Games of the Heart Page 5

  “Ooh, that sounds intimate,” Tangela cooed. “What’s this Marshall guy like?”

  Sage paused. Good question. What was he like? If Tangela had asked her four days ago, she would have said Marshall Grant was a brute of a man with a down-home Michigan attitude and a sexy Brooklyn swagger. But yesterday she’d seen a charming side to him, a protective side, and she liked it.

  The sound of Tangela’s voice cut into her thoughts. “You’re stalling. That must mean he’s superfine! Is he light-skinned with good hair?”

  “No.”

  “Is he buff?”

  “You know it.”

  “Does he drive a Hummer truck?”

  Sage joked, “The closest Marshall’s ever been to a Hummer truck is peering at one through the showcase window.”

  “He doesn’t sound dreamy,” Tangela confessed, after a lengthy pause.

  “He’s supertall and he has the most gorgeous smile, but he doesn’t look like Antwan or anything. Honestly, he’s the last guy you’d expect to see me with.”

  “And you’re attracted to him?”

  “I know, it’s crazy, but there’s something about him that turns me on. Every time I see him, I break out.” Sage giggled. “Tangela, it’s disgusting. Brings back memories of when I was thirteen. Not good times.”

  “Girl, you’re too much! Thanks, I needed a good laugh.”

  “I’m glad I could entertain you, but I only have a few more days to sign Khari and things aren’t looking good. If I blow this, there goes the executive manager position, and I’ll be stuck toting around child stars for the rest of my life.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Sage. You’ll get the job done. You always do.”

  “I wish I had your faith, but it’s been one problem after another. Leo will have my head if I don’t come through.”

  “Remember, success doesn’t come to you, you have to go out and get it.”

  “Oh, so now you’re quoting me,” Sage teased. “It’s good to know my pearls of wisdom aren’t being wasted…” Hearing the distant sound of male voices, she turned in the direction of the parking lot. Marshall and Khari were climbing out of a rusted Jeep, equipment bags on their shoulders and water bottles in their hands. What the hell?

  Her Puma tracksuit, hat and gloves were stylish, but her hair was gathered in a sloppy ponytail and she didn’t have a lick of makeup. If she had known Marshall would be here, she would have dressed up. Or at the very least, put on some mascara. Jogging in low-rise jeans and leather boots would kill her ankles and raise suspicion, but at least she’d look good doing it. Now, instead of sauntering over and striking up a conversation, she had to find a way to escape unseen. Damn!

  On the line, Tangela called her name, her voice loud and frantic. “Sage? Are you there? Is everything all right? Sage?”

  “I gotta go.” Sage hung up the phone, slipped it into her pocket and took off back to her car like a lightning bolt.

  Sage had one foot inside the rental car when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

  “Where are you running off to?”

  So much for a clean getaway, she thought, facing Marshall. She could see Khari starting to run in the distance. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “I thought that was you out on the track,” he said, coming over.

  “It’s a small world, isn’t it?” Sage had never been the shy sort, but the way he was looking at her made her wish she was anywhere but there. Lipstick would have brightened her face, and concealer would have minimized the hideous pimple on her chin. His eye contact was intense and admiring, but that didn’t mean he didn’t notice the unsightly blemish.

  “I’m beginning to think you’re stalking me.” His gaze tore into her, and goose bumps pricked her arms. “Everywhere I go, you just happen to be there. Coincidence? I don’t think so. There’s something else going on here.”

  Sage swallowed the lump in her throat. Had she been had already? Mouth dry, hands trembling, she racked her mind for something to say in response. All she had to do was play it cool. Men couldn’t resist a charming, attractive woman. Not even occasionally uptight men like Marshall Grant. Armed with a witty comeback, she raised her chin and flashed him a sexy smile. “You’ve got it all wrong. You’re the one stalking me! Every time I turn around, there you are,” she told him, poking her index finger in his chest. “Yesterday at Champions, and this morning you just happen to show up in the middle of my workout.”

  His grin was slow in coming.

