FieldofPlay

by Frances Stockton

  “I’ll call you,” Dallas assured, letting her end the call so she could take care of Max.

  “Max, sweetie, I think your daddy’s getting sick,” Grace told the dog. “Let’s get you outside.”

  She still wore her boots and picked up her coat as she let Max out the back door. Copying the way Dallas had taken care of the big dog when it was icy, she kept one hand on Max’s collar. Fortunately, Dallas had stomped a well-worn path for Max to use and it didn’t take too long for him to do his business and trot back to her.

  Back inside the house, it was warm and toasty. It still smelled like Dallas and for that Grace was grateful. She’d been a little worried that she might feel lonely, but with Max as a constant companion and her laptop, she was able to work a little after eating and taking a long bath. By the time she was ready for bed, she let Max out before setting the coffee maker for first thing in the morning and went upstairs to slip under the warm bedcovers.

  Max naturally ignored his dog bed and hopped onto Dallas’ side of the king-sized mattress. Since Dallas hadn’t minded having the big dog on the bed, Grace didn’t.

  As he’d promised, Dallas called. She was thrilled to hear from him. But he sounded much worse. He tried to blow it off as a simple cold, however, she was sure he had a fever based on his symptoms and made him end the call after only a minute and a promise that he’d take something to reduce his fever. She hoped Kyran, Ricky and Russell were feeling better. Given how quickly Dallas had gone from his charming self to laryngitis and a fever, she was worried that the flu virus had struck the Griffins hard.

  Sending all the men her best thoughts and prayers, Grace grabbed the lighting remote and dimmed the lights. Before long she was fast asleep, but was already looking forward to working on Dallas’ case in the morning. She absolutely refused to accept the fact that her throat was feeling scratchy when she turned out the lights.

  * * * * *

  The flu virus struck Grace the following morning. Waking up with a sore throat and fever and feeling like she’d been crushed by a steamroller, she could barely get downstairs to take care of Max. By miracle, he was a great dog and didn’t need to be led outside anymore. She’d barely managed to stomach a cup of coffee before having to crawl back to bed. She spent the next few days slumped in bed or on the sofa watching television.

  Unfortunately, the Griffins’ away game in Vegas was a disaster. Between the flu virus hitting half the starters, and some really bad calls by the referees during the game, they lost by two touchdowns. Grace was disappointed for the team, but she was far more concerned for the guys who’d gotten the flu. And even though she and Dallas hadn’t been able to go out on the town for their date, she was able to spend the weekend with him when he came home.

  Jeanie graciously drove over to Grace’s apartment, packed a week’s worth of clothes and brought them to her. She’d also made homemade chicken soup. Fortunately, after a week, the flu bug made its rounds with the team and everyone who’d gotten sick started feeling better. Everyone was looking forward to the next home game, which was tonight.

  It was good that Phalen remained on the job. He hadn’t gotten sick so he was currently doing most of the legwork for Grace as she recovered and played catch up. Right now, he was on his way to Minnesota, where he believed Dr. Joseph Mathews currently resided. From his research, Dr. Mathews had changed his identity to Thomas Warring, MD, and was working in a health clinic in Minneapolis.

  Kohana Blackstone had returned Grace’s call the morning she’d had to call in sick with the flu. She sent him a message letting him know she and Dallas were ill. She would talk to him as soon as she was back in the office.

  She’d heard nothing from Brant, thankfully, and she didn’t expect to.

  Since it was Friday and the Griffins had a home game, Grace agreed to meet Dallas at Griffins Nest Stadium. Instead of sitting in the stands, she, Anna and Rachel were going to hang out in Derek Billing’s enclosed private box. They could watch the game with other family members and stay warm. Dallas was going to take her out after the game. Alex Grant would pick up Grace and Rachel, drive them to the stadium, then take Rachel home after the game. Grace was tempted to play matchmaker, after all, Dallas’ agent was wicked handsome, but figured that Alex could ask Rachel out if he wanted to make it an actual date.

