“I bet you would,” he answered. “No, this one’s mine and I’m not letting her get away.”
Melody stopped her warm-up and grabbed a racquet. “What’s to say this woman won’t want to get away from you two anyway?”
“I’m sure she won’t,” John said with a grin. “She loves me. She told me so herself.”
“She did, huh? Won’t she be jealous with me beatin’ you at tennis?”
“Considering we’re not playing a game and just hitting the ball around without any West Virginia Wail, I don’t think she’ll be too jealous.” He picked up a racquet and a few tennis balls, then walked to the far side of the court. He hit a ball gently to her, and she returned it while they talked.
“You haven’t really seen New York, have you?” John asked.
“No, because the reporters wouldn’t let me see it. I really wanted to see the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.”
“Oh, you will,” he said. “Do you want to see a play on Broadway?”
“I never thought I’d have the chance. What’s it like?”
He smiled. “I grew up going to Broadway plays. Some were really good, but some were so weird, I never did understand them. You know, there’s a lot to do in New York that most people don’t even know about. They play chess and checkers in Central Park—”
“Checkers? I love checkers!”
John started to laugh. “I never would’ve guessed. What about chess?”
“I don’t know how to play, but it looks even better than checkers. Do you know how to play?”
“Yep. I was on the chess team in school, and was ranked second, I think,” he said, hitting the ball back to her. “That was fun. That’s when Chuck and I kept playing practical jokes on each other. My buddies even set him up with a fake streetwalker once. One of my friend’s sisters wanted to harass Chuck because he was so uptight, she played a call girl.”
Melody started to laugh and hit the ball back over the net. “What did he do?”
“I’m not sure what he did with her, because she refused to say, but he was smiling the next day. I didn’t know why, but he’d gotten all of us back. We had itching powder in our gym clothes, the scum, and she helped him.”
Melody laughed aloud and ran to get a shot, but missed.
“Sorry about that,” he said.
“Oh, I just bet. You did that on purpose.” She picked up a ball then served it to him.
“Yep.” He hit the ball back to her. “Hey, I just had a thought. Want to go out to eat for dinner?”
“Without a bodyguard?”
“Yeah. I guess not.” His smile started at his lips and grew to cover his face while they continued to hit the ball back and forth. “I know what we’ll do. If we can’t go out, we’ll just have someone come in.”
“I can cook. Did you ever think of that?”
He stopped the ball that was headed toward him with his racquet. “You? You can cook?”
“Yep. What do you want?”
“Well, we had steak for lunch, so how about something easy?”
“I don’t think Fred would like something easy,” Rob said. “He wants you to stick to his diet. If he hears you had steak, he’ll be upset.”
“I didn’t have dessert,” John said to him. “Does that help?”
Rob stood up. “Probably. I’ll find him and ask him. Keep going. You’re both doing great.”
“Thanks,” Melody said as he walked away.
As soon as he was gone, John started hitting the ball to her again. “I was thinking about burgers. Want to go out with me for some at a fast food place?”
“Not really. I agree with Rob. You have the biggest game of your career tomorrow. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, but I want a normal life, too. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem fair to me.”
“I’ve been sayin’ that since the day I was born.”
He grabbed the ball headed toward him with his hand and stared at her. “You’re right. I’m really spoiled. Were there any days when you didn’t eat much?”
“Oh yeah. There were days I didn’t eat anything. I wasn’t allowed. It’s not a big deal at all.”
He was silent, just staring at her.
“I’m sorry. I never should’ve told you that.” She checked her watch. “I can go find a hotel, I think.” She turned around and started to walk toward the door.
“No! Don’t leave!”
She stopped and turned around as he ran to the net.
“I’m not upset with you,” he said. “I just can’t imagine anyone treating a child that badly, let alone an adult. I just don’t understand why someone didn’t step in and do something to help you.”
She walked back to the court. “The police wouldn’t let them, because of the secret about my real father. Now are you gonna hit the ball or what?”
“Attitude,” he said, grinning. After backing up, he hit the ball to her and she hit it back. “How can you be so stable after all that?”
“I just look at other people and know I want that for myself some day. That’s what I live for—that and a trip somewhere away from West Virginia.”
“That’s what your passport was for, right?”
“Yep. The further the better, and Europe sounded far enough away.”
“You’ll love Europe.”
“But I don’t think I’ll ever get there,” she said, hitting the ball back to him. “That was just the dream for a girl with no future.”
“Well, you have a future now. You have me, and I intend to make sure you live your dreams. Would you like to go to college?”
She stopped dead in her tracks, the ball bouncing right beside her. “You can’t do that.”
He grinned. “Yes, I can. Would you like to go to college?”
Tears started filling her eyes. “That was a huge dream of mine since I was young. But I can’t go to college.”
“Why not?” He pulled a ball out of his pocket and hit it toward her. She returned it, but it hit the net. She walked up to it and served it back to him, but her mind was a million miles away.
“Because I’d never get into college,” she said, hitting it back. “I have to work and don’t have time for college.”
