The Long Shot

by A. L. Brooks

  Inside the house spoke even more of Morgan’s personality, and Adrienne smiled at all the cute touches displayed. The furniture was clearly chosen for comfort rather than because it was the latest statement. Pictures on the walls attested to Morgan’s love of coastlines; she’d mentioned once that her dream getaway was a deserted beach anywhere in the world. The whole interior felt relaxed and casual, and Adrienne could understand even more why it was Morgan’s sanctuary. And why her and the crew being here was such a big deal.

  With that thought, she stepped into full business mode.

  “Morgan, thank you so much for inviting us into your home. TC Productions really appreciates it.”

  Morgan, who had walked over to a smoothly polished stone breakfast bar in the small but beautifully appointed kitchen, turned and dazzled Adrienne with a wide smile.

  “You’re welcome,” she responded quietly. She gestured to the display on the counter. “I have freshly brewed coffee and some fresh fruit and pastries if you’d like?”

  Tina made appreciative noises, and Morgan chuckled.

  “I’ll take a cup of coffee for sure,” Adrienne said and smiled as Tina and Cheri moved forward to help themselves to the gooey pastries arranged on a yellow ceramic platter. “But I’ll pass on the pastries.”

  “Some fruit?” Morgan asked.

  “You know, I’m fine with just coffee.”

  “Okay.” Morgan flashed her that smile again, and Adrienne feared she’d melt into the floor.

  Once they each had a cup of coffee in their hands, Adrienne pushed on with the reason for being there.

  “When we spoke about this before, I suggested that to keep your privacy, we do this interview in the yard. As it’s such a nice day, I don’t see any reason to change that idea.”

  Morgan nodded. “Sounds perfect. Thank you.”

  Adrienne gave her a brief nod of acknowledgement before turning to her crew. “Why don’t we step outside and see what we’ve got to work with?”

  She’s being so considerate, and the more she is, the more I want to tell the other two to disappear so I can have her all to myself.

  While she knew Adrienne’s actions were professional, especially with an audience looking on, she also knew they came from genuine care for Morgan’s well-being. That knowledge gave her the sort of warm, fuzzy feeling she had never imagined experiencing.

  Morgan shook her head. The effect Adrienne had on her bordered on ridiculous. Even if she wanted to protect herself from any potential hurt Adrienne could send her way, she wasn’t sure she was capable. Zero defense. It thrilled her, while at the same time her heart rate increased with the pinch of fear running through her veins.

  She walked over to the doorway and leaned against the frame, coffee cup in one hand, watching Adrienne and Tina discuss the best place to set things up.

  Adrienne turned and met Morgan’s gaze, and even though it was brief, the look they shared spoke volumes: Adrienne was struggling too.

  After swallowing the last of her coffee, Morgan sucked in a breath and stepped out onto the terrace.

  “So will it work?” she asked as she walked up alongside the three women.

  “Yes, definitely. We’ll pull the table over there.” Adrienne pointed to the big patch of empty terrace that currently basked in the most sunlight. “And have you facing the house so all that lovely greenery is the backdrop.” She faced Morgan. “And who does your landscaping? It’s gorgeous!”

  Morgan smiled. “That would be Alejandro, and I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments.”

  Adrienne grinned, then spoke to Tina. “Okay, let’s get started.”

  They were all set up about twenty minutes later, long enough for Morgan’s nerves to build. She and Adrienne had agreed on the broad outline of the questions that would form this interview, but as usual Adrienne wanted some leeway to steer them in a different direction if the situation arose. She had, however, promised not to push Morgan on her relationship with her father, which was just as well, as a part of Morgan still seethed after the disastrous dinner in Williamsburg. Who knew what she’d say if asked something directly?

  Morgan settled into the chair, a glass of water on the table beside her.

  “You okay?” Adrienne asked. She stood just to the left of Tina, peering intently at Morgan.

  “A little nervous,” she admitted and was rewarded with a warm, comforting smile.

  “Okay, let’s start.”

