myself I needed to focus on playing and winning basketball games, but somehow, I went and made this even more complicated.
“Is that right? I didn’t know Syd-ney was working here.” I catch myself from using her nickname, not wanting to give off any clue we’re on more than friendly terms.
“Yeah, she just graduated with a degree in business from the University of North Carolina. She grew up watching and learning from me, so when she told me she was thinking about applying, I was excited to know she’d be finally coming back home to Miami.”
We hadn’t gotten too personal about our jobs, me wanting to take advantage of the opportunity of spending time with someone who seemingly was unaware of who I was, and if I had to guess, she was likely thinking the same thing.
Although, I can’t help but wonder if she had to know? If she grew up around her dad, watching him coach, surely she’d know who I am, right?
My mind is a jumbled mess after this bombshell. I can hardly focus on the words he’s saying, jumping from one thought to another, trying to look for any clues or indication she knew who I was, but I come up empty.
Staring at Coach Carr, even looking at him, I would never guess he’s her father. Where she’s all fair-skinned, green eyes, rosy c
heeks, and red wavy hair, he’s olive-skinned, dark-brown hair, and dark eyes. We’d have a better chance of him passing as my father than hers.
“Did you know we were living in the same building?”
“I’m not surprised. We work with a few companies in town who are sponsors of the Blaze Organization. We pair up any new players coming to town, and many of the arena staff get discounts on their rentals through them.”
I know the security is always looking out for us but I still wish I’d known this before moving in. I like to fly under the radar, keeping my life low key and private, so knowing I’m staying in the same building as other players, some who may not have the same desires to stay quiet, has me starting to rethink things.
Although, it would mean I’d have to consider moving away from Sydney and getting rid of my view, both of which are things I’m not quite sure I’m ready to let go of at the moment.
Despite how messy this situation could be for us, I’m also not sure I’m ready to give up what we shared last night. This is all so new, but I’d love to have more nights like last night, if she’s up for it.
“Since I know you’ll be close by, I appreciate you looking out for her. As I said, she’s a strong and independent woman, but knowing you’re not too far away makes her ol’ man feel better about things.”
“Yeah, of course. I’ve already told Sydney just to let me know if she needs anything.”
The offer may have eluded to being there for her sexual needs, but I certainly meant them in other ways, too, and would, of course, help her if another situation like yesterday presented itself.
“Thanks, Rush. I appreciate it.” He stands, reaching his hand out between us to shake mine.
“I guess we should get out there and start practicing. We’re not gonna win any basketball games sitting in here talking.”
“That’s right and, Coach, that’s exactly why I wanted to come here. To win games with you and get us to the championship.”
“That’s just what I like to hear!”
4
Sydney
I’m starting to feel somewhat self-conscious over the fact I’m standing outside his door again for the second time in twenty-four hours. Staring at the peephole on the dark wood door, I let out a heavy breath to shake out the nerves pumping through me. I knock on the door before I give myself a chance to chicken out.
“Just do it, Syd.” I close my eyes, shaking out the nervous energy.
Swinging the door open, I come face-to-face with his dark-brown eyes, and I can’t hide my grin when I see his bright smile.
“Back so soon. That must mean you enjoyed yourself last night.” He winks. His devilish smirk highlights his dimples, making my knees weak as I recall the feel of his lips tracing the column of my neck.
“It was alright.”
I bite down on my lower lip, trying to hold back my urge to laugh. He narrows his eyes at me, reaching for my hand, pulling me inside. The door slams shut behind me as he pushes me up against it.
“Alright? Just alright?”
“Yeah. I mean, it was okay.”
It takes everything in me to keep a stoic face. His eyes burn into me, giving me a second or two to confess I’m kidding, but when the confession doesn’t come, a look of determination overcomes him. He shakes his head from side to side like he’s gearing up for the challenge.
“Do you need me to give you a reminder of how alright last night was? I happen to remember quite vividly the way you sighed when I’d touched you and how you moaned my name.”
The mere mention of me damn near panting his name, begging him to touch me, rings clear in my memory. He must sense the change in my demeanor, taking a step closer to me.
“I believe you had a few different names for me actually. What was it you said? Oh, Colson. Oh, God, Oh my God, Colson.”
My pulse beats wildly in my chest. I’m willing to bet he can hear the loud pounding as he leans in closer to press a soft kiss against my collarbone.
I’m unable to resist him. A side tilt of my head exhibits my unabashed need for him and my blatant desire for him to touch me.
His kisses forge a trail, his lips feather-light against my skin, his tongue darting out to taste me. His feral moan fills my ears as his hands slide further, tangling with mine.
For a second, I think I am the only one struggling to keep my wits about me, but his unrelenting grip on my body proves we are both using the other for support. Our resistance is waning, only moments away from taking what we both desperately want.