They kept hitting the ball back and forth.
“If you want to go to college, you’ll go, and it’ll be full-time schooling, too. You have talent and I know that for a fact.”
“Because of those stupid pictures I drew when I was here?”
“Yep. As a matter of fact…” He returned the ball with a backhand. “Oh, never mind. I want you to see it.”
Rob walked back onto the court. “Fred says light sandwiches and he’s not happy about lunch.”
“He’ll get over it,” John muttered. “I’m fine.”
“I know. He’s just trying to do his job. So what are we talking about now?”
“College,” John said. “I think Melody should go. What do you think?”
“I agree. I have friends at various universities and can help get her in quickly if you want.”
“I don’t want any special favors,” Melody said. “Hey, when I left here before, I stopped for pizza at Tony’s and he said he’d give me a job if I wanted it. I could always work there.”
“No!” John said. “I want you with me. No, Tony has to get his own employee.” He glanced at her face. “Unless you don’t want to be with me.”
“I don’t know how to do what you’re askin’.”
He smiled. “I want you to be with me and just be yourself. I want you to enjoy life.”
How weird was this? She started to laugh at him, and they hit the ball back and forth for a while longer.
“You’re done,” Rob said, checking his watch. “Go to your date with the hot redhead. I’m going home, alone.”
“You can take Art with you,” John said, smiling. “He’s an easy date, from what I hear.”
“Very funny. I’ll see you early tomorrow.” He took his cane and they all walked toward the door and
entered the house. “Art,” he said. “Time to go.”
Art was sitting in the living room, talking on the phone. “Double the contract and we’ll talk. You’d be a great sponsor, but my boy’s going to win, and we want to make sure he’s not living in poverty.”
Melody started to laugh and John put his hand over her mouth from behind. “I wouldn’t want to do his job,” he whispered into her ear. “I just hope I can meet his expectations tomorrow.”
She spun toward him. “You will. You’re gonna do it for me, remember?”
“Yep. I’m going to make you proud. I’ll show you I’m worthy enough—” He stopped talking and bit his lip.
“Worthy enough for what? Me?”
He crossed his arms and stared at her, his blue eyes daring her to ask more. She wondered what was going through that head of his.
“You’re insane,” she whispered. “Can I go get a shower now?”
“Please do,” he said with a chuckle, then leaned toward her ear. “I’ll join you.”
Terror filled her thoughts. “Really?”
“If you want me to. It’s all up to you.”
She shook her head, staring at his face. “I think I can do that by myself.”
“You can trust me. I’m not going to do anything, but just want you to feel comfortable around me.”
He was testing her, but she couldn’t give in. “I already do feel comfortable around you,” she whispered. “But that’s a big step for me.”
He surrounded her waist and leaned closer to her ear. “I know. I’m desensitizing you to all of that. Don’t be embarrassed, because I’m not.”
Art ended his phone call and stood up, staring at Melody and John. “I want you in top form tomorrow,” he said to John. “Go to bed early. And alone, if you catch my drift.”
“Don’t worry, sir,” Melody answered, turning toward him. “He will and I’ll make sure of it.”
Art started to laugh, joined by Rob.
“I’m sure you will,” Art said. “Ted called and said he’s in Philadelphia. He’ll be here in about three hours. Until then, Dawn should be here any minute, and the night shift gets here in about an hour. I’ve instructed them to keep an eye on both of you tonight. I don’t want any reporters getting in here before the big match. Got it?”
“Yep,” John said, his arms still around Melody. “Good night.”
The two men left the house, muttering to each other. As soon as they were gone, John moved his arm to her shoulder. “Let’s get a shower.”
“Alone.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, his face close to hers.
“Yes, I’m sure. I don’t want to get in trouble because you were tempted.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re so good to me.” They started up the stairs, but the door opened slightly.
“Who is it?” John asked.
“Dawn. Can you help me?”
“We never get any privacy,” he whispered to Melody. He walked to the door and opened it for Dawn, who was holding many bags in her arms. John grabbed some of them and she shut the door behind her.
“I have the things you asked for,” she said.
“One dress?” he asked. “This looks like a lot more than one dress.”
“John, you can’t just buy one dress and expect it to work for every woman. Don’t you know that?” she asked with a grin.
“I’m not a woman,” he answered. “How could I know that?”
“By the way, Rob and Art want me to stay for my whole shift and even sleep here. I’m to keep you two honest because tomorrow’s the big day. Nice try getting me to leave.”
His face registered his frustration. “But, we really just wanted to have some time alone.”
“Yeah, so you two could fool around.”
“No,” Melody said, crossing her arms. “I’m not that type of girl.”
Dawn faced her. “I know that, but I’m to do it just the same. So, I’ll just be hanging around you two, as will the other guards when they get here. I’m just doing my job.”
John shook his head and faced Melody. “I’m so sorry. I really wanted to have that long talk, too.”
