“What if I get hurt?”
“If you’re seriously injured, that’s a different story. You’ve been playing long enough to know that your legs will get heavy and muscles will ache, but the coaching staff needs to be able to trust in your ability to find a way to push through the day and answer the call if need be.”
“Got it. I plan to be ready.” Chris lifted the drink. “This is really good. Is this the kind of stuff Lauren will make me drink all the time? And is she going to put me on a strict diet?”
“The shakes are good for muscle recovery after a workout, so I assume they’ll be available after practices. As far as a diet, Lauren will give you the tools you need to play your best game. You just have to follow her plan.” They finished their drinks and headed for the showers. Malcolm took a moment to tell Nigel he thought the shakes would be a good addition. Obviously, Lauren knew her stuff.
Afterward, Malcolm slid behind the wheel of his black Camaro, started the engine and cranked up the air. The temperature had reached the upper eighties, typical for July, but once practice started, it would feel at least ten degrees warmer. He backed out of the parking lot and started down the two-lane highway. The facility was located four miles outside Buena Park and there was nothing but open space and a few trees along that stretch of the road. Halfway to the city limit, he spotted a car parked on the side of the road. A woman stepped out with a phone to her ear. Lauren. As he got closer, he was treated to the sweet curve of her backside in the gray slacks. Malcolm could see irritation on her face. He pulled up behind her and got out. He leaned against her car and waited until she disconnected. “What happened?”
“When I left work a few minutes ago, nothing was wrong. All of a sudden, the stupid car started losing speed and all it would do when I stepped on the pedal was rev up, so I pulled over and called the emergency road service.”
From what she said, Malcolm suspected it might be her transmission. “How long did they say you’d have to wait?”
“Two and a half freaking hours,” she said, scrubbing a hand across her forehead. “I don’t have time for this.” Lauren paced back and forth and then threw up her hands. “I don’t even know where to tell them to take it.”
He straightened from the car, intercepted her when she passed him and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Relax. I know a good mechanic. I’ll call the shop and have them tow your car there, okay? You can call and cancel yours.”
She let out a frustrated breath. “Okay. Thanks.”
He pulled out his cell, made the call and arranged to have her car picked up. “It’ll be about an hour.”
“That’s much better. Now I don’t have to wait as long in this heat.”
“You won’t be waiting at all, because I’m taking you home,” Malcolm said without thinking.
“Um...you don’t have to do that.” Lauren waved him off. “The wait won’t be that long.”
“No matter what has happened between us, you know I’d never leave you here alone, Lauren. And it’s too hot to sit out here.”
Lauren stared up at him, apparently considering his offer. Finally, she nodded.
“Why don’t you grab your stuff and lock up.”
She reached into the back seat and took out a purse and large tote, closed the door, and locked it by remote.
At his car, helped her in then got in on the driver’s side and pulled off.
“Still like muscle cars, huh?”
“Yep,” he said with a smile. “And I have my motorcycle, too.”
“I should’ve known you’d make good on it. That’s all you used to talk about in col—”
The mention of college seemed to raise the tension and an uncomfortable silence ensued, but Malcolm didn’t want to ruin the light mood. “I bought it after I got my first paycheck, just like I said.” They shared a smile. He’d also promised to buy her an engagement ring with that check. One out of two wasn’t bad. “So, where do you live?”
“Carson. I wanted to be close to my parents, but far enough to discourage surprise visits.”
Malcolm laughed. “I totally understand. But my mother doesn’t let that stop her. She doesn’t think anything about the thirty to forty-five minutes it takes to get to any of our houses.”
She turned in the seat to face him and groaned. “Are you serious? I hope my mother doesn’t start doing that.”
“Very serious.” He told her stories of times when his mother had camped out at each of her children’s homes and laughed as Lauren shared some of her own parent woes. He realized that he still enjoyed talking to her and wanted more time. “How about we have some dinner?” He took his eyes off the road briefly to gauge her reaction.
Lauren leaned back against the seat and stared out the window. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Malcolm,” she said quietly.
She was probably right, but he ignored the warning bells in his head telling him to keep his distance. He didn’t know why, but he wanted more time with her. “Think of it as an apology for my behavior last week.”
“What are we doing, Malcolm?”
“We aren’t doing anything. Just two people having dinner. Nothing more.” Except maybe kissing again. The last time he had been angry, but it didn’t change the fact that the passion still burned between them—or that she had kissed him back.
“All right. But what about my car?”
“When we get to the restaurant, I’ll call and give him your number.” Malcolm glanced at the clock on the dashboard, which read four forty-five. “The shop doesn’t close until six thirty, and I doubt they’ll close up before checking out your car and letting you know what’s wrong. Since it’s pretty early, I’m hoping we’ll miss the dinner crowd. We can stop by afterward, if it’ll make you feel better.”
“It would. Thank you.”
They rode the rest of the way in companionable silence, the only sounds coming from the hum of the air conditioner and the soft beat of the music playing.
“Ruth’s Chris?” Lauren asked when he parked in the lot across the street from the restaurant.
“Yes. You don’t like the food here?” Malcolm shut off the engine and regarded her thoughtfully. He probably should have asked where she wanted to eat, but the women he’d taken out in the past typically didn’t care where he took them, only that he paid the bill.
“No, that’s not it. Actually, I’ve never been to the restaurant.”
“Good. I think you’ll enjoy the food.” He hopped out of the car, went around to her side and helped her out. She still wore a slight frown. “What?”
“I figured we were going somewhere less...elegant...and cheaper.” She glanced down at herself.
He followed her gaze and took in the slacks and sleeveless blouse. “You look great, so stop worrying. We won’t be put out,” he added with a chuckle.
“Fine. But I’m paying for my own food.”
Malcolm glared. “Nah, baby. I don’t think so.” Belatedly, he realized what he’d said. The endearment slipped out as if there hadn’t been eight years of separation. He reached for her hand and escorted her over. Due to the early hour, they only had to wait ten minutes for a table. Fortunately, they were seated in a booth near the back.
“Tom will be taking care of you and your guest tonight, Mr. Gray.” The hostess handed them menus.