Love Means Nothin'

by Markee Anderson

He leaned down to her ear. “Are you okay?”

  She lifted her head and faced him. “Not really. I’ve never had anyone taking my picture like this. They’re stalking me, aren’t they?”

  “Yes, they are and it’s scary if you’re not used to it.”

  A camera snapped and the reporters started yelling questions at her.

  “Are you dating John Spencer?”

  “Is this your boyfriend?”

  “Are you carrying an alien’s baby?”

  She wasn’t sure what they were talking about, especially the line about the alien’s baby. She moved her head back to Dennis’ chest, wishing they’d just all go away.

  Dennis turned her to the side, put his arm on her shoulder, then walked her back toward the car.

  “Let the lady alone,” he said. “Party’s over.”

  “Who are you?” one reporter asked.

  Dennis stopped walking and faced the man. “No one you want to mess with. Now, go away.” He walked with Melody to the car, joined by Elise’s family and Chuck.

  “Want a ride back?” Chuck asked his future father-in-law.

  “Love to,” Hank said. “Is there room?”

  “Sure,” Chuck answered. “We’ll make room.”

  The reporters surrounded them as they piled into the car, with Melody squeezed between Bobby and Dennis.

  As soon as Chuck pulled out of the parking lot, Bobby put his hand on Melody’s leg. “I’m serious about goin’ out with me. Always have been.”

  Dennis took Bobby’s hand from her leg, then shot him a nasty snarl.

  “Let it go,” Elise said to Bobby, sitting on the other side of him. “She’s turned you down more than once, and you’d think you’d learn your lesson.”

  “Her dad didn’t hurt me. No one can hurt me.”

  Melody faced Dennis, her eyes threatening to spill the tears filling them. He nodded and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her toward him.

  “Who are you?” Bobby asked Dennis with a scowl.

  “I’m with her. I’m her bodyguard so men like you won’t be treating her badly.”

  “Mel, you have a bodyguard?” Bobby asked.

  “Yep. Do now,” she said. “And I wouldn’t mess with Dennis, either.”

  Dennis leaned down to her ear. “Want me to let him know who’s boss?”

  “No, his dad has too much power,” she answered, also in a whisper. “He’s not worth the time.”

  Dennis leaned closer to her ear. “I have to tell John about this, you know.”

  “I’ll tell him. He needs to hear this from me. Honestly, I don’t think I belong in New York.”

  “I’m to take you back to his house for protection. Is it possible to stay there tonight?”

  “I have to go to the wedding rehearsal,” she whispered. “It’s my job.”

  He pulled out his cell phone and made a call. “Ted, it’s Dennis. We had a problem at the Statue. We were surrounded by reporters and I think they got shots of me protecting Melody.”

  Melody watched the road while Chuck drove, under the speed limit. Didn’t he ever break any rules?

  Dennis listened over the phone for a moment, nodding. “I understand, but she’s in the wedding.”

  Elise leaned in front of Bobby and faced Melody. “I’m so sorry this happened. If you want to back out, I won’t blame you one bit. I can get you back to West Virginia in a hurry, too, if you want.”

  “No, I promised I’d be here for you, and I don’t break my promises.”

  Elise grinned. “I know that for a fact. We’ll figure this out.”

  “I see,” Dennis murmured over the phone. “Yes. Everything’s in the hotel.” He continued with the conversation, but Hank turned to Melody, making it impossible to hear everything.

  “How are you doing?” he asked her. His eyes seemed to be able to read her thoughts, so she swallowed hard.

  “I’m fine, sir. Just here for the weddin’.”

  “I know that,” he said with a grin. “What was that all about?”

  “She became friends with a celebrity,” Chuck answered.

  Hank turned toward Chuck. “I was asking Melody, if you don’t mind.”

  Chuck shrunk down in his seat slightly. “Yes, sir.”

  So Hank and his future son-in-law didn’t get along. Melody wondered how long this marriage would last.

