Playing For Keeps Read Online Free PDF

Three
    Despite another restless night Malcolm was up and out early. His morning run was timed perfectly, early enough for him to avoid the rising heat and humidity the local weather forecasts were promising for the day. And like clockwork once he was done running he headed toward his local Starbucks, arriving at the door shortly after their opening.
    Cilla had already made herself comfortable at the corner table when Malcolm eased his way inside. She smiled brightly when she caught his eye, lifting two beverage cups in the air. Malcolm’s grin was miles wide as he made his way to her side. It had been two whole weeks since he’d last laid eyes on her. He’d actually given up hope that they might run into each other again so he couldn’t help but wonder what had brought her there.
    â€œGood morning!” she chimed sweetly. “They told me this was your favorite. I hope they got it right,” she said as she shot a quick look toward the Starbucks employee who was beaming at them both.
    â€œI’m sure it’s perfect,” Malcolm said as he took the seat beside her. He was still grinning foolishly, the sight of her a welcome surprise.
    â€œI thought I’d repay the favor,” Cilla said, answering his unspoken question. “And I wanted to see you again.”
    Malcolm’s eyes widened. He was taken aback by her comment. Any other woman and he might have questioned her motives. But there was something about the shimmer in Cilla’s dark eyes that felt genuine. The words out of her mouth felt open and honest. He never gave a second thought to believing Cilla. It had been some time since he’d met a woman who felt so forthcoming when he knew so little about her.
    He nodded. “I take that to mean I made a good first impression.”
    Cilla smiled. “You did all right,” she said teasingly. Her laugh was magnetic and the more she smiled the more she made him want to smile.
    â€œI didn’t think I was going to ever see you again,” Malcolm said matter-of-factly. “I kept looking for you at the club.”
    She nodded. “I’ve had a really hectic schedule. I still plan to come check you and your business out though.”
    â€œI hope you do. I think you’ll have a good time. But I’m glad you’re here now,” Malcolm said, his voice sweet and rich like a thick blend of honey and molasses.
    She laughed heartily, a blush of color washing over her expression. “So am I,” she said as she leaned back in her seat.
    She took a slow sip of her morning coffee, her gaze locking with his. She was excited to find him staring so intently as if he were trying to memorize each line and dimple of her profile. Staring back, their gazes danced together and she realized it would take very little for her to lose herself in the depths of his stare.
    She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as she shook her head from side to side. When she reopened them he was still staring, his bright smile radiating over her. She took another deep breath. She suddenly needed conversation to stall the rising emotion flowing between them.
    â€œSo, if you’re at the club nights what do you do during the day?” she asked as she rested her cup against the table. Malcolm shifted his own beverage cup next to hers. “Well, this morning I’m flying to Baltimore. I have an architectural business there and every few weeks I fly in to show my face and make sure things are on track.”
    â€œSo you’re running two businesses?”
    He nodded. “I am. Two very successful businesses,” he said, his broad chest seeming to push forward ever so slightly.
    She found his bravado entertaining. “When do you come back?”
    His eyes skated back and forth as if he were trying to remember his itinerary. “That depends. When are you going to have dinner with me?”
    Cilla laughed. “When you get back from Baltimore,” she said, her