Hot Number

CHAPTER TEN

MICKI'S HEAD POUNDED as she somehow made it through the day. Although she, Sophie and Uncle Yank had all agreed they needed to stand by Damian, only she had a personal stake in the news he'd delivered. Only she was hurt by the fact that he'd possibly fathered a child. And only she disagreed with his decision not to marry Carole.

Nothing ate away at her more than a child deprived of a parent, perhaps because she'd lived the nightmare herself. She couldn't understand how Damian could willingly opt out of his child's life. She figured it was because the baby wasn't a reality to him yet. Once it was, if it was, then she hoped he'd do the right thing and be a full-time parent by marrying Carole. No matter how much Micki was hurt by the thought.

In the meantime, she'd guide him through the PR aspects of his situation and make sure he played well to his public. All of his publics, which in a star athlete's case included his coaches, the people who paid his salary, and his fans, including the parents of the kids who idolized him.

At least he was a quick study. She'd briefed him on the elevator ride down and he'd aced the brief statement to the reporters and the few questions she'd allowed him to take. He'd come across as a concerned man, a fallible human, and a star who was acknowledging his place in the public eye and using his mistake to educate America's youth.

He'd returned to the office and used the conference room to schedule the meetings Sophie had suggested. First up was the doctor who'd explain the ins and outs of safe paternity testing. He had an appointment for a consultation tomorrow. Once he had an understanding of the facts, he'd have to confront Carole and request a test.Those were the more personal aspects of this situation and he didn't need Micki around for that, she thought gratefully.

A knock sounded on her door and she glanced up. "Come in."

Sophie stuck her head inside. "Want to grab a bite to eat?"

Micki shook her head.

"Okay then good thing I figured you'd want to be holed up in your office. We'll just eat here." Sophie pulled a paper bag from behind her back and proceeded to unload the goodies she'd bought from the cafe downstairs. "I've got two iced coffees and two Squagels with cream cheese. Comfort food including a brownie for dessert."

"I appreciate it, Soph, but I'm not hungry."

Her sister shrugged. "So you can keep me company while I eat."

A couple of minutes later, Sophie had spread everything out across Micki's desk, leaving her no choice but to stare or pick at the food she'd brought. Micki decided to pick.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this." Sophie met her gaze. "Damian's a jerk."

"He's not." Micki shook her head, surprised to find herself defending him. "I mean in reality, he's no different than thousands of other people who end up with unplanned pregnancies. He's just famous, that's all."

Sophie took a bite of her bagel and Micki waited while she chewed and swallowed. "You don't hold it against him?" her sister asked.

"I don't like that it happened. I don't like the feeling that I'm having his past affairs thrown in my face as a direct reminder that the man doesn't commit to anyone." Micki's throat filled as the enormity of another woman having Damian's baby overwhelmed her. She swallowed hard and continued, "But when all is said and done, this isn't about me. He was honest and up front from the beginning. He said no strings. I agreed." She ripped a piece of the bagel and popped it in her mouth.

Sophie reached across the desk and covered Micki's hand with hers. "That doesn't mean you aren't hurt."

"I never said I wasn't." She followed the bagel with a long sip of iced coffee-

Sophie sighed. "Is there a chance the kid isn't his?"

Micki shrugged. "I guess so. There's also a chance the woman isn't really pregnant. I mean her breasts are fake so there's every chance this baby is, too." Then, catching herself, Micki slapped a hand over her mouth. "That was uncalled for"

"But I bet it felt good." Sophie grinned.

Micki laughed and finally relaxed, grateful she had her sister to share this-rough time with. "Any word from Lola?" she asked, changing the subject to their next problem.

Sophie shook her head. "Apparently Spence has been away on vacation and she hasn't been able to talk to him. Either that or she's avoiding it. Who can blame her?"

"Well I have my hands full with Damian's mess, so it's just as well I don't have to deal with any more upheaval at the moment."

"Amen".With that, Sophie collected the garbage and rose from her seat. "But you know Uncle Yank's birthday is in a few days. Spencer will be back by then. We're all going to have to deal with this soon."

Just then, Amy knocked and entered. "I'm leaving for the night."

Micki waved her hand in the air. "Enjoy your evening.”