  Hank turned to Melody. “Who’s the celebrity?”

  “John Spencer, sir.”

  His eyebrows rose. “The tennis pro?”

  “You’ve heard of him?” she answered.

  “Sure. He’s all over every sports magazine and even in the newspaper. Didn’t you know who he was?”

  She lowered her eyes. “No, sir.”

  Melody could feel the man staring at her. “How’s your dad?”

  She lifted her eyes, not wanting to show the man any weakness. “He’s fine.”

  “Is he still drinkin’?”

  She wanted to cry, but had to be strong. “Yes, sir.”

  Hank grunted. “You don’t have to stay there, you know.” He looked determined, as if he was playing a game and intended to win.

  “I’m takin’ care of him, to make sure he’s not homeless,” she answered, trying not to be defiant, but knowing it came out that way.

  She saw Chuck look into the rear-view mirror at her, so she stared out the side window. No one needed to know anything about her home life, and especially not people from outside West Virginia. She also was an adult and didn’t have to answer to any of these people. She lifted her head high, knowing she was doing the right thing by taking care of her father. He was family, after all.

  They drove back to the house, changing the subject to the wedding, but Melody’s mind was a million miles away. She hoped Mr. Johnson didn’t investigate her father again, because she couldn’t cope with the aftermath of a jail sentence. Her father would surely blame her then punish her.

  “We’re walking out together in the wedding,” Bobby whispered to Melody.

  “Lucky me,” she answered. “Just keep your hands out in the open and you won’t get beaten up.”

  “Who’s going to do it?” he asked.

  Dennis leaned in front of Melody, but she just sighed. “Me,” she said. “I don’t take anything from anyone, so find someone else to pick on.”

  As soon as Chuck pulled into the driveway, a limousine pulled up to the house. John got out of the car and opened Dennis’ door. “I heard what happened,” he said to Dennis as he got out. John helped Melody out of the car and studied her face. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Nothin’s hurt but my pride.”

  He pulled her to him and gave her a hug, whispering into her ear. “They didn’t tell me until after the match, when I was ready to leave. I’d have thrown the game if I’d known.”

  She backed off and stared at his face. “No, and I would’ve been upset if you would have. Just forget about it and move on. I have.”

  “John Spencer?” Hank said. He thrust out his arm and shook John’s hand.

  “And you are—”

  “I’m Elise’s father, Hank Johnson. I’m here to see my daughter get married.”

  Elise stepped forward. “And I’m Elise.”

  John smiled and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Chuck grabbed John and gave him a big hug. “You old playboy, you!”

  John seemed surprised. “I’m not a play—”

  “Don’t play with me.” Chuck backed off. “I saw you grow up, buddy, and I know better. So are you joining us at the rehearsal?”

  “About that,” John said. “Is it possible for us to just go to the rehearsal and not to the dinner? I’m worried about the paparazzi.”

  “Me too,” Dennis said. “Sir, it was awful. I think they got pictures of me protecting Melody.”

  “Don’t worry,” John said, grinning. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

  Dennis shook his head, staring at John. “No, it’s not. They
think she’s with me.”

  John smiled. “Even better. It’ll throw them off.” He took Melody’s arm and walked her toward the limo.

  “Where are we goin’?” she asked.

  “To get ready for the rehearsal,” he said. “We’ll be there in time.”

  “But it starts at five. It’s already four-thirty.”

  He turned toward Elise and Chuck. “We’ll be there. I promise. It’s at the hotel, right?”

  “Yep. Your dad’s hotel,” Chuck said. “In the main ballroom.”

  John smiled. “We’ll meet you there.” He and Dennis ushered her into the limousine, while Melody just sighed. This situation was getting weirder and weirder. She didn’t even know where she’d be sleeping that night. She only knew she wouldn’t be alone.

  “I don’t believe you,” John said, as soon as they were seated. Ted was already inside the limousine, and he and Dennis just stared at her with their arms crossed.

  “What did I do?” she asked.

