Hot Number

by Carly Phillips

  He shook his head in disgust. Everything the man touched turned to gold. Nothing Carter did made a difference or brought Fuller down, and he ought to know since he'd tried his best.

  Carter had made sure to let the reporters who covered the team know at which strip club they could find Fuller. Carter had hoped they'd bash Fuller for partying at Lacie's the night before a charity event. Instead he'd been branded a hero for rescuing his agent's niece. Nice piece of spinning by the Hot Zone, Carter thought, frustrated.

  Even now Fuller had the sexy little publicist standing by his side despite his fall from grace. The same woman who'd eyed Carter with disdain looked at Fuller with adoring eyes.

  "The story of my life," he muttered.

  But it wasn't just Damian's dumb luck eating away at Rick now, it was his own actions that bothered him. When he'd hooked up with Carole, he'd eyed Fuller with envy. Silently sabotaging the Renegades captain had been too easy to resist, and for a while nobody had been hurt in the process.

  Until Carole had gotten pregnant.

  He and Carole had come together in fun but somewhere along the way, he'd begun to develop feelings for her. Hell, he'd even thought she felt the same way. But then she'd ended up pregnant, insisting the baby was Damian's. To add insult to injury, she'd been refusing to return Carter's phone calls.

  Carter had been so pissed about the pregnancy, so angry at Fuller, he'd wanted to get back at his captain. Carter had revealed Carole's pregnancy to the press. But soon after making the call, the anger had subsided and he realized he'd set Carole up for pain and humiliation-something he'd never intended to do. He'd called the press first and realized he'd be hurting Carole later, after it was too late to take back the story.

  He picked up the, phone and dialed her hotel room.

  He knew she wasn't leaving the city until tomorrow and wanted to make sure she was okay while she was here.

  The phone rang and rang on the other end until he was about ready to hang up.

  "Hello?" Carole said, out of breath.

  "Hey, babe, I’ve been trying to reach you."

  "Carter?"

  "Who were you expecting? Never mind," he said, before she could answer. He was certain he didn't want to know. "How are you feeling?"

  "A little queasy. I've been spending more time than I'd like in the bathroom."

  Maybe that's why he hadn't been able to reach her. He glanced toward his fridge. "You should try drinking Coke. It'll help. At least that's what my sister said when she was expecting."

  "Thanks for the advice, Rick."

  He swallowed hard. "No problem. So how are you handling…the rest of it?" he asked, referring to the media attention and hoping she wouldn't make him spell it out. He felt bad enough already.

  She inhaled and he heard the long pause at the other end. "It's horrible. The reporters are all over the lobby. I had to ask security to sneak me down the service elevator tomorrow morning just so I can make my flight I can't believe someone at the doctor's office would leak the news about my pregnancy. I feel so violated."

  Carter's gut cramped. "What makes you think it was them?"

  She sniffed and he imagined her wiping her eyes as she spoke. "Nobody else knows Damian's the father except you and me and I know you wouldn't hurt me."

  She trusted him, Ricky thought, fighting the wave of nausea that overtook him as he faced the reality of what he'd done. In his zeal to take everything Damian Fuller had, he'd hurt this woman in the process. He hadn't meant to. He cared about her too much.

  Way too much.

  If she knew he'd been sabotaging Fuller, she'd dump his ass even as a friend. And he didn't want that. As much as he and Carole had often joked about Damian's arrogance and downfall, she was now carrying Fuller's kid.

  Or was she? he wondered, as Damian's words from the press conference played back in his head.

  Rick always wore a condom-it was ingrained in his head by his father-and he'd used one with Carole. She'd said she always made a guy use protection, too, but when she'd told him about the pregnancy, she'd said there was one time she and Fuller hadn't used birth control. He'd believed her.

  "Hey, babe?"

  "Yes?"

  "Did you and Fuller use protection?"

  He listened closely, waiting for an answer.

