Single Mom's Protector - Complete Series

by Nella Tyler

  “Hey, Emmi, I thought you were coming over to meet the other players.”

  “You looked like you had things under control, Dad.”

  Steve nodded at Bennett before looking back at me. “Well are we ready to head out then, Emmi?”

  “Sure, if all your work here is done.”

  “Yes, well, I have some thinking to do. So let's get going.”

  “It was nice meeting you, Bennett,” I said.

  “It was my pleasure meeting you both. Have a good day.”

  I walked away with my father and turned to look at him over my shoulder. He winked at me, still holding the slip of paper I gave him in his hand.

  Chapter Eight

  Stave and I took a drive down to Myrtle Beach to do some sightseeing before dinner. The beaches there were extraordinary and we often liked to take walks. It helped to burn off that ballpark food, as well.

  The thing I loved about walking on the beach was the hot sand against my feet. It was so natural and luxurious at the same time. I had always wanted to live on the beach; the idea of hearing the waves crashing while you slept and having such beauty before you when you started the day sounded incredible to me. One day perhaps that could be part of my dreams.

  I took my sandals off as we walked down the beach to feel the heat against my feet as the sand went in between my toes. I could always cool them off in the water, too, if they got too hot. We usually took our walks in silence. It was just our way. I was certain that my father had a lot on his mind. He never took choosing players lightly, and he knew that he was on the clock when it came to getting the best players first. I knew he was muddling all that through his head as we walked. I liked people watching, as well. It was interesting looking at the people sprawled along the sand. Some were sun tanning, reading a book or even sneaking a drink of beer. The public beaches didn't allow beer drinking, but many people brought coolers anyways and hoped for the best. Then there were the people that came to the beach to swim and they were out there spending the day swimming, surfing, paddling, or on jet skis. I was more of a sun-worshipper, myself. I liked getting a good book and camping out on the beach, getting a tan for the day.

  There was a couple walking towards us that had a puppy and I bent down to pet it. My father kept walking ahead lost in his thoughts. I ruffled the puppy's head before I stood up. It occurred to me that my father had more on his mind than just the team. I headed to the surf briefly and stuck my feet into the water. The coolness took my breath away, but it felt amazing. It was a nice cool down from the hot sand.

  Steve stopped, realizing he was alone and turned to see where I had gone. He smiled when he saw me in the water. He didn't move from his spot, he just stood there and watched. He was thinking about my mother, I knew that now. It hadn't always been the two of us that came to walk on the beach. Before her death, my mother used to be the ringleader to our beach excursions. We used to all walk hand in hand along the beach, the perfect family. My mother died at an early age of cancer when I was five years old. I only have brief memories of her; sometimes I even forget what she looked like. From there I had been raised entirely by my father who had never remarried.

  I jogged up to my father and continued walking with him. I took his hand in mine and squeezed. I loved my father dearly and although I had very little memory of my mother, I still missed her every day.

  “I feel like having some steak. Do you want steak?”

  I chuckled. “Sure, Dad, let's go.”

  I put my sandals back on and we headed back to his truck. We drove to the local steakhouse, which happened to be one of Steve's favorite places. It was an expensive establishment, so you knew the meal was going to be well worth the price.

  We pulled into the parking lot and both got out of the car. I was dying to pick my father's brain about Bennett now that he had a moment to process it all.

  We sat down at a table and ordered a couple of beers. As I was looking over the menu, my father surprised me with a question.

  “Why were you talking to Bennett in such length? I was stunned to turn around and see you still talking to him. Did you know him prior to us meeting?”

  “No, of course not, Dad. It was my first time meeting him, as well.”

  He looked at me puzzled. “You weren't talking business with him were you?”

  My mouth dropped open. “Dad, of course not. That's your job and it's up to you to discuss such things with Bennett if you choose to hire him.”

  “So why would you stay there instead of coming to meet the other players. They could just as easily be part of our team.”

  “I know, Dad, I'm sorry. I didn't think it was a big deal. After all you made it perfectly clear that it's your decision not mine. I just wanted to continue talking to Bennett about the game.”

  “So that's it?”

  I looked up from my menu and blushed. Steve was relentless sometimes and he had a nose like a hound dog. “No, that's not it. I like him.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I like him. Bennett that is, as more than just...a friend, if you can even call us that. I guess what I'm saying is that I have other interests in Bennett aside from getting an awesome pitcher.” I quickly turned my eyes back to the menu.

  “Does he have interest in you, as well?”

  “I have reason to believe so. We exchanged numbers and I expect to see him again.”

  I looked back up at him to see how he was taking it. He nodded his head and looked down at his own menu while taking a sip of his beer.

  “Well, you're a very special lady, so he better deserve you. He better know what an amazing girl you are.”

  I smiled, surprised at how well he was taking the news. He didn't seem angry at all.

  “Thank you, Dad, and I don't want this kind of news to get in the way of your decision with Bennett. This doesn't change business at all.”

