Changeup (Double Play Series Book 4)

by Nicole Rodrigues

  “Bye Mani,” Miguel calls out.

  Normani gives him a wave and we get to the sidewalk as I hold Normani's hand to walk to my car.

  “So why didn't I know you had a brother and why did you get all weird about us kissin’?” I ask.

  “Because it's weird, he's my brother and not many people know,” she says shaking her head. “He's my half-brother. My dad had an affair with Miguel's mom and when she died, she left him a note explainin’ everything. Explainin’ how to find my father and he did, kinda. He uh...found me and that's it, story over.”

  I shake my head and laugh.

  “I know that's not it. Story's not over, there's more to it than that,” I say.

  “Well, that's all you're gettin’ for now. Sorry,” she shrugs.

  “Fair enough,” I say putting my hands up in defense.

  I know she's probably had a hard past. Now putting all the little pieces I know about her together, I know more and more now why I'm so attracted to her. She's strong, so fucking strong and she doesn't need me.

  So many times in my life women needed me. Needed a release, needed a new purse, needed man candy to accompany them to a fashion show. Normani has been living her life without me and she could take me or leave me. That's what attracts me to her, her independence.

  “Why are starin’ at me?” Normani says breaking me out of my thoughts.

  “Sorry, just thinkin’.”

  “Thinkin’ about what?” she asks as we get to my car.

  I open the door for her and she gets in as I walk around to the driver’s side.

  “You seem different today,” I ask eyeing her.

  “I uh...got some good news I guess you can say. “

  “Oh yeah? What's that?”

  “Just somethin’ I've been worryin’ about that I don't have to worry about anymore,” she says looking out the window.

  “Another secret, huh? Alright fair enough. You don't sound super happy about it though,” I say curiously.

  “I am. Really happy. I guess I just don't know how to act now.”

  The car is silent for a couple of minutes and I struggle with what to say. I don't know anything real about Normani except she has a brother, a hard past and no parents. We've gotten through all the little details through our conversations, but I don't know what to say in this moment. I don't know how to make her trust me enough to confide in me with something this important.

  “I have ears if you wanna talk it out,” I say hoping that's enough.

  “My father...Miguel got word that he died in prison.”

  “I...okay great then. Good right? I…”

  Normani laughs a soft laugh.

  “It's good Devin. It may make me a cold-hearted bitch, but it's a good thing. I just...it's weird to...I don't know, not have the burden out there anymore.”

  “It doesn't make you a cold-hearted bitch. My first thought was happy as fuck, I just wanted to feel you out first. Anyone that hurts you don't deserve a life on the same earth that you walk. That may make me a hot-headed caveman, but I can't ask for all of you if I don’t show you all of me too.”

  Normani studies me as we sit at a red light and my walls are down. I can't expect her to trust me if I hide things from her.

  “That scare you? I would never do anything to hurt you, but I can't say the same to anyone that hurts you,” I rasp out.

  “If you almost poundin’ my brother into the ground today was any indication, I'd say I get it. You don't scare me Devin,” she says putting her hand on my cheek. “This is fast though,” she says motioning between the two of us. “That scares me a little.”

  “We’ll keep takin it slow, exhibit A; day date,” I smile taking her hand and kissing the top of it.

  She smiles and it warms me that she is so trusting, despite all that she's been through.

  “I like that. Slow it is.” She sits back in her seat and adjusts the radio and stops, turning towards me.

  “Sing for me again,” she says turning to face me.

  I laugh and shake my head.

  “Just like that huh? I'm your beck-n-call boy?”

  I look over at her and she has her arms crossed with her eyebrows raised.

  I laugh and nod towards the radio.

  “Turn it up darlin’.”

  She turns the radio higher and we both belt out the words to “Meant to Be” her taking the woman parts and me taking the mans. Normani is slightly tone deaf but I smile at how carefree she looks right now, belting out the words without a worry in the world.

  “‘Cause I'm tired

  of the fake love,

  show me what you're made of

  Boy, make me believe.”

  I laugh as she holds her hands in front of her like a microphone and I grab her fist moving it to my mouth as I belt out my part.

  “But hold up, girl,

  don't you know you're beautiful?

  And it's easy to see.”

  We laugh and continue to sing as I pull into the pub parking lot and cut the engine.

  “Can I ask ya somethin’?”

  “We both know that you're gonna, ask it anyway caveman.”

  “Still don't like that nickname,” I say pointing at her.

  She grabs my finger and bites the tip as she laughs and I groan shaking my head. I know my question will dampen the mood so I store it away for another day instead. Her cheeks are red from laughing and I don't want that smile to fall from her face.

