In the Red Zone

by Crista McHugh

  Savannah pulled herself up and reached for her mother.

  Kiana lifted her out of the crib and placed her on her lap. “Did any of the labs come back?”

  “All negative. I’m guessing it was the change in the weather, but she did have a little bit of a runny nose when I first saw her.” The doctor stopped the nebulizer and removed the mask before listening to Savannah’s lungs. “Yes, so much better.”

  Just the thing Kiana wanted to hear. “Can we go home now?”

  “No, I want to observe her for a few hours, if that’s all right with you. Your nanny said that Savannah had responded to her inhaler earlier today before worsening, and I want to make sure she isn’t going to relapse once you get home. But for now, let’s keep the fluids coming and see how she does. Are you fine with giving her some juice?”

  Kiana nodded, another wave of weariness assaulting her. “She likes apple juice. And please dilute it with some water.”

  “Of course.” The ER doc gave her a warm smile before leaving the room.

  A few minutes later, a nurse appeared with a sippy cup of juice, which Savannah grabbed as soon as it came within her reach. The toddler sucked down the juice, choking a few times in the process. She was still breathing faster than normal, but otherwise, she appeared to be back to her usual self.

  The nurse lingered to record Savannah’s heart rate and oxygen levels. “Looking good, precious.”

  Another half hour crawled by before Denise arrived. “You poor baby girl.”

  Kiana didn’t know if she was referring to her or Savannah, but it didn’t matter. Denise was always there when she needed her. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Of course. Thank you for letting me know.” She took Savannah from Kiana and sat in a nearby rocking chair. “You look like you’ve had a rough day.”

  Kiana bit back a laugh. “Rough wouldn’t be the word I’d use to describe it.”

  At least she’d taken the time to glance in a mirror on the way over and make sure she didn’t have lipstick or mascara smeared all over her face.

  “Care to talk about it?” Denise cradled Savannah in her arms and rocked back and forth like she had all the time in the world.

  “The gala sold out.” Start with the simple stuff before delving into the dilemma that was Frank Kelly.

  “That doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me.”

  “It’s not, but we’d actually sold more tickets than we’d intended, so I’ve been rushing around all day trying to make sure we had enough room and food for everyone.”

  Denise nodded, her gaze flickering over Kiana’s dress. “But I take it you weren’t putting in late hours at the office dressed like that.”

  Well, technically she still was in her office when Madison called. She’d just been riding her post-orgasmic high after riding Frank.

  Kiana’s skin warmed at the memory of his big hands on her bare skin. They had been so soft, gentle, adoring. So unexpected from a man of his size and reputation.

  Denise cleared her throat and jerked Kiana from her reverie. “I gather from that dreamy look on your face that the day wasn’t as rough as it seemed.”

  Kiana replied with an embarrassed laugh. “No, it wasn’t. I had another date with Frank.”

  “He sounds like a nice young man.”

  A month ago, she would’ve laughed at the idea of Frank being a “nice young man.” She only knew him by his reputation both on and off the field. But now that she’d gotten to know him, she couldn’t agree more with her stepmother’s assessment. “He is. Especially considering our date got off to a rocky start.”

  “How so?” Denise glanced down at the toddler who was dozing quietly in her arms.

  “I was so busy at work that I was almost an hour late. He actually showed up at my office to find out why I’d stood him up.” Gooseflesh prickled her skin when she remembered her terror on his arrival. “I thought he’d react like Malcolm did when I’d done something wrong, and I freaked out a little.”

  Denise halted the sway of the rocking chair and stiffened. “He didn’t hit you, did he?”

  Kiana shook her head. “He didn’t even raise his voice. That’s what made my reaction so pitiful.” She rubbed her arms. “I instantly expected the worst from him, and bless his heart, he’d done nothing wrong. He even came up with a workaround for our date.”

  “Which was?”

  “Pizza and movie in my office.” Followed by hot sex for dessert.

  “Sounds like you need to latch on to him while you can.” Denise rose and carried the sleeping toddler in her arms to the crib.

  Kiana stiffened. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means it’s time to start trusting people again instead of pushing them away. Not all men are like Malcolm.”

  “I sometimes find that hard to believe after seeing the string of losers my mother used to bring home.”

  “Your mother learned the hard way. And you learned from her mistakes. You were strong enough to get out of that bad relationship before you ended up like her, and now, your daughter is safe and spared from experiencing all the things you went through.” Denise crossed the room and patted Kiana on the cheek. “I’m not worried about you, honey. You’ll make the right decision. Just listen to your heart and your gut like I’ve taught you.”

  “I’m trying, Mama. It’s just…” She glanced over at her sleeping daughter. “I’m scared.”

  “Nobody ever said love was easy, but you need to trust the person you’re giving your heart to.”

  Denise’s advice created a sharp pang in the center of Kiana’s chest. Her stepmother had given her heart to her father, and he’d cheated on her. Yet, she’d somehow forgiven him.

  Kiana continued to watch Savannah, silently counting her daughter’s quick breaths while she mulled over her future with Frank. She might be able to trust him with her heart. But her daughter?