  “Of course not, honey. I don't base my decisions on things like that. But I do want to warn you to be careful with dating a major league hopeful. It may not go the way you think it will. I also want you to be sure he isn't just out dating you because of his hope of getting on my team.”

  I laughed. “Dad, you have nothing to worry about. I assure you that Bennett isn't like that at all. And I know all about major league hopefuls. I'm a smart girl and you should trust my instincts. Connie already gave me the 411 on what it would be like dating a professional baseball player, it's okay.”

  “I know you have good instincts, I saw that today myself. I just want you to be careful.”

  “I know and I appreciate that. But I have been in baseball my whole life, I know all about players and what they're really after. Plus he wouldn't be the first baseball player I dated.”

  “What?! Who?”

  I laughed. “Don't worry about it Dad. We only went out a few times and you would probably kill him if you knew.”

  He shook his head. “Probably. I love you, sweetheart, and it would be a big mistake for any guy to cross you. Because then they are crossing me, too.”

  I smiled. I took a long sip of my beer loving the cool bitter taste.

  “I know, Dad, you're awesome. You always look out for me. But I'm fine, really. I'm not rushing into anything. We'll see how it goes.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “So any more thought on Bennett? That is, about the team.”

  He laughed. “Don't push your luck, Emmi, I already have to digest the fact that you are going on a date with the boy. I'm not ready to make a decision right now and you will just have to wait and see.”

  “Okay, fair enough. Thanks for taking me with you today, though. I had a really good time.”

  “So did I, sweetheart. We make a great team.”

  I smiled. “Yes, I totally agree.”

  We looked through the menu and ordered when the waitress arrived. I felt good overall about our day together. Although my dad was being elusive with his thoughts, I still felt confident that he was going to choose Bennett. I was also
relieved that the idea of me dating Bennett didn't freak him out. Maybe he was finally realizing that I was finally growing up and didn't need to be babied anymore.

  I did, however, find it a little odd that he thought Bennett would date me to get a place in the MLB. That thought was a little too alarming to spend too much time thinking about. I couldn't imagine some of the players doing that sort of thing, never mind Bennett. I knew he wanted on the team badly, but I didn't think he was that type of person to take me for a ride just to get there. Or was I being too trusting? No, it just wasn't possible. I would take things slow with Bennett and be sure what his true motives were. I felt genuine interest from him, and I didn't think he would hurt me just to get to the top. It just wasn't possible.

  Chapter Nine

  After our steak dinner, my dad drove me back to my apartment. It had been a long day and I was completely pooped. I didn't think I would be able to stay up very late that night, but unfortunately I still had homework to complete before class the next day.

  Steve pulled into my driveway and turned off the ignition to the truck. I was hoping he didn't want to come in for a drink because I wasn't sure I would be able to keep my eyes open long enough to entertain him.

  He turned to me and smiled. “Well here you are. I wanted to say again that I had a great day hanging with you today. You're a joy to be around, my Emmi.”

  “Thanks, Dad, I had fun, too. We will have to do that more often. I like being in the mix of things with you.”

  “I enjoy that, as well. I will let you know what happens with Bennett as soon as I make a decision. I would appreciate it if you didn't discuss that portion of things with him when you are out, though. Keep that side of things professional and away from whatever dating situation the two of you get into.”

  “No problem, Dad. I know what I'm doing and I would never discuss those things with him, I promise. So don't worry about it.”

  “I know you won't, sweetheart. I'm just making a point.”

  “Like I said, this isn't the first player I have dated, so I know how to handle the business end of things. I'm not worried and neither should you.”

  “Okay, well, you have a good night. And we'll talk soon. I love you.”

  “I love you more, Dad.” I kissed him on the cheek before I got out of the truck.

  I unlocked my apartment door and headed inside. The lights were on in the kitchen and I didn’t know why. I never leave stuff on when I go out. I headed there slowly, hoping that it wasn't going to be the start of a horror flick in my home. When I turned the corner from the hallway to the kitchen, I saw Connie at my kitchen table with a bottle of wine.

  “What the heck are you doing here? How did you get in?”

  She laughed. “You gave me a key, remember, in case of emergencies. I figured you would be home soon cause you always go for dinner with your father. I want to hear about your day.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I feel shitty for how blasé I was about the whole thing earlier. I may not understand your world of baseball, but that doesn't mean I don't understand you. You're my best friend and I love you, so spill your guts already.”

  I laughed. “Connie, I'm exhausted and I still have homework to do.”

  “Homework can definitely wait. It's girl time right now and I need some gossip. So spill it.”

  I laughed. “Okay, fine.”

  Connie went ahead and opened the bottle of wine and went to retrieve some glasses. She poured us both a glass and handed me one.

  “How was your day, Connie?”

  “Well I did horribly on a test, but I still have time to make it up, so it's not the end of the world. Though it did put me in a foul mood. But that's what wine is for right?”

  “Oh you know it. Good wine, too. Wow, where did you get it?”

  “A friend of mine recommended it, so I thought I would give it a try,” she took a sip of the wine, as well. “You're right it's fantastic.”

