Break Point

by Danielle LaBue

  He was trying to get rid of her. No smile, no wink. It was hard to reconcile the man in front of her with the one who held her in his arms moments earlier. “What about you? Aren’t you going to sleep?”

  “I’ll crash where I fall.” He handed her the flannel night shirt. “Can you please just put it on? It’s not right with you running around like that.”

  She looked down, suddenly feeling over-exposed in her thin, cotton t-shirt. She undid the buttons and pulled it around her, then trudged back over to the door. “Good night,” she offered on her way out the door and didn’t wait for a response. Instead she headed toward the kitchen for some soap and water. Maybe cleaning up the bloody mess in the foyer would help ease her mind.

  ***

  Jake pulled a chair up to the foot of the bed, his eyes fixed on the figure in front of him. He wasn’t sure what to make of Geoffrey Martin. Summer’s impression of a valiant hero held little resemblance to the short, balding, forty-something man who lay in front of him. Of course, Summer wasn’t like the shallow girls he hung around. She had class. Dimension. The kind of girl who loved people for “who they were,” whatever the hell that meant.

  Geoffrey Martin was a liar.

  Jumping up from his chair, he thrust his foot against the mattress. “Hey Buddy. Naptime is over. We gotta talk now.”

  Geoffrey moaned and his eyelids fluttered before he settled back into even breath. Jake tried again. “Up and at ’em, Geoffrey. I got some questions for you.”

  Slowly his eyes reopened. “Where am I?” he whispered, rubbing the side of his head. “What happened?”

  “What happened is you broke into my house. Ever hear of knocking?”

  Geoffrey licked the dried blood from his lips. “You must be Jake Harrison,” he said in a thick European accent. “Al gave me this address. He said it was a safe house.”

  “Al Riley? What were you talking to him about?”

  Geoffrey aborted any effort to sit up. Falling back on the pillow, he exhaled in a sigh. “I was getting ready to leave Bermuda in the morning when Al called me and told me about some guy cornering Summer at a bar. I chartered an earlier flight. Is she here?”

  “She’s asleep in the other room.” He nodded to the closed door. “She’s okay.”

  Geoffrey held his hand up, a signal he heard him. It was obvious Jake had caught him good. Probably a concussion. He would have let him suffer if he wasn’t so eager to pump him for information. Reluctantly, Jake went to the bathroom and brought back a cool, wet towel. He wrung it out then chucked it at Geoffrey. It hit him in the face with a smack.

  “Good thing you decided to answer your phone for once, Geoff.” Jake said, hovering over him. “Where the hell have you been? Summer’s been calling you constantly.”

  “On, location.” He mumbled. “I’m hard to reach on location.”

  “You mean to tell me the woman you love is in danger, and she can’t call you if she gets in trouble?”

  “Summer knows I have other clients, and I can’t be at her beck and call. Besides, isn’t that what you were hired for? To be her bodyguard?”

  Jake squatted down, looking Geoffrey in his beady, brown eyes. He looked more like a burrowing animal than a man. His overly-tanned flesh looked like hide rather than skin, and Jake could have sworn he could see the faintest incision marks where a woman might have them from a facelift.

  “You know Geoffrey,” Jake continued. “I would think a guy like you would have a hard time jetting off to an island paradise with another woman knowing your fiancé could be in danger.”

  Geoffrey drew a deep breath pressing the towel against his forehead. “Look Mr. Harrison, I am a business manager and I take my job very seriously. I help tennis players make money. Nila Norcova is my client. That’s all.”

  “You’re a lousy liar, Martin.” Jake folded his arms as he began to pace in front of him. “I took it upon myself to go through some of your business dealings. I thought it was pretty interesting you get a sixty percent cut of Nila Norcova’s earnings and only twenty five of Summer’s.”

  Lifting the towel from his face, he opened one eye. “What are you getting at?”

  “By Summer passing her crown to your little protégé, you stand to make way more money than you ever did off Summer.” Jake held his gaze, searching for some sign of guilt in his beady eyes.

