I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, but that wasn’t it. I blinked at him and said, slowly, “Karen came down over the weekend and we discussed them. Yes.”
“Did she convince you that you needed investors?”
I nodded. Karen had talked at me for hours, showing me stats and graphs and then giving me a list of West Palm elite she thought might be interested in financing us. “Why?” I asked.
“Because I’m interested. I’ve been looking for over a year for a business to invest in. I’ve found dozens of opportunities that I’m interested in, but I can’t get anyone to back me. I flew down to Miami last week to check out the scene there, since you said that was where you were trying to open.”
I stared at him. He hadn’t gone back to Boston? He’d gone to Miami?
“I have a friend there who’s very connected to the local scene down there. He took me around, showed me the area, and I met with people who convinced me that investing in a Restaurant like The Mangroves would be a solid business decision. I’m really interested Courtney, and I think I can bring more investors to the table.”
As he spoke, he kept looking over his shoulder and staring at Doug. I cleared my throat, my mind working overtime, trying to process all he was offering. It was generous, it was exciting, but there was no way I could work that closely with Ryan. There was too much history between us, too much that hadn’t been resolved. “Ryan, I really appreciate your offer, but I’m not sure…”
“Strictly business,” said Ryan. “I think you should hear my offer. If you’re working with your sister, invite her along too. Karen’s no fan of mine. If I can convince her you might consider working with me.” The look he gave me was deadly serious.
I closed my eyes. This was terrible. I had no defenses against Ryan. Even standing this close to him, I wanted to reach up, bury my hands in his hair and press my body against his. I didn’t feel like this with Doug, and no good could come of a romantic entanglement with Ryan. But why did I have to let my feelings for him ruin my chances in expanding my restaurant? Maybe he was right. If he could convince Karen…
“Okay,” I said. “Let’s meet on Saturday. I’ll call Karen, and she’ll come down. We can do an early brunch at the Mangroves.”
“Excellent.” Said Ryan. “You enjoy your night with… Doug.” His lips curled over the name. As I turned to leave he reached down and grabbed my hand, spinning me back around. He leaned down, crowding me until my heart started hammering in a fight or flight response. “But I hope…” his voice was dark, sensual, tying me in knots, “…that you’ll be thinking of me.”
He turned and walked off.
18
Ryan
Katie was restless, and I couldn’t sleep either, so I sent Ellie and Gabe back to bed, put Katie against my shoulder, and wandered the house. That seemed to calm her.
As we walked, my mind whirled: Obviously Doug was Lea’s father. Courtney had insinuated as much: that he visited frequently, that he took Lea out, that he was buying her food at the game. What a close call! I mean, if Lea had been mine that would have really fucked up my life. There would have been child support payments, I’d have had to come back to Serenity regularly, I’d have to start putting money away for her future – Courtney might even sue me for back-dated child support…
So why did I feel like someone had kicked me in the gut? I felt winded and wounded and super fucking depressed. What the hell was wrong with me? Did I want Lea to be mine? The idea had originally sent me into a blind panic. But more than panicked, I’d been upset. Upset that I had a daughter, that I’d missed the first ten years of her life. More than that: I was upset because I’d always assumed when I left Courtney, she’d go on living her life. But if Lea was mine, then I’d left Courtney with a child to take care of, one that Courtney had raised her by herself. That must have been hell.
“Did I dodge a bullet or what?” I murmured to Katie, trying to convince myself to feel relief. Lea wasn’t mine. She was Doug’s. And for some reason that made me even angrier. I wanted to punch that smug motherfucker right in his pretty-boy face. After we’d broken up, Courtney hadn’t pined for me. I’d had to go out and get a goddamn compass over her name to remind me – every time I thought about calling her – that I was moving forward, not backward.
But not even anger could overcome the strange melancholy that swamped me. Rage for Doug faded as quickly as it had appeared, and I realized I wasn’t angry at Doug. I was pissed at myself: Seeing Courtney with Doug and Lea gave me a sharp-ass glance of what my life might have been – of what I’d given up.