“You taste so fucking good, Sydney.”
The way he says my name, so confident and commanding, with his tall body towering over me, makes me feel protected and desired.
He releases my hands, reaching up to frame my face, kissing me with a fervor that leaves me to wonder how I’m still breathing. It’s like all the air has been siphoned from my lungs, yet he’s somehow filling me, keeping my heart pounding and the blood rushing through my veins.
He presses a hard kiss against my lips, tilting his head back just enough until his eyes meet mine.
“Still just alright?”
“It was okay.” I giggle, not holding back this time. For the first time since meeting him, I see him smile; I mean genuinely smile, and … damn.
Colson takes a step back. I’m sad yet grateful, knowing I need the distance to continue to form a word or thought. He leads me into the living room around the side of the couch, each of us taking a seat on opposite ends. My eyes bounce between where he’s sitting and the empty space between us.
“If I sit any closer, I’m not going to be able to resist touching you, and you looked like something was on your mind when I opened the door. What’s up?”
It dawns on me how he’s able to recognize it, after knowing me for such a short time. I’ve always been told I’m hard to read, the hard exterior held up, keeping my emotions in check. I smile, tucking a piece of hair out of my face, looking down at the coffee table, trying to collect my thoughts before I begin.
“Well…” I say, mentally searching for the words I recited to myself in my apartment, running over how this conversation would go. I hadn’t expected anything to happen when I showed up at his apartment last night. I thought after today, when he realized who my father was and how complicated things could get, surely, he’d change his mind on seeing me, too.
Except, it seems to be the exact opposite of what I had thought would happen. If that hasn’t been Colson in a nutshell since we first met, he’s been the complete opposite of everything I expected from the very beginning.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” I murmur, finally working up the courage to look him in the eye. His brows are furrowed, a deep wrinkle forming on his forehead, waiting for me to elaborate.
“I know you’re new to Miami, to the team. We both are, and I know you hadn’t expected to walk into practice today to find out my dad is also your coach.” I pause, rubbing my hand over my face, hoping to ease the tension of this conversation. I never thought I’d find myself in this position.
“I know I mentioned I recently graduated. I’ve been studying business for the last four years, and when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t let it pass me by,” I sigh. “I just started this job. You just started here with the team. I know how this could turn out for both of us if things were to go sour, and I don’t want that hanging over my head.”
“Why are you sorry, exactly?”
Sorry? I pause, trying to run through everything I just said. More like rambling and spit out at him. I was so desperate to get the words out that I’d practically word vomited everywhere.
“Well, I guess everything. For PMZ breaking the news, for last night.” I pause, hearing his sudden inhale of breath before plastering a fake smile on his face. “I mean, for having to get called in on your first day of practice and then finding out who I am the way you did. I want you to know I had no idea who you were. I mean, I know who you are, and I’ve heard your name, but not we
ll enough to put a name with your face. You have to know I didn’t plan this.”
Catching me off guard, he asks, “Do you regret last night?”
“Are you serious?”
“Well, you seem to have everything all figured out. You came over here, seemingly prepared to play it off like you didn’t enjoy it, like you had written me off, you just needed to get through the whole task of well … telling me.”
My mouth drops open at the thought he would think I regretted it, like I was now just somehow trying to brush it under the rug like it never happened. He’s a basketball player for heavens sakes. He could have his pick of beautiful women ready and waiting for a night with Colson Rush. He’s handsome and sweet, and Lord if he doesn’t know his way around a woman’s body.
Except, looking at it from his perspective, I guess I can see why he’d think I regretted it.
“No, Colson. Of course, I don’t regret last night. It was more than just alright … it was incredible.”
“Then what’s the big deal?”
“The big deal?” I scoff. “Well, the little fact that my dad is your boss?”
“No, he’s not. He’s my coach, but he’s not my boss. I’m a grown-ass man, Sydney.”
“This isn’t what I wanted. It’s not how I thought this conversation was going to go.”
“Do you want to go get dinner?” he asks, changing the subject entirely, practically giving me whiplash. I’m not sure whether I want to thank him for giving me an out or ask him why the hell he’d want to spend time with me.
“You need to stop thinking so much. C’mon.” He reaches for my hand again, helping me to stand. I feel wobbly on my feet as he drops my hand, reaching for my waist to help steady me.
“If you wanted to be in my arms again, all you had to do was ask.”
I narrow my eyes, daring him.
“C’mon, let’s go eat. I’m starving, and I need something to distract me from wanting to kiss you again. There’s this pub around the corner I saw on the drive home advertising their dinner menu. Let’s go check it out.”
He doesn’t wait for me to respond as he dashes down the hall to grab his wallet. Thankfully, I had half a mind to stick my cell phone in my pocket, along with my keys and my cards. I have everything I need to make a quick trip down to the pub for dinner.