The other woman smiled. "You, too. Oh, since you asked me to hold your messages all afternoon, here they are. The only one that can't wait is on top." The secretary handed Micki the pink stack of papers before taking off.

"Anything interesting?" Sophie asked.

Micki glanced down and groaned. "Just a message from Damian that he's sending a car to pick me up around eight. He says I should plan on swinging by the stadium for him and then he has some things we need to do."

Sophie frowned. "If he's asking for evening work, tell him you expect overtime pay."

Micki had spent the day at her desk. She glanced down at the flirty miniskirt she'd chosen this morning, when the sun was still shining bright and the newspapers hadn't yet hit her desk. Now it looked tired and wrinkled. "I can't go out like this. I look like hell."

"Then it's a good thing you have a chance to go home and change."

She closed her eyes and let out an exhausted groan. "I can't imagine what he could possibly need from me tonight."

Her sister grew suddenly quiet, causing Micki's nerve endings to prickle uncomfortably. "What is it?"

Sophie leaned closer, her soft gaze settling on Micki. "I was just thinking… What if Damian just needs you?"

Sophie's question haunted Micki for the next few hours. It haunted her as she changed into jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. It haunted her as she returned to the office and then climbed into the back seat of the limo he'd sent to pick her up.

And it haunted her now as she waited in the car outside the stadium for Damian to emerge after the press conference following tonight's game. Huge floodlights lit up the night sky as people swarmed out of the various exits, animated and flushed with excitement, thanks to the latest Renegades win.

Micki watched from her back seat in the limo, protected by the complete anonymity afforded by the tinted glass windows. She sat in her private world and contemplated her sister's words.

What if Damian just needs you?

Damian had never hinted that he wanted anything more than professional help but there'd been moments when she'd caught his gaze and the connection between them had returned as strong as it had been on the island. As much as she didn't think he'd contemplate resuming their relationship when his life was such a mess, neither one of them could deny the chemistry. A powerful attraction she needed to control.

Nothing could happen between them again. Not if this baby was his. Micki would never allow herself to end up in the middle of Damian and Carole's relationship, nor that of Damian and his child. She respected the sanctity and traditions of marriage and family too much.

She doubted she had much to worry about anyway. Damian hadn't been in touch with her-not until he'd gotten into trouble and needed her help.

As much as she wanted to hate him for getting himself in this situation, she couldn't. And as much as she wanted to pound him in the head until he said Carole was lying, she couldn't do that, either. What she intended to do was quite ironic, actually. She was going to become the one thing she'd made a special effort not to be- Damian's buddy, pal and friend. And if she hated him for anything, she hated him for reducing them to that.

THE POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE ran long. Instead of discussing the game, reporters wanted to talk about Damian's personal life, which he and Coach Donovan had already declared off-limits. Still, they were reporters, which meant they didn't take no for an answer. They asked, he declined to reply. It took him longer than he'd have liked to finally make his way down to the limo and meet up with Micki.

The chauffeur opened the car door and Damian slid in beside her. Her eyes were shut and he had a chance to study her. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her softly made-up face. Just her presence gave him the sense of peace and comfort he lacked.

The driver slammed the door closed and she bolted upright in her seat.

"Hey." He smiled at her startled expression.

"Hi." She ran her hands up and down her bare arms and shivered. "I fell asleep"

He nodded. "Sorry I ran late." He tapped the Plexiglas partition, indicating the driver should go, and the car started up for the trip to Jersey.

"Congratulations. I was listening to WFAN. You have another win under your belts."

"Thanks."

She eyed him warily, obviously still uncertain how to act around him now.

He had no answers for her or for himself. All he knew was that she provided an anchor in his turbulent life and he'd missed her desperately in the time they'd been apart. He was grateful to be with her again and though he hated the circumstances that had brought them together, he had no choice but to accept them and begin to cope.

"So when do I get to hear why you needed me tonight?" she asked. "What's the PR problem?"

He knew he couldn't play innocent or dumb so he opted for the truth. "My family." He leaned back in the seat and shut his eyes, exhaustion overtaking him.