  “I won’t call the police this time, but don’t let it happen again.”

  Marshall tossed his head back, his full-bodied laugh loud and strong. Wearing a smile, and radiating sheer masculinity, he took a step toward her. “You didn’t answer my question. Where are you running off to?” He leaned against the driver’s-side door, foiling her escape.

  “Nowhere. Just back to my hotel.”

  “I still can’t believe you’re from Vegas. It never occurred to me that people actually live in that city.”

  Sage shrugged. “I hear that a lot. People who’ve never been to Vegas assume it’s nothing but bright lights, casinos and five-star hotels, but there’s more to the city than meets the eye. I’ve been there for ten years, and I’m there to stay!”

  “Really?” His face was wrinkled with skepticism. “I can understand the lure of the Strip, but from what I hear, the city is riddled with crime, poverty and pollution.”

  “Most residents don’t frequent the Strip. That’s tourist stuff. And people don’t move to Vegas to ‘have a good time.’ They move there to find jobs, cheaper housing, and better opportunities. I know a lot of entrepreneurs who failed in other cities, but their businesses are now thriving in Vegas. If you have the drive, ambition and the right personality, Vegas is a gold mine.” Sage paused, wishing he wasn’t looking at her so intently. It was hard to concentrate when Marshall was staring down at her, his lips moist, his smile penetrating. His gaze unsettled her. Made her loose mind run rampant with lustful thoughts. Thoughts she had no business having.

  “A week ago, a reporter for the Indianapolis Chronicle wrote that Las Vegas is a city consumed by greed, competition, and fueled almost entirely by the sex industry. Are you telling me that’s a lie?” he asked, a suspicious look clouding his features.

  “Vegas is a sexy city. What can I say?”

  Her sly grin incited a chuckle from Marshall.

  “As for the pollution, crime and poverty, it’s no worse than anywhere else. I’ve traveled a lot and I’ve learned to appreciate the good and the bad. Poverty is everywhere, even in wealthy countries like Norway, Switzerland and Japan. It’s just better hidden.”

  “I never really looked at it that way,” he confessed.

  “Most people don’t.”

  “But I should know better. I was stationed in Kuwait for years, and a lot of Kuwaitis have a self-righteous attitude. Prostitution, drugs and crime happen everywhere else but in their own backyard.” He stared down at her, the expression on his face one of appreciation. “Thanks for the reality check.”

  “Anytime,” she told him. “Now quit trailing me and we’ll be cool.”

  They laughed together.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Marshall pulled his eyes away from Sage and gave Khari a smile. “Nothing. Stay out of grown folk’s business.” His tone was light, but there was no mistaking the underlying meaning. “You finished your laps already?”

  “I sure am,” Khari said, dousing his face with water. His gaze slid to his father’s companion. “I remember you. You’re the World Mission lady, right?”

  “That’s me.” Sage waved at Khari, suddenly envious of the relationship he had with his dad. As a teen, she’d desperately needed a mentor to help her navigate the treacherous waters of high school. But there had been no one to check her homework, or talk to about her problems, and she had secretly longed for a father’s love. She had to settle for her foster mother’s.

  “Dad, we should go.” Khari
approached the Jeep truck, opened the passenger door and slid inside. “Coach will bench me for tomorrow’s game if I’m late for practice.”

  Marshall wasn’t ready to leave. He wanted to continue talking to Sage. “It’s times like this that I wish you had your license.”

  “I could have gotten it last year, but you said I wasn’t ready,” Khari shot back, a smug smile playing on his lips. “If I could drive, you wouldn’t have to chauffeur me around and you’d have more time to do other things.”

  Sage pointed at the school. “Don’t you practice here?”

  “We did, until scouts and reporters started showing up. The cameras were distracting, so Coach arranged for the team to practice somewhere private.”

  “Your son’s an incredible basketball player. He’s bound to attract attention.”

  Khari poked his head out the window. “You’ve seen me play?”

  “Who isn’t a Khari Grant fan in this town?” she replied good-naturedly. “You’ve captured the heart of the entire city!”

