The Surprise Princess Read Online Free PDF Page B

basketball,” Brad said primly.
    “See, I knew I’d get through to you eventually, Spence. Couldn’t have said it better myself. You’d think there was a reporter lurking around,” C.J. said.
    “Or somebody from the administration or the NCAA,” Brad said.
    C.J. nodded. “Suppose you’ll get some of those questions when you go to Chicago tomorrow. Isn’t that red-headed TV reporter still chasing you? Not that I have to worry about you putting your foot in your mouth. In fact, you’re so good at it, your talent is wasted as a mere assistant coach. It’s time you have your own program.”
    As Brad had indicated last night, they had this conversation frequently. She knew it was because C.J. wanted the best for Brad, wanted him to succeed in his career. He was a great coach. Technically, yes, but even more in his handling of players, both those on the team and the prospects.
    Still, she didn’t look forward to Brad leaving. After all, he was an integral part of the program.
    “No way. I don’t want those headaches. The hassles. The media. You keep being the front man and I’ll sit at the master’s feet.”
    C.J. frowned. It was a mock frown, yet Katie saw concern. “Am I going to have to use one of these big feet to kick you out of the nest?”
    Brad grinned. “I’d cling to the edge and climb back in. So we might as well go hit the court to see if you can use those big – and slow — feet to block out that play I was telling you about, Coach.”
    C.J. cuffed his shoulder. “These big, slow feet can still get around you. Don’t think they can’t.”
    As they bantered their way toward the court, Katie let her breath out in slow, small increments.
    Not slow enough, not small enough.
    The second she looked around and found Carolyn watching her, she realized that.
    Carolyn said slowly, “I worry about Brad sometimes.”
    “About
Brad
?”
    “You know those four who were C.J.’s first recruits – Brad, Ellis, Frank, and Thomas – had quite the ride during their playing careers. The media, the fans, the girls. I suppose I should say women, though emotionally …” She shook her head. “You would not believe the way some of them went after those guys. Ellis was too smart, Frank was too shy, and Thomas was sure anyone who chased him simply realized how wonderful he was. But Brad … Brad was optimistic enough to keep hoping one would turn out to be genuine, but too smart not to recognize when he was wrong. Until … Well, I shouldn’t keep you from your work and I suppose I should head for my office. Though if you’d like to talk…”
    Talk? No.
    Hear what came after that “until”? Oh, yes.
    But if she asked wouldn’t Carolyn guess what Katie had kept hidden for so long?
    No notice. Draw no notice.
    The warning sounded in her head in her mother’s voice.
    Were the words from a specific instance? A distillation of an attitude? Or her imagination?
    But they were good advice. Especially now.
    “No, no. I need to get to my work, too, Carolyn. Have a good day.”
    What could the other woman say after that?
    ****
    Brad came out of a high school gym set into a hill in a suburb west of Chicago and headed for his car. A tall figure leaned against it. When he recognized the man he muttered a curse under his breath.
    “You didn’t think I was going to go away, did you?” Hunter Pierce asked.
    “Why not? You got your answer.”
    Pierce looked at him steadily. “Because it’s not that simple. I think you know that.”
    “I’m not the one to be talking to. It’s Katie’s business. Has nothing to do with me.”
    “Oh, I don’t know about that. When the direct route doesn’t work, indirect is the way to go.”
    “It’s Carolyn and C.J. you should talk to, then,” Brad said.
    “I have. After you and I talk, you should talk to them, too.”
    Brad wasn’t sure he was up for that.
    C.J. had a way of looking at you that made you feel like you’d been pinned to a wall. So you stood as straight as