"Are you for real?" She blew out a puff of air in frustration. "I don't hear from you for two weeks and then when I do, you've got a paternity scandal hanging over your head. I agreed to help you out, but since when did that include explaining your actions to your family?" she asked, obviously appalled he'd brought her along for this trip.

Well, hell. "They're going to grill me mercilessly."

She arched an eyebrow. Her expression lacked any sympathy at all. "So? You deserve it. But personal issues don't fall under my job description."

He reached out and grabbed her hand. Her skin felt soft and smooth, like the skin on her belly and the flesh on her thighs, he recalled, his body growing hot and hard with the memory. So aroused that focusing on explanations was difficult.

He understood her anger but couldn't find the words to explain that in the mayhem since Carole dropped the bomb, Micki was the only person he felt comfortable with. He didn't understand the connection that drew him to her either, but the fact remained that he needed her, more than just on a professional level. For the first time in his life, he was looking to a woman for emotional support.

He ran a hand over his face. "I'm a freaking mess," he admitted, meeting her gaze. "My wrist hurts every time I pick up or hit the ball. It doesn't matter how well I'm playing, I've got to live with the fact that it's taking everything out of me just to get through every game. Then I've got Carole who I can't even begin to believe, but I can't afford not to."

"Go on," she said, softly.

He swallowed but his mouth tasted like pitcher's mound dirt. "If the kid is mine, what the hell kind of father will I make?" he asked, voicing his fears aloud for the first time.

To Micki. Which proved to him that keeping her by his side was necessary to his sanity.

She covered his hand with hers. "If it comes to that, you'll make the best kind of dad."

"When you say it, I can almost believe it," he said, forcing a laugh.

"You should." Light danced in her eyes for the first time all evening. "Didn't you say your father was amazing? We learn by example, so what makes you think you'll be any different?"

He turned her hand over and looked at the fragile skin on her wrist."You're amazing," he said, gratitude and something warm he didn't want to examine too closely filling his chest.

Without warning, she jerked her hand back. "I'm just stating the facts," she said, putting distance between them once more.

He didn't have to guess why. He was a man with baggage and risks, and as much as he wanted to bury himself inside her and forget his problems, that would only add one more complication to an already screwed-up mess.

“There's something I want you to consider," Micki said.

"What's that?"

She twisted her hands together, a sure sign he wouldn't like her request. "I grew up orphaned."

He nodded. "I know."

"And I believe that in the best of all possible worlds, a baby should have both parents around. If the baby is yours, you need to consider marrying Carole and giving the child a real family."

Her voice broke on the word family. So did his heart. In all his thinking, he'd forgotten that Micki had been raised by her bachelor uncle. She'd missed out on parents in her life and obviously she still felt that loss.

Damian breathed deeply and leaned forward in his seat. "I understand where you're coming from but you need to understand that this isn't all about me not wanting to marry Carole. It's about the baby, too. Sometimes you can do a child a bigger favor by not raising it in a home where there is no love or caring."

She spread her hands wide. "I don't know."

"Growing up, didn't you have everything you needed in your untraditional home with your uncle, Lola and your sisters?"

She nodded.

"So I guess you need to consider that by not marrying Carole, I may still be doing right by this baby."

"If it's yours."

"If it's mine," he agreed and hoped with everything in him that Carole had been as unfaithful as he suspected.

He glanced out the window and realized they were close to his sister's house where his entire family waited. "There's just one more thing." Something that had been weighing on his mind.

''What's that?"

He placed an arm behind her head and leaned close enough to smell the scent of her skin. His groin ached with the need to bury himself deep inside her and thrust hard and fast until the outside world disappeared and all that remained was them.

Instead he cleared his throat and forced himself to remain focused. "I appreciate you agreeing to stay by my side." He owed her his thanks and probably much more.

He turned his head and his lips touched the side of her neck. When she didn't push him away, he let his mouth skim her soft flesh. Just for a moment, he promised himself. No more.

He grasped her arm and raised it to press a gentle kiss on her exposed flesh there, letting his tongue linger. He didn't know if it was his words or his touch that got to her but she trembled and a soft sigh escaped from the back of her throat. She wore a soft T-shirt that gathered in the middle, accentuating her breasts, and her nipples puckered beneath his gaze. She pivoted toward him and just as he thought her lips would touch his, the car jerked to a sudden stop.

