This was exactly the break she was looking for. The Citrus was the biggest charity tournament on the whole North American circuit and the Vitalie Citrus Ball Anston hosted was the biggest black-tie event of the year. It was also a media frenzy. It would be the perfect chance to prove to the world she was ready to take her life back. It couldn’t happen soon enough. “When is he announcing this?” she asked. “Did he tell you?”
“Soon,” Nila said. “He has to make sure I can fit in the promotion into my schedule first.”
She could feel the bubbles again. A medium boil that made her cheeks redden. This was adrenalin. Competition. She had forgotten how much she had loved the feeling. “That’s the great part.” Summer told her. “I may be the best female who ever played the game, but I’m injured. I don’t have much left to prove. You on the other hand would look pretty bad if you got beat by someone like me. Tell me, Nila, how are you at playing under pressure?”
Rendering Nila speechless was a victory in itself. Satisfied, she picked up her racquet bag then winked at Nila before heading to the door. “You know what they say, “Hail to the Queen.”
***
Jake wiped the sweat from his brow and took a long gulp of his ice water. Summer was right. He would have passed out from heat stroke if he had worn his usual jeans and long sleeve t-shirt. Maybe the standard tennis whites weren’t so bad after all. He watched her from the patio. A perfect view he decided as he spied her sailing across the service line. With a high-pitched grunt, she pounced on a volley, sending the ball like a rocket to the backcourt corner. The modest crowd applauded and Jake did too. He was a fan just like the rest of them, but for a different reason, he felt too guilty to admit.
His favorite part of practice had nothing to do with the actual work out, rather it was the half-minute she would towel herself off in between games. The occasional spritz from her little pink spray bottle was a bonus, reserved only for the days when it was extra hot or she worked extra hard. He looked heavenward, thanking God for His gift of an unbearable heat wave. Never in his life had he felt more blessed.
She jogged to the sideline, tossing her pony tail over her shoulder. Jake held his breath waiting for her to reach for the little pink bottle, but she didn’t. Instead, she went for the large water cooler beside her. Jake almost fell over when she pulled the ice cubes out and brought them to her chin. Wonderful drops of water ran down her neck and chest, pooling into the deep ravine of her cleavage. Again he credited divine intervention. This time for his new baggy tennis shorts that hid exactly what they needed to.
“Looking good, huh Jake?”
Jake looked up at Anston Vitalie. He raised his sunglasses as he stood then extended his hand to shake. “Morning, sir. Yeah, Summer’s doing great out there.”
“I was talking about you.” Anston tugged on the sleeve of his shirt. “Did Summer take you shopping in the pro shop?”
“Oh you mean my clothes.” Jake gave himself a once-over. “Well, I thought since I was hanging out with the tennis crowd I should probably look the part.”
“That’s great. We were all worried you wouldn’t be around as much now Geoffrey got home. I’m pleasantly surprised he hasn’t fired you yet.”
Jake glanced across the court. Geoffrey was perched in the second row of the bleachers. His usual hangout when he watched Summer play. “Not in his best interests. Now that Summer’s back in the public eye, she needs a bodyguard.” Jake nodded toward Geoffrey in his straw hat and polyester track suit with a large “G” obnoxiously embroidered on the front. “He doesn’t look much like somebody who would intimidate a stalker to me.”
“Look, all kidding aside, I’m glad you’re still here. These practices are starting to draw a bit of a crowd. The press has even tried to get in. “
Jake nodded. “I was waiting for that to happen.” He scanned the crowd, reminding himself her attacker could be among them right now.
“You’re armed, right?”
“Yeah.” Jake patted the revolver stashed under his shirt. “I’ve been walking around every few minutes just to scope the place, but if you see something suspicious let me know.”
“Sure thing. Who knew a NASCAR hero would turn out to be a tennis fan.” Vitalie winked then slapped him on the back. “Keep up the good work, Harrison.”
“Thanks, Anston.”
Jake’s smile faded when he heard the familiar voice behind him. He turned around, spying a group of four or five men all dressed in black suits looking more like undertakers than spectators at a sporting event.