I’d had a shit-ton of hot and empty sex with a shit-ton of women. Was it fun? Oh yah – I had tons of fun. But Gabe had been spot on – I was lonely. What did I have in my life? I had money I didn’t know what to do with and a career that was winding down.
In the wake of that hot night with Courtney, a pretty big part of me actually wanted to be Lea’s father: to have justification for re-entering the life of the one woman I’d never been able to truly get over.
To be honest, that’s what I was doing with this business venture. There were tons of places I might put my money, places less risky than opening a restaurant, but I didn’t care. I’d told Courtney no strings – but that was a big fucking lie. I wanted back in her life.
19
Courtney
Ever since Ryan came back into town, I was having a terrible time sleeping. That morning, unable to quiet my mind, I’d left breakfast on the table for Lea and had taken a run down to the restaurant. I was sitting in the deck of The Mangroves as the sun rose.
In high school, I’d imagined my life differently. My parents had never asked us to help with the restaurant, so I hadn’t seen myself going into the family business. In fact, I hadn’t really seen myself anywhere. At eighteen, I was so in love with Ryan that I’d never seen too far beyond my moments with him. College was for finding yourself, and I was sure I’d figure it out when I got to FSU.
But then Lea happened.
It was my parents who’d suggest moving to Texas, getting a fresh start there. And when I’d finished at Rice, they’d volunteered to pay for business school, to front me the money to buy and then run the Restaurant. I owe my mother and father a lot. Lea lives a good life in Serenity. But now that she’s older, I can work a bit more, I think about things like expanding the restaurant. Like having a personal life… no. Not going to go there. I turned my mind to other things.
My sister arrived at eight, looking immaculate despite the fact that she’d probably had to leave West Palm at 6 in the morning. Karen’s only eighteen months older than I am, but you’d never guess we were sisters. Where I’m tall and lean, Karen is shorter, more full-figured; I’m blonde, Karen is brunette; where I joke, Karen is serious; where I flirt, she’s watchful.
Karen joined me out on the deck, and for a moment said nothing. Then she took a deep breath and said, “Okay. Tell me what’s going on.”
Karen and I don’t usually get personal with each other. But this was business. I needed to make sure my personal feelings weren’t getting in the way of a business decision. So I told her the whole thing: Ryan, Doug, sleeping with Ryan, his business proposition…
I expected Karen to agree with me and suggest that it was in my best interest to stay away from Ryan.
“Actually, I think it’s a great idea.”
My jaw dropped.
“Listen, I can’t say this enough: Miami is a tough market. Going into to business with Ryan sounds like a no brainer. We now have access to a Miami real estate insider, football money, people who can set us up in South Beach… Courtney, depending on how many investors we can get, we might not even need the bank loan.”
“Karen did you not hear what I’ve been telling you about Ryan?”
Karen shook her head sharply. “You know my thoughts on how you’ve dealt with the whole ‘Ryan’ situation. You know Mom and Dad’s thoughts. You’ve always followed your own advice regarding Ryan. Tha
t’s fine! That’s your life. But this is a family business. And Ryan is bringing good business. Let him.”
As if waiting for his cue, Ryan Mcloughlin strode through the double doors and onto the Mangroves back deck.
20
Ryan
There was nobody on The Mangroves deck except for Courtney and her sister. Courtney was dressed for a run in a pair of black shorts and a bright pink tank top, her long blond hair tied back into a pony-tail. It threw me right back to high school, when I used to watch Courtney at track practice. I wanted to haul her into a broom closet and fuck her against a wall.
Cool down, Mac. I needed charm.
I swooped in and kissed Karen on the cheek, squeezing her hand warmly. I did the same for Courtney and couldn’t miss the way she inhaled when I leaned close, as if smelling me. And yah, I did the same. She smelled like shampoo, sunscreen, and sweat. Remember, Mac, this is about business.