  “This conversation is ridiculous.” Geoffrey croaked. “You do realize we are on the same side here, right?”

  “Do you love her?”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  Jake went over to his dresser producing an envelope from the top drawer. He looked at it a moment before tossing it in Geoffrey’s lap. “If she means so much to you, why are you trying to sabotage what’s left of her career?”

  Geoffrey pulled the paper out, his eyes suddenly wide and bright. “Where you’d find this?”

  “E-mail” Jake said simply. “You must have forgotten to delete it. It looks to me like Sports Illustrated wanted Summer to do the shoot in Bermuda, not Nila. Tell me, if you love her so much, why would you want to stall her comeback?” He kneeled back down in front of him, and lowered his voice. “Unless of course you were the one who sidelined her in the first place.”

  “You’re crazy!”

  “Am I?”

  Geoffrey’s jaw was agape and his lower lip trembled. “Has Summer seen these emails?”

  “No.”

  The pale in Geoffrey’s face darkened to deep red as he rubbed the side of his temple. “Look Mr. Harrison,” he finally said, “I don’t have to explain to you my business dealings, but I will tell you this. Summer’s career won’t last forever. Nila is the next big thing and it’s my job to milk that for all its worth. Hell, in the end it’s Summer who wins. Who do you think will be spending all the money I bring in?”

  “So the ends justify the means.”

  “Whatever spin you want to put on it is fine. It doesn’t matter anyway because as of now I will be terminating your services. This case is no longer open.”

  Jake stood over him with his hands on his hips feeling his composure slowly slip away. “Listen pal,” he seethed “I’m sure you would love to get rid of me, but I’m not working for you which means you can't fire me. So you best understand I’ll be watching you, and if you do anything to hurt that woman in there, you’ll answer to me.”

  “Are you threatening me, Mr. Harrison?”

  “Yeah,” Jake smiled. “Absolutely.”

  ***

  The moon was still high in the sky when Summer awoke on the couch. She guessed she hadn’t slept long, but it was time enough for an incredible crick in her neck to form. She reached around her shoulder to massage the offending knot, but stopped when she heard the angry mumblings behind the bedroom door.

  She shuffled across the cold stone, preparing herself for a convincing performance. It would have to be of Oscar caliber to convince Jake. The love struck fiancé who missed her man. Definitely a stretch, and there was a reason why she rarely talked in any of her TV commercials. An outpouring of affection would probably encourage Geoffrey’s romantic intentions, but that was okay. If he was willing to risk breaking into a stranger’s house for her, the least she could do was indulge him with a kiss or two on his bludgeoned cheek.

  She took a deep breath then slowly turned the doorknob. Across the room, Jake stood over Geoffrey, their faces both red and their bodies rigid. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said sweetly. “I heard voices and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

  Geoffrey attempted to make eye contact, but fell back on the pillow instead. “I’m sorry Summer, did we bother you?”

  “No, I was waiting for you to wake up.” She eased herself on the bed. “What were you doing sneaking into a stranger’s house, anyway? You were lucky he didn’t shoot you.”

  “You’re right, darling, I won’t do it ever again. But I was so worried about you.” He reached up and touched her cheek. “I guess I wasn�
��t thinking straight.”

  Jake hadn’t said a word. His expression gave nothing away and she figured that was intentional. This was an inspection. One if she planned on passing she would have to lay on the mush as best she could. She planted a quick kiss on Geoffrey’s lips. Her gag reflex responded when he did. Just her luck the guy was coherent enough to kiss her back.

  She pulled away, resisting the urge to wipe the moistness from her lips. “Geoffrey, did Jake tell you the great news? I’m playing tennis again. Can you believe it?”

  “That’s wonderful, darling. What did I tell you? If you concentrate more on your tennis and less on that unfortunate incident, you’ll be glad you did. That’s what Jake and I were talking about.”

  She looked at Jake, then back at Geoffrey. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, since I’m home now, I thought maybe you would want to release him from his service.”

  She pulled her hands from Geoffrey’s grip and slipped off the bed. “You’re kidding me, right? Whose ridiculous idea was that anyway?”

