Couldn't Ask for More, page 14
“Then we’re good. Now, I guess we just wait for her to reach out.” He cast a glance toward his hallway. “Where is she going to stay? She’s welcome to use one of my extra bedrooms.”
“I don’t know if she’ll go for that, considering how overprotective you were when we were growing up. She can use the spare bed in my office at the condo, too.”
He shook his head. “I’m not so sure she’ll want to cozy up to your drafting table and your dress forms. Maybe she’ll stay in the mother-in-law suite at Mom and Dad’s.”
She blew out a breath. “It doesn’t matter to me. We’re all waiting to take her in, so she can stay wherever she wants. I just want her safe.”
“Me, too.”
They settled into silence then, each of them entertaining their own thoughts. Sipping her now tepid tea, Alexis sent up a silent plea to the heavens for when the time came to bring Kelsey home.
Please let this go smoothly.
* * *
Maxwell straightened his tie as he stood by the open doors of the YOC’s van, watching the kids climb out. The van idled at the curb on Edenton Street, which ran between the grounds of the State Capitol and two of the state’s museums. It was a Thursday afternoon, and the kids were about to tour the North Carolina Museum of History. As something of a closet history nerd, Maxwell had volunteered to leave work at his architectural firm early so he and Bryan could escort the students through the museum. It was a small group, only eight students, but Maxwell didn’t mind. As far as he was concerned, having so few of the kids made it easier to transport and keep up with them.
Bryan, in the driver’s seat of the van, called out to Maxwell. “Yo, Max. Wait with them by the entrance while I park.”
“I got it.” Maxwell shut the doors and watched the van pull away from the curb. Downtown Raleigh had experienced so much growth over the past decade that parking on the street was a very rare occurrence. In most cases, drivers had no choice but to park in one of the city’s many parking decks. Since there was no street parking near the museum, Bryan would have to navigate the youth center’s passenger van into one of the decks.
With the five young men and three young women in tow, Maxwell led them to the steps in the front of the Museum of History. “While Mr. James is parking the van, let’s talk about the three statues here on the steps. Can anyone tell me who they are without reading the plaques?” The three bronze figures, representing North Carolinians who’d played important roles in state history, were the first thing to greet visitors to the museum.
One of the girls raised her hand. “I know that one is Thomas Day, the famous cabinetmaker. We talked about him in my social studies class.”
Maxwell smiled. “That’s right. You just got yourself a point, Lisa.”
She pumped her fist in the air.
Maxwell turned to the other students. “Now, remember what Mr. James and I told you before we left the center. Your participation in this outing can earn you points toward winning a front-row ticket to the SuperFest. How many of you want to be at that concert?”
All eight hands shot up.
Chuckling, Maxwell quipped, “That’s what I thought. So remember to pay attention today and to ask questions. You’re not going to get points for just standing around looking bored, all right?”
Nods and murmurs of agreement rose from the group.
Bryan walked up then, tucking the van keys into his pockets. “How were they?”
“They were no trouble at all.” Maxwell started up the steps. “Okay, you all. Let’s get this tour started.”
Inside the museum, Maxwell and Bryan took the students around the building’s interior. Their assigned curator, a short woman with brown hair, led them through a variety of exhibits featuring artifacts from the state’s history. In the 1920s Drugstore exhibit, the kids were fascinated by the patent medicines that were once prescribed for various ailments.
As they worked their way through the Story of North Carolina exhibit, Maxwell watched the students’ eyes light up with interest. The exhibit was like a life-sized timeline of the state’s fourteen-thousand-year history, tracing life from its earliest inhabitants through modern times. As they rounded the corner leading to the civil rights section of the timeline, Maxwell saw the glass-enclosed section of a Woolworth’s counter from a Greensboro store where a sit-in had been staged.
Seeing the lunch counter did something to him. He’d read about the incident as a student in Raleigh’s public schools, and it was easy for him to imagine the humiliation those young people who staged the sit-in had suffered. He didn’t consider himself an expert by any stretch, but he felt compelled to say something while he had the kids in front of the lunch counter.
So Maxwell raised his hand to get the attention of the curator. “Miss, do you mind if I say something?”
“Not at all.” The curator stepped aside, surrendering the floor to Maxwell.
Ignoring Bryan’s questioning look, Maxwell stood in front of the group of students. “I’m sure most of you know about the sit-ins, because it’s a big part of the curriculum when you all study state history. Am I right?”
The kids agreed.
“But I want you to really look at this exhibit and think about what it all means. The people who staged the sit-in were not that much older than you. How do you think they felt as they sat at the lunch counter, having food and condiments dumped on their heads and being heckled by an angry crowd?”
Their expressions changed, and Maxwell thought the kids must be considering his words.
Finally, one of the boys said, “They were probably scared.”
“And angry themselves that they were being treated so badly,” added another student.
