The Love Triangle

“Then we’ll find out who’s more creative.” She stuck out her hand. “You agree to the terms?”

He shook. “It’s a bet. Oh, what does the winner get?”

“If I win, you buy me another dinner with no expense limit at the restaurant of my choice.”

“And if I win?”

She shot him a wicked grin and batted her eyes. “You would have already won by having the pleasure of my company for two evenings.”

“Something tells me that will be enough. You’re not a very good gambler since I win either way.”

“Aw, you’re such a sweetie. So, when does this happen?”

“I’m out of town all week, but free next Saturday night. After that I’ll be gone for two more weeks.”

“Okay. Next Saturday.”

“Ladies first?”

“Hell no. I wanna see what I’ve gotta beat. And it will give me two weeks to plan.”

“Fine. I’ll pick you up at six, so I’ll need your number and address.”

She wagged a finger at him. “Not yet, Mister. Meet me outside the gym and you will be dressed nice, not in the Occupy Wall Street collection. If you’re one minute late, I’m gone.”

“You want me to pick you up in front of this place?”

“Yeah. Girl’s gotta be careful these days, you know?”

“Sure, I understand. You don’t really know me. Okay, so if either of us has to cancel for any reason, leave a note at the front desk.”

“Okay, see you in a week.” She got up and grabbed her bag. “Well, I’m outta here. By the way, remember that I have four very large brothers. Treat me badly and one of them will break you in half.”

He stood up. “You’re a spunky little thing, you know that?”

“Part of my charm, as you will soon discover. And watch who you’re calling little, you’re not much taller than me.” She moved closer and looked up at him, then got up on her tiptoes so she actually looked down at him. “And I’ve got lots of four-inch heels.”

He didn’t back up. “Hey, I said I treat women as equals. Bring it.”

***

The dropping temperatures of October had chilled Lexi’s apartment, but she had a fire going, and Dave’s remaining belongings had made wonderful kindling. For the first time in two years she was spending Saturday night alone, but without regret. It was time to regroup and consider the interesting possibilities that had presented themselves in the past week.

New York’s most eligible bachelor had asked for her phone number. Sure, he hadn’t called yet, and probably wouldn’t, but it had still lifted her spirits at a time she needed a boost.

Her agency was off life support thanks to a new client from out of the blue. And one with whom she seemed to have a connection on the phone that went beyond a business relationship. Since they hadn’t met and she couldn’t even find a photo, the physical attraction part was still a mystery.

What the hell, a guy who gave good phone was always nice to have.

She settled in to binge-watch Netflix with a bottle of chilled wine, turned on the TV—

And the phone rang.

She looked at her cell, which read private number then furrowed her brow as she answered the call. “Hello, this is Lexi—”

“Hi, Lexi, Jake Frost. Hope I’m not calling you at a bad time.”

“No, not at all.”

Curious. Guy calling me at seven on a Saturday night. Did his date cancel and is he expecting me to drop what I’m doing to go out with him? I knew athletes were arrogant, but seriously?

“Great. Well, I told you I’d call and I’d like to get together—”

“I’m staying in tonight, Jake.”

He chuckled a bit. “No, not tonight. I’ve got a game tomorrow at one and during the season I don’t go out on weekends. Getting good rest is important and I have a feeling I wouldn’t get much with you around.”

Half compliment, half come-on? “And… why would you say that?”

“Cause you strike me as someone I’d stay up talking with till one in the morning.”

“Oh. I was wondering where you were going with that.”

“Sorry, guess it came out wrong. Like I said, I’m pretty much a mess off the field.”

“I’ll let it slide, but try and watch the double entendres in the future.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And please don’t call me ma’am, I’m not that old!”

“Sorry. Force of habit, since I’m from Texas. We try to be polite to our women folk.”

“I see. So, what did you have in mind?”

“Well, Monday after a game I pretty much resemble an extra from The Walking Dead and since we’re playing the Patriots tomorrow I know I’m gonna get hammered. But I’m usually okay on a Tuesday. I realize that’s not a traditional date night, but it’s the best I can do this time of year. So, I’d love to have dinner with you Tuesday night, if you’re interested and didn’t have any other plans.”

