But when Asia got back home two weeks later there was a message on her answering machine that threw all her well-made plans upside down.
“I miss you, Asia. Call me as soon as you get back.”
Now what was a girl to do? She loved him. She’d finally given up fighting that sad fact. But could she risk her heart? Did he really miss her or was it just the sex?
She heaved a sigh and flopped down onto the sofa, more confused now than when she’d left for Canada. She wanted to see him. Desperately. But she knew that if they found themselves alone she’d be the one ripping his clothes off, not the other way around.
And then where would that leave her? The stupidest thing a girl could do was to let a man know how much she wanted him. Unless he’d already made a commitment. And Rico hadn’t.
She sat there nibbling her fingernail, and then a thought came to her - maybe she could see Rico, but on neutral ground. And she’d get a chance to observe him in a totally different environment, get to see who he really was. She would invite him to the youth center.
******
It wasn’t until the following weekend that Rico was able to find an afternoon free to visit the youth center. When she’d called and invited him he’d been intrigued and had willingly accepted but then he’d followed immediately by telling her he wanted her to come over and he’d be sending a car for her. She refused. She didn’t say as much to him but she was determined not to fall under his spell and into bed with him again, not until she figured out how he truly felt about her.
“So where’s this young man of yours?” Shelley asked for the umpteenth time.
“He’s coming,” Asia said, trying to keep the exasperation out of her tone. He’d told her he’d be there at four o’clock. It was five minutes after. He'd probably got stuck in Saturday afternoon traffic.
Or maybe he’d stood her up? He was a billionaire, after all. Too big to mingle with the little people. By eight minutes after the hour she was convinced that her theory was right. And it didn’t help that Shelley kept pestering her about when he would arrive. And then he ran into the auditorium, a basketball under his arm, wearing T-shirt, sweat pants and sneakers. “Sorry I’m late,” he said with a grin, and loped over to give her a peck on the cheek. “I realize I wasn’t fully equipped and stopped to get some gear.” He pointed to his gym wear. “You like?”
Her heart melting with relief, she smiled back at him. “I like,” she said, "very much.” Then she felt a nudge and turned to see Shelley by her side.
“Hey, aren’t you going to introduce us?” her friend demanded, none too quietly.
“Of course. Rico, this is my very good friend, Shelley Smith. Shelley, Rico Megalos.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Rico,” Shelley said, taking his hand. She was practically preening for the man. But who could blame her? Today he looked hot in every sense of the word.
Asia could not tear her eyes from Rico. It had been three weeks since she’d last seen him and, if her body’s response was anything to go by, he was not forgotten. At the sight of him her ni**les had turned to pebbles in her blouse and her heart began to pick up speed. Calm down, Asia, he’s only a man. No need to hyperventilate.
“So, what do you want me to do?” he asked, his eyes never once leaving her face.
“Well, I did give you the choice of serving dinner or hanging out with the guys.”
“I guess my choice is obvious,” he said with a laugh. “Point me to them.”
After Asia got Rico situated on the basketball court with the six or seven youngsters there, she went back to help Shelley with the food.
“When I asked him to help out he wanted to donate money,” she said as she watched him in the distance. He’d just stolen the ball from a tough-looking kid. She was surprised. Rico wasn’t half bad on the basketball court.
“Money always helps,” Shelley said, her eyes on Rico, too.
“Yes, but our kids need more than that. And anyway, writing a check is easy. It’s taking the time to be with them that counts."
“Well said, sister.” Shelley gave a soft chuckle. “But you know what? Your guy seems to be doing okay on both sides. Look at how he just fit right in with the boys. And he’s not cutting them any slack, either. They’ve got to work to get that ball from him.”
She was right. Rico seemed like a natural on the basketball court. With his height and trim figure he moved swiftly and easily, bobbing and weaving toward the basket. The boys, although younger, had nothing over him when it came to scoring a basket.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?" Shelley asked.
“Uh, huh.” Asia nodded. “With skills like that he’s bound to be a basketball fan…”
“Which means he probably has connections in the basketball world.”
Shelley said, finishing Asia's thought. “Next time he comes to the center we have to introduce him to Robert."
“If there is a next time.” Asia rolled her eyes, mocking Shelley’s confidence.
“Oh, there will be,” Shelley said with certainty. “I told you we needed some more male role models around here. I think we’ve found our first candidate.”
That evening Rico stayed until the center closed at nine o’clock, playing game after game with the boys, eating with them and chilling on the benches, telling them stories about being on a semi-professional team in France. The boys listened open-mouthed and when it was time to go the women had to shoo them out. They were so fascinated with Rico they hardly even wanted to leave.
“Yup,” Shelley said, “he’s the one.”
After the last boy had gone Rico strolled over to them, his damp T-shirt clinging to his body. “That was good,” he said with a sigh. “I haven’t had such a good workout in ages.”
“Glad you had fun,” Asia said, trying not to stare. The sight of his ni**les and broad chest under the damp T-shirt was bringing back memories. It was turning her on.
They stood there staring at each other as if the two of them were the only people there. That was the way it must have seemed because Shelley suddenly cleared her throat, causing them both to turn.