“A little early for you isn’t it, Al?” Jake greeted as he approached. “It’s only eight in the morning.”
“Jakie!” Al grabbed his shoulder and offered his hand to shake. “Eight a.m., hell. You know I never miss a party.”
“Very true.”
“Jesus, who knew a practice session would be such a big draw. Especially in this heat.” He took a look around before patting his glowing brow with a handkerchief. “I heard Summer was playing this morning and I wanted to check it out. So, how does she look out there?”
Jake shrugged. “Good I guess. I don’t know much about tennis or anything, but I know she swings harder and harder everyday. She’s definitely happier.”
“That’s good. I want my girl to be happy.” His voice trailed off, his focus now fixed on the court. “Damn, I’ve never seen her play in person before. She’s good. Look at her.”
Heads turned in syncopated motion as the ball flew over the net. Suddenly, Summer jumped up in the air, slamming the ball in the right hand corner of the court with an unforgiving overhead. “She’s amazing!” Al blurted as the crowd applauded. Turning around, he called to his cronies behind him. “Hey boys! Get over here and watch my daughter!”
“Shhh.” Jake warned with his finger over his lips. “You got to keep it down at tennis matches. Noise distracts the players.”
“Oh, yeah, right. I don’t know all the rules.” Jamming the handkerchief back in his pocket, he straightened the line of his jacket. “Have you seen Geoffrey around here? I heard he was back in town and I wanted to give him something.”
“He’s over there.” Jake pointed across the court.
Al followed his finger and his body shook in silent laughter. “Nice hat.” He smirked. “He looks like a frickin’ scarecrow.”
“I think he hurt himself.” Jake answered. “His face is pretty bruised up. Summer says he doesn’t want people to see him like that, but I can give him a message if you want.
“Yeah.” He pulled an envelope from his jacket and handed it to Jake. “Tell him I rented out the penthouse at The Pelican Landing Resort for tonight. I thought he and Summer would enjoy some time, just the two of them. He’s been out of town so I thought they could catch up. Plus, you could probably use the night off.”
Jake took the envelope from him, then stuffed it in his shorts pocket. “No problem, I’ll see he gets it.”
“By the way, Leslie said something about going through mail you gave her. Don’t be surprised if she drops by. I told her you would have some time to kill.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He said flatly, his gaze turned back toward the court. “She’s got my number.”
“I think she’d like a lot more, if ya know what I mean.” He slapped him on the back, his deep bellowing laugh drawing stares from nearby spectators. “See you later, Harrison”
“Later,” Jake mumbled and smiled as Summer reached in the ice bucket again.
***
“What the hell was my father doing here? Summer asked hoping the answer wouldn’t ruin a good day. “I saw him and I nearly dropped my racquet.”
“Really? You looked pretty focused to me.” Jake picked up her bag and slung it over his shoulder. “I thought you didn’t notice anything off court when you were playing.”
“Kind of hard to miss. He strolls in here looking like he walked out of a Blues Brothers movie. What was he thinking?”
“Well, I guess so
me people aren’t as fashion conscious as others.”
“Like yourself, of course.” She smiled, admiring how delicious Jake looked in his new tennis attire. “You look like you just stepped out of Tennis Magazine. I told you sportswear would do wonders for you.”
“You think so.” He popped the collar on his shirt and pulled his sunglasses over his eyes. “You know you’re not the only model around here, Blondie.”
She rolled her eyes as they headed toward the locker room. “What did my dad want anyway?”
“To see you play,” he said. “He seemed really into it.”
“Yeah, right. He’s only interested in a sporting event if it means a real estate investment. Watching for mere enjoyment is something he saves for the strip clubs.”
“Speaking of recreation.” He reached into his shorts pocket and produced a golden envelope. “What the hell is a Pelican Landing?”
“Only the hottest spa in South Florida and a golden envelope means a weekend package in their five thousand dollar a night penthouse.” She pulled out the contents and scanned the itinerary. “This must be a perk Geoffrey arranged for Nila and I for playing in the Citrus match he set up.”