“Sure, Tuesday sounds good. Where do you want to meet?”

“Uh, I was gonna pick you up.”

“Jake, don’t take this the wrong way, but these days I’m being extra careful about giving out my address after my most recent experience with a boyfriend.”

“Oh, right. The guy with hot pants. Sure, Lexi, I understand. Then how about you meet me at Reston’s on fifty-fourth, say around seven?”

“Sure. Hey, I’ll need your number just in case something comes up.”

“Oh, so you can have my number but I can’t have your address?”

“Them’s the rules if you want a date with Spin Girl.”

“That’s what they call you?”

“Damage control is my game, Spin Girl is my name.”

“Cute. Anyway, I will abide by your rules. I can already tell you’re gonna be a handful.”

“I am a redhead, Jake. We’re all a handful.”

He laughed, gave her his phone number and ended the call. She leaned back and sipped wine, wondering if getting involved with a pro athlete was a smart thing to do, but feeling damned attractive knowing that this one was interested in her.

Then she grabbed her tablet and did a search on Jake Frost, finding hundreds of images.

Many of the pro quarterback with a supermodel on his arm.

***

Lexi took a deep breath as she reached for the brass handle of the upscale restaurant door. It was her first date with someone different in two years, and she knew the dangers of starting a possible new relationship on the rebound. But the ego factor of dinner with someone like Jake Frost had the rose-colored glasses firmly in place, despite continued warnings from her trusty assistant.

She entered the dimly lit restaurant at exactly seven o’clock, looking around the lobby and not seeing anyone but the host in a tuxedo at an oak podium. The middle-aged gentleman looked up at her and smiled. “Good evening, Miss. Do you have a reservation?”

“I’m supposedly meeting someone, but I’ll need a table for one and a big bottle of wine if I get stood up.”

He studied her face. “Ah, yes, you’re obviously Mister Frost’s dining companion.”

“How did you know?”

“He told me to keep an eye out for an attractive flame-haired woman with an attitude to match.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, that’s pretty much spot on. Is he here?”

“Yes, he enters through the back door to avoid the paparazzi. We have a nice secluded table for you. Right this way.”

She followed the host through a maze of tables, already filled as the scent of seared beef and the sounds from a piano filled the air. Lexi had only read about this place, with its thousand-dollar dinners and well-heeled clientele, mostly old guys with young trophy wives. As she looked at the patrons her best emerald green dress suddenly felt like something from a close-out store. Luckily no one paid attention to her. The host led her around a corner, where she found Jake Frost in a gray three-piece suit seated at a table. He smiled and stood up, then pulled out her chair. “Right on time.”

“In my business you have to be.”

The host gave a slight nod. “Enjoy your evening.”

“Thanks, Frederick,” said Jake, as he sat opposite her. “You look great, Lexi.”

“Thank you, but I think I’m a little underdressed for this place.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you’d look fabulous in a burlap sack.”

“Okay, Mister, you can dial down the compliments. A little, anyway.” He smiled at her, his dazzling look sending an electric charge through her body. “So, you won Sunday.”

“Yeah, had a good game. Didn’t get beat up too bad. You have a good week?”

“Yes, things went well.” She turned her attention to the leather-bound menu with a gold tassel running down the middle. She opened it and read the list of elaborate entrees, none of which had prices next to them. “Uh-oh.”

“What?”

“No prices on the menu. I always worry about ordering a hamburger and getting a bill for fifty bucks.”

“Well, they don’t serve burgers here. But I know what you mean. My family didn’t have much growing up and I guess that stays with you forever. It took me a while to stop clipping coupons.”

“You clipped coupons?”

“My rookie year. My financial advisor finally told me to loosen up a bit.”

“I’ve noted you give a lot of it away.”

“Ah, you’ve vetted me.”

“Girl’s gotta know who’s taking her out. But yes, I checked you out and was very impressed at your considerable amount of charitable donations.”

“Lexi, I couldn’t possibly spend all the money I’ve made in a dozen lifetimes. May as well do something good with it.”

