It's Only Love

by Mel Curtis

  Cora regretted her sharp words, but there was more at stake here than Gemma’s feelings.

  “Who is Hugh Irving?” Amber wondered aloud.

  “He’s a former college superstar who’s struggled in the NBA.” Blue stared out the window behind Cora. “Why would the Flash want him?”

  “He’s humongous. Plays center.” Cora searched for Hugh on her laptop. “Drug arrest. Gun possession arrest. Assault and battery. This guy’s a major head-case.”

  “Is Jack well enough to make these decisions?” Blue looked at Cora.

  “Sedated? Restrained?” She shook her head.

  Blue frowned. “Has Coach Parker said anything about Hugh?”

  “No,” Cora said. “In fact, last night he told Antoine he’d cut any player who got into trouble with the law or associated with criminals.”

  “So Viv’s taken the helm,” Amber murmured.

  “We told her to reclaim her power,” Cora pointed out, hearing Luck toot its horn outside their office.

  “We earned our money.” Blue withdrew his Rules of Attraction cheat sheet. He kept a folded copy in his wallet with a listing of all the life coaching methods their father had used. “The question is, did Viv learn anything about balance? She needed a purpose in life other than making Jack miserable.”

  Instead of admitting she hadn’t covered that part of the program, Cora grabbed her purse and fled.

  Chapter 21

  It took effort, but Cora kept herself from charging into Jack’s office shouting, “What the hell, Viv?”

  Instead, she said calmly, “You’ve been busy this morning.”

  Jack’s renegade trophy wife sat behind his huge desk. She wore a supermodel’s detachment – in her expression and the set of her shoulders beneath a gun-metal gray Armani jacket. “With Jack still out of it, someone had to step in and make decisions. I take it you heard about our change of venue?”

  Among other things.

  Cora gripped the back of a visitor’s chair. She’d thought they were friends. If they had been, Viv would have confided a few things in her, and possibly asked for her advice. It was a humbling morning of hard lessons. First Trent’s probing areas of her life she didn’t delve into. Now Viv’s play for power. “A junior college? No NBA team can play in a stadium that small. The ticket revenue won’t cover player salaries.”

  “Really? I hadn’t realized.” Viv bestowed Cora with her iciest, ice queen smile. “We lost the Forum until January. We needed a place to play and it was available.”

  “There are larger arenas out there,” Cora said in what she hoped sounded like Amber’s voice, calm and non-threatening. “Maybe we could rent Pauley Pavilion or Galen Center.” Where UCLA and USC played. “Or the Honda Center.” Close to Disneyland, where the Mighty Ducks played. The venue had hosted regional college basketball playoffs in the past.

  If shrugging was an art form, Viv was a master. Viv’s shrug conveyed her disregard of Cora and her opinion. “I had to make a decision.”

  Drawing a deep breath, Cora sat and struggled to maintain a conciliatory tone. Bitches didn’t respond well to full-on frontal assaults by other bitches. “What about Hugh Irving?” On the court, the man had caused more deadly pile-ups than texting commuters on the 405.

  “The Dooley Foundation specializes in fixing broken athletes.” Viv’s lips hinted at a smile, the kind of smile you saw at poker tables when someone had a royal flush and couldn’t quite keep it to themselves.

  “Did you consult Coach Parker before signing him?”

  “Was I supposed to?” The poker-winning smile trumped the sincerity in Viv’s question. “I’m trying to be a good partner for Jack, like you wanted. He had the contract on his desk. I assumed he wanted to sign it.”

  Sleep deprived, relationship muddled, on the brink of losing her inheritance bonus, Cora snapped. “God damn it, Viv. You could have asked me. Bringing in Irving is a shitty idea. The team needs a big man, not a felon. Any unexpected change in the team dynamic might throw off the team’s balance and without balance, they’ll lose. Badly. Repeatedly.”

  The Flash would be the laughingstock of the NBA.

  Viv’s smile dropped into a dangerous frown. “You think I don’t know that? I spent the past two seasons crashing meetings and hunkering down in Jack’s sky box.”