“Citrus match?” Jake repeated. “What are you talking about?
“Once again, a great practice, My Darling!” Geoffrey came up behind Jake and planted a peck on Summer’s cheek. “Better and better everyday.”
“And just think, in three weeks at the Citrus tournament I’ll be awesome!” She couldn’t hold it in. If she did, she’d explode. News about the Citrus Tournament was too big and there was no way she was going to give him a chance to change his mind.
“Huh, I guess good new travels fast.” Geoffrey said. “I was planning on keeping it quiet for a while.”
“Too late. Nila told me all about it. I’m so excited and I’m more than ready. I should probably start double practice sessions Monday, don’t you think? After a good weekend of rest at the Pelican I’ll be ready for the overtime. This is so wonderful Geoffrey” She threw her arms around his shoulders, knocking his straw hat clear to the ground.
“Wait a minute,” Jake said. “What’s a Citrus tournament and why is this the first time I’m hearing about it?
“It’s a tournament like anything else,” she explained. “Except all the money goes to player’s charities. What do you guys think? Should I play for children with cancer or what about Autism?”
Jake didn’t look happy, which was inexplicable, because this was good news. The best. She expected a hug, at the very least a “Congratulations.” But all she got was a scowl, and a grunt while he scratched his chin.
Geoffrey replaced his hat over his grotesquely purple eye and rested his hand on Summer’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll leave that to you to decide, but now the good news is out I have some work to do. Planning your comeback is a full time job, you know.” Geoffrey’s eyes were fixed on Jake. “You know I’m always looking out for you.”
“I know,” she smiled. “You’re the best.”
“I’ll call you this evening and see how your arm is holding up. I’m sure Jake here will take good care of you.”
“I sure will.” Jake placed a hand on her shoulder.
Geoffrey waved and blew her a kiss before disappearing back to the courts. Jake stood beside her with a crooked smile pulling at his lips. “What?” she asked him.
“Nothing. I just probably should have told you the golden envelope you’re holding was from your father for you and Geoffrey to use this weekend.. I would have told you if you weren’t going so crazy about this whole citrus thing.”
“Too late now,” she gazed back in Geoffrey’s direction but in truth she didn’t look very hard. A weekend alone with Geoffrey at a place like the Pelican was not something she was up for. She cringed at the image of his pasty face on the pillow next to hers leaving drool stains on the fine linens. “Hey Jake, want to go to Pelican Landing?”
He made a face. “It sounds like a retirement home.”
“Best food around. My dad is paying and if you want a good time, I can’t think of anything better than to waste his money.” She waved the envelope in front of his face. “Come on. Just dinner. Saves you the trouble of dialing a phone.”
Jake eyes twinkled. “Well if you put it that way.” He snatched the envelope from her hand. “You’re on, baby. I was thinking I could use a night on the town.”
Chapter Nine
The Pelican Landing Resort was one of Summer’s most favorite places in all of South Florida. The architecture resembled an old Southern plantation except it had every modern nuance money could buy. Summer stayed there plenty of times taking advantage of their private beach and world class spa, but she certainly never checked into the penthouse with Jake Harrison.
“You do know the man at the front desk totally recognized us, right?” She cringed as she led Jake to the dining room. “God, imagine what he is thinking.”
“I can’t.” Jake declared. “We made a deal, remember? No thoughts that aren’t rated PG. Which, by the way is pretty difficult with you in that dress.” Their eyes locked and he winked. “Blue is my favorite color FYI.”
“You clean up pretty well yourself.” She leaned on the hostess stand, giving him an appreciative once over. “Nothing like a man in a tux.”
“Yeah, well that’s part of my service package. Bodyguard and jaw-dropping eye candy.” He stuck his chest out and ran his hands down the lapels. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect a bonus.”