I walked in expecting to have to pitch the shit out them, but apparently Courtney had already relayed my offer to Karen, and all Karen wanted were the specifics. In full lawyer mode Karen sorted folders, and wrote notes with different colored pens. She took down phone numbers so she could check in with the people I’d already contacted.
She wanted to know how many people I could bring to the table, and I had to answer her honestly. “I’ve got a plan A and a plan B.” Plan A was to get my teammates involved. I wasn’t close with too many of them, but since they were all getting married and reproducing the might go for a family-friendly joint. Plan B was to get Law’s teammates involved. I’d rather work with men I knew than the men Law knew, and Karen seemed to agree. Courtney just sat there and watched the whole thing.
“Well,” said Karen, satisfied with the information I’d provided. “Let’s get this set up then. When are you slated to play the Dolphins?”
“October 27th.”
“So let’s plan for a dinner that Saturday before the game,” said Karen. “Bring your teammates and their wives, we’ll feed them, pitch them the plan, and see if they’re interested.”
“Done.” I said. I shot a glance at Courtney who was worrying at her lip with her teeth.
“Then so am I.” Karen, stood. “I’m going to go to the kitchen and see what I can get them to pack me up for the road.”
“You’re not staying?” Courtney asked, frowning. Karen shook her head. “No, I have a client scheduled for noon. I have to get back to West Palm.” She reached down and squeezed her sister’s hand. “I’ll call tonight.”
“Later,” said Courtney, eyes tracking her sister as she wandered off.
“You okay?” I asked Courtney. She looked a bit frazzled, out of sorts. Not the confident Courtney who had taken me to bed last week, or the cute, date-night Courtney who’d been out Doug the night before.
“Just, a bit overwhelmed,” She answered. “If I’m being honest, I thought you came back home and were going to breeze out again. I’m not sure how I feel now that my sister has just decided we’re going to be going into business with you. It’s going to take a while to process.”
I felt like I owed her an explanation. “Listen,” I said. “I didn’t come around to fuck things up for you. I don’t screw around with money. But if I’m being honest, I’m interested in getting to know you again. Really getting to know you. I’ve been thinking about you nonstop, and I’ve been kicking myself over what a giant jerk I was in high school.”
Courtney’s smile was small, and a bit sad. “Ryan, it’s been ten years since high school. Kind of late for you to be realizing all this.”
“Late,” I agreed. “But not too late, I hope.”
Courtney’s smile faded and she seemed to be considering. She opened her mouth and I was afraid she was going to confirm that it was, indeed, too late. So I interrupted. “Listen, Court.” I reached out and took her hand. “I’m not even suggesting we ‘get back together.’ This isn’t high school, I get that. We don’t know each other anymore. But I’d be lying if I said that spending the other night with you wasn’t in some way impacting this decision. I want to get to know you again. I’ll sign whatever contracts Karen wants to draw up.”
Thoughts of us together ran through my head, and I knew they were running through Courtney’s because her gaze turned intent, hot. Fuck.
I cleared my suddenly blocked throat. “When I left you, I was young and arrogant, and certain that the world was full of Courtney Harts. Baby, I’ve been out with a lot of women...”
Courtney rolled her eyes and looked uncomfortable.
“…which is how I can say with certainty that there is no one out there like you. There is no one as effortlessly sexy, or together, or confident…”
Courtney’s eyes started to water and she took her hand away from mine and looked off, trying to control her emotions. I felt like crying myself. Get it together, Mac!
I took a deep breath. “My brother has a boat, and I’d love it if you went out with me.”
Courtney didn’t say anything, but she nodded.
“Tomorrow?”
“Doug’s still in town tomorrow.”
“The day after?”
