Kissed by a Carrington

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  “Tomorrow morning is D-day, Lynton. Please don’t tax our relationship any further. You must leave in the morning. No more excuses.”

  Lynton watched Kelly as she left the room. He couldn’t believe he’d totally misinterpreted her reactions. Resigning himself to the inevitable, he knew there was nothing he could do to change her mind. Plain and simple, he had lost the battle.

  Kelly had come out the victor. More than that, he’d lost her to a mindless jock.

  Dressed for bed, Kelly slipped between the fresh sheets she’d put on the bed the same morning she’d left on the cruise. As she reached over to turn out the nightstand lamp, she stared at the phone. Calling Houston was the right thing to do, but she knew there’d be hell to pay when he found out she’d let Lynton stay on for the night.

  Houston wouldn’t believe that her friend planned to leave in the morning. She was having a hard time believing it herself, but she wasn’t backing down. No matter what lame excuse or pure bull Lynton tried to feed her, he was a goner. It was up to him to decide their future as friends.

  Houston had been tossing and turning in his bed ever since he’d shut down for the night. Although he was concerned about Kelly he knew she could take good care of herself. If he thought she was in danger he would’ve never left. She and Lynton had a history he wasn’t entirely privy to. He figured she was terribly torn between loving him and staying loyal to one of her best friends. There was no comfort for him in that.

  After plumping his pillows for the hundredth time, Houston threw his head back onto one and pulled another into his abdomen. Holding Kelly instead of the pillow would’ve been much better, but she was unavailable to him at the moment, he thought, as he did his best to tamp down his anger. The last thing he wanted was to be upset with her. Reaching over to the nightstand, he flipped on the radio, which was set on his favorite easy-listening music station.

  Nearly a half hour later Houston fell into a troubled slumber.

  The delicious breakfast smells hit Kelly’s nose the moment she turned down the corridor leading to the kitchen. The divine scent of freshly brewing coffee couldn’t be ignored. If Lynton was preparing breakfast for her, she believed it was his way of apologizing. It was all well and good, but he still had to go. She would stick to her guns.

  Kelly had hoped to hear from Houston last night, but to no avail. Once she got Lynton on his way, she planned to go to the man she loved, prepared to beg for his forgiveness and understanding. It was up to her to make things right between them. She was the one who’d wittingly allowed Lynton to get between them in the first place.

  The note propped up on the toaster was the first thing Kelly saw upon entering the kitchen. After tearing open the envelope, she read the note penned by Lynton’s hand.

  I’m so sorry, Kelly I never meant to hurt you. I’ll constantly pray that we can remain close friends. Good luck with Houston. Despite the things I said, I know he loves you. How could he not? Blessings, my dear friend. I’ll always love you, Lynton.

  Only Lynton would fix her breakfast and then disappear. “Apology accepted, dear friend. I’ll always love you, too,” she softly whispered, her emotions rising, “as a friend.”

  Houston had awakened before the crack of dawn. After showering and dressing in haste, he got into his Mercedes Benz and headed straight to his parents’ home. With the memories of last night fresh in his mind, he found it hard to escape this harsh reality. Since his brothers weren’t available to him, he knew his mom and dad would be.

  Angelica set in front of Houston a plate filled with eggs, sausage and wheat toast. After retrieving the apple butter and two hot mugs of coffee, she placed them on the table. She then took a seat across from her son. “I’m sorry about what happened last night. However, son, I believe you should’ve stayed to make sure Kelly was okay. I hope this Lynton fellow doesn’t bully her mentally or physically.”

  “I can assure you none of that will work. Kelly is pretty steel-headed and stubborn. That’s one of the things I love about her. She doesn’t allow people to make decisions for her. Her parents tried to choose her field of medicine…and failed.”

  Angelica raised both eyebrows. “You’ve sparked an intense interest here. You mentioned one of the things you love about her, but are you in love with Kelly?”

  “Very much so.” The stunned look on his mother’s face wasn’t lost on him. “I can only imagine what you’re thinking. I’m every bit as astonished as you look. Love was something I never dreamed would catch up to me, at least not like this. I’ve been on the run from this deep emotion for what seems like forever.”

