In the Red Zone by Crista McHugh Read Free Book Online

with it.” Her friend leaned against the desk, one balled-up hand on her hip. “I want details.”
    “We just had lunch.”
    “And I don’t believe a word of that.”
    One of the many problems with working with a friend who’d known her since high school. Sherita could spot a lie from her like a beautician could spot a bad weave job. But how much did she dare reveal about the fake romance she was trying to cultivate? “He flirted.”
    “Tell me something I don’t know.” She fanned herself like it was a sweltering ninety-degree day. “That man can get me hot and bothered with just a glance, but that still didn’t change the fact he was only interested in you.”
    “He’s interested in me because I’m the head of the foundation,” Kiana replied, turning her attention to the emails that had arrived while she was gone.
    “And I’m a virginal nun.” Sherita shifted until she blocked the computer screen, her arms locked across her chest in a way that said she wasn’t going to leave until she’d gotten all the juicy details.
    Kiana leaned back in her desk chair with a groan. “Fine. I got him out of a bad situation in exchange for him helping me promote the gala.”
    “And?”
    “And part of the reason he took me out to lunch was because if we’re seen together in public, people will think we’re dating, and it will draw more attention to the foundation and clean up his image in the process.”
    “Bullshit. That man has the hots for you, and he’s just playing along to get past your defenses.”
    She sat up. “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “When was the last time you went out on a date?”
    She almost replied, “Just now,” but instead she said, “You know why I’m not in any hurry to let a man into my life.”
    “No, you’re just hiding behind your kid. Besides, not every man is like Malcolm. Mr. Hottie there, for example—”
    “Is called ‘Romeo’ by his teammates for a reason,” Kiana finished. “Besides, he has a temper, and I know better than to get involved with a man who knows how to throw a punch.”
    Sherita’s posture went lax, and she hung her head. “Aw, sweetie, I didn’t mean it that way. I just think it’s time you get back out there and remember what it’s like to be a woman.”
    “Are you saying I’m turning into some shriveled-up prune?”
    “You said it. Not me.” Her friend pushed off the desk and made her way to the door. “But if I had a man like Frank Kelly chasing after me, I’d definitely indulge in a little fun while I could.”
    Kiana waited until she was alone before opening up the photos Frank had placed on her hard drive. The smiling version seemed to match the man who’d danced with her in the club and flirted with her over lunch. Charming. Carefree. Confident.
    But when she clicked on the stern-faced version, a shiver of fear raced down her spine. This was the man who had a reputation for knocking quarterbacks to the turf on Sundays. The man who’d beaten the crap out of Malcolm and his friend and sent them both to the hospital less than a week ago.
    Her pulse jumped, and a metallic taste filled her mouth, reminding her of all the times Malcolm had hit her until she tasted blood. Her hand shook as she reached for the mouse. She closed the image before it triggered a panic attack.
    She’d been fooled before, but she’d learned her lesson. As much as Frank Kelly intrigued her, she needed to stay far away from him.

Chapter Five
     
    Frank lifted the barbell with a grunt. His pulse throbbed in his temples, and his lungs burned from the effort of bench pressing two hundred and twenty-five pounds. But dammit, he was going to get to forty reps.
    He only got to thirty-two before a loud bang disrupted his concentration. The force of the metal door hitting the wall behind it echoed through the nearly empty weight room, followed by the pounding of heavy footsteps. Frank had barely replaced the barbell with the trainer’s assistance when Tre’s