  “Darling...”

  “Didn’t Jake tell you some guy tried to corner me in a bar tonight?

  “Yes but...”

  “Jake is trying to catch him. And he has leads, Geoffrey. That’s more than law enforcement has.” She tossed her hands in the air. “Why would you want to fire someone who is trying to help?”

  Geoffrey covered his eyes and winced. “Summer, you’re yelling!”

  “Well, I’m surprised you aren’t hearing me then.” Summer folded her arms against her chest. As a manager, Geoffrey always made decisions without her input, but when it came down to personal issues, she wouldn’t let him have free reign. “Look boys, here’s the deal. Jake will act as my bodyguard until the need for one no longer exists. Geoffrey, you will be working to make sure I regain my number one ranking. Now, I have an early morning practice that both of you need to be up for. I suggest you get some sleep.”

  Turning on her heels, she strode out the door and slammed it shut behind her. If Geoffrey thought he could get rid of Jake, he was denser than Summer thought. And why would he want to in the first place? If she was Jake’s problem she wouldn’t be his. He would have more time to do his real job. Plan her come back.

  She threw herself back on the couch and yanked a blanket around her. If she was overreacting, so be it. But having Jake around was wise, even if it was her father’s idea. She closed her eyes and slammed her head on the pillow.

  “Well you sure told us in there.”

  Summer’s eyes flew open. “Jake! God, you scared me.”

  “Likewise,” he smiled and sat down next to her. “I guess it’s true what the papers say. You can be vicious when you want to.”

  She looked back at the closed bedroom door. “He go back to sleep?”

  “Yeah, he’s pretty out of it. He should be up and about in the morning, though.”

  “Good. I want him at least a little alert when he sees me play. If I make a good impression, maybe I can start entering some tournaments.”

  Summer saw the smirk on Jake’s face. “What’s so funny?”

  “I don’t know,” he answered. “You don’t talk like a giddy fiancé who hasn’t seen her hubby-to-be in weeks. You seem more concerned about business. It just seems strange, that’s all.”

  Summer looked out toward the deck then back to the front door. “You don’t think he saw us out there, do you?”

  “I’m sure he would have said something if he had.”

  “Look, now Geoffrey is home, I probably don’t need to stay here anymore. It’s probably better that way anyway. You know what I mean?”

  She waited for a response, but nothing came. Silence collected to an uncomfortable level. Needing to break it somehow, she playfully punched him in the leg.

  “Ouch!” He jumped up off the couch rubbing his thigh. “What the hell did you do that for?”

  “You didn’t say anything! Didn’t you hear a word I just said?”

  “I was sitting right next to you. Of course I heard you.”

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “Okay, I agree. Just don’t hit me again.” He cursed, but she could hear the smile in his whisper. “Well, I guess I’m going to go sleep in the gazebo. You need anything, you let me know, okay? That goes for your boy toy in there, too.” Grabbing a throw from the back of the recliner, he got up and headed down the stairs toward the deck.

  “Good night, Jake.”

  He took two steps, then paused. Turning back, he leaned against the railing and ran his hand through his hair. “Summer, earlier when I yelled at you…“ he pointed toward the foyer.

  “It’s okay.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess when you said the guy was Geoffrey...”

  “I understand, Jake. Really.”

  He nodded but didn’t move, his head now turned toward the window. “He’s a lucky guy, sweetheart. I just wanted you to know that.”

  He didn’t give her time to respond, instead disappearing out the door. She watched his figure move across the deck then into the darkness, a smile spreading across her face.

  Chapter Eight

  Summer stood in front of the locker room mirror, assessing the dark circles under her eyes. The lack of sleep may show on her face, but her insides were wide awake. She couldn’t stop thinking about Jake Harrison.

  No man had ever touched her the way he had the other night. She could still feel his hands on her, how he caressed her breasts and stroked between her legs. God, and that mouth. Blowing out a breath, she smoothed down her pink tennis dress. Thoughts of Jake would do nothing for her game. She was due on court in ten minutes and if she wanted to impress Geoffrey, she better stay focused.