“Very noble.”

“And at this point I have no one to leave it to.”

“I see.”

“So obviously since you’re here, I survived your investigation.”

She scrunched up her face a bit and looked at the ceiling. “Well, there was one thing in your dossier that raised a red flag just a bit off the ground.”

His eyes filled with worry. “Red flag? I’ve never been in trouble—”

“Your seeming affinity for tall, slinky blonde supermodels who appear in swimsuit issues wearing very little.”

He blushed a bit. “Those, uh, were youthful indiscretions. Fame and fortune do strange things to guys and when women like that throw themselves at you – well, you can imagine.”

“So you no longer think with the wrong head.”

He shook his head and smiled. “You’re not exactly shy about expressing yourself, are you?”

“As you said, I’m a handful. Anyway, this bikini babe thing is in the past, huh?”

“Well, if your investigation turned up dates along with those photos, you would have noted all those so-called relationships were nearly ten years ago. I’ve grown up and my tastes have changed.”

“Ah, I see. Changed to what?”

“Right now I seem to be into smartass redheads with a brain. But they’re so damn hard to find.”

***

Two and a half hours later they emerged through the back door into the chilly night.

The waiting limo was surrounded with photographers and autograph-seekers.

“Aw, hell,” said Jake.

“I thought no one knew you were here since you came in the back door.”

“Damn Twitter. There’s a hashtag called where is Jake Frost and when I get spotted, a flash mob shows up.” He put his arm around her shoulders and ushered her toward the waiting car. The flashes from the cameras blinded her and she felt herself being pushed into the limo. Jake slid in beside her as the chauffeur closed the door. Her vision cleared and she looked through the windows as the vehicle pulled away. “Damn, you go through that every day?”

“Yeah. Pretty hard to hide when you’re six-five and play for a New York football team. Some days I wish I’d get traded to a place like Kansas City.”

“I’m sure you don’t.”

“Of course not. But I’m always reminded of the old saying about fame. People dream of being famous and then when it happens they go through life with sunglasses on.”

“I wouldn’t know, but it sounds about right.”

“That’s one reason I like to vacation out of the country, where no one watches American football and I can be anonymous.”

She looked out the window. “So where are we going?”

“Up to you. But I need to be asleep by midnight.”

“What, is it a school night?”

“No, we’re in the middle of the season and athletes need proper rest. Besides, we have team meetings and workouts tomorrow at ten.”

“Right, forgot about that. So what did you have in mind?”

“We can ride around the city, go to a club, go to my place and talk, or I can take you home.”

“Well, I get the idea that after the scene we just left you’re not wild about going to a club, but then again, neither am I. I think I’ve outgrown that stuff. And though I have enjoyed our evening so far I’m still not ready to tell you where I live. Hope you’re not offended by that.”

“Not at all. I meant I could have the driver take you home after he drops me off. Wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

She reached over and patted his hand. “I don’t feel uncomfortable at all. I guess we could go to your place for a while and talk. If that’s actually what you have in mind. Talking.”

“Regardless of what I might have in mind, you’ve been in control of things the entire night, wouldn’t you agree?”

She laughed a bit. “Yeah, I guess so.” She leaned forward toward the driver. “Home, James.”

“Yours or his?” asked the driver.

“His, first. But mine later.”

“My pleasure, Miss.”

***

Lexi’s eyes bugged out as the elevator opened into a spectacular penthouse. She stepped out onto the polished white marble floor and took in the amazing panoramic view of Manhattan through floor-to-ceiling windows. “Whoa.”

“Welcome to my humble abode.”

“Let me guess… you’re house-sitting for Donald Trump?”

He laughed. “Nope, it’s mine. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like a glass of champagne?”

“Bring it on.” Even though champagne makes me let my guard down and I’ve already had two glasses at the restaurant.

“Meet you in the living room.”

She stepped down into the sunken living room, amazed at the decor. It sure didn’t look like any bachelor apartment she’d ever seen, as he obviously had a decorator and a maid. She grabbed a seat on one end of the white-leather sectional couch, took off her heels, curled her legs under her and put a pillow on her lap. Jake returned carrying two glasses of champagne, handed one to her, studied her for a moment, then took a seat at the opposite end of the couch. She furrowed her brow. “What are you doing way over there? Am I supposed to yell, or call you on the phone?”