“Feel free to talk, as long as you’re not doing anything else,” Dawn said, walking up the stairs. “I just love my job,” she murmured, almost laughing.
“A shower first,” John whispered. “Then meet me down here and we’ll get some dinner. We’ll spend some time in the living room, and when the guards aren’t looking, we’ll go up to my room. I have the best make-out music.”
Melody started to laugh. “Think you’ll get past them?”
“No, but I can try.” They walked up the stairs and met Dawn in Melody’s room.
“Here you go,” John said, putting down the bags. “I’m off to take a shower.” He faced Melody. “Unless you want me to wash your back.” He winked and both Melody and Dawn laughed.
“Out,” Dawn said. “Now I have to play gatekeeper as well.”
John laughed and walked out of the room while Melody grabbed some clean clothes and went into the bathroom. After her shower, she dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, brushing her hair while joining Dawn in the bedroom.
“I bought you more than dresses,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t know what you’d brought along, so I just guessed, and bought everything I could think of. I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too,” Melody said. “John’s talkin’ about marriage, and I don’t know what to do.”
Dawn turned from the closet, facing Melody. “Marry him. From what I read and heard about you, he’s the best thing to come along. I’ve been in your shoes before, and you’ll be much happier if you stay here. He’ll never stray from you, either, from what I hear.”
“But will he treat me right, or am I walkin’ out of one bad situation and into another?”
Dawn started to laugh. “He’ll never abuse you. I can guarantee that. Do you know what his grandfather proposed on Capitol Hill?”
“No, but my father didn’t like him, so we never heard anything about him in my house.”
“His grandfather wants to make any type of human abuse a first-degree felony with a ten-year sentence and no parole. That would include child abuse, spouse abuse, and any other type of abuse of a weaker person. I don’t like the man, personally, but it would stop what you went through. Since John came from a family like that, I can promise he’ll never hurt you, and he’ll always be your friend. He values friendship above all else. He’s really a good guy.”
“How do you know all of this?” Melody asked her, sitting down on the bed.
“I’ve read his dossier and have talked to all the other guards. I need to know who I’m working for, and he’s the best person I’ve ever guarded, next to you. You’re a great person, Melody, and as much as I feel badly for what happened to you, I’ll never pity you. You’re too strong, having overcome things that the rest of us can’t even imagine in our worst nightmares. I even bet John’s trying to get you to see someone about it, isn’t he?”
She nodded. “Yes, he’s mentioned it.”
“You can go if you want, but I’ve known people in situations much like yours. You’re stronger than anyone I know and you’ve probably already dealt with it. You’re ready to move on, and you’re in love with John. So, if he asks you, marry him. Take what’s rightfully yours, and become his wife. Other women would die to be in your shoes, so don’t just throw it away. He’ll be offering you a life that you could only dream about, and it’s yours for the taking.”
It was almost like what John went through, wanting to throw away the tennis career. If she didn’t at least consider it, she’d always wonder what would’ve happened. Dawn was right.
“He wants me to stay with him,” Melody said. “Do you think it’ll work?”
“Yes, I do. He’s very easy to get along with.” She leaned closer. “He’s nothing like his mother.”
Melody started to laugh, got off the bed and walked towar
d the door. “I’m glad about that, too. Thanks for the advice. Now, we’re gonna eat dinner and play checkers. I promise to keep him honest tonight.”
They both headed out the door and down the hall toward the stairs.
“I know you will. I’ve read your dossier too. You never even had a date before, which is amazing. How did you keep all the men away?”
They began walking down the steps.
“My daddy did it. I didn’t have a choice. How about you? Don’t you have a boyfriend?”
“Not right now. I thought I was going to date Dennis, but he has the hots for you. It makes it tough and he and John had a big discussion about it. I did think about Ted, but he’s nasty. It’s also tough dating people you’re working with.”
“That frightens me, too,” Melody whispered. “What if I don’t measure up to John’s expectations? Will I be good enough for him or will he kick me out?”
“I think you two will be fine. I also have a feeling he has plans for you and it’ll happen fast.”
“Marriage?” Melody whispered.
Dawn just nodded.
They walked into the dining room where John was waiting. He gave Melody a gentle kiss then helped her into her seat. Dawn walked away, laughing to herself.
“Have a nice chat?” he whispered.
“Yep.”
“What to share?”
“She thinks we’re gettin’ married,” Melody whispered.
John glanced toward her with a grin. “Really? I wonder when?”
“She thinks it’ll happen fast, but I have no idea. I’m just along for the ride.”
He took her hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes staying on hers in a very sexy move. “Nope. You’re as much in control as I am and don’t ever forget it. If we marry, it’ll be your choice as well.”
What was he talking about? Was he delusional? She studied his face with confusion. “How could that be true? I have no money and no job.”
“You’re a person, too, and you’re as much a part of this relationship as I am. Whatever you want, you have every right to ask for it and I’ll do my best to make sure you’re taken care of in any way you want. I don’t want you working, either, but want you to get over your past first.”
“But what about you? You count, too.”
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