  "I already told you about me and Damian. Why are you asking me again?"

  He shrugged. "Something Fuller said to the press about using protection and accidents happening anyway."

  She let out a too shrill laugh. "What else is he going to say? That he's not the hero the world thinks he is?"

  "I understand, babe. And I'm here for you no matter what."

  "That's so sweet." She paused. "But we can't see each other anymore. And Damian can't know we've ever been together, you know that right? Because if Damian will, ummm, marry me and give the baby a name, you know I have to do it. Promise me, okay?"

  Rick shut his eyes tight. His position on the field, his number at bat and now his woman. What the hell else did Fuller need to hang on to that ought to be his? Carter wondered.

  He couldn't live with making Carole such a promise.

  "Oh I'm going to be sick again. I've got to go," she said and slammed the phone in his ear.

  Apparently he wasn't going to have to promise her he'd keep his silence, after all. Which was a good thing since long after she'd hung up the phone, and long after the Renegades had won their 4:00 p.m. game, Rick tossed and turned in his bed, something eating away at him.

  Something Carole hadn't said.

  She hadn't answered his question about whether she and Fuller had used protection. After telling him about her pregnancy that first time, after explaining she and Damian had made that mistake just once, she'd evaded reassuring him directly ever since. Which left Rick with lingering doubts about Carole's initial claim.

  Never mind the fact that she might have been with more guys than him and Fuller. Rick didn't want to deal with that thought at the moment. But if she and Fuller had used protection, just like she and Rick had used protection, then there was a fifty-fifty chance the baby she was carrying was his.

  CHAPTER TEN

  MICKI'S HEAD POUNDED as she somehow made it through the day. Although she, Sophie and Uncle Yank had all agreed they needed to stand by Damian, only she had a personal stake in the news he'd delivered. Only she was hurt by the fact that he'd possibly fathered a child. And only she disagreed with his decision not to marry Carole.

  Nothing ate away at her more than a child deprived of a parent, perhaps because she'd lived the nightmare herself. She couldn't understand how Damian could willingly opt out of his child's life. She figured it was because the baby wasn't a reality to him yet. Once it was, if it was, then she hoped he'd do the right thing and be a full-time parent by marrying Carole. No matter how much Micki was hurt by the thought.

  In the meantime, she'd guide him through the PR aspects of his situation and make sure he played well to his public. All of his publics, which in a star athlete's case included his coaches, the people who paid his salary, and his fans, including the parents of the kids who idolized him.

  At least he was a quick study. She'd briefed him on the elevator ride down and he'd aced the brief statement to the reporters and the few questions she'd allowed him to take. He'd come across as a concerned man, a fallible human, and a star who was acknowledging his place in the public eye and using his mistake to educate America's youth.

  He'd returned to the office and used the conference room to schedule the meetings Sophie had suggested. First up was the doctor who'd explain the ins and outs of safe paternity testing. He had an appointment for a consultation tomorrow. Once he had an understanding of the facts, he'd have to confront Carole and request a test.Those were the more personal aspects of this situation and he didn't need Micki around for that, she thought gratefully.

  A knock sounded on her door and she glanced up. "Come in."

  Sophie stuck her head inside. "Want to grab
a bite to eat?"

  Micki shook her head.

  "Okay then good thing I figured you'd want to be holed up in your office. We'll just eat here." Sophie pulled a paper bag from behind her back and proceeded to unload the goodies she'd bought from the cafe downstairs. "I've got two iced coffees and two Squagels with cream cheese. Comfort food including a brownie for dessert."

  "I appreciate it, Soph, but I'm not hungry."

  Her sister shrugged. "So you can keep me company while I eat."

  A couple of minutes later, Sophie had spread everything out across Micki's desk, leaving her no choice but to stare or pick at the food she'd brought. Micki decided to pick.

  "I'm sorry you have to go through this." Sophie met her gaze. "Damian's a jerk."

