The Tycoon's Marriage Exchange by Elizabeth Lennox Read Free Book Online Page A

around her and enjoy her gusto , but he did so with straining muscles and clenched teeth. 
    He wasn’t sure he was going to be able to deal with the next ten days until the wedding he thought as they made their way back through the tunnels to the team locker room.  As the owner, he knew it was essential that he show up and congratulate the team on their hard fought win .  They’d done a good job , not giving up when the other team continued to score against them and he owed them a huge pat on the back for their efforts .  But all he really wanted to do was to carry Kallista off and make love to her , for once in his life he wanted to ignore what he knew he should do, and proceed with what he wanted to do .  She wouldn’t appreciate that action though, and probably not even him thinking it.  He looked down at her shining head and bright eyes, wondering what was going through her mind right now. 
    Kallista watched in fascination as she and Hector were immediately surrounded by extra security.  Why they would need that as they walked through cement tunnels she had no idea but she walked alongside Hector, taking her cues from his attitude.  
    When they entered the brightly lit locker room and the noise and sweat hit her, she was a bit taken aback, but tried to hide her surprise.  She thought this kind of thing was reserved for the team and sports reporters but she pretended to take it all in stride , but she moved closer to Hector, feeling more secure with his heat and strength beside her . 
    As soon as they stepped in, the team hushed and all of them turned to face Hector.  “You all did a great job today.  I saw the effort each of you put into that game and I was very impressed.”
    Kallista looked around, seeing the reactions of the other players and smiled with pride.  The team members were trying to impress Hector!  It wasn’t just about the paycheck or the glory.  There was something about the way Hector managed the group that helped each of the players dig just a little deeper, go that extra mile and make the play to help overcome their opponents.  It was a mysterious quality, but Hector had it if the expre ssions on the players’ faces were any indication.
    “ I s that you’re new fiancée?” someone called out from the back of the locker room.
    Hector turned slightly and caught Kallista ’s hand.  “Yes.  This is my fiancée , Kallista Papadelias .  It was her first basketball game and I can guarantee that you’ve made her a fan for life,” he announced.   “Thanks for the win!”
    Kallista laughed and hugged his arm affectionately.  “It was a fabulous game !   I really enjoyed all of it.  Especially that last point!  Very exciting,” she said and smiled brightly at the team, all of whom were pushing and jostling each other, back slapping the guys that had scored the most points or had a good shot. 
    “You don’t really need this old guy’s money, Ms. Kallista ,” one of the team members called out daringly from the back of the pack .  “ C ome on over and marry me!  I got enough money to keep you in style.”
    There were several hoops and laughter, more pushing and shoving and Kallista laughed good naturedly and moved closer to Hector, showing her support for him, while not rejecting the team’s humor .  “I think I’ve found a keeper, gentlemen.” 
    “She’d never leave Mr. Christophe for you, doofus!  But I got the last shot.  She’d leave him for my talent alone, wouldn’t you, Ms. Kallista ?”
    Kallista shook her head , leaning her head against Hector’s bicep and hugged his arm closely .  “I’d never give up all this charm and personality,” she called right back, giving as good as she got.  The hoops and laughter at her comment increased exponentially and Kallista smiled up at Hector who only rolled his eyes. 
    “W ith that. I’ll bid you good night.  Have fun at the po st game interviews and parties,” he said and put his arm around