They followed the hostess to the private dining room on the back balcony. The muggy day had turned into a balmy night with a gentle breeze delivering the sweet scent of roses from the gardens below. Summer took a deep breath as she sat down, instantly reminded why the Pelican was her favorite place in South Florida to relax. It was peaceful. Serene. A nice switch from the hectic whirlwind existence she was used to.
“Isn’t it beautiful up here?” she mused, smoothing her napkin across her lap. “You can see for miles.”
“One hell of a view.” Jake winked sitting down across from her. “The one you’re talking about isn’t bad either.”
A cute, freckle-face brunette with a tag reading “Kaitlin” came over to the table with a Waterford crystal pitcher. She smiled warmly at Summer before filling the glasses with water. “Miss Riley, Chef Andre was thrilled when he heard you were back with us tonight. He says your wish is his…” She stopped mid- sentence when she spotted Jake. The water pitcher suddenly forgotten, it slipped from her hand and emptied itself all over the table.
“Won’t you tell André thank you?” Jake said quickly, saving a huge mess with a flip of his napkin.
“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s no problem.”
“I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be, sweetheart.” Jake flashed an irresistible smile. “All is forgotten if you bring us a few extra napkins and a wine list? Oh, and maybe you could close the main patio doors. I saw a few photographers scoping out Miss. Riley. I just want to make sure she enjoys her dinner.”
Summer watched her disappear into the kitchen. “You know, we’d get better service if you weren’t such a flirt.”
He leaned back in his chair and smirked. “I can’t help it if women like what they see. And you shouldn’t complain. This could be good for your reputation.”
“Really? Tell me, how is being seen with Streak Harrison good PR?”
“Common sense, sweetheart. I’m a good looking guy, and you’re not breaking any mirrors. A well-timed peck on the cheek would make you headline news.”
“I want to be in the news is for winning. Not for the company I keep.”
“That’s what they all say.”
She exhaled loudly. “Okay, I know you think I’m rigid and boring, but in public I can’t afford to be anything else. People know I’m engaged. If they hear I am checking into some place with a strange man, it will get around.”
“People know I’m your body guard.” Jake
corrected. “Besides when did you start to care about what other people think?” He shot her a look before bringing the waitress back over with a seductive wink. “Hi, I was thinking about Dom Perignon ’76 maybe? Can you check and see if you have that?”
“You bet, Mr. Harrison.” The girl replied. “By the way, thirty-seven is my favorite number.” She giggled, then scurried back into the kitchen.
In minutes she produced a magnum and a bartender who ceremoniously removed the cork. Summer watched as he poured a little in Jake’s glass. He took a sip then raised it up in a toast. “Perfect. Just like I remembered.”
“It’s that good, huh?”
“It should be for four hundred dollars a bottle. But Big Al is paying so who’s counting.” He picked up her full glass and handed it to her. “Come on. I thought we were celebrating.”
Inside the flute, little dancing bubbles floated to the surface. One sip wouldn’t hurt. Her decision made, she brought the crystal to her lips.
“Well?”
She thought about it a moment. “It’s all right.”
“Just all right?”
“What do you want me to say? It’s just a drink. Now how about to eat.”
“You like lobster?” Jake suggested. “I bet you’d be sexy as hell in one of those little bibs and it makes the champagne taste better.”
His eyes twinkled, the deep blue mingling with the candle’s yellow flame. There was no resisting the implied dare, and she could tell by his expression he didn’t expect her to. With a dramatic wave of her hand, she snagged her wineglass, drinking half the contents in a gulp. “You happy now?” she asked stifling a belch. “Now, order us both the lobster. I’m starving”
The meal passed in a pleasant blur with easy conversation and fits of laugher. An hour later Summer removed the bib from around her neck and leaned back in her chair. “You look like you had a good dinner.” Jake chuckled, sticking the empty champagne bottle in the ice bucket beside him.. “I’m glad you could take your mind off stuff and relax.”
“Me too.” She stared down at her plastic bib beside her plate. Out of nowhere, she thought of Geoffrey and their impending marriage. She couldn’t see acting goofy and wearing bibs with him. “Jake, how much fun do you think being married to Geoffrey is going to be?”
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