“I thought you’d be more comfortable if I sat here.”

“Why would you think that?”

“My sister is a body language expert. Woman with a pillow in her lap means look but don’t touch. At least that’s what she told me.”

“So, your sister taught you how to read women?”

“Of course not. Your logic is in a foreign language.”

“Very funny. As for said pillow in lap, I was just getting comfortable.”

“Well, I thought in light of the fact that you didn’t give me your address, I didn’t want to scare you away.”

“Men don’t scare me, Jake. I can take care of myself. And if I didn’t want to be here, I would have gone home.” She patted the seat next to her. “C’mon, I won’t bite.”

He smiled, got up and sat next to her, then clinked her glass. “To new relationships.”

“We’re off to a good start.”

“Good to know.”

She looked around the room. “So I was expecting something that looked like a sports bar. Where are all the trophies, awards, autographed jerseys?”

Jake shrugged. “I was never much for that stuff. They’re really just things. Memories are more important. Every award I’ve gotten I’ve auctioned off for charity. The total raised is up to six hundred thousand now.”

“Damn, your stock just went up.”

“Hey, if an inanimate object can help someone in need, why not? And it’s not like I need anything. Other than a woman to fix me.”

***

About two hours later his grandfather clock chime signaled it was the witching hour. Jake turned and looked at the clock. “Damn, it’s twelve already?”

“And we haven’t even gotten to a discussion about favorite TV shows.”

“Well, I hate to kick you out but—”

“I know, you need your beauty sleep during the season. Not a problem.” She put her champagne glass on the glass coffee table, put her heels back on and stood up. The room began to spin a bit. “Whoa.”

He stood up and took her arm. “You okay?”

“Between the drinks at dinner and three glasses of champagne here I’ve got a nice buzz going.”

“Well, thankfully you have two options to get home. I can send you in the limo, which means my driver will know your address, or I can give you the cab fare.”

She studied his face. “I think you’ve proven yourself trustworthy enough to know where I live. Besides, that limo beats the hell out of a cab.”

“Very true.”

“By the way, you didn’t have to order one on my account.”

“Oh, it’s part of my contract. It also insures I’ll never be behind the wheel after having a drink, and I do like a drink or two. Sometimes three.”

“Smart man.”

“By the way, before I was hounded by the paparazzi I would always walk a girl to the door, but you’re already going to be on Page Six tomorrow.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. I spotted the photographer from The Post. Caption will probably read Jake Frost at upscale restaurant with unidentified stunning redhead.”

She tried to hold back a smile but couldn’t. “Stop it, I’m not stunning. Especially considering your previous dinner companions were in the Victoria’s Secret TV fashion show and on the covers of swimsuit issues.”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“Nope. Need something to hold over your head. And not the one you used to think with.”

“Very funny.” He walked her to the elevator, put his hands on her shoulders and turned her so she was facing him. “Lexi, I really enjoyed tonight.”

“Me too.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been out on a date and just talked to a woman for five hours.”

“So when you were out with a garden-variety supermodel you talked for two minutes and then—”

“Sorry, that didn’t come out right. Just another example of me being a total mess off the field. I meant I really enjoyed talking with a woman as smart and funny as you.”

“Ah, so you’re only interested in my mind.”

“Oh, I’m definitely interested in the rest of you too, but your mind is certainly intriguing. So, can I see you again?”

She tapped her chin with one finger and looked to the side. “Hmmm… I think you’ve behaved well enough to merit a second date.”

“Have I behaved well enough to merit a goodnight kiss?”

She moved closer to him. Lexi craned her neck to look up at the man who towered over her. “Sure, if you’ve got a stepladder handy.”