  Tears filled Angelica’s eyes. “For me, this is wonderful news. I wish your dad had been here to hear it. Knowing you love Kelly is a beautiful revelation to me.”

  “I heard it, all right.” Beaumont popped into the room. “You couldn’t have chosen a better lady, Houston. She’s a walking dream.” He sat down at the table. “Now let us get down to the real nitty-gritty. You say you love her, but how much do you love Kelly and what are you willing to sacrifice to prove your love and earn and keep hers? Is it the forever kind of love?”

  Houston set down his coffee mug and reached for a hand of each parent. His heart was so full he thought it might burst. “It’s the forever kind, Mom, Dad. I came here to ask a favor. It’s time for me to let Kelly know how much I really love her.”

  After composing himself, Houston made direct eye contact with his mother. “I know Dad buys you a bigger anniversary diamond every five years. Is it possible for me to borrow one until I can take Kelly to a jeweler? I gave her a promise ring on the cruise, but you’d need a microscope to see the diamond. Think you can help me out, Mom?”

  Leaning forward in her seat, Angelica kissed her son’s cheek. “The rings range from one carat to four.” She wiggled the ring finger of her left hand. “This is five carats. And I can’t imagine wearing anything larger.” She smiled at her husband, hoping he understood she didn’t want a bigger diamond ring. “A lovely diamond bracelet or necklace for our next anniversary would be a welcome gift.”

  Beaumont smiled broadly. “I hear you, my dear Angelica. I know it’s a worn-out cliché, but your every wish is my command.”

  Angelica smiled back at her husband and winked. “Thanks for understanding.”

  She looked back at her son. “Houston, I have to say this, but I don’t think borrowing one of my rings is the right thing for you to do. You are no pauper and you shouldn’t start acting like one. Kelly deserves so much more even if you are feeling desperate. I have a great idea. Will you hear me out?”

  Knowing his mother was right, Houston nodded and settled in to hang on to her every word. Angelica was a wise woman, he knew, wiser than he’d ever be.

  Once Angelica told Houston what she thought would work, Beaumont felt it was time for him to give his young son more sage advice.

  “Son, marriage is a beautiful thing, but it’s something you’ll both have to work at every single day. When each partner gives the same amount of love and attention given during the courting stage, the romance will live on. There are many creative ways to keep a marriage fresh and exciting. Look at Ashleigh and Austin. They’re perfect examples. And I do believe they’ll end up just like your mother and me after years and years of wedded bliss.

  “Are you prepared for the possibility of her not agreeing to marry you?” Beaumont’s query was serious and sobering, yet his tone was gentle. “Don’t propose if you’re not sure you can handle Kelly rejecting your proposal.”

  Houston scratched his head. “I hadn’t given any thought to being rejected. Perhaps that’s arrogant on my part. It’s clear that I should think about it. Maybe it is too soon for her. But if I don’t ask her to marry me, I won’t know her answer. Dad, you just threw me a curveball. Where’s Dallas when you need him?”

  “In and out of baseball, Dallas gets a fair share of curveballs thrown his way. You three are replicas of one another, but you’re each unique in your own rig
ht. You boys always deal with your problems but not necessarily in the same way. Dallas can’t catch curveballs for you. Slip your own catcher’s mitt on your hand, Houston,” Beaumont advised in a loving manner.

  Angelica was worried that Beaumont’s remarks might have an adverse affect on Houston. Her son looked conflicted. “Houston, this is all about love,” she said with heartfelt emotion. “It isn’t about curveballs or any other mumbo jumbo. If you love Kelly enough to marry her, go and tell her exactly what you want. I’ve never known a time when my four men haven’t risen to any challenge thrown their way. Go to her and handle your business. If you want Kelly, it’s time for you to shout it out to the world.”

  Houston reached over and wiped away Angelica’s tears. “Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear what you just said. Dad, I also appreciate your words of wisdom. I have a lot to think about. I know I’ll make the right decision.”

