FieldofPlay

by Frances Stockton

  It was possible that Kohana Blackstone knew who Dallas’ birth parents were and could help locate them. Picking up her cell phone, she called the number she’d found through her research. It went to voice mail. She left a message explaining who she was, giving Dallas’ birth name and the reason for her call.

  She’d just completed the call when the front door to the waiting room opened. Glancing at her desk clock, she saw it was eleven thirty. He was on time, but she did not expect B.A. Brown to be Brant!

  “Holy crap,” she grumbled, completely stunned when Brant Huxley bypassed the receptionist’s area and strode into her office.

  “Hello, Grace,” Brant greeted, as if he hadn’t humiliated her four years ago. She certainly hadn’t accepted any of his attempts to call her since then. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been together. You look stunning today.”

  “Wow, Brant, I certainly didn’t expect you to walk through my door,” she said, eyeing him suspiciously. When they’d been together, he’d never called her stunning. She’d been his fuck buddy, not his girlfriend.

  He looked good in his expensive Italian designer suit. His shoes were polished, impeccable. He looked very much like a man who’d turned his construction business into a mega-successful enterprise. But instead of the longish brown hair he’d had when they’d been together, he wore it very short and styled with some kind of gel.

  “A little bird told me that you’ve opened a new business and could use some clients,” Brant said, taking a seat without being invited.

  Thinking the little bird had been her ex boss, Jerry, Grace closed her laptop. “Do you really think I’d take on a case for you?”

  “Are you still that upset? I hear you’ve got yourself a famous boyfriend. Why not help out an old friend?”

  “Are you here for confirmation? Yes, I’m involved with Dallas McKay.”

  “Confirmation isn’t necessary,” he said. “I saw Friday night’s game. I had no idea you were the woman Dallas McKay tripped over until I saw the press conference afterward.” Brant said that like she was Medusa and had caused him to fall.

  “Look, I’m not going to discuss Dallas with you or anyone,” Grace stated. “You can go on your own or I’ll call the cops to remove you from the premises.”

  “But, Grace,” Brant purred, dropping forward so his elbows were propped on his knees. “We have a history. I thought, of anyone I know, you could be discreet.”

  “If you need a PI, do an internet search or use the phone book,” she suggested. “I’m sure there are a number of Baltimore-based agencies that can help you. There’s also my old boss. But I suspect you’ve already had this chat with Jerry.”

  “I don’t want anyone else,” Brant denied. “I want the best, you.” He tried to smile again, his teeth remarkably white. He flexed his fingers, showing his left ring finger, which was adorned with a platinum wedding band.

  “Not biting, Brant. Leave, please,” she insisted, reaching for her phone.

  “Won’t you even hear my situation?”

  “No.”

  “My wife Becca is cheating on me. I’ve never been able to prove it. We’ve separated and I need someone to follow her.” Typical of Brant, he just walked back into her life and thought his charm would make up for treating her like dirt.

  Grace really wanted to say something about karma, but she wasn’t willing to have that long of a conversation with him. “There’s a lawyer down the hall. He specializes in divorce cases. See him.”

  “Now see, the problem is our prenuptial agreement,” Brant went on. “Proof of infidelity would keep her from getting all my money. I’ve made something of myself since we were lovers, Grace. I don’t intend to lose my fortune to my adulterous wife. Of all people, I thought you would be happy to hear about the divorce.”

  “Why?” She hated to ask that, but she couldn’t stop herself.

  “Because you’ve always loved me, no matter my mistakes, and I made plenty with you,” he said. “I was hoping we could talk about my case over dinner. I know I treated you poorly that last time we saw each other. I’ve regretted it every day that we’ve been apart. I’d love to find out if you still kiss like you used to.”

  “You’re wrong. I didn’t love you then. I certainly don’t love you now.”

  “God damn, Grace, don’t be a stubborn bitch,” Brant cursed, his face reddening with temper. “Won’t you even help an old friend?”

  “I would help a friend. You’re not one of them.” She reached over to pick up her cell phone, ready to punch 9-1-1.

