Surprised filled her eyes when she saw him standing there. “Malcolm! What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”
“We need to talk.”
Lauren moved aside for him to enter, closed the door and leaned against it. She folded her arms.
He had been so focused on what to say that he just noticed the skimpy tank and shorts she had on. The curves he’d felt the night they danced and when they’d kissed were on full display. Her folded arms emphasized the sweet swell of her breasts visible above the low-cut top. His gaze roamed lazily down her body to her toned legs and bare feet. His arousal was swift.
“You said you wanted to talk.”
Malcolm took the two steps to where she stood, letting his body touch hers and wanting her to feel just what she was doing to him. He heard her breath hitch. “I don’t know what to do about this dilemma. On the one hand, I should be keeping my distance. On the other...” He brushed his lips over hers. “I never want to let you go.”
She closed her eyes briefly. “I didn’t come here to complicate your life or mine, Malcolm. Only to do my job.”
“Maybe not, but you’re complicating it just the same. And as much as I want to deny it, there’s still something between us.” Lauren stared at him as if she didn’t know what he meant. She opened her mouth and he added, “If you lie, lightning will strike you right now.”
Lauren sighed. “We could ignore it.”
Malcolm studied her. Less than three weeks ago, she’d blown into his life, forcing him to remember everything good about what they’d shared. And heaven help him, but he wanted to experience it again. “True, we could. But I don’t want to, and your kiss says neither do you.” Before she could refute him, he kissed her, slowly, provocatively, until all of her protests melted away. He banded his arms around her, lifted her off her feet and carried her into the living room. He lowered himself to the sofa and shifted her until she sat across his lap. “You were going to say?”
She punched him in the shoulder. “You know you’re not playing fair.”
“I’m not playing at all, baby.” He captured her mouth again, slid his hand up her thigh and caressed her hip. Her hand moved across his chest, up and around his neck, sending heat straight to his groin and causing him to groan. He trailed kisses along her jaw and exposed throat, her faint citrus scent filling his nostrils and making him even harder.
“I...oh. I missed you, Malcolm,” she whispered.
Malcolm went still. Her eyes snapped open, and he saw a look of panic, as if she hadn’t meant to say it.
Lauren sat up and tried to leave his lap. “I—”
He tightened his hold. “I missed you, too, Lauren. More than you know.” She relaxed. He had spent the last seven and a half years playing football, dating when it suited him and generally living life on his own terms. True, long-term commitments weren’t on his radar, and he had been fine with that. And now she was back, invading his mind and his space. From the first, he had always found her easy to talk to—no pretense, no drama. She had been the first and only woman who respected his need for privacy. And ever since they’d had dinner, he’d realized he missed the easy rapport they always shared.
“So what does this mean?”
“I have no idea, but I do know that I want you. Maybe we can keep finding out, taking each day as it comes.” Malcolm hoped it would be enough. Right now, he couldn’t commit to more.
Chapter 7
“How did the barbecue go?” Khalil asked Malcolm Sunday afternoon, as they stood around the pool table at their parents’ house talking with their brother and brothers-in-law.
“Fine. I didn’t cook as much this year so I’d have less to clean up and put away. But I still have some grilled salmon left if you want it.”
“Lexia and I will stop by on the way home tonight.” He and Malcolm lived ten minutes from each other.
Malcolm grinned, knowing he’d say that. Khalil ate even healthier than Malcolm. He’d been a model for close to a decade before studying for his kinesiology and business degrees and opening up a fitness center. “Speaking of Lexia, when is her book signing?” Khalil’s wife had written a cookbook geared toward college students.
“Two Saturdays from now. She’s excited, but a little nervous with it being her first book. She’s worried no one will show up and no one will buy the book.” He lined up his shot and just missed the pocket.
“The way she cooks, I don’t think she’ll have any problems with people buying her book,” Brandon said. “We’ll all be there to support her.”