  As Kelly stepped into the garage, she was caught off guard by the absence of Lynton’s car parked right next to hers. Since Houston had picked her up and had driven her home, her car was already put away. Had Lynton kept the garage door opener or had he raised it from inside? Thinking about the letter he’d written to her made her doubt it.

  Deceit in any form was strongly disliked by Kelly. What had upset her more was Lynton playing her for an idiot. He’d known all along he was coming back to her place after she’d left town. They might’ve discovered his presence a lot sooner had she come right home after the ship had docked in Galveston. Instead, she’d wanted to see her parents as soon as possible. The intended brief visit had turned into a long one.

  As the music on her cell phone came on, Kelly looked at the caller ID. She smiled. “Hey, Mom, what’s up?” She had greeted Carolyn enthusiastically, still very determined to continue healing the broken relationship.

  “I was just calling to see how you are and to thank you for coming by yesterday.”

  “You’re welcome. We had a wonderful time with you and Dad.”

  “I’m happy, darling. When can we look forward to another visit?”

  Kelly sighed. “We’ll try to make it real soon.” She saw no reason to saddle her parents with her and Houston’s problems, especially not after they’d seen how happy they were just yesterday. “I really need to get some rest.”

  “Is everything okay? Is there something you’re not saying?” Carolyn asked.

  Kelly blew out a stream of air. “I need to talk to someone about this crazy situation I got into with Lynton. Houston is at serious odds with me over it. Can I come see you at the clinic? I really need some sound parental advice.”

  “I’m not in the clinic. Dad and I took off the entire week. You’re welcome to come to the house. Or do you want me to meet you somewhere?”

  Kelly blinked back her tears. “I’ll come there. Love you. Bye for now.”

  As he paced the floor in his bedroom, Houston wondered if he’d taken too long to get everything settled in his mind. A week was a long time to leave things idling, but he was the kind of man who had to be sure about every step he took. Kelly hadn’t called him and he hadn’t called her, but he had expected her to take the lead since Lynton was her problem. “Grow up,” he loudly scolded himself. “You can’t keep blaming others because of your bonehead failures. You’re as much to blame for this mess as anyone.”

  However, Houston had finally taken his mother’s great idea to heart, which was very similar to something he’d already done before. He recalled Kelly saying she wasn’t too fond of surprises, but he hoped one more wouldn’t hurt. Houston hoped she wouldn’t see him as being too sure, because he was anything but that when it came to her. Kelly was an altogether different challenge than any he’d ever meet on the hardwood.

  Deciding it was time to take the bull by the horns, Houston dialed Kelly’s home phone. It was the weekend, and she should be off, unless she was on call. She answered on the third ring and he heard the hesitancy in her tone. She must’ve seen the caller ID.

  “Aren’t you going to tell me it’s about time?” he asked, feeling terribly nervous. This wasn’t how he’d meant to start out, but his nerves had got the best of him.

  “About time for what?” Kelly clearly had no desire to get into a play on words with him.

  The comeback was sobering for him. “Listen, let me get straight to the point. I need to talk to you desperately. Can I get you to come over for dinner this evening?”

  Kelly hesitated. Maybe she didn’t want to come off eager, especially when she didn’t know what his intentions were. He could be desperate to end it with her. “I don’t know. Do you think that’s a good idea when we always seem to end up at odds with each other?”

  “It’s not going to be like that, I promise. Kelly, I just want us to sit down and talk and get all our issues out in the open.”

  “I thought we’d done just that before the cruise, Houston. I don’t know how you are with your friends, because I haven’t met any of them, but I’m loyal to mine. Yes, even those who betray me and pull fast ones that I may not understand. You just mentioned desperation. Have you ever thought that Lynton might’ve felt desperate?”

  Houston had thought of Lynton as desperate—and on more than one occasion.

  “I know he’s a grown man,” Kelly continued, “but he’s in a new city and he doesn’t know many people here. I can’t help being compassionate. I don’t think I’d make a very good doctor if I wasn’t. Can I take a rain check? I really don’t feel too well.”