  The front door opened again. Grace was never so happy to see anyone as she was when Phalen Maddox strolled in. “Phalen!” she shouted, pushing herself out of the chair and making a dash across the room. Dallas would have been impressed with how fast she ran.

  “Help me,” she whispered as soon as she launched herself at Phalen. He wrapped her up against his big, strong body in a bear hug. Even though he was huge and more than capable of tearing Brant in half, he wasn’t Dallas. Her heart aching for her man, she clung to Phalen because she needed his help.

  “Hey darlin’, now this is a real nice way to greet a man when he comes in the door,” Phalen said, his Boston accent thick as he spoke. His green eyes scanned the office in a quick sweep and returned to her. “Who’s the prick?”

  “What the hell, Grace? Who is this man?” Brant demanded, from the safety of her office.

  “This is my friend, Phalen Maddox.” She was tempted to refer to Phalen as something more. That’d be a bold-faced lie and it wasn’t right to do that to Dallas or Phalen. “He’s from Boston.”

  “You’re looking mighty chummy with a so-called friend,” Brant accused. “Does McKay know you’re fucking around on him?”

  “What’s it to you whether she’s fucking me or not?” Phalen questioned, moving so that Grace was protected beneath his arm.

  “And you’re calling me a prick?” Brant shouted back, standing up. He tucked a cell phone into his pocket, heading toward them. “You don’t even know me and you’re calling me names. Get your hands off her.”

  Phalen Maddox was a former Airborne Ranger. He was wearing an Aviator jacket and a worn Boston Red Sox baseball cap. His long blond hair, which was at least three inches longer than Dallas’, was tucked through the opening at the back of his hat in a long ponytail. They might not have worked as a couple, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like Phalen. She’d have never trusted Dallas’ case with him if she didn’t respect him.

  “Darlin’, can I have your permission to neuter this guy?” Phalen requested, gently putting her away from him. He shifted his stance, his martial arts training on subtle display.

  “Lay a hand on me, bud, and face a lawsuit for every dime you have,” Brant warned, looking back and forth between Grace and Phalen.

  “No one is going to fight,” Grace chimed in. “Phalen, if you could see to it that Brant leaves, he can stay intact.”

  “I’m not done talking to you, Grace,” Brant objected.

  “We were done years ago,” she declared. “Get the fuck out of my office.”

  “That does it. The lady wants you to go.” He took over, crowding Brant toward the front door. Phalen never touched the other man, but he was so much bigger and ten times more intimidating than Brant Huxley.

  At the door, Brant fired back at Grace. “Seems you’ve changed, Grace Daniels. I wish I’d have known you were into threesomes back when we dated. We’d have had a lot more fun.”

  Phalen ripped open the door. It was a miracle the hinges didn’t snap by the force. Grabbing Brant by the collar, he shoved him against the doorjamb. “That’s no way to speak to a friend of mine,” he rebuked, his voice so dark and dangerous it made Grace tremble. “Apologize.”

  “No fucking way, she deserved it.” Brant shook his head, seeming to dare Phalen to strike. If he did, Grace felt certain her ex would bring a lawsuit against her friend.

  Phalen twisted Brant’s collar tighter. “Try again, ni
cer this time.”

  Brant’s eyes bulged a little in fear. His face was scarlet. “Fine, sorry, Grace. Next time we talk, I hope this gorilla is caged.”

  “This gorilla is about to beat the hell out of you,” Phalen warned, drawing back his fist.

  “No, Phalen, don’t,” Grace interrupted, rushing up to catch his arm mid-swing. Phalen’s knuckles stopped just shy of Brant’s nose. “Brant, I don’t think I can hold him much longer. Get out.”

  Brant finally recognized defeat. He held up his hands and Phalen let him go. Grace freed Phalen’s wrist after Brant left.

  “Don’t ever step into a man’s swing, darlin’. I might have decked you and then Dallas would skin me alive.”

  “When Dallas learns about this, he might just finish the nose job you almost did on Brant,” Grace said.