  I was pretty sure that the wine was going to knock me on my ass due to my exhaustion. But it tasted great, and I was actually looking forward to telling Connie all about my meeting with Bennett.

  “So don't keep me in suspense forever, girl, tell me all about it. Did you actually get to talk to this guy or what?”

  “Oh ever better, you're going to love this.”

  I explained to her how my dad and I watched the game and how impressed he was with Bennett.

  “Oh my God, I love ballpark franks, so delicious. I should have skipped school and went with you guys.”

  “Well, I'm surprised I'm not hammered with the amount of drinks I had today, but we ate a lot and went for a walk on the beach.”

  “Awe man, your dad is so awesome, what a nice guy.”

  “Yes, he's the best.”

  I then went on and gushed about how we went onto the field and my dad and Bennett spoke. I blushed as I told her how Bennett kept looking at me and making eye contact while they talked.

  “It was really kind of sexy. I was just watching them and he kept making eye contact with me. Like he was surprised I was there.”

  “Awe, that sounds so cute. The guy is hot, so good for you.”

  “I know. Like just looking at him makes me swoon. Those are some good genes.”

  “So you got to talk to him?”

  I smiled and took a sip of my wine. Damn, that was good wine. “Yeah, after my dad talked to him he went to see the other players, I sorta just hung around. We got to talking and he asked me out.”

  “Seriously? Just like that?”

  “Yeah, it was actually pretty amazing. We got to talking and we were so comfortable with each other that we were saying the most personal things to each other. I couldn't believe how safe I felt with him and I don't even know him.”

  “Wow, I'm jealous. To be honest, I don't think I have ever felt like that around a guy.”

  “Me neither, not that soon anyways. We just had immediate chemistry. So we exchanged numbers and he said he would call. Do you think he will?”

  “Of course he will. Have you looked in the mirror?”

  I laughed. “Stop it. The guy probably has hot girls hanging off him all the time.”

  “Maybe, but he probably doesn't have the same connection with them that he had with you. That's genuine stuff, and it doesn't come around every day.”

  “I hope you're right.”

  “I'm really happy for you, Emmi. Sounds like things went exactly the way you wanted them to. I can't wait to meet him.”

  “One step at a time, Connie. We don't want to scare the guy off.”

  We laughed together. I felt so much better about the whole conversation after talking with Connie. I had nothing to worry about when it came to Bennett, I was sure of it.

  “So does your dad know?”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, the guy was on to me immediately. As soon as he saw me talking to Bennett, he knew something was up. He asked me about it over dinner. I was honest with him, and he seemed to take it really well.”

  “Wow, the guy is evolving.”

  “Yeah, he did warm me to be careful with the players, though, just in case Bennett was asking me out just to get on my dad’s team.”

  “Really? Well from what you said about Bennett, he seems like a really nice guy.”

  “He is. But I guess it could all be an act, right?”

  “No way. You have been in baseball forever. You're not a groupie. You would have heard if that guy was a douchebag or not.”

  “Yeah maybe.”

  “Come on, Emmi. How many stories have you told me about some of the players cheating on girlfriends and whatever? Tons! You know which ones are the good guys and which ones aren't. You would have heard about this guy if he were a hot mess. Besides, Bennett has no idea how much your dad gives you credit on this stuff. He didn't know that you would be there today nor does he know that you even have a say in your dad’s choices. Your dad is no softie; he wouldn't choose a guy just because you were dating him. If
anything, it would be the opposite. Everyone out there knows you don't plan on taking over the team, so I don't really see what a guy would benefit from if he were just in it for the hopes of getting on the team. You would see through that in a heartbeat.”

  “Yeah, I know. You're probably right. I just thought it was weird that my dad brought it up. It made me wonder if he had heard of it happening before. Bennett is a good guy, he would never do anything like that to hurt me.”

  “Well, there you go. Just relax and enjoy yourself.”

  “Thank God I have you, Connie.”

  I reached over and hugged her tight.

  Chapter Ten

  I could hear the phone ringing, but it sounded so very far away. The pounding came first and not much else could get by that. Why did I drink wine last night? Why? It was never a good idea when I had school the next day.

  Connie and I ended up staying up late last night drinking two bottles of wine and coupled with the drinks I had already had that day, I should have seen the headache coming. It was foolish and now I wasn't sure if I would be a functioning adult at school. There would be no hope of concentrating in class, and I wondered if I should bothering going in at all.

  I sighed deeply and rolled over in bed. My phone was on my nightstand. I picked it up and peered at it blurry eyed. Oh God, it was Bennett. Bennett was calling me!

  I almost fell out of bed trying to answer the phone before I lost him. My phone said 10 a.m., so he was an early bird, to be sure. Who calls a girl at that hour, he must have been up for hours before then.

  “Hello?” I rasped into the phone. I probably should have tried speaking before I answered the phone.

  “Emmi?”

  Oh man, he doesn't even recognize my voice. Well do you blame him, Emmi? You sound like a raptor first thing in the morning.

  I cleared my throat and tried again, “Yes, it's me.”