LITMIR.BIZ

      Chapter 6

      “Please tell me those guys aren’t the Hollington Lions,” Terrence said. Head cocked to the right, he gestured toward the football field with his index finger. Sunlight reflected off his sunglasses, and although Kyra couldn’t see his eyes, she heard the disappointment in his voice. “You said they were a hard-working bunch with a desire to succeed.”

      “They are,” she insisted. “They’re still not in the best shape yet, but they’ll be ready in time for the homecoming game.”

      Coach Mayo appeared. “All right boys, gather around.”

      No one moved.

      Undeterred by their lack of enthusiasm, the interim coach spoke about the importance of team work and perseverance. “This is a new day, boys. A new season. We’re going to go out fightin’, you hear me? Compete on every snap, on every play, on every down. Now, let’s warm up and give a good showing this morning!”

      Feet dragged across the field. The players formed a crooked circle around Coach Mayo and stretched to the count of ten. After, he instructed them to run five laps around the football field.

      Worried about the impression Terrence was forming of the team, Kyra searched for the right explanation to give about the players. “They’re really great kids,” she began. “The quarterback, Javarius Nelson, is the first person in his family to go to college, and three of the defensive linemen are here on full scholarships.”

      “Now I know why they were 6-7 last season.” Terrence plunked down on the wooden bench. “What the hell am I getting myself into?”

      “They just need some direction, some discipline, a strong, firm hand.” Taking the seat beside him, she held the team files on her lap, prepared to refer to them if he had any questions about specific players. “They’ve had some injuries in the past and as a result, had a rough few years. Their confidence is shot. Terrence, you know what a losing streak can do to a player’s mental game. You also know that the right coach can make all the difference.” He didn’t respond, so she ploughed ahead. “Only you understand what kind of pressure these kids are under. We’re all convinced you can help turn this around.”

      His expression troubled her, but she knew under his guidance, the Hollington Lions could be a championship-contending team again. Gifted with natural talent and an unparalleled love for the game, he had the skill and know-how to make it happen. “Terrence, you were a high school All-American, and you had the highest finish ever in Heisman balloting. Everyone here respects your leadership skills both on and off the field. That says a lot about your ability.”

      Someone cursed, words were exchanged and pushing ensued between players. The coaching staff rushed over to break up the scuffle.

      “This is painful to watch,” he confessed, hanging his head and rubbing a hand over his face. “They’re turning against each other instead of working together. Not an easy thing for a losing team to get over.”

      “You can do this. I know you can.” Her voice was strong, firm, unwavering. “You rushed for two hundred and fifty yards in your first NFL game and scored three touchdowns against the crushing defense. This—” she pointed at the field “—will be a walk in the park for someone with your tenacity and fortitude. If you could go toe-to-toe with a big bully like Joe Bilkie, then you can do anything.”

      “You saw that game?” he questioned, shooting a look at her. When she nodded, a sheepish smile tugged at his lips. “Mom said I shouldn’t have punched him. She said I should have been the bigger man and walked away. What do you think?”

      “I think you should have socked him in the gut!”

      Terrence had a good laugh. “I knew you’d say that. It didn’t matter what I did out there on the field, you always had my back!”

      A pair of beauties in pink shorts jogged by. Dressed simply in a chartreuse blouse and capri pants, Kyra wondered how she stacked up to all of the other women he’d dated over the years. Various images from tabloids and entertainment magazines crowded her mind. He liked them young, stacked and curvy. Kyra watched the cheerleaders making eyes at him, but when she looked at him, he was staring at her. “You attract attention wherever you go.”

      “Too bad it’s never the right type of girl.”

      “You expect me to believe you’re not flattered when a sweet, young thing sashays over to you and slips you her number?” He opened his mouth to protest, but she pushed on. “Terrence, you’re not fooling anybody. I’ve heard the stories. I know what’s up.”

      “Kyra, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Spotlight Tinseltown is not a valid news source. Everything you see on TV isn’t true.”

      The air felt light on her face, but her heart raced. It had been ten years since they dated, a full decade since they’d made promises and vows to each other, but she was as skittish as she’d been on their first date.

      “Keep this up and I’m going to cancel your subscription to Celeb Today magazine,” he warned. His unfailing good humor calmed her, but when he casually put an arm around her shoulders in a split-second embrace, she broke out into a sweat. “I’m not as bad as the media makes me out to be. My mom raised me to be a gentleman, and all those afternoons I spent with her talking about respecting black women weren’t in vain.”

      The emotions his smile evoked squeezed her heart. Held on tight and wouldn’t let go. Everything about Terrence Franklin aroused her. His voice soothed, his smile compelled and he pulsed with a sexual energy. But he was a player. A dog. A womanizer of the worst kind and she had the emotional scars to prove it.

      “I’m glad we made it out here today.”

      Their eyes met and held. Sparks flew like invisible streaks of lightning. And as if programmed, her face warmed, her legs tingled and butterflies danced in her stomach.

      “Being here takes me back. Makes me feel like I never left Hollington.”

      But you did. And you left me. Shaking off feelings of melancholy, she admired the blue, cloudless sky. Her mind slipped back to the summer of 1998. Terrence had surprised her at this very spot. Right there in the middle of the field. He’d spread out a blanket, then made love to her under a breath-taking full moon.

      Kyra pressed her eyes shut. That night—that sweet, enchanted night—was ingrained in her heart forever. It had been a tender moment, and despite all of her attempts, she’d never been able to forget it. Kyra hoped Terrence didn’t remember that warm summer evening. Hoped he didn’t mention it or reminisce about how willingly she’d given herself to him...

      “Man, I’d die to be out there one more time, playing to the crowd, spinning out of tackles, showing the whole world what I can do.”

      Terrence gazed out onto the field and Kyra stared at him. It was unbearably humid, and as hot as the desert, but he was wearing a black V-neck shirt and tan pants. The former NFL running back had powerful shoulders and a Herculean build, but it was his smile that seduced her every time.

      “I used to dread training camp,” he said, with an easy laugh. “The days begin well before sunrise and we endure the most grueling practice sessions imaginable, but I’d gladly run a hundred laps if it meant I could play just one more pro game.”

      “It must be hard knowing you’ll never play again.”

      “Hurts like a bitch.”

      “Don’t worry, your female fans aren’t going anywhere,” she teased, hoping to lighten the mood. “I’m sure they’ll give you a hero’s welcome at the opening game.”

      “Is that what you think I miss about playing in the NFL? The women?” Disappointment colored his face. “Most

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