  Phalen held up his hand. “I’m going to make sure he leaves. When I come back, you’re going to tell me what that was about.”

  “If I’d prefer not to?”

  “You will,” Phalen stated, revealing the dominant male that he was. What Grace had with Dallas was exciting. But he was not a Dom. She suspected Phalen was, with a capital D. It would take a very special submissive to tame Phalen Maddox.

  Grace went back to her desk, totally floored by what had happened in the last ten minutes. When Phalen stepped out of the office, her cell phone rang. She’d never been so happy to hear Dallas’ ringtone.

  “Dallas!” she greeted breathlessly.

  “Hey, baby,” he replied. “Are you okay?”

  “I’ve been better,” she said. “I’m glad you called. Well, actually, I’m surprised. I thought you weren’t due to land for another two hours.”

  “Our flight was delayed. Russell’s come down with the flu. It’s possible someone was coming down with it on Sunday and it’s spreading to those who were at Kyran’s.”

  “Oh no, make sure you take vitamin C and get rest, maybe eat chicken soup or something too,” she said, worried, but confident that the team doctors would know how to treat those that were sick and get them well quickly.

  “So far I’m good. Now why don’t you tell me why you sound nervous?”

  “Ah, you won’t believe who came into my office a few minutes ago.”

  “Phalen Maddox got there a little earlier than expected.”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact he did.” Grace looked up when she heard Phalen’s footsteps in the outer office. She gestured to the phone and he nodded his head. “That’s not who I meant. Brant Huxley walked in.”

  “Your ex?” Dallas practically growled. “Why, Grace?”

  “He’d set up an appointment with my receptionist Rachel,” Grace said. “He used a fake name to get in here. Then he had the audacity to ask if I’d trail his cheating wife.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I told him to leave,” she answered. “He was being an ass and wouldn’t listen. I was about to dial 9-1-1 when Phalen came in. There was almost a fight.”

  “Did Brant touch you or hurt you in any way, Grace?”

  “No, no, I was shocked that he’d turn up now,” she admitted. “I think my ex-boss must have told him where I moved. Maybe he was curious after seeing us on the news. I’m not sure. I don’t want anything to do with him.”

  “Gracie, baby, slow down,” he soothed. “I’m not going to let him hurt you again. Let me speak to Maddox.”

  “Um, all right,” she granted, holding her phone out to Phalen.

  Phalen had taken the seat Brant had vacated. Without needing explanation, he took the phone and spoke to Dallas quietly for about two minutes. He kept his voice low. Grace felt Phalen watching her and saw him nod.

  “I’ll watch over her, don’t worry,” Phalen promised, handing the phone back.

  “Everything okay now?” Grace asked Dallas.

  “Yeah, I’ve hired Phalen as your bodyguard until I get home from Vegas. Stay at my place at night. He’ll watch yours. I know we can talk about this later. But I’d like to take you to dinner Saturday night,” Dallas said.

  “We can go to Tucker’s Place,” she suggested.

  “We can go there anytime,” Dallas said. “I’d like to try somewhere a little nicer.”

  “You have a date,” Grace agreed, already looking forward to it, even though they’d speak to each other later.

  “Good deal, baby,” he replied. “I’ve got to go. I’ll check in with you when we land in Vegas.”

  “You know where I’ll be. Talk later, be well, McKay.”

  They ended the call and Grace smiled. “You look like a woman in love,” Phalen interjected.

  “I am,” she admitted, unable to deny it. “He’s a good guy.”

  “He is,” Phalen said. “He sure wants to take care of you, darlin’.”

  “He asked you to watch over me because of Brant.”

  “He didn’t need to. I did not like that prick, Grace. He might have left, but he’s trouble. I feel it in my bones.”

  “Thank you for coming to the rescue,” she said. “And for not freaking out when I rushed at you.”

  “It was certainly no chore to have my arms around you. I know you’re Dallas’ woman, but he’s mighty lucky.”

  “Thank you for saying so,” Grace replied. “You don’t think Dallas and I are moving too fast?”