  “I’m the man, huh?” he joked with a chuckle. “I’m going to go all the way, World Mission lady. I’m going to make it to the pros!”

  Her laughter was cut short by the sharpness of Marshall’s tone.

  “Basketball’s a team sport, Khari. It’s not about you. And you’re certainly not the man.” Khari started to apologize, but Marshall withered him with a look. “How do you think your teammates would feel if they heard you say that? If you want the spotlight to yourself, go play golf.”

  Lowering his head, Khari sank down into the passenger seat. He tugged at his seat belt, clicked it into place and stared out the windshield.

  Marshall turned back to Sage. “Sorry about that.”

  “I’m sure Khari didn’t mean anything by it. He was only—”

  “We have to get going,” he said, interrupting. “I guess I’ll see you around.” Face pinched in anger, he strode toward the Jeep SUV and flung open the driver’s side door. Seconds later, when the battered SUV disappeared in the thick stream of morning traffic, Sage knew her mission was in serious trouble.

  Chapter 5

  “I need more time.” Sage stared at her boss, who was visible on her laptop computer. She would have preferred talking to Leo on the phone, but he had insisted on having a videoconference.

  “Did you hear me, Leo? I said I need more time.” Climbing Mount Everest would be easier than gauging her boss’s mood. She couldn’t read the expression on his face and if his eyes weren’t open, she’d swear he was sleeping.

  “I heard you, and the answer is no.”

  Her eyes strayed to the window. It was the first time she’d seen the sun since arriving almost a week ago, but Sage wasn’t fooled by its splendor. The wind raged against the hotel and icicles dangled from the balcony railing. “I was employee of the month three times last year! Trust me, Leo. I can do this.”

  “Sure you can.”

  “Are you forgetting that I lured Devin Skye away from In the Know Management? She had a successful run on that Nickelodeon show.”

  “That’s old news. You signed her how many years ago? In the prophetic words of Janet Jackson, what have you done for me lately?”

  Sage could hear snickering in the background and knew their intimate videoconference for two wasn’t so private. Nine years as a celebrity manager was ancient by Hollywood standards and although most of her clients were pubescent, law-abiding teens, Sage was ready to take her career to the next level. Starting now. Annoyed that she didn’t have her boss’s full attention, she said, “If you’re too busy to talk, we can do this another time. I just hope someone else doesn’t sign Khari while we’re sitting back twiddling our thumbs.”

  The mention of Khari’s name brought Leo’s gaze into focus.

  “I can persuade Marshall to sign with us. I just need another week. Two max.”

  “I knew you couldn’t do it.” Leo shook his head, the disappointment in his eyes piercing her soul. “I applaud your efforts, Sage. I really do, but your time is up.”

  His words mocked her, momentarily weakening her resolve, but she rebounded before frustration set in. “Marshall’s warming up to me. I’ve made a lot of progress in the last six days. In fact, he…” Sage racked her brain for something, anything that would impress her boss. “He’s taking me out for dinner tonight.”

  “It’s time for you to step aside and let me take the reins. I’m going to square his debts, buy him a Porsche and see to it that he never has to work again. That’ll bring him around.”

  She shook her head. “Money isn’t the right angle, Leo. Marshall Grant can’t be bought.”

  “Everyone has a price, Sage. Everyone.”

  There was an exception to every rule and Marshall Grant was it. Integrity was at the heart of who he was and he’d rather do without than break the rules. “His place is real nice. It’s small, but cozy and he has all new furniture.”

  “You’ve been inside their house?”

  Detecting awe in her boss’s voice, she donned an innocent, wide-eyed look. “Oh, I was there for hours,” she lied, hoping he believed the tale she was spinning. “If Marshall didn’t have to go to work. I would have closed the deal right then and there.” It was an outrageous lie, but it was the only thing she could think of.

  “That’s the closest anyone’s ever got to the family.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Sage said. “Marshall’s very protective of his son.”

  “Khari was there?”