"We're here." She jumped back, obviously shaken by what had almost transpired between them.

He clamped down on his disappointment, telling himself the interruption was for the best.

She straightened her top and fussed with her hair. "So how do you feel about explaining yourself to your sisters?" she asked in an obvious scramble for conversation.

"I don't relish the idea of discussing my stupidity or my sex life with my sisters and my parents any more than I enjoyed revealing it to you." He reached for the handle at the same time the driver opened and held the door for them. "But I got myself into this mess and my family deserves to know what's going on, so…I'll let them skewer me."

She glanced down. "You know, I do admire how you're facing up to all this."

"Thanks" he said, surprised. He reached out and tipped her chin upward.

He took in her flushed cheeks and pouty glossed lips and curled his hands into fists to keep from kissing her. Really kissing her this time.

He knew he had to focus on less pleasant tasks right now. Like facing the firing squad he called his family.

MICKI WOULD FEEL A LOT BETTER about herself if the kiss hadn't happened because she hadn't let it, not because of the fortuitous timing of their arrival. Thank God they'd reached their destination or else she'd probably be kicking herself for letting him kiss her. For kissing him back. And for allowing him to do whatever else to her in the back seat of the limo despite her promise to herself to keep her distance.

Now, introductions behind them, Damian sat next to Micki in the family room of his sister Brenda's house and took his punishment like a man. Apparently in his family, punishment meant a grilling by all interested parties.

Beside her, Damian clenched his fists, and sucking up the embarrassment, he let the questions fly.

His father paced the floor in front of Damian's seat on the couch. "Sum it up in a nutshell," Mike Fuller said in the same tone Micki could imagine him using with his kids when they'd screwed up during their youth.

"A woman I used to see claims she's pregnant and I'm the father."

"Claims?" His mother jumped on the uncertainty.

Damian nodded. "I'll be checking out both parts of her statement"

"So the baby might not be yours?" Ronnie asked.

"Or she might not even be pregnant," Brenda said confidently.

"All possibilities, I suppose. As much as I don't want this baby to be mine, I'd hate to think she'd outright lie about something like this"

"With your finances, that's the first thing you need to consider" His father stopped and shoved his hands in his front pants pockets. "Didn't I teach you to use protection each and every time?"

Micki felt her cheeks heat up and flush at the older man's frank talk.

"I used protection," he said, looking his father in the eye. "Each and every time."

As he had with her, Micki recalled. Each and every time.

His father nodded, relieved. "Well that's something "

Her uncle had said the same thing.

"Maybe the condom broke," Rhonda offered.

"Three kids, only thirteen months apart. You ought to know," Marissa said.

"Leave your sister alone," Marissa's husband Dan said, jumping in only to call his wife off. "Ours are eighteen months apart so I don't know why you're giving Rhonda a hard time," he said with a wry smile.

Ronnie snickered.

Marissa nudged her husband in the side. "Spoilsport." But she spoke in a teasing tone.

Micki couldn't suppress a smile at the byplay among the family members. She, Annabelle and Sophie could always go at one another given the slightest provocation but at the heart of all the needling in her family was a basic love and respect. Micki sensed the same thing here.

"Girls," Adrienne said, clapping her hands. "Dan's right. Now's not the time to tease each other. We've got important issues to deal with."

"Your mother's right. Now's the time to rally around your brother." Mike walked over and placed an arm around Damian's shoulder in a sign of unwavering support.

Obviously it didn't matter how bad his children's sins, Damian's father would always forgive them. Just like Uncle Yank who'd flown to Florida in a heartbeat to be with Micki. Who'd have thought her untraditional family and Damian's had so much in common?

"When will you have answers?" Brenda asked.

"I have an appointment with Gary Kernan tomorrow to get the rundown on testing. I promise to fill you in as soon as I know something."

Ronnie reached for her brother's hand. "Gary and his partners delivered all our kids. He's the best."

"And you can trust him to be honest and discreet."

Brenda's husband Steve chose his moment to add to the conversation.