“Right.” Maxwell clasped his hands together. “And they probably knew going into the place that they would be treated that way. But that didn’t stop them from doing what they felt was right. Remember that the next time you have to do something you think is hard.”
The kids started to talk quietly among themselves, and Maxwell noted that even Bryan looked impressed. Maxwell stepped aside then, turning the floor back over to the curator. He was no teacher or anything, but he’d joined in Xavier’s mentoring program because he genuinely cared about the kids. So when the opportunity to make a point to them arose, he’d take it. Hopefully, they’d been listening and would recall his advice when life presented them with an opportunity to make a hard choice.
Later that evening, when he and Bryan were leaving the youth center, Bryan stopped Maxwell by the front door.
“That was pretty cool, what you said to the kids today, Max.”
Maxwell winked. “Thanks, brotha. I have my moments.”
“I’m glad you decided to come along. I think you really reached them.” Bryan fished in his pocket for his keys. “Usually Xavier’s the one to say something inspiring, but you stepped right into that role today.”
He shrugged. “I just felt compelled. I think I might come along on the next field trip, too.” He’d enjoyed himself, not just because of the things he’d learned at the museum, but because of the kids. They were a bright group, and he could easily see the untapped potential in them.
“Who knows? You might even make a decent father one day.” Bryan chuckled as he approached his car, unlocking the driver’s side door.
“Maybe. See you later, B.” Maxwell waved as he walked away, returning to his own car. As he drove home, he thought of his friend’s comment about his potential as a father. He’d never thought much about what it would be like to have kids. In a way, he felt as if he’d had a hand in raising Alexis and Kelsey. But he had to assume actual fatherhood would involve way more responsibility than he’d taken on in protecting his two younger sisters.
Seeing no need to dwell on any of that now, he put his focus back on driving.
If and when the time came for him to raise a child of his own, he supposed he’d figure it out then.
* * *
Seated in one of the gray plastic folding seats at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Bryan shifted a bit to his right. The move didn’t do much to change the comfort level of the hard seat beneath him, but it did allow him better access to Alexis. As he draped his arm around her shoulders, she glanced his way and gifted him with one of her beautiful smiles.
“So do you think you’ll be ready for this interview on Tuesday?”
He shrugged. “I’ll do my best. Tell me again what we’re doing?”
She giggled. “We’re going on Morning Buzz, remember? They’re interviewing us about the line and about our engagement. I’m doing it as a favor for a local reporter I know.”
He nodded. Maybe I’ll run a web search on us later, just to see what they’re saying. “Okay. I can take the time off from work. I know my dad isn’t going to make a fuss, not when free publicity is involved.”
“Great. The show films in New York, but I was already going up there to get together with Tracy Reese. I’m going to fly out Monday afternoon, since it’s an early taping.”
“Sounds good. I don’t foresee any problem grabbing a flight.”
A few moments passed between them in silence, and he contemplated what they were about to do. In a way, they’d already gone public with their relationship by not making any effort to hide it. Talking about it on television would seal the deal. When they returned from New York, they’d have to deal with all the repercussions of their announcement.
She yawned, covering her mouth with a small, graceful hand.
“Are you good? Do you need anything?” He knew she wasn’t the biggest sports fan and wanted to make her time in the stadium as enjoyable as possible.
When he’d asked her to accompany him to the game, he’d been surprised by how quickly she said yes. He didn’t know if she’d come because she wanted to see the game or because she just wanted to spend time with him. Either way, he felt grateful she’d agreed.
She shook her head. “Nah, I’m good. You already got me a drink and some popcorn.” She gestured to the tray that held her snacks in the empty seat to her right.
He nodded. “Well, just let me know if you change your mind.”
She snuggled closer to him. “You’re really spoiling me, Bryan.”
“That’s the plan.” He winked.
All around him, the seats were filled with folks who’d come to enjoy the game and the beautiful weather. The buzz of a dozen or more random conversations, as well as the cheers coming from the squad running through a routine on the field, filled his ears.
He inhaled a deep breath of the crisp fall air, which carried with it the scents of freshly popped popcorn, hot dogs, and other concessions being sold for the game. The temperature was chilly for early September, but he wasn’t too concerned. He’d donned his maroon Eagles windbreaker to stave off the cool air, just in case. He’d also advised Alexis to wear something warm, and she’d taken his advice. She wore a black tracksuit with a white stripe running down the sides of the sleeves and legs, with the jacket zipped up to her throat. As an extra precaution, he’d brought along his oversized fleece throw, emblazoned with the mighty Eagle. The throw was folded neatly and tucked into the seat to his left.
It felt good to be back at his alma mater, looking out on the field he’d played on more than a decade ago. Being there with Alexis made it even better. He glanced at his gold wristwatch, which showed twenty minutes until the four o’clock kickoff.
“I haven’t been back here for a game in ages.” Alexis took a sip of her soda as she made the comment. “Even when I was in school, I only went to one or two games every season.”