“When you’re six-five, you don’t need one. But I can fix the problem.” He reached down, placed his hands on her sides and effortlessly lifted her up so that she was at eye level with him. She took his head in her hands and gave him a soft kiss. Their lips parted and she locked eyes with him, getting a look that went right into her soul. The kiss from an incredibly attractive man, along with too much champagne and a subconscious desire to get even with Dave, all dropped her inhibitions down to near zero. She slid her arms around his neck and their lips met again as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. His hands slid under her hips, supporting her as she kissed him with a hunger she’d never known with anyone else.

Ten minutes later she stopped, rested her head on his shoulder as she ran her hands across his back, savoring the feel of the massive, rock-hard muscles under his shirt. “Damn.”

“Yeah. So much for the look but don’t touch body language.”

I was referring to the fact that your muscles have muscles, but whatever. She leaned back and smiled at him. “I told you I was just getting comfortable.”

“You comfortable now?”

“Very. But you need your sleep and I’ve gotta work tomorrow too.”

“And if you stay here any longer I’m not going to get any sleep at all.” She tried not to blush but her freckles caught fire. He set her back down and pressed the button on the elevator. “Next Tuesday, then?”

“To be continued.” The elevator door opened and she backed into it, not breaking eye contact.

And as soon as the door closed, she knew she’d gone too far.

CHAPTER FOUR

“Well, if it isn’t the unidentified stunning redhead.”

Lexi studied Chandler’s face. “What the hell are you talking about?”

He handed her the day’s edition of the New York Post, open to the gossip section known as Page Six. Her eyes went wide as she saw the photo of herself with Jake Frost getting into the limo. “Holy shit!” Then a smile slowly grew. “Hmmm…. they actually called me stunning.”

“My sentiments exactly.”

“The holy shit part or the fact that you’re surprised they called me stunning?”

“I’m not at all surprised at your description in the publication, as you have, since the day I met you, consistently underestimated your appeal to those of the male persuasion. As for the expletive involving excrement, since when are you being escorted about town by a professional athlete? Were you unable to log on to Ashley Madison’s website?”

“Oh, stop it. I don’t need to visit an affair website. I met him at the Jets’ news conference the other day. He asked me out and seemed like a good guy.” She pulled off her sunglasses. “Damn, it’s bright in here.”

Chandler moved closer to get a good look at her bloodshot eyes. “Ah, revenge of the grape.”

“Don’t remind me. But do remind me not to drink champagne on a weeknight when I have to go to work the next day. I feel like someone’s hitting a Chinese gong in my head. I think I’ll just work on those press releases all day.”

“Perhaps not. Mister Caruso called again with yet another emergency request for your help with one of his clients.”

“When did he call?”

“Five minutes ago.” He handed her a message slip.

“Okay, let me see what he needs. This could be a very lucrative client. And he seems like a really good guy.”

“You met him?”

“No, we talked on the phone forever the other night. Really had a connection.”

“Speaking of connections, what’s the story with the aforementioned professional athlete?”

“Yeah, we had a connection as well, but I’m regretting it this morning.”

“Since you’re wearing a different outfit than yesterday, I assumed you were not doing the proverbial walk of shame.”

“Hey, what kind of a girl do you think I am? No, I meant that since I’m on the rebound I should be taking things slow and they got a bit out of hand last night. But not that far out of hand. Champagne on a first date is a bad idea for me. Anyway, let me get back to Kyle and see what he’s got for me.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll work up a dossier on the weekend gladiator.”

“He’s a football player, not a guy fighting lions in the Coliseum.”

“Similar occupation, different era. Regardless, I wish you to know who you might be getting into bed with. Literally and/or figuratively.”

“You don’t have to do that—”

“I should have done it with your last paramour.”

“Point taken, Chandler. Knock yourself out. Dig up as much dirt as you can find. Hopefully you won’t discover anything, but better safe than sorry.”

She headed into her office, pulled her cell from her purse and dialed Kyle’s number. He picked up on the first ring. “Lexi, thanks for calling back so quick.”

“Not a problem, Kyle, what do you need?”

“One more athlete who needs an attitude adjustment. But at least this one’s not in trouble with the police.” Lexi took notes as he went over the situation. “Anyway, as usual I’m stuck out of town and was hoping you could knock some sense into the kid.”