Micki also picked up on the love and respect between Damian's parents as well as between his sisters and their husbands. He truly did have the best role models for happy relationships, she thought. Yet he'd backed away from forming any of his own in favor of focusing solely on his career.

It was something she'd analyze further later, but for now, since Damian had chosen to bring her here, she was going to do her best to help the family deal with the crisis.

"Excuse me," Micki said.

"Yes?" Damian's mother asked. "You've been so quiet until now. What's on your mind?"

Micki smiled. "I was hoping I could give you all a quick PR course before we leave tonight," Micki offered. "Because Damian won't be the only one who's going to get cornered or pestered for answers."

All of the Fuller family's eyes turned her way.

"We're happy to hear anything Damian's publicist and friend has to say." Adrienne seemed to welcome her with her warm gaze and soft voice.

"Okay then. Just a few helpful hints in case the press gets ahold of you,"

"We’ve all been screening our calls with caller ID," Brenda said.

Micki stood and took center stage among Damian's family. She was used to public speaking but in this case she felt scrutinized in a more personal way. No doubt his sisters wondered about the true nature of her relationship with their brother, but there was nothing Micki could do about it. Damian's recent exploits would cause many people to wonder. It was something he'd have to live with. Something she'd have to ignore now.

"Screening calls won't stop a determined reporter from accosting you in the supermarket or while you're taking the kids into dance class. But you have a few strategies at your disposal.”

"Such as?" Damian's mother asked.

Micki held up one finger. "There's the old 'no comment' and keep walking." She raised a second finger in the air. 'There's the redirect in which you just tell them to call your brother's publicist and hand out my card that I'll leave with you all." She paused and lifted a third finger to join the other two. Or you can just tell them to go away or you'll call the police and report them for harassment, especially if they're bothering you when the kids are around."

Damian watched Micki take charge of his boisterous family. Obviously in her element, her suggestions were to the point, succinct, and also well thought out. She impressed him on so many levels he couldn't begin to count them all.

He hadn't thought to ask her to coach his family but he was grateful she'd done so on her own. As for his sisters, to Damian's amazement, his talkative nosy siblings had shut up and were listening to Micki intently. His mother was scribbling notes on a small pad she always kept in her purse and his father was watching Micki with a huge grin on his face, no small feat considering his worry over Damian's messed-up life.

"Any questions?" Micki asked,

"I have one." Ronnie, his youngest and most outspoken sibling raised a hand in the air.

"She's not a teacher and you aren't in school," Marissa said, laughing.

"Well whatever. I just want to know if you're here because Damian's paying you to help him."

"Or if you're here because you care about Damian," Brenda chimed in, helping Ronnie out in embarrassing him.

Damian didn't meet Micki's gaze. Instead he jumped up from his seat. "Hey, that's uncalled for. I'm the only one who can put Micki on the spot and that's not going to happen right now. We have to get back to the city, so the inquisition is over."

The trio didn't argue, which meant they knew they were out of line. Damian used the next few minutes to hug, kiss, say goodbye and thank them all for being in his corner even through such an awkward mess. Even Micki was treated to warm hugs and kisses goodbye, making Damian happy he'd brought her along.

Ronnie promised to fill her husband in on the conversation since he'd gone home to relieve the babysitter. But it was Marissa's and Brenda's older teenage girls who concerned Damian most. He knew the teens looked up to their famous uncle and so he promised to have a talk with his older nieces when this all blew over, including discussing the uncomfortable topic of safe sex.

It was the least he could do in exchange for the public scandal he'd caused.

MICKI SLEPT ON THE RIDE BACK to the city, waking up just as the car came to a stop in front of her building. She glanced at her watch. It was almost midnight. She was beyond exhausted from a very emotional day and night, and her body ached from the uncomfortable position she'd been in.

She rubbed her eyes and focused on the handsome, sexy man sitting before her. "I fell asleep again," she said, embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it. So did I." He stretched and her gaze fell to the muscles in his forearms and his tanned skin.

Her mouth grew dry and she wished she had a bottle of water to quench her thirst. Better that than wishing she could kiss him and find the moisture she was lacking.

"In the end it was a good idea to bring me tonight."

Damian smiled. "Left alone, who knows how my sisters would have handled the reporters." He grimaced at the thought of subjecting his family to scrutiny they hadn't signed up for. "You helped my family out a lot. I appreciate it."