  Even though they’d practically moved in together since they’d met, Grace was looking forward to an evening out. The flu and her time of the month kept them from doing anything more than sleeping together for more than ten days. Frankly, she missed the hot sex they’d shared their first weekend together and wanted more. With that in mind, she worked half the day and then went shopping.

  She insisted that Rachel come with her too and they made an afternoon of it. They both bought new outfits, new shoes, fresh makeup, had manicures and pedicures at a local shop and then had their hair styled. The stylist straightened Grace’s hair with a flat iron. When she was done, Grace felt gorgeous and she’d had some girl time with a good friend.

  As a change of pace, she went to her own apartment to get ready for the evening. Even though she was going to a football game, she knew the owner’s private box was quite posh. The men wore business suits and ties. The ladies commonly wore dresses or elegant slacks and blouses.

  Grace had opted to wear her new black dress. It was made of velvet and the hem fell just shy of her knees, the bodice was a figure-flattering V and the sleeves were long. Beneath, she wore cute panties and a new lacy bra, along with stockings that fastened to a garter belt. She’d slipped into one of those lingerie shops at the mall and bought herself a slinky satin nightgown that was actually quite long, but had such a high slit along her left thigh that it screamed sex. The front gave a daring view of her generous cleavage. She could actually wear the lace-topped stockings and the garters with the gown.

  When she finished applying a light touch of makeup, she checked her hair and loved the way it fell down her back. Satisfied, she was able to get dressed. Clothing had never been all that important to her. Sure she liked to look professional at work. And she was going to see a football game and could just as easily wear nice pants and a silky blouse, but she really wanted Dallas to see her feminine side. So far he’d only seen her in jeans and boxers.

  Stepping into her snazzy new shoes, she eyed them in the mirror. They were black pumps with straps that went around her ankles and partly up her legs. The shoes had cost a small fortune, but it was so worth it to see the effect they had on her legs. With the heels and straps, her legs looked slender and a mile long. She hoped she wasn’t going too far with the getup, but she kept thinking about Dallas’ reaction when he saw her after the game.

  Right on time, Grace heard Alexander Grant’s Audi Q7 pull down the lane. She’d seen it once when Alex had come over to check on them when they were sick. It was a really nice crossover and would be a sweet ride to the game. Grace grabbed her nice winter coat, a purse instead of her briefcase and was making her way out of the apartment when Alex jogged up the steps. Like usual, he wore a designer suit that fit him like a glove and a long, gray coat. His shoes were impeccable, polished and he again reminded her of the models she’d see in GQ.

  He smiled when he saw her. “Hello, Grace, you look lovely,” he said. “I would have come to the door and walked you to the car properly.”

  “I know,” Grace replied. “I was anxious to see Dallas and didn’t want to make you come in.” She carried her small suitcase and Alex graciously took it from her. “Are we off to get Rachel?”

  “I called her when I pulled down Kyran’s lane,” he said. “I let her know we’d be at her place soon.”

  “Let’s go then,” Grace insisted. “I’m not too dressy for a night of football?”

  “Not for Derek Billings’ personal box,” Alex assured.

  Thankfully, there was no snow in sight, but it was quite chilly. Alex stood close only to keep her warm and help her into the vehicle. The leather interior was warm, especially the seat
s. Grace could feel the heat radiate beneath her butt as she waited for him to put her suitcase in the back of the Q7.

  On the way to Rachel’s apartment, Grace and Alex talked casually. He was friendly, keeping the subject on the upcoming game. Then he let her know that Dallas told him why he’d hired her and offered any assistance she might need, while assuring her that adding Phalen Maddox to the investigation was a wise choice.

  Fifteen minutes later, they drove into Rachel’s apartment building and Alex got out of the car to assist her. Rachel wore a long coat over a calf-length dark green dress. Alex helped Rachel into the backseat and stowed her purse next to where Grace’s was.

  The ride from Rachel’s to Griffins Nest Stadium was primarily fifteen minutes by highway. Alex had GPS in the Audi, but he didn’t bother setting it. He knew the way and they were able to park in the reserved lot for players and staff. They parked next to Kyran’s Escalade and he led the way inside the stadium through a private entrance.