  “Mama, do you think what Tre said is true? That Frank would run away if I told him about Savannah?”

  “You know him better than me. What do you think?”

  For all his playboy reputation, he’d shown her time and time again that he wanted her. His persistence hadn’t waned. And the sex was beyond great. But was he father material?

  Kiana wrapped her arms around her stomach, hoping it would squash the doubt radiating from her gut. “I think I need to tell him before I lose my heart.”

  “Sounds like a good plan. You don’t have to introduce him to her right now, but he needs to know that you have priorities other than him.”

  “And if he decides not to continue our relationship…” She’d be upset. Maybe even a little crushed. But she’d move on. Her daughter was the most important thing in her life, and if someone wanted her, they’d have to want Savannah, too. “Well, I’m better off without him.”

  Denise hugged her. “See? You’re strong enough to do what’s right. You always have. Tre, on the other hand, is giving me gray hairs.”

  “What’s that boy done now?”

  “He left for Vegas this morning.”

  “Again? Didn’t he just get back?”

  Denise nodded and sank into the rocking chair again. “He claims he did so well there last week that he wanted to go back before his luck ran out.”

  “It’s going to run out eventually.” Kiana rubbed her temples and offered a silent prayer her brother wouldn’t end up without a dime to his name again.

  “That’s what I keep telling him, but he won’t listen to me. It’s times like this that I wish your daddy was still alive. Marshall could always talk sense into that boy.”

  “Maybe he’ll listen to Frank.”

  Denise chuckled as she rocked away. “If you think there’s a chance it might work, then have at it.”

  A barking cough interrupted their conversation, and Kiana rushed to the crib. Savannah’s wheezes filled her ears when she picked up her daughter. “I think we need another breathing treatment.”

  “I’ll tell the nurse.”
/>
  Denise left the room to find some help while Kiana clung to her baby girl. She’d worry about Frank and Tre and everything else later. Right now, there was only one person who mattered. Savannah needed her. Everything else would have to wait until her daughter was breathing easier again.

  And when things calmed down, she’d tell Frank about Savannah and see what happened.

  Chapter Twelve

  Frank threw his gym bag into the trunk and ran his fingers through his still-damp hair. All weekend, he’d punished his body with workouts from hell just to keep his mind off of Kiana. He physically craved her. But the dazed and confused feeling from Friday trumped his desire. She’d said she’d call, and she hadn’t. She’d just fucked him and ran, leaving him with only a vague promise for later.

  Okay, God, I’m getting the cruel irony here.

  He slid into the car but didn’t start the engine right away. He needed to know where he was going first. He pulled out his phone and called his brother. “Help me through this, Adam.”

  He recounted Kiana’s odd behavior with the phone call and the fact that she hadn’t contacted him. “I’m at the point where I need her to be honest with me, but I’m scared if I press her for answers, she’ll push me away.”

  “Has Cully contacted you yet?”

  Frank curled his fingers into his palm. “What does Cully have to do with this?”

  “He’s been in Atlanta all weekend. Said he ran into some roadblocks that he needed to address in person. Something about sealed documents.”

  Shit! Cully had found something on her, just as he’d feared. But that was nothing compared to the sick feeling swirling in his stomach. “Why did you hire him?”

  “Because you’re not known for sound judgment when it comes to women, and the fact that you were suspicious made me suspicious.”

  “It’s a little extreme, though, don’t you think?”

  “I’m just looking out for you. Besides, it seems you were right about her hiding something if Cully unearthed stuff on her.”

  “Any idea what?”

  “Sorry, but Cully won’t divulge anything until he has all the facts.”

  A private investigator with ethics. Great.

  Frank started up his car. If he wanted answers now, then there was only one place to go. “Well, when you hear back from him, let me know if there’s anything I should be aware of.”

  Sherita was typing away when he came to the foundation’s headquarters, but she stopped when she spotted him. “Hello, Mr. Kelly.”

  “Mr. Kelly is my dad. Or my eldest brother. I’m just Frank.” He pointed to the closed door in front of him. “Is she in?”

  “Not right now.” Sherita pushed back from her desk, her lips pursed as though she was deciding how much information to give up. “But she should be back within the hour.”

  “Good. I’ll wait.” He opened the office door and closed it behind him.

  Nothing had changed since he’d left Friday night. The scent of her perfume still lingered in the air, accented only by the faintest tinge of sex. He glanced at the sofa, and his dick started to throb. Yeah, it had been good. Too good. And once wouldn’t be enough.

  He sat on the sofa, his legs stretched out in front of him, and closed his eyes. The memories from Friday night overwhelmed him to the point where he worried he’d grab Kiana for an instant replay the moment she walked in.

  Damn it!

  He jumped up from the sofa and walked around her desk. If he wanted answers, this would’ve been the perfect opportunity to go through her drawers and her computer. But his conscience cautioned him not to go there, to respect her privacy. There were some lines that didn’t need to be crossed, and Adam had already crossed one for him by hiring Cully.

  However, he couldn’t ignore the picture of a baby in a frilly pink dress perched on her desk.