  "He's not." Micki shook her head, surprised to find herself defending him. "I mean in reality, he's no different than thousands of other people who end up with unplanned pregnancies. He's just famous, that's all."

  Sophie took a bite of her bagel and Micki waited while she chewed and swallowed. "You don't hold it against him?" her sister asked.

  "I don't like that it happened. I don't like the feeling that I'm having his past affairs thrown in my face as a direct reminder that the man doesn't commit to anyone." Micki's throat filled as the enormity of another woman having Damian's baby overwhelmed her. She swallowed hard and continued, "But when all is said and done, this isn't about me. He was honest and up front from the beginning. He said no strings. I agreed." She ripped a piece of the bagel and popped it in her mouth.

  Sophie reached across the desk and covered Micki's hand with hers. "That doesn't mean you aren't hurt."

  "I never said I wasn't." She followed the bagel with a long sip of iced coffee-

  Sophie sighed. "Is there a chance the kid isn't his?"

  Micki shrugged. "I guess so. There's also a chance the woman isn't really pregnant. I mean her breasts are fake so there's every chance this baby is, too." Then, catching herself, Micki slapped a hand over her mouth. "That was uncalled for"

  "But I bet it felt good." Sophie grinned.

  Micki laughed and finally relaxed, grateful she had her sister to share this-rough time with. "Any word from Lola?" she asked, changing the subject to their next problem.

  Sophie shook her head. "Apparently Spence has been away on vacation and she hasn't been able to talk to him. Either that or she's avoiding it. Who can blame her?"

  "Well I have my hands full with Damian's mess, so it's just as well I don't have to deal with any more upheaval at the moment."

  "Amen".With that, Sophie collected the garbage and rose from her seat. "But you know Uncle Yank's birthday is in a few days. Spencer will be back by then. We're all going to have to deal with this soon."

  Just then, Amy knocked and entered. "I'm leaving for the night."

  Micki waved her hand in the air. "Enjoy your evening.”

  The other woman smiled. "You, too. Oh, since you asked me to hold your messages all afternoon, here they are. The only one that can't wait is on top." The secretary handed Micki the pink stack of papers before taking off.

  "Anything interesting?" Sophie asked.

  Micki glanced down and groaned. "Just a message from Damian that he's sending a car to pick me up around eight. He says I should plan on swinging by the stadium for him and then he has some things we need to do."

  Sophie frowned. "If he's asking for evening work, tell him you expect overtime pay."

  Micki had spent the day at her desk. She glanced down at the flirty miniskirt she'd chosen this morning, when the sun was still shining bright and the newspapers hadn't yet hit her desk. Now it looked tired and wrinkled. "I can't go out like this. I look like hell."

  "Then it's a good thing you have a chance to go home and change."

  She closed her eyes and let out an exhausted groan. "I can't imagine what he could possibly need from me tonight."

  Her sister grew suddenly quiet, causing Micki's nerve endings to prickle uncomfortably. "What is it?"

  Sophie leaned closer, her soft gaze settling on Micki. "I was just thinking… What if Damian just needs you?"

  Sophie's question haunted Micki for the next few hours. It haunted her as she changed into jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. It haunted her as she returned to the office and then climbed into the back seat of the limo he'd sent to pick her up.

  And it haunted her now as she waited in the car outside the stadium for Damian to emerge after the press conference following tonight's game. Huge floodlights lit up the night sky as people swarmed out of the various exits, animated and flushed with excitement, thanks to the latest Renegades win.

  Micki watched from her back seat in the limo, protected by the complete anonymity afforded by the tinted glass windows. She sat in her private world and contemplated her sister's words.

  What if Damian just needs you?

  Damian had never hinted that he wanted anything more than professional help but there'd been moments when she'd caught his gaze and the connection between them had returned as strong as it had been on the island. As much as she didn't think he'd contemplate resuming their relationship when his life was such a mess, neither one of them could deny the chemistry. A powerful attraction she needed to control.