  “Then why rock the boat?”

  “You know I love Jack, but he can’t love more than one thing at a time.” Viv leaned forward, her expression determined. “If I’m to find life balance and love with Jack, the Flash has to go. Isn’t that what you want for me?”

  The espresso Cora’s sucked down earlier burned like acid in her belly. If she hadn’t been raised by an unfeeling supermodel and a feel-too-much life coach, she’d have told Viv where to go. But her inner bitch stomped on the idea of defeat with really great wedge heels, and smiled. “As your life coach, I’m on your side, but Jack – ”

  “When Jack gets out of the hospital, the Flash will no longer stand between us.” Viv’s returning smile promised world dominance and doom. “Because he’ll have no choice but to sell the franchise. I know he loves me and without the Flash in our way, we’ll be happy again. And I have you to thank for our happiness.”

  It’s not my fault.

  Cora felt dizzy. It wasn’t possible that she was to blame. It had to be Viv’s fault. Viv hadn’t been able to let her resentment toward the team go. Viv perceived the franchise as Jack’s mistress, one who’d usurped her spot as his first priority.

  Son of a bitch. I hope it’s not my fault.

  Trent charged into the office. “Where’s Jack? It’s about time we signed Irving.”

  Cora had been about to welcome an ally in this fight when Trent’s words sunk in.

  “He’s exactly what…” Viv was a little slower on the uptake. “What?”

  “Irving. Thank you for signing him. Let’s hold off on the other trade, because...” Trent’s voice trailed off as he began to realize he and Viv weren’t on the same page.

  “You want Irving on the team?” Cora recovered first, still disbelieving. “He’ll probably assault a woman and be in jail two weeks into his contract.” Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for the rest of the guys.

  “Don’t judge a man by his past,” Trent said in that detached, deep voice she’d come to associate with the Reverend.

  Trent wanted Irving? He was working a trade? And he hadn’t told her?

  Cora’s mind whirled with a purpose, ignoring her wounded pride. So what if Trent hadn’t shared that he wanted Irving? Now, more than ever she knew where she stood with him – outside his circle of trust.

  But she couldn’t lose sight of Trent’s slip. A Flash trade offer had to present something of value to other teams – a high round, future draft pick or a valuable player…like Evan.

  Cora’s pulse pounded with shit-hit-the-fan intensity. Trent was going to ruin everything Evan had worked for, not to mention the shrapnel that would scar her relationship with Amber once things blew up.

  “You want Hugh Irving on the team,” Viv said carefully.

  Trent seemed to have reassessed the situation, for he responded just as carefully. “Do you have questions about him?”

  Only questions about you, Benedict Arnold.

  An hour ago she’d been defending him to Amber. She blamed her gullibility on great sex.

  When neither woman spoke, Trent started backing out. “I came in late because I had an appointment this morning. I need to check on the team.”

  “Jack has been sedated to help him rest more comfortably,” Viv said in a frigid voice before he’d gone two steps. “Cora encouraged me to reclaim my rights as part owner. What other changes to personnel were you considering, Coach? Zach tells me we’ve let some players and coaches go. And you mentioned a trade?”

  “Cora encouraged you...” Trent’s gaze hardened. Cora’s never wavered.

  His gaze said: This is your fault.

  Hers said: Not all of it, dude.r />
  He returned his attention to Viv. “Let’s see how the team dynamic changes with Irving before we seek any more personnel. As you ladies know, he could be a challenge.”

  Cora gritted her teeth. She could be a challenge, too. How could she have considered – even for a millisecond – dating him?

  “But clearly, you have faith in Hugh,” Viv said. “And if the Dooley Foundation can’t get him to perform for you, they’ll lose our business.”

  “Not. To. Worry.” Cora bit off the words.

  Trent’s eyes blazed. She was ready for him to take off the gloves and bring it.

  “I’m busy. Both of you may leave.” Viv clutched a pen with dagger-like intensity, as if contemplating throwing it at one of them. “Cora, I’ll need to see you later, after I’ve had more time to explore options for the team.”

