
The city steamed under the remnants of a tropical storm front. The scattered clouds brought no rain, but the humidity that cloaked the tennis club seemed to drag the perspiration right out of Kevin's pores.
Kevin paced along the top of the bleachers. Though intending to scan the tournament crowd, he found it impossible not to focus most of his attention at the women's singles competitors on the courts below. How could they play so hard on a day like this?
Not that hard exercise didn't appeal to him. Firm muscles rippled under his tank top and shorts, the result of daily weight-training and gymnastics, supplemented by twice-weekly karate practice. He knew how to sweat. The difference was that he preferred to conduct his workouts indoors, in temperature-controlled rooms.
In fact, he'd developed quite a reputation at certain indoor sports. Ironically, that's what had led him outside today.
A man in the front row waved up at him. Kevin nodded and threaded his way down the steps.
"Hi, John," Kevin said as he arrived.
John, a tanned, sinewy individual whose physique instantly identified him as a tennis coach, shook Kevin's hand and gestured at the short, pot-bellied man beside him.
"Kevin, meet Greg. He's our sponsor."
"Always glad to meet the money man," Kevin replied with a flair. "So--which girl should I be looking at out there?" One glance at the court told him which one he'd like it to be.
John and Greg both sprouted enigmatic smiles. "Right in front of us, of course. In the pink skirt. Her name's Sadie."