Justin took his turn at the table and sank his shot. “And with this brood, she won’t have to worry about the bookstore being empty.”
They all laughed. All of Malcolm’s siblings had gotten married in a space of less than four years, and if everyone’s parents and extended family were in attendance, Justin’s assessment would be correct. Only Malcolm and Omar would possibly miss it, due to the start of training camp.
“I haven’t checked the practice schedule, so I don’t know whether I’ll be able to attend,” Omar said.
Malcolm nodded in agreement. “Oh, Lorenzo and Cedric were here this week.”
Brandon paused with a water bottle halfway to his lips. “Really? Why didn’t you invite them over?”
“I did, but they had to get back to Sac. They said they’d be back during the season.”
Morgan stuck her head in the door. “Dinner, guys.”
Khalil and Justin replaced the pool sticks, and they all filed out and took seats at the large dining room table that his mother insisted she needed to accommodate the growing family. She was ecstatic about her granddaughter, Nyla, and the pending birth of Morgan and Omar’s first child. Along with Nyla, Siobhan and Justin were going through the process of adopting a four-year-old boy named Christian. Though the little boy had spent time with Siobhan and Justin, today was his first time meeting the rest of the family. It hadn’t taken him long to become comfortable and Malcolm had distinctively heard him call Malcolm’s mother Grandma. In order to allow for the extra time, the social worker had agreed to pick him up from here later.
Once everyone had a seat, Malcolm’s father blessed the food, and conversation commenced as plates were filled. Malcolm watched Siobhan’s relaxed features as she smiled and fed her daughter. For years, she had blamed herself for Malcolm getting hurt during one of his daredevil stunts after she had gone out with friends as a teen instead of staying home while their parents were out. Marriage and motherhood had mellowed her a great deal, and Malcolm couldn’t have been happier.
Malcolm forked up some of the macaroni and cheese and stifled a groan. No one could hold a candle to his mama’s version, and he’d be working out extra hard tomorrow because he planned to have another helping.
“How is Lauren working out with the team?”
He stared at Brandon. Somehow, he’d known he wouldn’t be able to get through dinner without someone asking.
“Specifically, how are things working out between you two with her being there?”
Confused. Complicated. Unsettling. Pick one. Keeping his voice neutral, he said casually, “Fine. She’s doing her job and I’m doing mine.”
Khalil leaned back and studied Malcolm. “Is that right? Because you two looked real cozy on the dance floor last Saturday night.”
“It was nothing.”
Morgan pointed her fork Malcolm’s way. “Whatever. Cozy or not, she’d better not hurt you again.”
Malcolm lifted a brow and shook his head at his twin. “Morgan, I think I can handle my life just fine. Oh, I stopped by the transitional housing the other day, and it looks great,” he said, changing the subject.
“I’m just so proud of you all,” his father said. “Your mother and I will be at the grand opening. Thad said he’d be there as well.” Thaddeus Whitcomb, whom they affectionately called Uncle T
had, was his father’s best friend and business partner. Malcolm and his siblings had been shocked to find out Uncle Thad had a daughter, who he’d found after several years of searching. Malcolm chuckled inwardly remembering all the fireworks that sparked between Brandon and Faith when he found out she was that daughter and stood to inherit part of the company Brandon had thought he would be running solo. They were now happily married.
“How many families will they house again?” Justin asked.
“Up to fifty for each building.”
“And that’s one hundred less on the streets.” His mother sighed. “I just wish the city would do more. It doesn’t make sense to have all these vacant buildings sitting around when they can be put to good use.”
Siobhan laughed. “Uh-oh, y’all got Mom started.”
“Hey, she does have a point,” Lexia said.
Faith held up her hand and high-fived Lexia. “Agreed.”
Laughter flowed around the table, and they continued eating and conversing until plates were clean. Afterward, everyone shuffled to the family room and relaxed, too full to do anything else for the time being. However, an hour later, no one turned down the peach cobbler and homemade vanilla ice cream served for dessert.