  Nothing could happen between them again. Not if this baby was his. Micki would never allow herself to end up in the middle of Damian and Carole's relationship, nor that of Damian and his child. She respected the sanctity and traditions of marriage and family too much.

  She doubted she had much to worry about anyway. Damian hadn't been in touch with her-not until he'd gotten into trouble and needed her help.

  As much as she wanted to hate him for getting himself in this situation, she couldn't. And as much as she wanted to pound him in the head until he said Carole was lying, she couldn't do that, either. What she intended to do was quite ironic, actually. She was going to become the one thing she'd made a special effort not to be- Damian's buddy, pal and friend. And if she hated him for anything, she hated him for reducing them to that.

  THE POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE ran long. Instead of discussing the game, reporters wanted to talk about Damian's personal life, which he and Coach Donovan had already declared off-limits. Still, they were reporters, which meant they didn't take no for an answer. They asked, he declined to reply. It took him longer than he'd have liked to finally make his way down to the limo and meet up with Micki.

  The chauffeur opened the car door and Damian slid in beside her. Her eyes were shut and he had a chance to study her. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her softly made-up face. Just her presence gave him the sense of peace and comfort he lacked.

  The driver slammed the door closed and she bolted upright in her seat.

  "Hey." He smiled at her startled expression.

  "Hi." She ran her hands up and down her bare arms and shivered. "I fell asleep"

  He nodded. "Sorry I ran late." He tapped the Plexiglas partition, indicating the driver should go, and the car started up for the trip to Jersey.

  "Congratulations. I was listening to WFAN. You have another win under your belts."

  "Thanks."

  She eyed him warily, obviously still uncertain how to act around him now.

  He had no answers for her or for himself. All he knew was that she provided an anchor in his turbulent life and he'd missed her desperately in the time they'd been apart. He was grateful to be with her again and though he hated the circumstances that had brought them together, he had no choice but to accept them and begin to cope.

  "So when do I get to hear why you needed me tonight?" she asked. "What's the PR problem?"

  He knew he couldn't play innocent or dumb so he opted for the truth. "My family." He leaned back in the seat and shut his eyes, exhaustion overtaking him.

  "Are you for real?" She blew out a puff of air in frustration. "I don't hear from you for two weeks and then when I do, you've got a paternity scandal hanging over your head. I agreed to help you out, but since
when did that include explaining your actions to your family?" she asked, obviously appalled he'd brought her along for this trip.

  Well, hell. "They're going to grill me mercilessly."

  She arched an eyebrow. Her expression lacked any sympathy at all. "So? You deserve it. But personal issues don't fall under my job description."

  He reached out and grabbed her hand. Her skin felt soft and smooth, like the skin on her belly and the flesh on her thighs, he recalled, his body growing hot and hard with the memory. So aroused that focusing on explanations was difficult.

  He understood her anger but couldn't find the words to explain that in the mayhem since Carole dropped the bomb, Micki was the only person he felt comfortable with. He didn't understand the connection that drew him to her either, but the fact remained that he needed her, more than just on a professional level. For the first time in his life, he was looking to a woman for emotional support.

  He ran a hand over his face. "I'm a freaking mess," he admitted, meeting her gaze. "My wrist hurts every time I pick up or hit the ball. It doesn't matter how well I'm playing, I've got to live with the fact that it's taking everything out of me just to get through every game. Then I've got Carole who I can't even begin to believe, but I can't afford not to."

  "Go on," she said, softly.

  He swallowed but his mouth tasted like pitcher's mound dirt. "If the kid is mine, what the hell kind of father will I make?" he asked, voicing his fears aloud for the first time.

  To Micki. Which proved to him that keeping her by his side was necessary to his sanity.

  She covered his hand with hers. "If it comes to that, you'll make the best kind of dad."

  "When you say it, I can almost believe it," he said, forcing a laugh.