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The constant drumming of the pouring rain, tapping on my windows, made me want to snuggle deeper into the covers of my bed. I closed my eyes, in the hopes that the piercing beeping had all been a dream. It wasn't, and I knew I had to get up. Today, I had a huge interview with local football hero and legend, Dominique Shelby.

Dragging myself to the shower, I replayed how my editor decided I needed to cover this human interest piece on another NFL athlete, getting another fifteen minutes of fame, by "giving back" to the community. I was a senior investigative reporter, and this article seemed beneath me. But, Paul, my editor, convinced me it was the right move, because it was coupled with an on-camera segment through our sister station and ABC affiliate. He knew I had an interest in broadcast journalism, and after five years of covering corruption, government waste, fraud and scandals, he thought this was a good in for me. I thought a juicier story would be a better transition piece, but reporters, especially anchors, have to show versatility.

Dressed in a blue and white plaid Ralph Lauren shirt, with matching khaki loose fit slacks and blue loafers, I sprayed on some Bond 9, and rushed out the door, not wanting to be late. Traffic was crazy, and I barely made it to the local middle school, where Dominique was hosting his Manhood Summit. I was to cover the event, and then interview him afterward.

As I stepped into the auditorium, I had to admit, I was impressed. Just outside, there were all types of information booths in the foyer, with African American and Hispanic leaders from various fields, from business, to law enforcement, to music, radio personalities, almost every walk of life seemed to be represented. Inside the auditorium a panel, including Dominique was seated onstage, as the moderator was pointing out the giveaway bags to all the boys gathered. The moderator also thanked the audience for coming out and supporting the event.

"We reached out and appealed to the community for 100 men to come out and help us step up and provide positive mentors and role models to our young brothers. I am so proud to say that we are overwhelmed that more than 700 men showed up today. I'm sure Dominique will say more about it later, but I wanted to thank each of you, myself."

The program flowed smoothly, and I was surprised at the openness of the conversation, between the teenagers and men of influence who gathered. I watched as young teenagers expressed the pain of abandonment, loss, fears of succeeding, being the first in their family to ever go to college, wanting to escape gang life and crime that plagued their families. At each turn, I saw men of color, speak to their issues with authority, and not only that, but also avail themselves to help them. I saw grown men hold young men and weep with them over situations that resonated deep within. I was moved and inspired to do something. After the interview, I would see what I could do tho partner up with the Shelby Foundation to help boys who looked like me to beat the odds.

Before I knew it, two hours had passed, and the event was winding down. I kicked myself for not arriving earlier, because I wondered what the classes and breakout sessions had offered. After waiting for what seemed another hour, as Dominique signed autographs, answered reporters' questions, and stopped for tthe occasional sound byte and film shot by local and state media, I finally introduced myself.

"I'm Blake Wilson with the Chronicle. We were supposed to have an interview at two-thirty," I said, glancing at my watch.

For the first time, in the last twenty minutes, he looked up from his seat on the edge of the stage where he had been signing autographs. "Oh yeah, my bad, dude, I guess I did go over a little, huh?" He flashed the most beautiful smile of perfect white teeth, and I was struck at the same time by his gorgeous greenish-light brown eyes and the aromatic fragrance of Creed. He reached out to shake my hand, and I felt a spark of electricity.

I felt this sense of suspended animation, even though time was definitely moving. A thorough researcher, I had seen numerous pictures of Dominique Shelby and memorized numerous facts about his life, but nothing prepared me for the sheer presence and aura that was embodied in his smooth caramel complexion and muscles that rippled under his Sean John Dress shirt. His massive shoulders had me speechless, and even though we both stood at 5'10", I was totally captivated. My loins stirred, and I'm pretty certain that pants started to tent. This man was making me hot!

"You do eat, don't you?" he asked, looking puzzled.

Finally, his words seemed to pierce through the cloud that encompassed my brain. He was asking me to dinner, to continue the interview there.

"Sure, I do. With all the great things that went on here today, I had forgotten that I haven't eaten," I slowly replied.

"Cool. Then, it's settled. Just follow me to my crib. I gotta shower and get out of these clothes."

"Huh? Wait....what?"

"Look, just follow me home," he said as we walked out of the front entrance of the school. "I would say, just leave your car, but I don't trust the neighborhood."

After securing my cell number, Dominique got into a very clean, but modest BMW 760i, warning me that he can sometimes be a bit if a speed demon. I assured him, I could keep up, and at times it was a challenge for me and my Lincoln MKZ. Soon, we were speeding toward Lakeview Estates, a posh neighborhood in an elite suburb outside the city.

Already, this interview was starting off like no other I had ever conducted. I thought about the stunning, almost hypnotic effect this man had on me. I had to admit that he was fine. I felt my loins stir again.

As I wondered aloud to myself, "Blake what are you getting yourself into?" After a serious heartbreak, I had totally numbed myself in work. I pondered my question again, noticing for the first time, that rain had stopped, and the sun was shining.