Sporting Chance: A Raw Romance

by Penny Henry

  The following morning Temple was feeling positive. The day was typical Florida. This was what kept the tourists flooding back. The clear blue skies and dependable sunshine created the perfect background for the host of attractions that provided endless entertainment for the most demanding visitor. The top was down and the sun was gaining its mid-day strength. She planned on calling at the leisure complex before leaving Orlando. She was there in no time and smiled as she stepped from the car. The first person that had called her name couldn’t be anyone else but Sam Hockley. Sam was her usual bubbly self and couldn't wait to ask Temple if the rumors were true.

  "Are you closing down the complex?" Sam just had to know.

  "There's been a few problems with the lease since Ben went," admitted Temple. "But nothing's been agreed yet. There's still a lot of work to be done. We don’t exactly know what’s gonna happen. But it’s nothing that can’t be sorted out."

  "Oh, my poor Temple." Sam hugged her friend as she spoke. "Seems like it’s just one thing after another for you lately. Now promise me. If there is anything I can do to help you will ask me, won't you?"

  Temple fleetingly considered asking Sam to keep her gossip to herself. She quickly realized the futility of such an alien request. Now that Sam had the germ of a juicy piece of news it was only a matter of time before it became a fully-grown fact. Temple supposed it was bound to happen. News like this didn't stay secret very long.

  "I won't hold back, Sam. I promise," Temple assured the high-energy brunette. "And thanks for caring. You have a good day."

  "You're welcome," said Sam brightly. "Got to go. See you soon." She planted a kiss on Temple's cheek and disappeared towards a crowd of giddy-headed young women on their way to the fitness studio.

  Temple shook her head as she watched Sam begin to impart her version of the latest gossip. It wouldn't do the business any good at all. Temple headed for Jill's office. She knocked and walked in to be greeted with a rueful smile from the pretty red-head. The first thing that struck Temple was that Jill's desk was untidy.

  "Looks like you've been busy this morning, Jill.”

  "Good morning, Temple. You’re dead right I have. The telephone hasn't stopped ringing." As she spoke Jill lifted the receiver from its rest and placed it on the desk. "That should give us a few minutes peace."

  "What's up?"

  "Bad news spreads fast I'm afraid, Temple. The word is out. Clients are calling to check it out and some are asking for the return of their annual membership fees. A few of the staff have asked if they still have a job. Your 'Hart on Heart' video distributor called to speak to you personally. They need confirmation that Hart Leisure means to stay in business before they commit themselves to further investment. It’s understandable I suppose. Once the rumors start to circulate you find out who your real friends are."

  Temple nodded. She had guessed that friends would be in short supply when the chips were down. "Are you willing to see this through, Jill?" It was an outright question.

  "I owe you that at least, Temple. I'll be with you to the bitter end. You can depend on it.” Jill spoke the words with a crooked smile.

  "Thanks, Jill. I really do need you to hold the fort while I try to sort out a few things." Temple was thinking on her feet. She had to buy some time. At the least she needed time to try and talk sense into Travis Campbell.

  "What do I tell people when they ask me?"

  Temple leant her arms on Jill's desk and stared her in the eyes. "You tell them that the Hart Leisure complex is open for business as usual. We are going nowhere."

  Jill looked up at Temple admiringly. "You tell 'em, boss."

  "I’m going to be out all day, Jill. You’ve got my mobile number. I want you to run interference for me. If the pressure gets too much, give me a call. Otherwise I am unavailable all day. Okay?"

  Jill nodded her head vigorously. "Don't you worry about a thing, boss. We're a team now."

  Temple sensed that Jill meant every word. "I'm going to call on Travis Campbell. Something has got to give."

  Jill pulled a grimace. "The best of luck with that."

  Temple felt quietly relieved. She had Jill's support and felt that they were becoming real friends. She watched for a moment as Jill replaced the telephone receiver on its perch and it bleeped almost immediately.

