Oh, Blake. This was supposed to be an easy way to thank you for saving me last year. No more.
“I hope they won’t,” she said.
He pulled in a sharp breath at her answer. His disappointment weighed heavily between them, but she didn’t want to face him yet. Whether she liked it or not, she couldn’t ignore that he, out of everyone she had let into her life, could see straight past the walls she’d worked so hard to build. It wouldn’t be long before he could see into her soul. She couldn’t let that happen. No one needed to know all of her.
But she also wanted to explain. She’d promised him honesty. “Blake...”
He looked at the hand that rested gently on his arm, and her words faltered. Heat emanated from the skin under her touch. She also felt his strength. When she looked up from her hand, there were questions were in his eyes. Mercifully, only questions and no anger.
“I’m damaged goods, Blake,” Neela whispered. “You’re the prince-in-waiting to lead the greatest team in sports history. We’re on different roads.”
He shook his head. “I don’t believe that.”
“Trust me. This could never work between us. We’re so different. It’s probably why we’ve never been friends.”
“We were friends as kids. We’re friends now, and we do have a lot in common. You know we do.”
“I hope we can stay friends.”
“Look, Neela, I’m going to be honest here. I like you. I really do. And I think we could be good together.”
“I think it’s best that we don’t think of ourselves as more than friends. I want to finish what we’ve started. I owe you. No, you can’t tell me what I’m supposed to feel or not feel. I owe you,” Neela emphasized. “But you must promise me that you won’t try to kiss me again. Otherwise, it’ll get odd between us, and I don’t want to deal with that.”
She could tell he didn’t like where this was going.
“We’re attracted to each other,” he argued.
“Yes.”
“And that’s okay?”
Neela shrugged, pretending that this was the type of conversation she was used to having. “It’s what we do with our attraction that changes things. I didn’t want to feel something when you kissed me, but I’d be lying if I said you’re a bad kisser.”
Blake’s dimple appeared. “There can be some benefits to being friends.”
“No.” Neela gripped the clutch on her lap a little tighter. “You kissed me. I stopped it. It’s over. We’re two adults. This doesn’t have to be more than it is. Do I have your promise that you won’t try to kiss me again?”
Blake revved the engine. Then he sighed. “Okay. I promise I won’t kiss you again. But you can’t stop me from thinking about it, Neela. Or wishing that I could taste your lips once more because I really like kissing you.”
Breathing became difficult.
Blake Stanton wanted her.
She was grateful for the darkness of the night. She could hide her fears, her desire. Please stop saying things that make my heart beat faster. She fiddled with the latch on her clutch, her eyes trained on the polished surface, looking for a distraction.
She glanced sideways just in time to see Blake nodding as if he were making a decision. He checked over his shoulder before easing the car out of the parking spot.
“And, Neela?” he continued, keeping his attention on the road. “My promise doesn’t mean that I’ll stop you from kissing me. And if you ever make that first move, rest assured I will take full advantage of it.”
Neither of them spoke on the drive home. Enough had been said. He would glance in her direction ever so often, and she’d do the same. Sometimes, their eyes would meet. He kept the pop music on, occasionally tapping his fingers to the beat, but it was his last words she kept hearing in her head, not the music.
Blake was an easygoing fella. He didn’t need to push anyone into a corner. He’d never demand more than what was freely offered, but would he ignore their attraction to each other like she would? Why would he? He trusted his feelings. And that was where they were different. Those were the same feelings she’d vowed she would never indulge in again after the caresses of her last lover turned to blows.
Neela sank deeper into her seat and stared through the moonroof. Still no stars. Only darkness.
CHAPTER TEN
Neela groaned when Rieann pushed another dress through the dressing room curtains.
“No more! I’ll take the blue. The blue dress is fine. It fits, and it’s in my budget.”