  “Hey, Summer. Long time no see.”

  She spun around, her ponytail smacking her in the face. “Nila!” She gasped as her hand flew to her pounding heart. “You scared me.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I should know better, after what happened your nerves probably aren’t as steady as they used to be.”

  Summer barely recognized the striking redhead who stood in front of her. Months ago Nila Norcova was a gawky teenager with a retainer and frizzy hair. This woman was makeup perfect, with manicured nails and the huge diamond necklace she swore was Harry Winston. “Boy, its amazing what a month in the sun can do for girl.” Summer said. “Looks like Bermuda agreed with you.”

  “It was amazing.” Nila purred, pushing her now straight hair over her shoulder. “I didn’t play much tennis but you know how it is. Everyone wants an interview or to take pictures with you. Of course, Sports Illustrated was awesome.” She leaned in as if sharing a secret. “They said I was a natural.”

  Nila had never been a braggart, but fame had a way of bringing that quality out in people. Those were the ones who loved the attention more than tennis itself and also the ones more likely to crash and burn. At nineteen, it was too early to predict Nila’s fate, but as she babbled on about celebrity appearances and private yachts, it was apparent which way she was favoring. “I was just going to head out to play, but it’s so hot.” Nila fanned herself with a towel. “A massage in the air conditioning sounds a little better. Or I could sit and look at your new bodyguard all day.”

  “You mean Jake?” Opening her locker, Summer pulled out her racquet bag. Nila may have been a decent tennis player, but she was a champion gossip. A good looking man would keep her talking for hours and Jake was not a subject she could afford to waste any more brain power on. “He’s been helping out on the investigation. “

  “Really? Doesn’t look like much more than eye candy to me.”

  “Ask Geoffrey if he’s capable. Where do you think he got that shiner?”

  Nila cocked her head and put her hands on her hips. “Wait a minute. Your bodyguard beat up your fiancé? Geoffrey told me the spotter at the gym dropped the weight on his head.”

  They both giggled. Finally a sparkle of the fun, carefree Nila she used to know. “The gym, huh? Nila, wh
en have you known Geoffrey to lift more than a Perrier bottle?”

  “Yeah, you know those European types.” Nila winked. “Probably more into yoga.”

  Summer wiped a tear from her eye. It had been a long time since she’d laughed that hard. A part of her felt guilty for joking at Geoffrey’s expense, but there was something about Nila that brought out the immaturity in people. A quality Summer weirdly admired. “Okay, don’t say anymore. You’re running my mascara.” She ran a finger across her cheek, then sat down on the bench.

  “Wait a minute, Summer. There’s not anything going on between you at Jake is there?”

  “What?”

  Nila’s sapphire tinted contacts shimmered with curiosity. “Come on, the guy is hot. I wouldn’t fault you, I would congratulate you.”

  “Are you crazy? I have Geoffrey.”

  “So?”

  Summer stood up and yanked the zipper shut on her duffle bag. She wished she could do the same to Nila’s mouth.

  “Okay, it’s none of my business. Sorry I asked.” Nila picked up her purple rhinestone racquet bag behind her. “So I guess I’ll be seeing you around. My practice times are right around yours. I still can’t believe you’re playing. Everyone was sure you’d retire.”

  “Actually, I think the rest did me some good.” Summer told her. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll be stronger than ever.”

  “That’s good, you’re staying positive.” A crooked smile spread across Nila’s face. “So, you think there’s a chance you could play in a tournament, say in three weeks?”

  Summer cocked her head. “What do you mean? What tournament?”

  Nila looked around the locker room again then leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I got a secret,” she confessed. “Geoffrey says if your practices go well, he’s going to set up an exhibition match in at the big Citrus Charity Tournament.”

  “Really?” Summer’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait, when did he say this? Is it definite?”

  “He told me this morning. I guess since the Citrus is such a big media event, it would be good exposure for both of us. For him too. You know how into business he is.”