  “I’d like to discuss options before any decisions are made.” Trent’s Southern accent was too thick, giving away his anger.

  The ice queen arched her brows, but said nothing, reinforcing their presence was no longer required. Cora and Trent made their exit. Cora couldn’t wait to get away from Trent.

  The office staff looked miserable, as if they wished Jack would come back. Cora reached for her cell phone, planning to call Blue and vent.

  “Not so fast, Dr. Frankenstein.” Trent grabbed Cora’s arm. “From what Viv said, you created this monster. What’s her game plan?”

  “Now you want my input?” Instead of struggling to free herself, Cora faced Trent and grabbed his shoulder. “I’ve had a bad day. A very bad day. One that started way too early. I’m angry right now.” She drew a deep breath and stared at his lips. “The way I see it, this can go one of two ways. If you don’t let go of me, I’m either going to knee you in the nuts, or kiss you.”

  There were two kinds of heat in his eyes – frustration and desire. Her pulse accelerated. It was desire that held her immobile, not the desire for an outlet any lips would achieve. It was desire for his lips.

  I’m in deep shit.

  “Whatever you decide, I’d rather not have an audience, so hold that thought,” he said enigmatically. He nodded toward Zach and Nina. “When Jack gets back he’s going to fire you unless you contain Vivian. Has she signed the NBA media deal?”

  Nina shook her head. “The legal team is working the negotiations Jack requested.”

  Cora was angry, and Trent was talking as if there was nothing unusual in their stand-off? Her grip on Trent’s shoulder tightened.

  “Patience,” he said to her half under his breath. “Make sure legal doesn’t wrap things up in less than a week, Nina. Zach, I want you at the hospital. As soon as Jack’s able, he needs to reclaim this team.”

  “I need to leave.” Standing here, like this, she couldn’t decide if she was acting like a bully or a petulant child. One thing was certain. She was making a spectacle of herself. She released Trent’s shoulder.

  “No, sugar.” He didn’t release her. “You’re coming with me. For whatever reason, your presence settles the team.” Trent kept hold of her arm and dragged her into the hallway, his longer steps over-reaching hers. “I swear, Cora, you’re like some God-damn mascot that shits on my couch when my back is turned. What does Vivian have planned?”

  “I don’t know.” Bent like a Neanderthal, she trotted to keep up with him in last year’s Prada, ankle-strap pumps. The comparison to a shitting mascot stung. She wished she’d kneed him in the nuts. “If you would’ve told me what changes you had planned, I could’ve prepped her.”

  He released her arm, backing her quickly against the wall. The anger sparking from his eyes and reverberating from every muscle matched hers. “I didn’t even tell my own staff. Things like this get out and the market value of a player goes up.” He crowded into her space until no more than an inch separated them. Less, when she breathed.

  Cora didn’t dare breathe. To breathe meant to decide – knee or lips. Bully or petulant child. Bitch or whore. Not wanting to decide, she flattened herself against the wall. “And you don’t see a problem with keeping this from your staff? From Randy and your dad?” It always amazed her when Trent revealed he was as messed up and untrusting as she was.

  “This is my chance at my dream. My ass is on the line. Do you know what it’s like to be responsible for everyone around you – players, coaches, even you.” His head came in closer to hers, so close they could have kissed.

  She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to kiss him fast and hard until the fire in her blood cooled and the anger faded.

  Then the meaning of his words sunk in. “You feel responsible for me?” Her anger dissolved into something soft and unexpected.

  “Hell, yes,” he snapped. “You and the Dooley Foundation. You and your pink room. You and the way you look at me when we’re alone. I know you can take care of yourself, but I can’t help but feel that someone needs to watch out for you.”

  That had to rank up there with one of the kindest things anyone had ever said to her. Now she wanted to kiss him for an entirely different reason. There was a layer of separation missing between them, a defense that had fallen. He could see things about her that others couldn’t.

  Kiss him? What would kissing solve? Reinforce that she wanted Trent to watch out for her? Wouldn’t that allow him to have a say in her life? Amber was right. She needed to figure out what she wanted from a man and what she was willing to give in return. Before kissing and sex and dreams of white weddings.