  "Good morning, Hart Leisure. How can I help you?" There was a brief pause before Jill spoke again. "No, ma’am. There is absolutely no truth in the rumor that Hart Leisure will be closing its doors. I can absolutely guarantee it. Thank you for your call."

  The telephone buzzed again. Temple winked at Jill and pulled the door shut behind her. Travis Campbell had a lot to answer for. She didn’t stop anywhere else. She spotted Tim Crane pulling his old Ford off the street as she left. They exchanged waves before Temple accelerated into a gap in the traffic. That was something she must remember to do. The softly-spoken police lieutenant had been working Orlando for a good number of years. He might know something that could help. She knew that it was only a straw. But Temple was prepared to grasp at it. She must remember to talk to him. Then she was approaching the access ramp for the I-4 and promptly forgot about everything in favor of Travis Campbell. And the thoughts she was having were not in the least bit charitable.

  Chapter Seven

  The road she took off the I-4 was not as narrow as Temple feared it would be. It got prettier as she drove. Temple was headed towards Travis' secluded ranch-style property situated below the lakes and in a very different frame of mind from the previous evening. Flights of birds lifted from the surface of the water as the throaty engine shattered the silence. Temple was not the outdoor type. But even she could not help but be impressed by this striking glimpse of wilderness. She drove onto Travis' land through freshly painted gates. She was feeling calmer. The edges of the single road were neatly tended and the low buildings in the distance looked to be modern and well maintained. Temple coasted into the curved drive in front of the house. The screen door opened and Travis emerged from the porch.

  "Hey, you made it." Travis looked happy to see her. His smile was wide and genuine.

  "Hi, not a problem," responded Temple as evenly as she could manage. Travis was dressed in his usual style. He wore an open shirt and faded jeans that on Travis looked great. His effect on Temple was immediate and potent. Her breathing became rapid and shallow. Inside her chest a roller coaster was winding its way on the uphill climb. Soon the carriages would be ready to career down the other side and plunge into an explosion of spray and gut-wrenching elation. Temple got out of her vehicle with difficulty. She reached into the back to haul a travelling bag from the back seat as Travis walked to the car. "Is it okay to leave the top down?" she asked.

  "Why, are you expecting coyotes?" Travis poked fun at her innocent question.

  "Just the two legged kind."

  "Hey, I thought we called a truce," drawled Travis. He lazed against the warm bodywork.

  "Okay by me, buster," said Temple. "Here, carry this." She tossed the bag at him and walked towards the house. She shoved her hands into her pants' pockets as she sauntered along the drive. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail that swung across the blue cotton shirt tucked into the top of her Levis. She looked a million dollars.

  Travis expelled a long breath as she strolled away from him. It was a combination of relief of the tension he had built up waiting for Temple to arrive and appreciation of her beauty. He was struggling to maintain a calm exterior by a huge effort of will. Temple made his pulse race. She made him feel alive. He hadn't felt this way since he had lost Melanie. He had thought he would never feel this way again. Now he was running scared. He feared his attraction to Temple would end with them both being hurt. The problems with the leisure centre appeared insoluble. It stood between them like a solid wall. He cared for Temple but he couldn't allow his feelings to cloud his obligations. His reputation had been built on honesty and integrity. He couldn't go back on his word. Why didn't she understand?


  Temple had reached the porch without hearing Travis’ footsteps behind her. She turned to see him still leant against the wing of the car watching her every move. The thought thrilled her and a sudden heat burned inside her body. Business could wait. She cocked her head, put her hands on the arch of her waist and jutted her hips to one side. The sun was on her face and she felt sinful.

  "Hey, buster. Where's the service round here?"

  Travis roused himself. "On my way, ma'am," he replied and ambled across the drive.

  Temple watched him come towards her. He moved with feline grace and controlled power. His tan was the deep bronze that comes from working in the fresh air. The smile on his face was relaxed and sexy. The warmth in his eyes was fuel to the heat in her body.