“You’re right, it’s fine. I don’t want fine. I want fabulous!” Rieann insisted. She pulled open the curtains, ignoring Neela’s scrambled movements to cover her naked torso. “Dress for me, sis,” she instructed. “I still have about ten kilos to gain before my old clothes fit again.”
Neela stopped moving, inhaling deeply as her head dropped.
Before she could say anything, one of Rieann’s arms covered her shoulders. “No, none of that. Come on! Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m going to beat this thing. Mum dying meant I was checked earlier. That was her gift to us and her granddaughters. We know we’re supposed to be diligent about it. We’re not going to stop it from happening, but we can fight it earlier.”
“Rieann...”
Rieann held her hand up. “Stop. We’re changing the subject. I didn’t mean to bring it up. Today’s not about cancer. Besides, I plan to be extremely envious about this red dress.”
Neela blinked at the dress Rieann was now holding against her body. It wasn’t a subtle red, but an ‘I-dare-you-not-to-look-at-me’ red. Even on the hanger, she could see that this dress would gracefully follow every movement she made; its silhouette reminded her of Marilyn Monroe’s famous costume from The Seven Year Itch. It was designed to walk the thin line between elegance and sexiness.
Neela narrowed her eyes at her sister, who was still admiring her find. “We’re starting the celebration at church. Lunch will be in the church hall. Church, Rieann. This is probably not the most appropriate thing to wear to those places.”
“You can wear a camisole underneath, and Blake can take it off afterward.”
“Rieann!”
Neela was certain Rieann’s laughter could be heard at the front of the boutique.
“It’s been entertaining to gossip about your love life at work, Neela. Who knew that my little sister dating a celebrity would be so much fun? If it were any other fella, I think the boys would be annoyed. But since it’s none other than Blake Stanton, you’re not going to find anyone saying they won’t approve.”
“So if a convicted felon asks me out, as long as he’s part of the National Team, no one in the family, including my brothers, would be concerned?”
“Don’t be silly,” said Rieann. “We have our standards. He needs to have at least one World Championship under his belt to avoid some serious questioning by Joe and Sam. Blake has two, which means he has leave to do pretty much anything he wants.”
“That’s just fan-tas-tic.”
“We’ve started a pool on when your engagement is going to be announced.”
“That’s not going to happen, Rieann.”
“Oh, hush! Let us have our fantasies!”
Neela groaned as she reached for the red dress. Her fingers touched the hints of gold that were subtly woven into the fabric, adding sheen and shine. When she stepped into the dress and pulled it up, it was as if she had stepped into the arms of a lover, so completely enveloped by its softness. Gentle caresses where fabric met skin caused a tingling sensation up and down her body.
Neela stared at the unknown reflection. Hours on the pitch, years in the gym and a strict diet had all contributed to her muscular physique. She depended on her body for a living, so she worked it hard. She appreciated it, but she’d be the first to admit that she didn’t pamper it. She didn’t do manicures, and she was uncomfortable doing pedicures.
But in this dress, her pronounced muscles, her well-developed upper arms, her width, and even he
r thick neck weren’t camouflaged, they were celebrated. The simple halter top captured the strong lines of Neela’s shoulders, while its deep neckline suggested rather than revealed her cleavage. Neela turned, and a hidden slit teased with modest glimpses of firm thighs whose tan lines remained concealed.
“Oh, my. You’re right. Maybe this isn’t for church, but you need to get it,” Rieann whispered to the reflection. “This was made for you.”
Neela suddenly had an image of Blake’s hands fingering the material. He’d appreciate the soft texture that contrasted with her hard body, and somehow, she knew he’d take his time peeling off the garment as part of a slow seduction. His words came back: Rest assured, I will take full advantage...
“You need to get it,” Rieann repeated.
Neela shook her head, willing away the images and voice that would only make things more complicated. When she looked at the price tag, she was slightly relieved. The price made it easier to return the dress to its hanger.