Christian devoured his portion in a matter of minutes, then held his empty bowl out. “Grandma, can I have more ice cream?”
Malcolm’s mother beamed. “Of course, baby.” She set her bowl aside, stood and took his hand. “Come on and let’s get you some.”
Justin shook his head. “Two hours and he’s got your mom wrapped around his finger.”
Siobhan playfully elbowed him. “And he doesn’t have you wrapped, too?”
Christian came back wearing a huge smile and sat on the floor next to Malcolm.
Malcolm ruffled his head. “You’re going to have to do a lot of exercising to work off all this dessert, little man.”
The boy just smiled around a huge spoonful of ice cream.
They were just finishing when the social worker arrived. No one wanted Christian to leave, especially Malcolm’s mother and Siobhan. Christian’s little sad face moved Malcolm in a way he hadn’t anticipated. He had no idea how many more trial weekends were necessary, but he hoped not many, because Christian had captured all their hearts.
After several rounds of goodbyes, Christian ran over and wrapped his arms around Siobhan’s waist. “Mama, no! I want to stay with you,” he cried.
Malcolm heard Siobhan’s sharp gasp and saw her fighting for control. His mother and Morgan looked stricken, as did Faith and Lexia.
Justin rushed over and gently scooped up Christian. “Malcolm, take Siobhan out of here!” He strode toward the door with the screaming little boy.
“No! Mama!”
Malcolm picked his sister up, carried her to one of the extra bedrooms and placed her on the bed.
“My baby, my baby. He’s never called me Mama before.” Siobhan jumped up from the bed and started toward the door, but Malcolm blocked her way. “Tell Justin he can’t let her take him,” Siobhan pleaded as she wept.
Seeing his sister, always the strong one, who never lost control, crying this way broke Malcolm’s heart. “Everything’s going to be okay, Vonnie. This is only temporary. Christian will be with you before you know it.” Not knowing what else to say, he just held her. She was still crying when Justin came in a few minutes later. He kissed his sister on her forehead. “How’s Christian?”
Justin’s pain was reflected in his face. He shook his head. “He’s never done this before. It nearly killed me to put him in that car. She said we’d probably be able to have him for good in two or three weeks. I hope so, because I can’t go through this again.” He gathered Siobhan in his arms and led her back to the bed. “Thanks, Malcolm.”
Malcolm nodded and left quietly. He found everyone still subdued when he entered the family room. He, Brandon and Omar put away the food and loaded the dishwasher, then everyone said their goodbyes.
Hours later, long after Khalil and Lexia had come and gone, Malcolm sat on the balcony off his bedroom, unable to get the sound of Christian’s screams out of his head. Back when they were dreaming, he and Lauren had talked about having children, but he hadn’t thought about it since then. Tonight, however, those imaginings came back full force and, for the first time in eight years, he contemplated what it would be like to have children of his own. The realization startled him and he quickly shoved it aside. He needed to keep his focus on the upcoming season and not the crazy musings of two kids who had fancied themselves in love. He could handle that. He hoped.
* * *
Monday morning, Lauren had her hands full with the third day of training camp. Fortunately, she eased into the transition, somewhat, since only the twenty-seven rookies started for the first two days. But by Friday, the entire fifty-three-man lineup and an additional ten reserve players had descended on the facility. When she arrived at six thirty, she passed several players in the gym and in the various meeting areas.
“Man, by the time the season starts, I’d better be a lean, mean blocking machine, eating all this healthy stuff.”
Lauren cut a look at Brent. He’d complained their entire session. She leaned over to see what he had on his breakfast plate.
“See, Lauren, a six-egg omelet with spinach, mushrooms and red peppers, salmon cakes, whole-wheat bagel, two bananas, yogurt, and milk.”