  "At your service, mama," said Travis as he presented himself in front of Temple. "Let me put your bag inside the door and I'll walk you round the property. Give you an idea of the layout, okay?"

  "Great. I'd like to take a look round before we get down to business."

  Travis' brow furrowed at the mention of business. "Temple, how about we get to know each other first? Please." His eyes held a pleading look that would have melted the heart of the Ice Queen.

  Temple's heart was not made of ice. "I'd love to take a walk with you, Travis. Lose the bag and let's go."

  The smile was back on Travis' face. Temple started along the front of the house as Travis ducked into the porch to drop the bag. Temple was struck by the silence that seemed to fit like a cloak of well being. Even the constant click of the crickets blended in with the solitude of Travis' spread. As she reached the end of the house a floppy-eared hound padded round the corner. Temple bent her knees and squatted down in its path. "Hello, old girl." Temple loved dogs. She patted its firm back and rubbed behind the towel-cloth ears.

  "You've made a friend for life there," said Travis as he came up behind her. "Her name is Belle. She's been with us from a pup. I brought her for Melanie." An uncomfortable silence followed the mention of his daughter's name.

  Temple took the initiative. "You miss her a lot, don't you?"

  "Yup, more than anything." Travis' answer was curt and final with no allowance for discussion. "Come on, let's walk."

  They strolled along the side of the big house with Belle shuffling behind. Travis told Temple of the work he had done putting the place together. Each year he had added to the property, eclipsing the timber framed house that had stood when he first bought the land. As they rounded the corner Temple saw for herself the magnificence of Travis' efforts. The house had shielded the collection of facilities that had held the dreams of Travis and his daughter. Now they were just buildings.

  "It’s wonderful, Travis," gasped Temple. Her gaze was caught by the sparkling surface of the huge swimming pool. A lone worker was cleaning the tiled surrounds and straightened up as they approached. Travis waved and called hello as they walked on towards the tennis court. Travis explained that all of his staff had been with him since the beginning. It was only here that he really felt comfortable. In the middle distance she could see a collection of bright constructions that Travis told her were the homes of his workers. The space between them and the house gave his staff a little privacy. Temple was impressed at the loyalty shown by Travis' workers and saddened by his lonely existence. Perhaps he hadn’t always been the stone-hearted businessman she believed he was.

  The muffled sounds of horses told Temple they were headed for the stables. Travis took her arm and guided her to the fenced yard that guarded the front of the stable block. His firm grip of her upper arm sent shockwaves coursing through her body. he glanced at Travis but he seemed unaware of the electricity in his hand. They stood behind the white fence that penned in half-a-dozen fine-looking horses. Temple pulled back.

  "Temple, what's wrong? You're shaking."

  "I… I don't like horses. They scare me."

  "They scare you?" repeated Travis. "We can't have that. Have you ever been on one?"

  "No," admitted Temple. "They're big scary animals."

  Travis laughed. "So the famous Temple Hart is scared of horses."

  "It's not funny. There must be something you're scared of," she said. But she doubted there was.

  Travis looked more serious. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "It just never occurred to me that some people might be frightened of horses. And you're right, of course. We all have our fears and phobias." Not that he was about to admit to any in front of his beautiful guest.

  Temple relaxed. Travis didn't think she was foolish. And she really was terrified of horses. Nothing in the world would convince her to mount the back of one of those huge proud beasts. But that hadn't been the only cause of her trembling flesh.

  "Let's walk back," suggested Travis. "I take it you're not scared of water."

  "I love the water. I can swim all day." There was nothing else that disturbed her other than her fear of horses - and the way her heart raced when she was close to Travis.

  "That’s something. We can fit in a swim later, if you like."

  "And tennis," offered Temple. "I'll give you a game if you've still got the equipment. I'll let you have a start!"