  Adrienne waited a couple of beats before speaking. “So, Morgan, thank you for showing us your lovely home. Tell me, how long have you lived here?”

  Morgan relaxed as Adrienne led her through some fairly standard questions about her home, her life on the road, her workout regime, and her nutrition.

  “And now you’ve got a week off before flying to Europe to play a couple of big tournaments over there.”

  Morgan smiled deprecatingly. “Uh, yeah. Just the small matter of the British Open and the Evian to deal with.”

  Adrienne chuckled. “How are you feeling about those?”

  “You know, I’m feeling pretty relaxed. It’s been a good last few weeks for me, that first round at the PGA aside. I’m proud of the way I pulled that around, and I’m even more proud of my place in the rankings. So I’m taking a lot of confidence into the trip to Europe.”

  “Will you have a chance to catch up with your folks while you’re there?”

  To anyone watching it was an obvious question, and Morgan had to answer it, but she feared where it might go. Was Adrienne about to push her into talking about the issues with her father?

  “I hope so.” Almost the truth. “My dad’s going to be working for ESPN over there, and I know my mom would love to see Britain again, so I’m hopeful we can find some time to spend together around my schedule.”

  “Is it tough trying to fit family and friends around the life of a pro golfer?”

  Okay, that didn’t go where I thought it would. “Yeah, it is. But my parents support me and my brother in our careers, and they understand the demands.”

  It was difficult to brace herself and keep calm on the outside; she hoped it wasn’t noticeable on film. All right, if she’s going to go for it, I just gave her an in. Morgan fervently wished Adrienne wouldn’t go for it—Morgan wasn’t sure what mood she’d be in afterward if she did, and that could ruin her plans for the rest of the day.

  “Do you do anything different to prepare for a major?”

  For a moment, Morgan wanted to laugh. At the relatively innocuous question and also because this week was very different preparation. Normally she’d be out on a practice range every day, not deliberately setting aside time to be interviewed and, hopefully, having dinner with Adrienne later.

  “You know, it depends on my schedule. Last year I went straight from the PGA to Miami to Europe. I’ll be honest, that turned out not to be the best plan.” She held back a wince at the thought of why in particular Miami had not been such a good idea after all. “I was pretty tired by the time I got to Britain. That’s the main reason I decided to take this week off this year. So I’ll use this time to get some more practice in and hopefully rest a little. Maybe have dinner with a friend,” she couldn’t resist adding with a small smile.

  Adrienne’s eyes widened, but her professional poise didn’t falter for one moment. “Sounds great,” she said, and Morgan wondered if there was a hidden message for her in there somewhere. “And do you think about your opponents at all in the build-up? Come up with strategies on how to play if, say, Kim Lee’s right up there with you in the final round?”

  Morgan shook her head. “No, not at all. They’re all great players, some of them legends in our game. I treat everyone with the same high level of respect and just go out there and play my game. At the end of the day, I’m the only one who can control my own round, and that’s all I need to focus on.”
<
br />   A few seconds of silence. “And cut.”

  Morgan blinked. That was it? They were done? All that time, waiting Adrienne out, wondering if something a bit more hard-hitting would be asked, but no. Adrienne had stuck entirely to their script. Morgan wanted to hug her. Or kiss her. Preferably both.

  Cheri lowered the sound boom, and Tina stepped back from the camera.

  Adrienne beamed. “Very nice job,” she said. “Tina, any issues?”

  “None. Walk in the park.”

  “Excellent.” Adrienne dropped her notebook on the table and walked round to Morgan.

  “You did really well,” she said quietly.

  Morgan smiled and gratitude raced through her. “Yeah, but thank you—you let me off easy. I know you said you wouldn’t ask about my father, but I’ll be honest, I’m still surprised you didn’t.”

  Adrienne shrugged. “You know, when I said you should talk about it back in, um, the elevator, I didn’t necessarily mean publicly.”

  “I know. But I still appreciate your effort. I know as a journalist you must be itching to get the full story.”