  “Nothing, but I don’t believe you’re fine. That’s scary, being surrounded and thrown questions. If it’s never happened before, it’s even worse.” He poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her.

  She moved it away with both hands. “I don’t drink.”

  “Not at all?”

  “No, sir.”

  Dennis sat up a bit, studying her face. “Why? Does this have something to do with your father?”

  She tightened her jaw and faced him. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She crossed her arms and looked out the window. “Where are we headed?”

  The car was quiet for a moment, and Melody was sure it was because John was trying to figure out her problems with her father.

  “Back to the hotel,” John said. “My father has security beefed up, and you’re safe. We’re going up to your room to relax for a few minutes. Alone. I want to talk to you.”

  “What about?” she asked, facing him.

  He smiled, glancing toward the bodyguards, then back to her. “You’ll see.”

  She had to change the subject or she’d worry herself silly about talking to him. “How did the game go?”

  “I won. It was over today, and I have to practice tomorrow, but that little session we had this morning helped me.” He lifted her hand to his lips, his gaze not leaving her eyes as his warm skin met the back of her hand. “Thank you.”

  Butterflies filled her stomach and her heart beat faster, while she tried to control her emotions. But he was so sexy; she couldn’t help herself.

  She turned toward him. “I didn’t do anything.” Glancing toward Ted’s scowl, she pulled her hand from John.

  He glanced down at her hand, shaking his head, then faced her. “You made me watch every move, after that West Virginia Wail. I can’t trust any opponent, and I need to be on my guard. You helped me more than you’ll ever know, and I thank you.”

  As soon as the driver pulled up to the hotel, John helped her out of the back, followed by Ted and Dennis. They went up to the twentieth floor and down the hallway to the Presidential Suite. John turned to them while Melody unlocked the door. “Check and see what the security’s like in the hotel. I don’t want either of us alone without one of you there. We’ll be ready to go down to the ball room in a little while.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ted said. He glanced at Melody, but she lowered her eyes.

  While Ted waited outside the room, John and Melody entered the hotel room and shut the door. John walked her to the bed, sat her down and knelt before her, gently removing her shoes.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Nothing. You’re relaxing. I want you to be happy on this trip, and I feel like those reporters badgering you was my fault.”

  “Not at all,” she said.

  He lowered her shoulders down to the bed and moved her feet on top of the covers. She sat up, but he laid her back down, then moved her over and lay beside her, his arm covering her waist. She’d never been treated so well by anyone before—let alone a man. It felt so foreign to her for someone to actually care about her.

  “Tell me about him,” he said.

  “Who?” she asked, facing him.

  “Your father. What happened to make you shut down every time anyone asks anything about him?”

  “Oh, no,” she said, sitting up. “I want to hear about the groupies and reporters who follow you everywhere. How do you cope?”

  He pulled her back to the bed and studied her face for a few moments before speaking. “You’re not going to talk about it, are you?”

  She was hoping he’d forgotten. “Talk about what?”

  “Your father.”

  “No. That’s not a good subject. Tell me about the groupies and reporters. That’s more of a pressing subject for me right now, because I’m not used to that.”

  He was silent for a moment, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. “It’s my fault you’re being thrust into the limelight. I’m so sorry I put you in that situation.”

  She smiled. “I’m not. Now, tell me about it.”

  “People think that if they can just touch me or see me, they’ll have touched fame. I’m just a regular guy, but they don’t see that. I’m nothing special, but can just hit a ball with a racquet.”

  “And you’re adorable.” She felt her face heat up and covered her mouth with her hand, studying his grin. “That just slipped out. Honest!”

  Reaching out, he stroked her hair back from her face. He leaned up on his elbows and brushed his lips against hers, then stared into her eyes. “You’re beautiful. I’ve never met anyone so honest or able to take any situation and deal with it quite like you. Stay with me in New York?”

  She swallowed hard, trying to keep from swooning in front of John. But he was so sexy.