He chuckled. “I spent a lot of time here, since I was on the team for two years.” He’d played on the team his freshman and sophomore years. A slipped disc in his back had brought his football playing days to an end, and he’d accepted his fate for what it was. As his parents’ only child, it had been a foregone conclusion that he’d go to work at Royal. He’d gone into playing with his eyes wide open and without any expectations of ever playing professionally.
“Oh, this is hilarious.” She turned his way, a wry smile on her face. “All through college, I wanted to date a guy on the football team. None of them ever fit the bill…and here we are.”
He couldn’t help chuckling at her expression and her tone. A small voice in the back of his mind reminded him that this relationship wasn’t supposed to be real. He pushed that voice away. I don’t need my conscience killing my fun right now.
“Here come the teams.”
Alexis’s words drew him out of his thoughts. He turned his gaze on the field in time to see the last few members of the opposing team, from Duke, run out on the field. The Blue Devil fans in the stadium roared with applause, the sound mixing with the jeers and boos of the Eagles fans. Moments later, the scenario was reversed as the Eagles took the field. Home field advantage kicked in big time, with the cheers far outweighing the jeers as the players took their positions. With everyone in place, the game got under way.
As the game and the afternoon wore on, clouds rolled in, blocking out some of the sun’s warmth. Bryan felt it, but the thick lining of his windbreaker kept him warm. When he looked to Alexis, though, he could tell she was getting cold.
Running her palms up and down her forearms, she spoke. “I’m starting to get a little chilly.” She then drew a deep breath between her slightly parted, cherry-red-painted lips.
He grabbed his throw, opening it up. Spreading it over both of their laps, he dragged a section of it up and tucked it behind her right shoulder. “How’s that?”
She pulled the thick fabric close, snuggling into it and into the crook of his arm. “Much better.”
The absence of armrests on the seats meant there was no physical barrier between them, so as she edged close to him, their lower bodies touched. Warmth radiated from the spot where his right thigh pressed against the softness of her left hip. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of where they were, to keep his hand from traveling to places he suddenly longed to caress.
An Eagles touchdown on the field drew raucous cheers and celebration from the crowd as the game entered the second quarter. That made the score fourteen to nothing in favor of the home team. He raised his hand in the air, joining in. When the cheers died down, he looked back at Alexis. She was watching the field, a soft smile on her face.
Beneath the throw, however, her small hand was on the move.
He jumped slightly when he felt her hand come to rest on his thigh. She applied just enough pressure to let him know she was touching him, no more and no less.
She glanced his way, shot him a wicked little smile, then turned her attention back to the game.
He felt his own lips tilting into a smile. Confident she wouldn’t protest, he matched her gesture, letting his open palm rest on her firm, full thigh. When he felt the muscle twitch beneath his touch, he felt certain she wasn’t cold anymore. There was a heat building between them, and he knew she could feel it. It was real, palpable, and had nothing to do with the temperature.
They remained that way, snuggled together beneath the throw, until the half. She got up then to go to the restroom, and he couldn’t help admiring the sway of her hips when she walked away.
When she returned, she slipped back beneath the throw, pressing her body close to his again. Many of the seats around them were empty as people visited the restrooms and concession stand during the lull in action on the field.
He draped his arm around her, enjoying the closeness. “I’m really enjoying your company, Alexis.”
She looked up at him, her dark eyes sparkling. “I’m enjoying this, too. Probably more than I should, considering.”
Hearing her statement, he relished what she’d said. There was still the matter of what she hadn’t said, though. The specter of their agreement to maintain a fake relationship still hung between them, like a transparent film separating him from her. “I’ve been considering this arrangement a lot lately, if I’m honest.”
She blinked a few times, her eyes widening. “What do you mean?”
“I think you know. When we first discussed it, I told you up front that I was attracted to you. And you admitted your attraction to me. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten.”
She shook her head. “No, I haven’t.”
He watched her, taking in the way the sunlight played over her beautiful face. “The more time I spend with you, the more real this becomes to me. I care about you, Alexis.” He didn’t say the three words women loved to hear to solidify commitment, because he didn’t feel ready for that. No matter how she reacted, he would feel secure in the knowledge that he’d respected her enough to be honest with her.
Her next words came on the wings of a sigh. “God, Bryan. I feel it, too.”
Reaching out to her, he tilted her chin and pressed his lips to hers. Ignoring the people around them, he kept his sole focus on exploring the sweet cavern of her mouth. Their tongues mated, and while she held back at first, she soon gave in to the magic sparking between them.
When the announcer indicated the start of the second half, she broke the kiss. As her eyes slowly opened, she grazed her fingertips over his cheek.
“Bryan James, you are nothing but trouble.”
He turned back to the game, not bothering to hide his smile. “And you love every minute of it.”
Chapter 13
Alexis watched the bustling scenery of midtown Manhattan roll by through the tinted window of the hired town car. It was late Monday afternoon, just before five, and the heavy foot and vehicle traffic flowing around the car reflected that.