  It wasn’t long until they were greeted by Derek Billings, who escorted them to their seats. Anna was already there and she’d also worn a nice outfit for the occasion.

  The private box was nothing short of luxurious, with a lot of green and gold, the team’s colors. There was a conscientious waitstaff and a bartender who attended all those seated in the box, and gigantic flat screen televisions abounded in the room. A Plexiglas window lined the front wall, giving a clear view of the football field. The crowd had filled every available seat and it looked to be a promising night for the Griffins.

  Grace, Rachel and Anna ordered a plate of Maryland-style crab cake sliders to share. Grace got a glass of white wine and Rachel asked for a beer. Anna had seltzer water with a splash of lime juice. The game started and they were enjoying their sliders when the team’s VP came into the box with his assistant. All three ladies looked back over their shoulders. Grace grimaced at the silent venom cast her way from Robyn St. Clair, but she chose to look away. She wasn’t going to hold a grudge against the woman for what she’d done in high school, or for once dating Dallas.

  That didn’t stop Robyn from sitting directly behind Grace. “So you’ve graduated from the team’s reserved box on the field to the owner’s box, I see.”

  “Not now, Robyn, and not here,” Grace replied.

  “Yes, here,” Robyn insisted. “Exactly what are your intentions with Dallas McKay? Are you trying to scoop a story for the presses by using your PI training to dig up dirt on him?”

  Grace turned around, gesturing to Rachel and Anna, who were ready to jump to her defense. “The whole paparazzi thing has already plagued the Griffins. I’m not going to add to the nuisance. For the record, my intentions are none of your business. You’re dating Russell Sexton now, right?”

  Derek Billings was in the back of the room talking with Alex Grant at the moment. Ty Kendrick had insinuated himself near the team’s owner. Grace didn’t think they could hear what Robyn was saying.

  “Because Kyran virtually kicked us out of his house, Russell blamed me for it and we broke it off. Frankly, I’m more concerned that Dallas has practically moved you into his house. You’ve dated for all of a week and a half,” Robyn complained. “I mean, come on, you’re not exactly his type. What kind of lies are you telling him to get him to do something like that?” Deliberately, she looked down at her ultra-trim waistline, big breasts and pinstripe skirt matched with a pretty white blouse. Grace couldn’t fault her for her taste in clothes. Robyn looked professional and elegant.

  Grace wasn’t going to have this argument with Dallas’ ex-girlfriend. “Robyn, I will ask politely that you leave us alone,” she said, including Anna and Rachel. “We were invited to enjoy this game by Derek Billings. If you have a problem with that, see him.”

  “Or I’ll have you removed from the box,” Anna warned. “Don’t ruin Grace’s evening the way you ruined the party for her on Sunday. I won’t allow it.”

  “Fine, Anna, figures you’d look at me like I’m the bad guy,” Robyn said. “Kyran’s ex was a stalker. I assure you, I’m trying to look out for one of my players.”

  “Dallas isn’t yours,” Grace argued.

  “Are you so sure? I dated him for a year. I know about his commitment-phobic issues. He’s going to hurt you, Grace.”

  “That’s a chance I’m willing to take,” Grace stated vehemently.

  Robyn gave up the fight, taking herself across the room to sit with Ty Kendrick. Grace could feel Robyn’s gaze on her back for the rest of the evening, but that didn’t stop her from cheering when Dallas outgunned the other team’s defense and went into the end zone.

  They enjoyed the game after that. Robyn monopolized Ty Kendrick, but Alex Grant and Derek Billings came and sat with them. The Griffins went ahead after a fantastic touchdown by Dallas late in the fourth quarter and the kicker made the extra point.

  Alex explained that after the initial touchdown, Dallas was considered a deep threat and that Dallas had been guarded well by the Crusaders’ safety. That had resulted in Ricky Weathers using the running back, Mark Collins, more than the receivers. Finally, Dallas had outmaneuvered the safety and Ricky delivered the ball into his hands. Grace was extremely proud of the way he played, especially of the way he looked when he ran. The man might be super tall, but he was so athletically graceful that he took her breath away.