  What she wanted…What she was comfortable with in this moment, was apologizing.

  She released a slow breath, reaching just as slowly to place her hands on his waist. “I’m sorry about Vivian. I was trying to convince her to support Jack and it just went to hell.”

  The thin set of his mouth confirmed he agreed with her.

  Cora hurriedly added, “I may not understand why you picked up Irving, but the word trade worries me. These players deserve a shot together. I get carried away protecting my guys from trades, including Evan.”

  “My guys. Shit.” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead on hers. His body was a mess of tension. “I’m surrounded by rookies. I would like nothing more…” He sighed. “…then to see the Dooley Foundation ousted from this organization.”

  She didn’t rise to the Foundation’s defense. She focused on deliberate, steady breaths. There had been misjudgments on her part. There wouldn’t be any more.

  “I should ban you from the practice facility, the same way I ban Antoine’s posse and Jablone’s wife.” His forehead continued to rest on hers, contradicting any intentions he had of following through.

  Cora’s hands stole up to rest on his chest. It was a really nice chest. “If you ban me, who’s going to bolster their confidence when they’re down? Who’s going to listen to the white noise of their celebrity life and refocus them on basketball?”

  “They should be turning to their coaches. Or their shrink.” So stubborn. Just like her.

  She lowered her voice, as if saying it softly would emphasize its importance. “If you ban me, who’s going to handle Viv? Thanks to her, the Flash is playing the first half of the season at a junior college.”

  He drew back. “What?”

  “You really don’t pay attention to social media, do you?” She side-stepped into the corridor, gaining much-needed breathing room. “The earliest Jack will be released is next week. If Viv did this in one day, imagine what she’ll do in seven. I can help you. I can be part of the team.”

  He scowled. She could almost see him calculating player salaries against ticket sales.

  “I know you like to control everything.” She sucked in much needed air and pushed toward her goals – meet the sales quota, earn millions, prove to everyone that she was worthy of respect, and move to Paris. She’d leave her pink room behind. Forever. “Whatever innovations you have in mind, whatever plans you have for a future trade, dealing with Viv is going to be an obstacle. I can help you.”

  His gaze continued its c
alculation. This time of her. “Your first priority is the Dooley Foundation. How can I trust you?”

  How indeed? He didn’t even trust his own staff.

  It’s nothing that can’t be mended, her father’s voice, along with a long-forgotten memory from her childhood. She’d been angry that he’d given Amber Bridal Barbie for the holidays, while Cora had received Bridesmaid Skipper. Barbie was da-bomb! Skipper was a nerdy nobody. Looking back, Cora couldn’t believe anyone had thought she’d be satisfied with Skipper.

  There’d been some angry screaming on Cora’s part. She’d thrown Skipper in the toilet, which clogged the plumbing and the holiday celebration, until the plumber showed up and her dad miraculously produced a second wrapped box with Bridal Barbie. Had that been a gift for another daughter? Another of his princesses?

  Did I ruin another child’s Christmas?

  She couldn’t think of Daddy and his other children now, couldn’t let the insecurities in. “You’ve got everything on the line, Trent. I understand why you require proof.” Cora’s voice firmed. “Let me prove it to you. I’ll go back to Viv right now. Let me prove to you how valuable the Dooley Foundation can be.” Let her prove what an asset she was. Without kisses. Without sex. Without the need to watch out for her and her pink room.

  After a brief moment of consideration, he nodded. “But I have positions to fill and I’ve already decided how to fill them. If you want the Dooley Foundation around, at least until Jack returns, you’ll clear a path with Viv for what I want. Trades. Contracts.”

  Cora nodded and offered him her hand, proving they only had a business arrangement. Nothing more.

  ~*~

  Trent turned away from Cora and headed toward the fitness center and his team.

  She butted her head into his business. Thoughts of her intruded 24/7 when they shouldn’t. He wanted her to resolve her pink bedroom, privacy issues. And yet, he had no time for her.