She nodded and then stood. “I have to go…”
I stood too. Maybe it was hearing Doug’s name on her lips, but I couldn’t let her leave without reminding her of what we still had. So I reached out, took her hand, and drew her close. She resisted a moment, but then melted into me. My mouth came down atop hers and her lips trembled beneath mine. Her fingers wound their way into my hair, and it took all my effort not to let my hands roam, to keep them on her waist. But I put everything into that fucking kiss: it was hot and desperate, wet and deep with desire.
I was instantly hard. and I couldn’t help but tilt my hips towards her. She seemed to welcome it, to arch into me. And we stayed there minutes, just kissing.
Her withdrawal was gradual, she put distance between our bodies and gently pulled back. It took all my effort to let her go, not to cage her to me. She looked up at me, need smoldering in those beautiful sea-blue eyes.
“I have to go,” she said.
“I’ll pick you up in two days, on your dock at noon,” I told her.
She nodded, shot me a look full of longing and confusion, and went back inside.
I collapsed into a seat at the table, winded. I needed to cool myself down. Blood was throbbing hotly through me, centering itself in my cock – which was currently demanding that I chase after Courtney and find that broom closet.
“You again!”
I looked over my shoulder just in time to see Lea Hart bounding up the steps and onto the deck. Oh fuck. How much had she seen?
“Hey,” I said to her, waving at her to join me. The picture that Gabe had showed us of our mother as a young girl popped back into my head. Fuck, but this kid did look a lot like that photo. Lea skipped over to the table and beamed at me, resting her forearms on the back of a chair and leaning over. “Hey back,” she said.
“That’s a pretty dress,” I told her. She was wearing a spaghetti strap sundress with purple flowers on it. “Where are you going looking so fancy?”
“Anna’s birthday party,” said the girl. “It starts in an hour. Momma’s going to drive me.”
“That’s nice of her,” I said, the question forming before I could stop it. “How old is Anna?”
“Anna’s turning 10,” said Lea. “Double digits. It’s a big deal – at least, that’s what my mom said.”
“It is a big deal,” I agreed. Don’t do it, Mac. “How old are you?”
“I’m 10,” said Lea.
Cold gripped my gut. Don’t do it, Mac.
“And when is your birthday?”
“I’m eleven on February the fourth.” Lea held up her two pointer fingers. “Eleven is a lucky number.”
I couldn’t respond to her. I just stared. It was as someone had kicked me in my solar plexus, the air was just gone.
Lea looked at me warily and then nodded. “Well, I gotta go. See yo
u later.”
I couldn’t speak. I could only watch as my daughter ran off to find her mother.
21
Courtney
“You look pretty, Momma,” said Lea, entering my room and throwing herself onto my bed. I was wearing a little black dress tonight: high necked, but figure hugging. “Are you seeing Ryan?”
I stared over my shoulder at my daughter. “I’m going out with Doug.”
Lea frowned. “Oh. I’d hoped you’re going out with Ryan.”
My heart caught in my chest. “Why did you hope that?”
Lea shrugged. “He was your high school boyfriend, right? The one who wrote the notes in your yearbooks?”
“Yes, baby.”
“Do you like him?”
How did I answer that? Did I like Ryan? My heart beat hard at the sight of him; my body reacted instantly when he was near. Since sleeping with him the other week, I was needy and aching and I felt desperate. Beneath all of these feelings, I was scared, and I was still hurt.
“I do like him,” I said. “Do you?”
“He helped me draw a picture,” Lea shrugged. “He seems nice.”
She was quiet for a moment. “Do you like Doug?” She asked.
“Of course I like Doug.”
“Who do you like better, Doug or Ryan?”
“Lea, what kind of question is that?” I asked her, sharply.
“Do you think Ryan might take me out for ice cream?”
My heart began hammering. That girl was too astute by half. “I suppose he might if you ask him to,” I said. I couldn’t see Ryan being mean to a child.
“Maybe I will.” Lea got up. “I’m going to go over to Aunt Addie’s house.”
“Be safe,” I called after her. Addie, who lived only a block away, would text when Lea arrived.
Bad Ballers: A Contemporary Sports Romance Box Set Page 24