  “Yes and no. I’m not just a journalist with you now, am I? And that means I have different priorities.” The words were a whisper, but their effect was electric.

  They stared at each other for a moment before Adrienne broke the exquisite tension.

  “So, um, what’s the rest of your afternoon look like?” she asked.

  Morgan inhaled. Now or never. “Well, I was hoping to invite you for dinner. Here. I’m cooking.”

  Adrienne’s mouth quirked up at one corner. “‘Dinner with a friend?’”

  Laughing, Morgan nodded. She glanced over at the crew to make sure they still couldn’t be overheard. “I’d love to spend some time with you, and at least here it would be nice and private.”

  Adrienne bit her bottom lip, and a slow heat spread through Morgan’s body.

  “It, um, sounds lovely.” Adrienne flushed a little. “I just need to come up with a reason why they should leave without me.” She looked back at the crew. “Give me a moment.”

  “Would you like a glass of wine or something?” Morgan asked from across the kitchen.

  “Are you having any?” Adrienne replied and willed her pulse to slow just a tad.

  They were alone now. Tina and Cheri had long departed in a cab back to the city; they’d easily bought Adrienne’s explanation that she and Morgan were going to work on ideas for a final interview. They didn’t need to know that one wasn’t actually scheduled.

  Morgan shook her head. “No, not this week. Probably not drinking any alcohol again until after the Evian, to be honest.”

  “Then I won’t either, thank you. I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  “Okay.” Morgan smiled. “It’s just plain seltzer. Is that all right?”

  Adrienne laughed. “It’s fine. With a slice of lemon if you have it.”

  “Of course.” Morgan pulled a lemon from the refrigerator with a flourish, and they smiled at each other.

  “You seem so at ease here,” Adrienne mused. “I completely understand now what you meant about this place.”

  Morgan deftly sliced the lemon. “It really is my retreat. I worked hard to get this place, and I was determined to make it all my own. I had a few changes made before I moved in and chose all the paint colors and furniture myself. I couldn’t be happier with it.”

  “Have you always lived alone?” Adrienne asked as her drink was handed to her in a tall glass.

  “Since turning pro, yes.” Morgan walked around the breakfast bar and settled into the stool next to Adrienne. “Back in college I roomed with a couple of other women but no dramas there. I just prefer to live alone.”

  “You and Naomi never lived together?” She tilted her head. “You don’t have to answer if that’s too personal or painful.”

  Morgan waved off her concerns. “Hey, no, it’s fine. I…want to talk about our lives. Share our stories. I mean, that’s all part of getting to know someone, isn’t it?”

  Adrienne nodded, sipped at her drink, then jumped and nearly spilled the contents when Morgan pushed her fingertips against Adrienne’s free hand where it rested on the countertop. It was the softest, merest of touches, but she might as well have waved a flaming brand in front of Adrienne’s body.

  “Sorry.” Morgan retracted her hand, her eyes wide. “Was that too—?”

  Adrienne quickly put her glass down and reached out her hand. “No, it was… You just surprised me. That’s all.” She inched her hand closer to Morgan’s, desperate for that warmth again, and sighed with relief when Morgan entwined their fingers. “Thank you. That’s better,” Adrienne said with a smile.

  Morgan grinned. “You make me feel so goofy.” She shook her head. “Not with anything you do, but I mean, just when I’m around you. I’ve never been like this.” She sounded puzzled.

  “Well, if it’s any comfort, neither have I. And at my age, I really should know better.”

  “Tsk, tsk,” Morgan said, then chuckled. “Age is not an issue, remember?”

  “I’m still undecided on that,” Adrienne whispered. “Sorry, but that will take some getting used to.”

  “Okay.” Morgan held her hand a little tighter. “I can respect that.” She smiled. “So back to your question. No, Naomi and I didn’t live together, although she wanted to. Within a couple months of us seeing each other, she was dropping not-so-subtle hints about bringing her stuff here.”

  “You didn’t want to?”