  “Sure, Kelly, but you have me worried now. Can I do anything for you?”

  “I’ll be fine. You can look to hear from me in a couple of days or so.”

  Houston wanted to ask her if she was sure, but he knew better. It would only add more insult to all the injury he’d already caused. “I’ll talk to you when you’re ready, but if you need me please don’t hesitate to call.”

  “Thanks, Houston. I’ll keep it in mind.” She disconnected the lines without a farewell.

  Kelly felt more miserable than at any other time she and Houston had been at odds, but she just couldn’t take any more risks with him. The idea of going back to her parents’ home for the night came to her mind. How quickly things had changed in all directions. Who would’ve thought she’d find solace with the very people she had accused of abandoning her. It had taken her far too long to see she was wrong. Her parents had told her to follow her heart where Houston was concerned, but to Kelly it was a risky proposition. Maybe the man she loved had bailed out on her one time too many.

  Tossing out the decision to go back to Sugarland, Kelly thought it was high time she ate something. Everything she’d touched after the disagreement had tasted like cardboard. Normally she ate when she was upset. Not this time. Houston had taken away her appetite for just about everything she loved to do. Kelly felt sad, lonely and a little hopeless, too.

  The summer league was to start in a few days. She’d have to see Houston then. All the players normally took another physical after being off a couple of weeks. After all, she’d signed a contract with the Cyclones, and Houston was one of their superstars.

  It was far from Houston’s realm of understanding that Kelly hadn’t called him back after he’d left so many messages. Several more days of silence had the man stark raving mad yet clearer about his feelings for her than ever before. One other thing was for sure: he’d see her today. Unless she’d canceled her contract with the ball club, she’d be at the training center this rainy Monday morning. No mention of Kelly jumping ship had come down from Max, whom he had talked to every day over the past week. When he needed anything from the generous Cyclones’ owner, Houston had been strongly advised to call upon the man who had secured his future right out of college, so he’d done just that.

  The team meeting lasted nearly an hour and a half. Much to Houston’s surprise, Kelly wasn’t there. So much for a sure thing. Dr. Jacoby Quinn was present, but he hadn’t mentioned a word about his colleague. Houston wasn’t too prideful to ask w
here Kelly was, but he felt he’d come off too obvious by a simple query. He sat there fidgeting, hoping another teammate would ask about her. He also believed his concerned voice would give his true feelings away. No way could he keep the inflection of love out of his tone. Kelly meant that much to him.

  Max walked up to Houston once the meeting ended. “Is everything okay, Champ? You don’t seem like your old self.”

  Houston nodded. “I’m not, but I’ll get through this rough spot.”

  “I’ve never seen you like this. What’s happened? Have you gone off and fallen in love with some pretty face?”

  Houston’s mouth fell agape. “She’s more than just a pretty face, sir, much more. You and I have always been candid with one another. I’m in love with Dr. Charleston.”

  Eyeing Houston with open curiosity, Max took a couple of steps back. “I think every player on this team imagines he’s in love with the sienna stunner, as the guys love to call her.” Then Max saw the telltale signs in Houston’s eyes. “But I think you’re for real. Have you two been dating?”

  “Yes, sir, we have. I’d like to keep that between us for right now. The truth of the matter is, I want to marry Kelly, but because of a few misunderstandings on my part, that may never happen. I’m afraid I’ve been arrogant and foolish.”

  Scratching his head, Max studied Houston even closer. “This is a miracle. The confirmed bachelor until retirement has been bitten hard.” Max laughed. “Never thought I’d see this day, but now that it’s here, what are you going to do about it?”

  “Do you know why Kelly isn’t here today?”

  “I believe I do. But you haven’t answered my question yet.”

  “I have a plan, but I’m no longer sure about it. Can I run it by you, Max?”

  “You already know the answer to that. Anything that affects you affects me and the entire team. We’re all family, Houston. I know, you’re not ready to include the rest of the family in this. I can understand that. Let’s go to my office.”