  “That’s between the two of you,” Phalen said. “Sometimes a guy knows when he’s got the right woman. Dallas seems to know that you are right for him.”

  Grace smiled again, feeling really glad that she had a friend like Phalen Maddox. She could easily pal around with Phalen, but she knew that’s all they’d ever be. “Tell me, Phalen, have you found the right woman?”

  For the first time since they met, Phalen smiled shyly. It happened so quickly, she was almost sure she’d imagined it. “Let’s just say I’m working on it,” he admitted. “What gives on this guy Brant? He’s an ex?”

  “I guess you could say that,” Grace said. “Dallas wouldn’t have asked you to watch over me if Brant wasn’t someone who’d hurt me before.”

  “Was Brant abusive?” Phalen asked.

  “No,” she answered. “He was an asshole who was using me. I fell for it.” She went on to tell Phalen about her experience with Brant Huxley, purposefully leaving off anything that only Dallas should know.

  When they finished talking, Rachel returned with coffee and lunch. She looked frazzled to see such a big, gorgeous hunk like Phalen in the office, but she remained professional and helpful throughout the afternoon. Despite the strange encounter with Brant Huxley, the three enjoyed their coffee together until it really was time to get back to work.

  Grace updated Phalen on what she had found on Dr. Joseph Mathews and let him take that part of the case. She showed him all she’d had on Dallas’ foster families and also the file that Dallas had given her concerning his adoption and the investigation into his abandonment at the police station in South Dakota. She’d already checked into Safe Haven laws in South Dakota. She learned that while they were not in effect at the time of Dallas’ birth, she believed that someone, possibly the doctor, had helped Dallas’ biological parents safely surrender their baby for adoption without fear of prosecution for abandonment.

  While she waited for Kohana Blackstone to call, Grace worked on her two other cases. It was amazing how much work she was able to get done and it was really kind of cool that Phalen had parked himself at the end of her desk and worked just as hard as she did. He’d rolled up his sleeves, revealing an intricate array of Celtic tattoos on his arms, and dug into the investigation.

  By five o’clock, she decided to call it a day. Rachel left first and Phalen walked Grace to her car. He made sure that her car started without any problem and then hopped into his rented SUV. He followed her out of the parking lot and stayed with her until she made it to Dallas’ driveway.

  He was obviously taking his guardian role seriously. Grace appreciated it. He followed her down the drive and waited until the second
garage door went up before he backed up. It was nice to know she had someone looking out for her. Even though Dallas was in Vegas by now, he was the one who’d hired Phalen to watch over her when he wasn’t home.

  She soon pulled into her spot and closed the garage door with the remote Dallas had given to her. She made her way inside the house, finding a very happy Max waiting for her. Weirdly, she felt a little off, with a touch of the chills. She told herself she wasn’t getting sick. She was just feeling strange after Brant’s visit. It was definitely good to be home. Fortunately, she’d packed more than enough clothes for a few days at Dallas’ and she had another skirt she could wear tomorrow. Since she’d stay here until Dallas came home, she would have to go to her apartment and get a few things, but that she could worry about another time.

  After she took off her coat and grabbed one of Jeanie’s home-cooked meals left in the freezer, the kitchen phone rang. The identification screen showed that it was Dallas checking in. “Hi Dallas,” she answered, feeling anxious to hear his voice.

  “Hey, baby,” Dallas answered, his voice sounding a little hoarse. “Everything okay there at home?”

  “Yes, it sure is, but your voice sounds strained. Are you feeling all right?”

  “I have a scratchy throat,” he admitted. “Did you have any more problems with Brant?” Max began to prance around the kitchen, whining and tossing his head toward the great room.

  “Nope, I’m sure Phalen scared him off. Max has to go out, Dallas. Can I call you back after I eat something?”

  “How about I call you later tonight?” he asked. “Kyran’s definitely down with the flu and Russell looked like death warmed over the last I saw him. I think Ricky has a fever.”

  “Oh no, that’s awful. Please let them all know I hope they get better soon,” Grace insisted. “And you are to take care of yourself. Get some rest. If you feel up to it, call me.”