She was stretched out across him, her body nestling against his. Despite his recent release, he could feel the need building up inside of him. Once again, the image of taking things slow, of learning every inch of her body, filled his mind.
But this wasn’t the time. What had happened earlier had been spontaneous. Taking her to his bed would imply more than he was willing to offer right now. He might not know everything about Charity, but he knew she was the type who got involved first. Who gave her heart along with her body. He wasn’t anyone to be trusted with a good woman’s heart.
So as much as he wanted to lower his head and kiss her again, he instead shifted out from under her. He rose, and then pulled her to her feet.
“I’m going to walk you home.”
“I know the way.”
“Maybe, but the streets are dangerous. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“My door is about five feet from yours. What could happen?”
“You never know.”
She smiled, then picked up her sandals and her purse. He followed her to the door.
She reached for the handle, then turned back to him. “You’re nothing like I thought.”
“Don’t be telling people that. If anyone asks, I’m a god in bed, remember.”
“Oh, you’re that. It’s just…” She placed her fingers on his cheek. “Someone who’s as famous as you, as successful, as good-looking, could easily be a real jerk. You’re not. You care about people. You understand. I know my opinion doesn’t mean anything, but your ex-wife was really stupid to let you go.”
He’d been given thousands of compliments over the years. Maybe more. Women had praised everything from his looks to his equipment. Most of the time, he’d known they were simply trying to get what they wanted.
Now, as he stared into Charity’s pretty eyes and saw the earnest truth there, he knew she meant what she said.
“Thank you,” he said.
She gave him a quick smile, then opened the door. Seconds later, she was safely in her own room, and he was alone in the hallway. As he walked the few feet back to his room, he realized it had been a very long time since anyone had believed in him. No, that wasn’t true. He’d always had supporters. The only person who mattered who didn’t believe in him was himself.
JOSH SLEPT LIKE A ROCK, woke early and got to his office a little before seven. Eddie arrived at seven-thirty, dressed in her yellow velour track suit, and glared at him.
“This is my quiet time,” she announced. “What are you doing here?”
“Working.” He didn’t bother mentioning it was his office and he employed her. Eddie wouldn’t see the point of the statement.
“You’re never here before eight. You better not make a habit of coming in early.”
He winked at her. “I’ll do my best.”
“Did you at least make coffee?”
He pointed to the pot.
She sighed. “Sometimes, you’re not half bad.”
She poured herself a cup, then returned to her desk. He could still hear her grumbling, probably at him, but ignored the sound. He had needed to focus on the proposal his attorney had sent over. A potential investment in the form of a shopping mall in Las Vegas. When the real estate market bottomed out, a lot of commercial properties went into foreclosure. Now they were available for pennies on the dollar, especially for an investor willing to pay cash.
He reviewed the demographics of the immediate neighborhood, the list of current renters and the retail competition. The corner lot of two busy streets was prime, and if he didn’t like the tenant mix, he could always change it.
“It’s Steve,” Eddie called.
Josh looked up. She was waving her phone at him.
“Steve, your former coach. Tall guy, balding.”
“Thanks. I got it.”
He and Steve hadn’t talked in months. Maybe over a year. Josh hadn’t needed a coach after he retired.
“Morning,” he said when he’d grabbed the phone. “You’re up early.”
“I’m in Florida. It’s practically noon here. How’s it going?”
“Good. And with you?”
Steve grunted. “I’m working with a bunch of kids. A lot of potential but no discipline. They’re like puppies, too easily distracted. A pretty girl in a bikini walks by and they go crashing into each other. It makes me tired.”
Josh leaned back in his chair. “Anyone special?” He meant the riders, not the girl, but knew Steve would figure that out.
“There’s this one guy. Jorge. Poor family, didn’t start riding seriously until high school. He has a lot of catching up to do, but I think he has it.”
“Looking for sponsorship?” Josh had been approached before. So far he hadn’t been willing, but if Steve thought the guy was worth it, he could consider the investment.
“I wasn’t, but let me think about it. You’d want to come see him ride before you decide.”
Josh hadn’t thought that far ahead, although his former coach was right. He would have to fly to Florida before making a decision. Which meant stepping foot back in the world where he’d once been king. Something he’d been avoiding for the past two years.