  Travis looked thoughtful. "I think we still have some tennis gear somewhere… The court hasn't been used since—"

  There it was again. That silence. Travis obviously missed his daughter dreadfully. The time that had passed since her death hadn't eased the pain one little bit. Travis had immersed himself in his business but it hadn't been enough. Temple wondered how much of his heart had perished with Melanie. But he was not the cynical businessman he had been made out to be by Elliot. Temple knew the truth when she looked into the depths of his warm brown eyes. Then again, she had been wrong before. It would do no harm to be careful.

  "Come on, Temple," said Travis, breaking into her reverie. "Let's get some lunch and we'll see about that swim."

  “That sounds good to me. Don’t eat too much though. I wouldn’t you to use it as an excuse when I beat you in a race.”

  Travis grinned. “Yeah, like that’s gonna happen.”

  “You’re gonna eat those words Travis Campbell.”

  He chuckled and Temple skipped ahead. The day was going well. She almost dreaded the time when it came to talking business.

  At lunch Temple got to meet Julio. He was a sun-beaten man who had also been with Senor Travis since the early days. He was obviously devoted to his employer and Temple secretly hoped she met with Julio's approval. The dining room was easy to relax in. The interior of the house had been furnished in Spanish style and Temple imagined that it had been the work of Julio and Melanie. Travis would have been too busy building his empire to involve himself in such trivialities. Temple gritted her teeth at such a shallow thought. She returned her attention to Travis who was talking animatedly on the subject of maintaining the quality of life for Orlando's permanent residents while coping with the pressure of being the number one tourist destination in the world.

  Temple felt a warm glow spread through her body. Travis' handsome features were marshaled into an expression of intense concentration as he held forth on his favorite subject. He lifted his head and his words dried up as their gazes met and held. The glow inside Temple's body flared into a demanding heat that consumed her oxygen. Her pulse quickened and the breath rasped in her chest. Travis' eyes were compelling. She wanted him there and then. An image of their naked bodies thrashing between the salad bowls flashed into her mind. Temple giggled at the insanity and the images vanished. Travis appeared puzzled at her reaction. She wondered if he was experiencing the same overpowering emotion. Temple would never know. The mood was well and truly shattered by the entrance of Julio accompanied by the unwelcome figure of Elliot Buchanan.

  "Hi, Travis. Hello, Temple." Elliot was wide-awake and full of himself. He showed no effects from the previous night. A broad grin split his face. "Combining business with pleasure, I see. Good idea." He pulled back a chair for himself and joined them at the table. "I could murder
a cup of coffee," he said, looking up at Julio.

  "Certainly, sir," said Julio, without the ready smiles he had bestowed upon Temple and Travis.

  "What brings you here, Elliot?" asked Travis in a neutral tone.

  Elliot glanced at Temple. "It’s a shade delicate, Travis," said Elliot. "Perhaps we should talk in your office."

  "Here will do fine," insisted Travis. "I'm sure Temple won't mind a brief interruption." He glanced in her direction.

  "Go ahead," agreed Temple. "Don't mind me." She studied Elliot. He hadn’t even had the good grace to avoid her eyes after his embarrassing behaviour.

  Travis smiled his thanks before he turned to Elliot. "Okay, what's so important?"

  Elliot smiled thinly. "Andrew Denham called." He said it with deliberate clarity.

  Travis exchanged looks with Temple. Then he shot a cold stare at Elliot. "Great timing," he said coldly.

  "I did try to warn you," said Elliot smugly.

  All three of them knew that Andrew Denham was the hard-nosed chairman of the Pegasus Hotels group. It was Denham's Company that was pushing for the finalization of contract dates that placed extra pressure on Travis' low key style of doing business. Andrew Denham was in his seventies. The skeletal old man was renowned for two things. First was his undiminished ambition to make Pegasus the top hotel chain in the world. His legendary meanness ran a close second. He had built Pegasus from nothing. He would not hesitate to use any means at his disposal to acquire the prime Orlando site. No one reneged on a deal with Andrew Denham without damn good reason.

  Temple had heard enough. "I'll leave you to it," she announced, pushing back her chair.