  With the Griffins making up for the trouncing they’d received when they went to Vegas, the atmosphere in the owner’s box was electric. Everyone, including the waiters and staff, were cheering and high-fiving each other. Alexander Grant smiled so brilliantly and hugged her so tightly, Grace actually blushed.

  The man was positively dangerous when he let his guard down and smiled. She found herself wondering what lucky woman would receive that grin in private and hoped that sometime soon, Alex Grant would find Ms. Right. She watched him high-five Rachel, and even though she thought Rachel was really pretty, she didn’t see any physical connection between the two other than that friendly gesture. Maybe he should hope for a Mr. Right?

  About forty-five minutes later, the stadium had cleared out and Dallas came into the owner’s box. Derek met him before he reached her and he shook Dallas’ hand. She watched her man’s gaze drift across the room toward her, the intense heat in his brown eyes melting her insides. Shyly brushing her hair back behind her left ear, she waited as the men talked. Still, his attention was one hundred percent on her and he was about to come to her. Saying something to Derek Billings, he politely waited for the older man to nod and finally headed toward her.

  Grace held her ground. The impact of his eyes scanning her from head to toe left her breathless. Her heart raced like it was the first time she’d ever seen him. Tonight he wore black trousers, a charcoal gray sweater, black loafers and a long black overcoat. He’d left his hair long and must have used a hair dryer after his shower because his hair was completely dry. He’d opted not to wear his usual hat. She missed the cowboy hat, but had to admit that he looked panty-drenching hot dressed for a date.

  “Hello, beautiful,” he greeted, grinning as if he’d won the game. Which he had, of course, but Grace felt especially beautiful tonight. His eyes stayed on her face and his big hand came to her elbow, bringing her a little closer. “Did you enjoy the game?”

  “You bet I did,” she said honestly. “You were amazing.”

  “Well thank you, baby,” he replied. “I appreciate the compliment, but Ricky and our running back, Mark, really won the game.”

  A little tongue-tied by how wet she’d become already, Grace shook her head. “You’re rather modest for the guy who scored the winning touchdown.” She moved slightly, feeling the tug of her garters and the dampness of her panties. She felt so sexy and prayed that Dallas would like what he saw underneath her black dress. Maybe she should have bought a slinky teddy at the lingerie shop or something that was blatantly see-through for later?

  “Right now, I’d rather not think about football and take my girl out to din
ner,” he said, moving in nice and close. He smelled delicious, like Dallas and sandalwood and a hint of spice.

  “I’m ready for a night out,” she admitted. She was surprised when Dallas bent down just enough to touch his mouth to hers. Right there, in front of Derek Billings, Alex Grant and the rest of the guests in the owner’s box, Dallas kissed her senseless. He didn’t care that they were watching. The moment his tongue slipped into her mouth, she didn’t either. It wasn’t until Dallas let her breathe again that she glanced around and saw that the box had emptied except for them.

  “Wow, talk about an effective way of getting time alone with my man,” Grace said, laughing softly.

  “Derek Billings helped,” Dallas admitted. “Let’s get you out of here. Dinner first, then home. I’ve got plans for you, Gracie.”

  “I have plans for you too,” she stated.

  Dallas’ brow went up. “Do yours include ropes or handcuffs?”

  “You’ll have to wait and find out later.”

  He smiled and helped her into her coat to escort her out of the box. Grace didn’t see Anna or Rachel. “I suppose Alex took Rachel home and Anna went to the mascot’s changing room to wait for Kyran?” She grabbed her small purse and slung the thin strap over her shoulder.

  “I saw Alex and Rachel following Anna out of the box. Anna looks great, by the way.”

  “Yes, she does,” Grace said. “She hasn’t had much morning sickness. My sister, whew, that’s a whole other story. I should call her tomorrow morning and see how the family’s doing.”

  “If it’s a nice day, maybe we can go visit them,” Dallas offered.

  Grace liked that idea. “That’d be great. Be careful, McKay, next thing you know, I’ll introduce you to my parents and we’ll be an official couple.”

  “You’d better introduce me soon, Gracie,” he stated. “I’d say suffering the flu together gives us the okay to declare ourselves committed, don’t you?”