  “I guess deep down maybe I knew she wasn’t to be trusted.” Morgan let out a soft snort. “Wish I’d listened to that instinct a little harder.”

  Adrienne couldn’t help the louder snort that escaped her throat. “God, I wish I’d had any kind of instinct about Paula.”

  “Your ex?”

  “Yes.”

  She sighed. Telling Morgan wasn’t essential, she knew that, but if they were going to really get to know each other, then sharing this kind of story was part of that process. She wondered how it would feel telling someone she was very much attracted to about the pain her last relationship had caused her.

  “I told you she cheated on me?”

  Morgan nodded and rubbed a thumb over the palm of Adrienne’s hand, sending delicious tingles up her arm, sensations that definitely helped to distract her from the memories of Paula’s betrayal.

  “I had no idea,” Adrienne continued. “Literally none. When it all blew up, she accused me of being so focused on my work that I’d never seen what was in front of my face. As if it was my fault she started an affair with a woman from her office who was twenty years younger.”

  Adrienne was surprised. Her words, the ones she’d delivered to few people since the fateful day Paula had ended their relationship, stung but not with the depth of pain she’d anticipated. Huh, having someone beautiful holding your hand while you say them clearly does make a difference.

  “Well, that sounds a little manipulative. Kinda like Naomi. Maybe she and Paula are related.”

  Morgan’s grin was wry, and Adrienne’s laughter bubbled up without warning. Soon they both rocked in their seats, their laughter filling the room.

  “You’re good for me,” Adrienne said, the admission taking her by surprise with its openness.

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Morgan replied quietly. Her gaze softened, and she returned to making those tantalizing, lazy circles on Adrienne’s palm with her thumb. “I’m sorry for what Paula did to you. She took the coward’s way out, and that’s never good in my book.”

  “She did. Since it happened, I’ve wondered more than once if that’s what upsets me most. Not that she left but the way she left.” Adrienne sucked in a breath. “I don’t miss her. And I haven’t missed her for months. I think the baggage I’ve been carrying around is all about how an
d who.”

  “The younger woman?”

  Face heating, knowing it had parallels with their situation, Adrienne sighed. “Yes. It hurt, being replaced by someone so much younger. I know you say age doesn’t matter, but with all due respect, that’s easy for someone so young to say.”

  “Point taken,” Morgan said, thankfully not looking the least bit offended. “Is that part of why you’ve had so much trouble with our age difference?”

  Adrienne nodded. “I was worried what people would think. My friend Tricia, for example, who’s concerned I’m just chasing after you so I can have what Paula has.”

  “Ouch. I hope you’re about to tell me that’s not the case?” Morgan’s calm composure slipped, and tension crept into her expression.

  “I know it isn’t,” Adrienne said forcefully. She locked her gaze on Morgan’s and squeezed her fingers. “Yes, I worried when I first realized how attracted to you I am, thinking I was having some clichéd midlife crisis. But…the more time I spend with you, the more I know you, the more I know that this, what I feel, is rather real.”

  Her voice had turned husky with emotion and a slow-burning desire that gradually made its presence known. They were alone, holding hands, and she was telling this remarkable young woman she really did have feelings for her. It was more than a tad scary, but she wouldn’t change a thing, not right now.

  “Adrienne,” Morgan breathed, a pulse beating in her neck.

  “Yes?”

  “Can I kiss you?”

  “God, yes.”

  It was the heat that she remembered. That and the exquisite softness of Morgan’s lips as they moved slowly against her own. To hell with worrying about her job and her grand—now laughable—plan to keep things between them purely platonic until the project was finished. This, a kiss that burned its way through every defensive layer she’d built up over the last twelve months, couldn’t be resisted or delayed.

  Morgan nibbled gently at Adrienne’s bottom lip, and a groan, deep and long, wrenched from her throat as she opened her mouth and let Morgan in. In the next moment, they eased off the stools and stepped closer. Morgan’s strong arms wrapped around her, and Adrienne lost herself in every sensation that overtook her body at Morgan’s touch.