“Keep me posted,” Crockett said. “Goodluck.”
“We need a lot of that,” Decker said andleft.
“What did he mean?” sheasked.
A shadow fell over his eyes. “Nothing.”
He’s not telling me something. Rather than force the point, she rose. “I should go. Thank youfor—”
He moved so fast, she was nestled in his arms before she could refuse him. But when he kissed her, refusing him was the last thing she wanted to do. Her nipples firmed, her insides tightened and she threaded her hands into hishair.
Groaning into him, she pushed her tongue into his mouth, electricity pulsing through her. He squeezed her ass, holding her tightly against his thickening shaft. She ground against him, the need between her legs making her lightheaded. When he bit her lip, shewhimpered.
Knock, knock,knock.
Crockett released her just as the door opened and Ellen popped her head in. Her eyes shifted from one to the other and her face turned puce. “Oh, goodness me. I thought you were withDecker.”
Though Crockett said nothing, his eyes flashed with annoyance.What was he thinking? That he’d bend me over the table and take me here?A zing of energy hit her between her legs and she caught a moan before itescaped.
“Ashton Hott is waiting in your office.” Still red-faced, Ellen hurriedout.
“We’ll address our unfinished business later,” Crockett said. “I’ll walk youout.”
“I know the way.” She wanted to stroke his whiskered cheek or kiss him goodbye, but she couldn’t give in to her emotions. “Thank you for allowing me to interview you and your team.” Feeling like a ticking bomb, she spun on her heels and left. How much longer could she keep him at arm’s length? She wanted to let herself fall, but she couldn’t handle the pain of losing him all over again when sheleft.
Since the parking garages near Crockett’s office building had been full, she’d parked several blocks away. On the trek back to her car, gray clouds gave way to dark, stormy ones. Seconds later, heavy drops splattered the sidewalk, the wind whipped around her, and the rain pelted her. Drenched, she ducked into a nearby coffeeshop.
While waiting for her Chai tea, she spied Larry Berry and a woman, snuggled on a loveseat tucked in the corner. After paying, Alexandra headed toward the back of the cozy cafe to say hello. But Larry and the blonde had vanished. On the coffee table in front of the loveseat were their drinks, nearly full and stillsteaming.
She glanced outside. Sheets of rain blew sideways and traffic had come to a standstill.He sure was in a rush toleave.
20
The Competition
Alexandra smiledat theyoung child seated on the bleachers in front of her as she and Kimberly waited in the crowded high school gym. Her mom had been in good spirits all through lunch. And she seemed stronger, too. Though Alexandra knew the gut-wrenching truth, she clung to hope.Maybe the chemo and radiation treatments are working afterall.
“This is exciting,” Kimberly said as she unbuttoned her coat. “Where’sCrockett?”
Alexandra leaned around the little girl who’d been standing in front of her. The child’s mom noticed. “Hannah, please sit down. The lady behind you would like to see,too.”
“It’s okay,” said Alexandra. “She’sfine.”
The child spun around. “My teacher is competing. Do you studykarate?”
“No, I don’t.” Alexandra smiled at the munchkin. “I’ve never been to a karate competition. What can weexpect?”
“Today is the first round of a national tournament,” Hannah’s momexplained.
“It starts with this regional competition,” Hannah’s dad said. “Virginia, Maryland,DC.”
“Pennsylvania and Delaware, too,” added Hannah’s mom. “The event lasts all weekend and is divided by belt rank and agegroup.”
A squirmy Hannah beamed. “My teacher is sparring. He’s super strong.” She threw her tiny arms up into a Hercules pose. “Grrrr.”
Alexandralaughed.
Kimberly pointed. “There’sCrockett.”