She patted his arm. “Nice job. You’ll be energized for practice instead of moving like a slug.” She wanted the lineman to keep the mass and protein levels higher because of the constant contact he’d have during games. For the players who ran more, increased carbohydrates and good hydration were the key.
Brent laughed. “You’re cool people, Lauren.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks. So are you.” She went over to where Darren stood scooping eggs. He’d lost nine pounds already and needed to lose eleven more. Even so, he still needed a little over five thousand calories a day.
“Hey, Lauren. What else is on the list? I have the four scrambled eggs and I added the spinach and mushrooms to get in some veggies.”
“Oatmeal, turkey sausage and a smoothie made with two scoops of protein powder, low-fat milk, peanut butter and a banana.” She had one of the guys from Nigel’s team make the smoothie. This was going better than she had hoped. Lauren turned and went still at the sight of Malcolm making his way over to the buffet. He glanced her way, smiled faintly and picked up a plate. Moments later, she sensed him behind her.
“I like the signs.” Malcolm filled his plate.
“Thanks.” He reached for a bagel and his arm brushed hers, the contact sending heat spiraling through her.
“What made you decide to do this?”
“I thought it would be a good way to bring attention to what everyone is eating. When it’s in your face, it’s hard to miss.”
He studied her. “Good point. It is hard to miss something when it’s right in your face.”
The way he looked at her and the softness in his voice told her he meant something else altogether. “I...need to get going. Have a good practice.” Without waiting for a reply, Lauren made a beeline for the kitchen area. Just seeing Malcolm conjured up visions of his mouth and hands on her last week. Standing next to him pretending that nothing was going on between them and that she barely knew him tested her in ways she couldn’t begin to describe.
She shook herself and continued to make her rounds in the dining room, stopping to talk to players and answering any questions. However, she felt Malcolm’s gaze whenever she passed him. She was relieved when the dining area emptied out.
“You did well in all this chaos,” Nigel said, coming her way. “I couldn’t believe how many players asked for the added veggies in their eggs or omelets. Then again, with someone so pretty asking, they’d probably eat a bowl of castor oil to please you.”
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Lauren made a face. “I hope not. Do you need me for anything else before lunch? If not, I’ll be in my office.”
“Nope. My guys can handle the smoothies or the players themselves, so we’ll see you later.”
She spent the next two hours updating player profiles and answering emails. Then, curious about the practice, she made her way outside, stood at the edge of the tunnel leading to the practice field and watched them run plays. She searched until she saw Malcolm at the far end of the field, marveling at his agility, speed and the way the muscles in his legs flexed with every movement. He was at the top of his game, and she couldn’t imagine a time when he’d have to give up the game he loved.
Lauren took a quick peek at her watch and headed back. Practice would end in the next hour, and she wanted to make sure the staff laid out lunch to her satisfaction. She figured she wouldn’t need to be too involved in the kitchen in a couple of weeks and could spend her time individually with the players and coaches. Today’s lunch consisted of grilled chicken breasts, top sirloin steak, brown rice, sweet potatoes, a variety of green vegetables and salad and fruit bars.
After lunch ended, Lauren collapsed in her office chair and let out a long breath, but she had a smile on her face. All in all, it had been a good day. The last meeting ended at four thirty and Nigel would be preparing dinner, but Lauren didn’t feel she needed to stay around for that. I’m loving this job. She allowed herself a few minutes of quiet—being around over fifty giants could get pretty loud—then got to work.
She was so engrossed in the figures on her computer screen that she jumped at the sound of a knock on the partially opened door. “Come in.”
“Hey.”
“Hey, Malcolm. What are you doing here? Practice is over?” He had showered and changed into a pair of basketball shorts and fitted tee.
“It’s almost six. What are you still doing here?”
“I guess I lost track of time.” She stood and stretched. “You didn’t answer my question.”
Malcolm hesitated a beat. “I wanted to know if you had any plans tonight.”
Still Loving You Page 7