  Clearing her mind, she concentrated on the conversation. “I have to go back after the wedding. I have a train to catch.”

  “What’s waiting for you back home?”

  “A lot of things. I have a job, I have family, and I have bills. I can’t just pick up and go.” She checked her watch. “We’re to be downstairs right now, you know.”

  “I want to be late.”

  “Why?”

  “So I can spend time with you.”

  The phone rang. Melody reached over John and picked it up. “Hello?”

  “Where are you?”

  How could Elsie be so dense? Wasn’t it obvious she was in her room? “We’ll be there in a minute,” Melody answered.

  “Hurry up. The rehearsal starts in a few minutes.”

  “Got it.” She hung up the phone and got off the bed. “I have to change. Wait right here and I’ll be out in less than five minutes.”

  “Do I look okay?” John sat up and pointed to his stone-colored khaki pants and navy polo shirt.

  She smiled. “You look great—better than great.” She grabbed a navy blue skirt and a white blouse and went into the bathroom, dressing quickly. She was out of the bathroom in just a few minutes, brushing her hair.

  John stared at her as she pulled on a pair of sandals. “Are you sure you aren’t a model? You’re gorgeous.”

  “You want something, don’t you?”

  “Yeah. You.” He walked to her, pulled her into the circle of his arms and captured her mouth. His tongue penetrated her lips, making her head reel at the sensations filling her body. Everything either tingled or ached for him. She’d never known such an amazing kiss before, and wanted more. She backed him up to the bed and lay him down on it, with her on top. As she started to kiss down his neck, he burst into laughter.

  “Uh…” She didn’t know what to say because she wasn’t in control. He was such a nice man, and she’d tried to seduce him. She’d turned the tables to show what she was feeling, not realizing how it looked. How could she be so stupid?

  She stared at him, feeling her face redden. “I’m so sorry.” She began to move off his chest, but he pulled her back to him.

  “Don’t ever be sorry for showing
me how you feel. I’m glad you did that, because at least I know it’s not one-sided.”

  She grinned. “No, not one-sided. We’re late.”

  “I know.” He helped her to her feet, then leaned down and kissed her. “You know, I could fall in love with you.” He took her hand and started toward the door, but she didn’t budge. He almost fell over when he tried to walk, but his hand didn’t come with him.

  “What did you say?” she asked.

  He laughed, turning back to her. “I said I could fall in love with you.” He touched her hair. “You’re so beautiful and speak your mind. You’re really good for me.”

  “Did you say love?”

  He chuckled. “Sure, why?”

  “It takes time to fall in love with someone. You know that, right?”

  His face sported a grin. “We’ll have this discussion again, and I promise. Elise and Chuck are waiting for you. Do you want to mess up their wedding before it even starts?”

  “No.” Even though she knew the marriage was already doomed.

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and leaned close to her ear. “Let’s go, sweetheart.”

  She stopped again and faced him, staring into his blue eyes. “Sweetheart?”

  He started to chuckle, but bit his lips. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d call that name, because it’s you through and through.”

  “Are you insane?”

  He ushered her out the door and headed down the hall. The guards weren’t there, and she was sure they were coordinating efforts with the hotel’s security.

  “Yes, actually, I think I am insane,” he said. “I’ve had girls fall at my feet for most of my tennis career, but only dated a few times. Those girls had me on such a pedestal; I couldn’t be myself. They couldn’t talk to me or feel comfortable around me. You, on the other hand, feel very comfortable talking to me. You even told me about Ted, which amazed me. He treats all fans cautiously, but with you, he even went the extra mile, which means he sees something that’s too good to mess up.” John pushed the elevator button. “I think you worry him, but you don’t worry Rob.”

  “Rob’s a nice guy.”

  “Not always. But he treated you with respect and kindness. He’s never done that for anyone I’ve known before.” The elevator doors opened, and they both stepped inside. “He’s usually the one to protect me at all costs, because he’s been in my shoes.”