“The blue dress will be perfect for the party,” she argued. “It’s dressy, and the pastor won’t have a heart attack.” Neela pulled at the tie, and the dress slipped to the floor. But before she could pick it up, Rieann grabbed it, pulled the curtain aside and walked out.
“Well, this will be from me to you. Merry Christmas!”
Her sister’s laugh echoed through the store as Neela returned the stare of the amused salesperson outside the dressing room. With one arm across her breasts, Neela drew the curtains again with the other, then hurriedly pulled on her work clothes. When she reached the cashier, Rieann was ready to leave, the pink paper bag in her hand indicating that it was too late for Neela to do anything about the purchase.
“I’ll wrap it up, but you have to pretend to be surprised when you see it,” Rieann said.
She sighed as she placed the blue dress on the counter and handed the cashier her credit card. “You shouldn’t have. It’s quite dear.”
“Nonsense. I love it, and you look amazing in it. When’s your next date with Blake?”
Neela smiled at the cashier as she paid for the more appropriate and budget-friendly dress. “Are you really interested?”
Rieann looped her arm through Neela’s as they left the boutique. “Yes! I’m an old married woman with two teenagers. Your life reads like a bit of a fairy tale right now. ‘Medalist Dates World Champion.’ You’re now part of ‘Nee-lake.’ How cute is that name? You two look like the perfect couple.”
Neela waited to feel some form of guilt, but there wasn’t any. “We’re just friends.”
“If you say so. But let the rest of us pretend there’s more, eh?”
“I’m seeing him this afternoon. We’re babysitting his niece.”
Rieann stopped suddenly and frowned. “What kind of date is that?”
It was Neela’s turn to laugh. “Blake offered to watch Lulu a fair bit this summer to give his sister-in-law a break. Sharon’s due any minute. And I promised the little one a look at the medal.”
“Interesting seduction strategy: bring a child on a date. I thought he’d be more of a fancy restaurant and wine type.”
“He may be, but I’m not.”
Rieann’s eyes twinkled. “You may be but haven’t realized it yet. You should let him spoil you a little, Neela. It’s the fun part of dating, and if the fella can afford a few luxuries, take advantage of it.”
“I cannot believe I’m hearing this from you. Take advantage of Blake’s wealth? Did chemo screw up your sense of principles?” Neela immediately slapped her hand over her mouth, horrified. “Sorry! I didn’t mean... Quit laughing at me, Rieann! I’m trying to apologize!”
Neela found herself in her sister’s arms. The latter’s thin body shook with laughter.
“Don’t apologize for being you! You’ve been tiptoeing around this for a year.” Rieann stepped back then bent slightly so their eyes could meet. “You, my sister, have always been a bit of a hothead. But you’ve not been completely yourself with me since you moved back. My instincts tell me it’s not just about you tip-toeing about my cancer.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Neela said. She began to walk but was held back by a sudden grip on her arm.
“We’re cut from the same cloth, you and I,” Rieann said, her voice surprisingly gentle despite the firmness of her hold. “We’re our mother’s heirs. We’ve inherited her people’s past. We face our fears. Be you. I know that fierce little girl is still in there. I see her on the pitch. Don’t forget that’s also who you are when you don’t have a rugby ball in your hands.”
Neela studied her older sister. Rieann covered her still-bald head with a kerchief. A long-sleeved lime-green poplin dress did little to hide how extraordinarily thin she was.
They were ten years apart. By the time Neela had started high school, Rieann was married to Trey, was a mum to a toddler, and pregnant with her second child. They had never been best friends, but her older sister always made an effort to be on the sidelines or in the stands whenever she played.
“I wasn’t sure how much you wanted to talk about being sick,” Neela said slowly.
Rieann tilted her head slightly. “I had cancer. You can use the word. And I’m not Margot, if that’s what you’re wondering. I don’t share with the world what I’m going through, but neither will I avoid talking about it. I’m not hiding. It’s part of who I am now.”
“I’ve been away for so long. I just thought I’d be the last person you’d be interested in confiding in.”