  “Yeah. Great kid, and smart too. With his grades and basketball skills, he can get a full scholarship to any school of his choosing.”

  “Good work. I can’t believe you pulled that off.”

  “Does that mean you’ll give me an extension?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

  “No.” His voice was firm, like a steel door slamming shut in her face. “I need you back here pronto. Hailey Hope’s up for a Teen Choice Award and I need you to accompany her to the show. It’s in Orlando, and the Hope clan has never been to O-Town. Throw out the red carpet. Take them to see the dolphins. You know the drill.”

  Her eyes tapered. “I’m not going.”

  “Yes, you are. I’m still your boss and that’s an order.”

  “But I’m making progress with Marshall. You said so yourself!”

  “You were lucky.”

  “Luck is the time when preparation and opportunity meet,” she told him matter-of-factly. “Don’t give up on me, Leo. I can make this happen.”

  “Pack up and come home.” His tone was brisk, reminding her that he was the one in charge. “I’m tied up here right now, I should be out that way soon. Tell Marshall to expect me when you say goodbye.”

  Her mind raced, spinning futilely with no end in sight. “I’m taking my holidays,” she announced. “I’ll be back in three weeks.”

  “That’s not how things are done around here, Sage. You have to apply for time off like everyone else and wait for my approval.”

  “Really?” she challenged, eyes blazing. “I don’t remember Jamaar or Whitney putting in notice when they went to the Bermuda Jazz Festival.”

  “They’re model employees,” he explained, adjusting his silk tie. “They’ve been with me for years. I don’t mind making an exception for dedicated staff.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way because I’ve been with the agency longer, and if you check my file you’ll see that I’ve signed more clients.”

  Leo’s mouth remained a taut scowl, but she could hear whispering in the background.

  Undeterred, Sage continued. “I’m entitled to four weeks paid vacation and I’m taking it effective Monday.”

  “What is she up to?” asked a voice that didn’t belong to her boss.

  “Know this,” Leo spat out between clenched teeth, “if you’re not back here by March first I’ll be mailing out your severance pay.”

  Not bothering to reply to his threat, she closed her laptop. Dropping her head on the desk, she closed h
er eyes and soaked up the quiet sounds of the morning. Sage felt like a ship without a compass floating aimlessly at sea. She thought she’d made progress with Marshall, but Leo had made her feel inadequate. The problem was she hadn’t been aggressive enough. Standing, she packed up her laptop, tucked it under her arm and dashed into the bedroom. Sometimes to win you had to break the rules and that’s exactly what she intended to do. Game on!

  Two hours later, Sage stepped onto the Westchester Academy football field. Her eyes watered, her teeth chattered and her body shivered against the punishing arctic wind. Rubbing her hands together, she hustled across the field, searching the bleachers for Marshall.

  Spotting him, she wet her lips and ignored the sharp tingling sensation between her legs. Clad in a toque, a button-down jacket and jeans, Marshall towered head and shoulders above the spectators standing beside him. What was with this guy and plaid? she wondered, shaking her head in distaste. Didn’t he realize that it had never, ever been in style? Marshall had wide shoulders, a powerful chest and was a staggering six feet six inches tall, but he wore the ugliest clothes. He was an attractive guy; he just didn’t know how to dress. A trip to Nordstrom would cure him of his comfort-over-style mindset and not a moment too soon. Khari was going to be a superstar athlete and the quicker Marshall got with the program the better. Goodbye Eddie Bauer stores, hello Hermès boutiques!

  Anxious to talk to the single father, she climbed the steps and squeezed herself onto the crowded bench, almost knocking over a kid in the process. By the time Marshall noticed her she was standing beside him. “Hey, Marshall. What’s up?”

  “Sage? What are you doing here?” he asked, his face lined with confusion.

  His words slammed into her chest. There was no mistaking the edge in his voice. He was not happy to see her. Fussing with her scarf, she glanced out onto the football field. “I—I, um, it’s a funny thing…” she stammered, unsure of what to say.

  “I invited her,” Khari said, tossing a handful of popcorn into his open mouth.