  “Alright forget it. That maneuver swiped all thoughts from my head you little minx.”

  “Oh my God, see? Caveman!”

  I laugh as I get out of the car and walk around to her side, opening her door. I shut it behind her and open the door as an older couple walks out. I take my hat off, running my hand through my hair and nod.

  “Ma’am. Sir,” I say to the couple as I hold the door for them to walk through.

  “Thank ya son,” says the old woman.

  I motion for Normani to walk inside first but she comes up to me, grabbing my long hair and running her fingers through it, pulling my face down to her.

  “Your manners are very sexy, caveman,” she whispers giving me a soft kiss then walking inside.

  I smirk, shaking my head and putting my hat back on my head.

  Slow Gavinwood, you're taking things slow.

  Chapter 6

  Normani

  “Holy shit,” Bella says as I walk out of the bathroom of my apartment.

  “My God,” Lacey says her mouth agape.

  “Too much?” I ask cringing.

  I went shopping the other day to buy a new outfit for tonight. The red form fitting dress stops just above my knee. The sheer, lace top covers my chest and back, leaving my arms bare. It covers the scars on my back, but the ones on my wrist are covered with the bracelet Devin bought me. Truthfully, I haven't taken it off since he gave it to me.

  We're going out for Bella and Devin’s birthday and it's my first night in a long time where I don't feel chained. I don't feel the anxiousness, I just feel happy. Really, truly, happy and I can't honestly remember the last time I felt like that.

  I've been groomed to be hard, feel nothing, get by in life by the skin of my teeth and at the mercy of men. Ironically enough, the smile on my face was put there by a man. A man so different than them.

  “No way! It's perfect. You may have more muscle on you than me, always hidin’ behind those baggy clothes. Damn girl, I'm draggin’ you to the gym with me from now on. I swear ever since I stopped playin’ ball, the jiggle started to come,” Bella says shaking her head.

  “Or babies,” snorts Lacey.

  “We’re waitin’ until after the weddin’,” Bella snaps.

  “It was a joke, relax,” says Lacey holding up her hands.

  “Focus y’all,” I say snapping at them. “You sure it ain't too much?”

  “No way. I'll refrain from sayin’ anything pervy because well, he's my brother. But super hot!”

  I smile and w
e walk towards the kitchen, Bella opening a bottle of champagne and popping the cork.

  “I know you don't drink,” Bella says handing me a glass. “But one sip to celebrate?”

  I smile and nod, knowing I’m safe with these girls and one sip won't hurt. Plus, we'll have our three, big ballers waiting for us at the club, but suddenly I don't feel the need for control. Everything is finally falling into place.

  “Happy birthday Bells,” Lacey and I say clinking our glasses together.

  ----

  The club is loud, really freaking loud and we make our way through the swarm of people to the back. There are a couple tables marked off with a red rope and Devin, Nico and Damon stand there drinking. There are a couple other guys from their teams and their girlfriends or wives draped over them.

  “Now the party has begun,” says Nico coming up to us and grabbing Lacey by her waist, pulling her to him.

  “We ain’t doin’ this Hulk,” Lacey protests.

  Nico laughs and takes her in his arms anyway. He kisses her hard and I turn my gaze to Devin. He's giving me a big, dimpled smile and hops off the small platform, making his way to me.

  “Normani Jameson. You make a fool like me forget how to breathe.”

  I roll my eyes and he puts a hand on the back of my neck, pulling me to him for a kiss.

  His lips cut off any sassy remark I can make, and I feel his hand snake around my back. His touch is soft and I know his newfound knowledge of my past is the reason.

  The past week has been more than I could ask for. Constant texts or calls, surprise visits in the office, attention that I now crave but never needed before. It scares me how much I have grown to need Devin. I never needed anyone, before besides Miguel.

  Devin’s hand cups my cheek and his other moves slowly down my neck. His touch sends shivers down my body and I feel myself reacting.

  We haven't taken it further than kissing but God I'm dying to touch him, for him to touch me. Our tongues tangle together, our bodies coming closer together and we hear whistles and cheers and we break our kiss.

  “Normani, you gonna come out for my birthday? I want a present like that too,” Lance says winking.

  I feel Devin’s hand stiffen on my neck and I put my hand on his chest to steady him.

  “Don't,” I whisper. “He ain't worth it, it doesn't bother me.”

  “Well it bothers me. You're mine,” he growls.

  He turns his gaze to Lance, and I see the fire in his eyes.

  “Lance, I warned you once, I'll warn you again. Talk about my family or my girl like that and I swear you'll be out of chances.”

  The threat in his voice causes Lance to put his hands up and laugh and the tension amongst the group is now high.