"Well your family is special and I'm glad I got to meet them."

"They said the same thing about you." He paused before saying what was on his mind, then decided what the hell. "Actually the last thing my father said was that I should grab onto you and not let you go."

His genuine, warm smile stole what was left of Micki's breath.”That's sweet."

She stepped out of the car, Damian right behind her. When she turned, she found herself staring into his compelling eyes. The hot and humid summer air wafted around them, increasing the heat that rose between them.

She tried to hang onto her focus and keep her desire at bay. "I've been wondering about something."

"Shoot."

"Your parents are happily married, and so are your sisters. They all have kids and they obviously get through any problems together."

He tipped his head to one side. "What's your point?" he asked.

She struggled to find the words and decided just to state her thoughts no matter how personal they seemed. "I guess I'm wondering why, faced with all that, you fight so hard against settling down yourself?"

He shook his head and let out a soft, sexy, rumbling laugh. "I've asked myself the same question many times." He braced his hand on the top of the car and leaned his head against his shoulder. "Do you put a lot of stock in birth order?"

Interesting question, she thought. "A fair amount, I guess. I mean because I was the youngest, Annabelle felt she had to protect me most after our parents died. She took the brunt of the burden and shielded me from the possibility of foster care if Uncle Yank didn't want-to raise us. She was an adult way before her time."

"And I was the baby who never had to grow up," he said. "My sisters catered to me and mothered me. And I've been lucky in that everything I've wanted has come pretty easily."

She immediately waved away his point. "You're known for your work ethic so I wouldn't say things came easily," she chided.

"I'm not saying I didn't work hard at my career but I had more lucky breaks than most." He shook his head and laughed, a self-deprecating sound that told Micki he'd given her original question way more previous thought than she'd given him credit for. "When everything goes your way, you get spoiled. I got spoiled. Hell, I am spoiled. I'm also petrified of losing everything I have," he admitted.

"So…"

"I work overtime to maintain the image, including the perception of the partying guy with no injuries and no weaknesses."

"And you think if you let yourself get involved with anyone who means something to you, you'll lose the one thing that means everything to you. Your career."

"I'm amazed you get it," he said, his tone filled with surprise and an almost reluctant admiration.

She glanced down at the sidewalk, scuffing the bottom of her shoes against the pavement. "I guess that's what comes from my spending a lifetime hanging around with professional jocks. I understand the world you deal in."

"We do have that world in common " he said gruffly.

Emotion emanated from him and shook her up inside because, although tonight had been about business, she somehow felt closer to him than she had before. Given the circumstances, closer unnerved her.

^“But as much as I stand by my choices to keep my career going, I was a damn idiot to get involved with a woman like Carole. She was a meaningless fling and now I may be tied to her for the rest of my life."

"Payback's a bitch," Micki said, forcing a chuckle.

But the pain in her heart wasn't at all amusing. Because, as he'd spoken, she'd realized that their time on the island was probably also a meaningless fling.

Suddenly he reached up and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "You and I weren't the same as me and Carole" he said, reading her mind.

"I didn't think I was."

He shook his head. "Yeah, you did. And I can't say I gave you any reason to believe otherwise."

She forced a smile. "Not to worry, I know where we stand"

"No, I don't think you do." He stared at her, his gaze compelling and enigmatic all at the same time. "Let me walk you inside?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine."

She watched the struggle inside him until finally he stepped back. "Okay then. I'll meet you outside the doctor's office tomorrow?”

She blinked, surprised. "The paternity test consultation? You don't need PR help for that."

"You're right. I don't. But I do need you by my side for moral support."

Micki groaned. "Damian…"

"Please." He met her gaze, his eyes imploring and his tone holding a desperate quality she couldn't resist

"Sure." She heard herself agreeing, her stomach in knots over involving herself in something so personal.

He exhaled hard, obviously relieved. "Thank you. Again.”

She forced a smile. She certainly couldn't say it was her pleasure.

"Sleep tight," he said in a husky voice.

She forced a smile. "You, too."

Later that night, alone in her bed, she didn't have to wonder why she felt so empty and alone.