  Cold sweat prickled the back of his neck as he stared at it. The baby had dark skin and a head full of curly black hair, but her eyes were just like Kiana’s—big and framed by thick lashes.

  The sound of women’s voices trickled in from the outer office, and he backed away from her desk. He’d process what he’d found later. That is, if Kiana didn’t answer his questions before then. He had just enough time to dive for the couch and strike a casual pose before the door opened.

  Kiana strode in and went straight for her desk without looking in his direction.

  Frank grinned. Sherita definitely played the part of the meddling assistant well. “Hello, Kiana.”

  She jumped with a squeak and turned toward him, her hand over her heart. “What are you doing here?”

  Sherita poked her head in. “Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you he was waiting for you. Toodles.” She waved at them and shut the door.

  Kiana dumped her briefcase in her desk chair, her eyes never leaving him. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “And you never called.” He stood and tucked his hands into his pockets while he meandered toward her. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to blow me off.”

  Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. “It’s not like that.”

  “Then enlighten me. After all, what’s a guy to think when a girl screws him senseless and then runs away?”

  Her gaze flickered to the sofa, and she caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Desire flashed across her face. “Frank, I…” She paused and lowered her gaze to the floor. “We need to talk.”

  “No shit. Why do you think I’m here? It’s not just because I want seconds.”

  Her head snapped up, her eyes wide.

  Frank rested his palms on her desk. “And don’t get me wrong. I do want seconds. I want them badly. But not before I get to the bottom of things.”

  That same lust-filled expression she’d worn seconds before she jumped his bones flickered across her face, but unlike Friday night, she managed to hold back, much to his disappointment. “Fine, let’s go for a walk.”

  “Can’t we talk here?”

  She peered around him at the sofa again. “No.”

  At least I know she wants me as much as I want her. He stepped back and gestured toward the door. “Ladies first.”

  ***

  I can do this. I can do this.

  Kiana kept repeating the same phrase over and over again as she rode down the elevator with Frank. But every time she opened her mouth to tell him about Savannah, nothing came out.

  Part of her wanted to have this conversation in private so that if Frank freaked out, it wouldn’t become a public spectacle. But at the same time, she couldn’t stay in that office. Not with him looking at her in a way that set her hormones into overdrive. She’d probably end up screwing him all over again, and she couldn’t afford to do that right now. Not with a news crew set to arrive in an hour to make up for the interview she’d had to cancel on Saturday.

  And not when her heart was jumping around in her chest with uncertainty.

  They arrived at the ground floor. “Where to?” Frank asked.

  “Do you mind going to Piedmont Park? It’s just a few blocks away.”

  “Let’s drive.” He pointed to her high-heeled shoes. “I don’t want to risk you tripping in those.”

  An irrational rumble of fear rolled through her stomach. Her head told her she could trust Frank, but her gut wasn’t on board. “Fine, but I’ll drive.”

  Traffic was relatively light for Midtown, and parking was easy to find. Within a few minutes, they were surrounded by the open, green space framed by the nearby skyscrapers. The breeze still carried a slight chill from the cold front that had come through on Friday, but the late March sun and her sturdy blazer were more than enough to keep her warm as they walked.

  “What happened Friday night?” Frank asked, his hands rooted in his pockets.

  Before or after we had sex?

  Her breath shook as she blew it out. He’d opened the door, and it was up to her to take advantage of it. “I had a family emergency.”

  He skidd
ed to a stop. “Your mom? Tre?”

  She shook her head and prayed for courage. “No, my daughter.”

  For a moment, he stood there with his mouth hanging open, the perfect statue of a man in shock. It was just as she’d expected, right down to the panic in his eyes.

  She silently cursed and started to turn away, but he caught her and pulled her back. “What happened?”

  Not “Oh my God, you have a daughter.”

  Not “Holy shit! You have a kid?”

  Not “Get away from me before you infect with me with kid cooties.”

  What happened?

  And the warm glow in her heart overwhelmed the trepidation in her gut. “Savannah has asthma, and the weather change set her off. We just got her home from the hospital this morning.”

  Frank cursed and slid his hand along the side of his face like he’d just woken up. Seconds ticked by as he appeared to take it all in. “But she’s going to be okay?”

  “Yeah, for now.” Kiana crossed her arms across her chest and resumed walking.

  He caught up to her in three easy strides. “Why didn’t you just tell me that on Friday?”

  “Because I don’t want too many people to know about her.”

  “Why?”

  She’d already dropped one bomb on him, and he hadn’t run away. Time for the second one. “She’s Malcolm’s kid.”

  His face lit up with understanding.

  “I was six months pregnant when I finally got the nerve to get out of that relationship,” she continued, her slow amble matching the pace of her confession. “There are restraining orders in place, but we both saw how well he adheres to them. I never want him to lay a finger on her. If it weren’t for the foundation and my family, I would’ve left Atlanta a long time ago. But it’s why I don’t let too many people know where I live and why I don’t let just anyone watch her when I go out.”

  He nodded but didn’t say anything more. Several minutes passed in silence, but he remained at her side with his hands in his pockets. “So, what’s next?” he asked at last.

  “What do you mean?”

  “What’s next for us?”