  “Shots,” Bella yells, fully aware and trying to break it.

  Everyone nods and starts to smile, and I feel Devin relax under my touch.

  “Pick your battles Dev. That doesn't make a difference to me either way. He's an idiot.”

  “I would be the same if he said it about Bella, Lacey or anyone. I told you my faults Normani, I can't change that.”

  I cup his cheek and kiss him softly before pulling back and looking into his gorgeous blue eyes.

  “Believe me when I say that's not a fault Devin. I know how important baseball is to you though, don't do anything that will compromise that, especially not for me.”

  “Don't worry about me darlin’. Come. I got us a pitcher of virgin rum and cokes.”

  I laugh and shake my head.

  “That's just coke then.”

  “Shhh. Whose birthday is it? No sassin’ the birthday boy.”

  Devin takes my hand and our fingers fit together perfectly. A small voice in the back of my head tells me this is too good to be true, but I push it away. Maybe this is finally my light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to enjoy it while I can, while things in my life are finally going right.

  Devin hands me a glass of coke and I sip it with a smile on my face.

  “You're too sweet, you shouldn't have,” I say batting my eyelashes.

  “Miss Jameson, are you givin’ me some lip?” Devin says against my ear.

  I shiver at his touch and shrug my shoulders.

  “Well, what if I am?” I whisper back.

  In one smooth motion Devin grabs my glass and pulls me down off the platform and onto the dance floor. He spins me around and then pulls me to him quickly, so our chests collide.

  “This is where you belong darlin’. In my arms, always.“

  I nod because I can't speak. His hard ridge pressed against my belly makes me want things I've never wanted before.

  “Devin…”

  My voice is desperate and breathy, my eyes closed as I feel his lips on my neck, pressing against my racing pulse. His hand moves down my back slowly resting on the top of my ass.

  “I've never wanted somethin’ as badly, somethin’ as much as I want you. I dream of this ass,” he says moving his hands lower to cup it.

  I let out a breath and my grip on his back tightens, keeping me on my feet because all of the sudden I feel faint.

  “I dream of these lips,” he says giving me a soft kiss and taking my bottom lip between his teeth, pulling a little before unlatching himself.

  “Devin…”

  “Too much? Tell me to stop talkin’ Normani,” he says his voice desperately trying to hold back.

  “Don't,” I say frantically. “Don't stop talkin’.”

  “I dream of this pussy, squeezin’ my hard cock.”

  “Holy shit,” I moan.

  “Come home with me tonight Normani,” he says against my ear.

  “Devin...we said slow remember? I'm...I want this so badly but, I'm new to all this.”

  “Okay,” he says his voice straining.

  I don't want to be a tease, but my body is playing tug of war. I want everything he's promising me, but I also want to keep my head on straight.

  This scenario is playing out way too familiarly and I don't want the same result. Devin is different, at least he seems that way, but I know too well what smooth-talking men are capable of.

  The song changes and Devin brings me back to the tables.

  “Because you snore!” Lacey yells slapping Nico's chest.

  “I have a nasal problem, you ass,“ Nico says rolling his eyes.

  “Did you just call me an ass?” Lacey snaps.

  “Yes, I did, ass.”

  Nico pulls Lacey's face to his arm pit and she squeals, hitting his chest.

  “You are the worst! You're lucky you smell good tonight! He did that shit to me once after workin’ out, I almost puked right on the livin’ room floor.”

  I laugh at the two of them, envying their banter and love even though they’ve had it rough the past few months, they still seem to be working it out.

  Devin wraps an arm around my shoulder and I lean into him.

  “I don't remember you complaining when I dragged you in the shower with me,” Nico smirks.

  “God your arrogance is fuckin’ irritatin’,” Lacey says rolling her eyes.

  “Oh, you love it, Blondie,” Nico says grabbing her cheeks.

  “You’re drunk, you ass.”

  He pulls her face to him and kisses her, fast and hard and Lacey slowly sits up, straddling his lap.

  “You really don’t play fair Hulk,” Lacey whispers as she launches back on him, growling.

  I blush and look up at Devin and he smirks.

  “You ain't used to that yet darlin’? You know how they are.”

  I laugh and shake my head and Bella comes back towards the table.

  “Alright y'all. Another round of shots?”

  Bella grabs a shot off the table, swaying a little.

  “Slow down angel,” Damon says steadying her.

  “I only had one drink,” she whispers back.

  I watch her and her eyes are wide, panicked and she brushes past Damon heading towards the hallway.

  “She's
been sick all week but refused to ditch tonight,” Damon says running a hand down his jaw.

  “I got her,” I say walking towards the bathrooms.