Rieann nodded. “You were away for a long time. We were worried about you. All of us.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, no more! You don’t owe anyone an apology for living your life,” Rieann said. “We all knew you had to go. It’s okay. And look what you’ve accomplished by going away. A silver medalist!”
Neela bit on her lower lip, regret lacing her words. “I’ve missed a lot.”
Rieann smiled gently. “Nothing is without sacrifices, and you’re here now. I want you to feel comfortable knowing you can ask me anything. Promise me that. Maybe one day I’ll ask you about the life you had after you left us. But I’m learning to live in the present right now, and I’m glad you’ve come home, little sis. Very glad.”
* * *
Blake bit back the impulse to call out Neela’s name. Whatever was being said between Neela and the taller woman seemed personal and private. Besides, he was going to see her in a few hours. With Lulu as a chaperone, no less, but he’d take any time he could get with Neela.
After he’d confessed that he was more than interested in kissing her, contact between them had remained minimal this past week. She had been right on that point. It could get very odd between them.
Would he dare risk the friendship they were building for a one-off chance that the chemistry between them could be something special? He wasn’t much of a gambler, but he decided this was a risk he was willing to take. Neela would be worth it.
He stayed in place as the women exchanged an embrace but didn’t continue his walk when he realized the taller woman hadn’t moved either. When Neela turned the corner, the woman’s gentle, indulgent smile was replaced with a deep frown.
Before he could think twice, Blake jogged to the other side of the road. “Rieann?” he called, taking a guess.
A startled look quickly gave way to a cheeky smile. “Blake Stanton? You just missed Neela.”
“I’ll be seeing her later today. I was just stopping by to pick up some cupcakes for my niece when I saw you both.”
“It’s your niece’s birthday?”
“No. A bribe.”
“Ahh. You’re an experienced babysitter, then.”
Blake laughed. “I’ve been properly humbled by Lulu from the day she was born. She has both my brothers and me tied around her little finger. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.”
“Children have a way of taking over, even without trying. But they’re worth it.”
“Yeah
. My brother has never looked more tired or happier since he became a dad,” Blake said. “If you’re not in a hurry, would you like to join me for some tea or coffee? I have a bit of time before I have to fetch Lulu.”
“Why not? It’s not every day I get picked up by a younger, handsome man. I’ll forget the bit that you’re dating my sister, though.”
They walked the short distance to the cake shop where his order was ready upon their arrival. He peered into the box, satisfied with the unique designs of tutus and rugby balls. He showed them to Rieann.
“I love it!” she said.
As they waited for their tea and coffee, Rieann plied Blake with questions about Lulu and their plans for the afternoon. He didn’t miss the innuendos behind Rieann’s line of questioning, and if he were inferring correctly, Neela’s sister seemed pleased with the idea of him and Neela dating.
“Promise me you’ll take her someplace fancy one day,” Rieann said. “So she can dress up.”
“Someplace fancy? She barely lets me pay for her lunch.”
Rieann smiled. “Yeah, Mum made sure both her girls understood that early on. She told us to always pay our own way so that no fella expects payment in some other form.”
Orders in hand, they found seats towards the back of the cake shop. “You’re looking well, considering,” Blake said.
Rieann brought the white teacup to her lips. “Thank you. I assume Mano mentioned something.”
“Not much. He’s as private as they come.”
“One of our strengths and faults as a family,” Rieann said quietly as if to herself. “Did he tell you that Neela will have a hard time at the party?”
Blake stayed silent, unwilling to admit something he knew Mano had said to him in confidence. But Rieann’s sharp eyes recognized his reluctance.
“He did say something, then. Good.” She surprised Blake by reaching for his hand on the table. “If he said something, then he must trust you. That makes me especially glad you agreed to join us and that you’ll be there for her. I love my family, Blake, and I adore my father. He means well, but he can be a mean old codger.”
Always You Page 15