“No, I can help with that. Hang tight.” I step inside to grab a throw from the sofa and returning with it.
I sit beside her and wrap the throw around her shoulders. When I do, she settles into the crook of my arm and puts her head on my shoulder. I look down at my watch, and set a timer, then relax back onto the lounge, enjoying the feeling of this woman in my arms.
“Tell me the best thing that happened to you this week.” She snuggles into my embrace as I ask the question.
“Well, there was a woman that brought in a puppy that had gotten his head stuck in a plastic treat tub.” She shakes her head. “Poor little guy was in a panic, but the owner pointed out that he didn’t start to panic until after he had eaten all the treats. At least she had the wherewithal to cut air holes in it until we could get him out. He’ll be fine now.”
“And how are the triplets?” I’m referring to the pups she’s fostering.
“Oh, my gosh! So stinking cute! Less cute when they start howling in the middle of the night, but they’re pretty adorable otherwise. You’ll have to come see them soon.”
“I’d like that.” I deposit a kiss on top of her head.
“Not to be greedy if you weren’t planning on asking, but if we go out this weekend, you could come pick me up. You could meet them then.” She raises her eyebrows in question.
“I was hoping you’d want to go out this weekend.”
It’s true, we’ve just started dating. I’ve already seen her once this week and plan to see her again before the weekend is over. I don’t care. I like her and she makes me feel good, so I don’t see any reason to play games by following ridiculous social protocols that dictate I pretend to be aloof.
She leans up and kisses my jaw. Everything about this woman is soft and sweet. I brush my lips gently against hers, then capture them, kneading them as I hold her close.
When the timer goes, I plate up the food and we eat dinner. Afterward, I show Tabitha the telescope, pointing out several of the star systems that are visible. It’s a clear night, and it turns out we’ll be able to easily view the sky show with the naked eye.
The furniture set I have in my backyard has a wide lounge that’s big enough for two people. I turn off the patio lights and the lights in the living room that lead out to the deck, grab another blanket, then join Tabitha to lay back and wait for the meteor shower to begin.
Lying next to her, though, I can’t concentrate on the sky. “I like the stars.” I tug gently on the collar of her blouse. “Very nice touch.” I smile.
“Thank you for noticing. I hoped you’d appreciate the choice.” She slides her hands up my chest.
I take off my glasses and lay them on the table beside the lounge. Tabitha rakes my jaw with her fingertips.
“Have I told you how incredibly sexy this stubble is?” She bites her bottom lip and grins.
“You have now. Have I told you how sexy it is when you make that little sound when we kiss? Maybe I shouldn’t admit it, but I love that sound.”
“Hmm, not sure I know what sound you mean.” Her grin is dirty, her eyes suddenly darker.
We’ve made out a couple of times, but this is the first time we’ve had complete privacy. This is the first time she’s been to my place, and I’ve never been to hers.
Tabitha moves against me as we kiss. I try to hold back, but she doesn’t. Before I even realize it, we’re kissing and dry humping like the horniest teenagers on the planet.
She wraps her legs around me, seeking, finding, using my body as our lips knead. She is doing more than sighing into our kiss, now. She’s moaning and making all sorts of sounds that make me want to discover what other noises she might make.
She feels right, this woman in my arms. She’s right for me. She’s the kind of girl I could date...maybe even fall for. Right now, though, in this moment, one thing I know without a doubt is that she’s a woman I want desperately. A relationship with her is what I want—what I need. I just hope she wants it to.
I’m taking my time with her. I want her to be comfortable before we take things to the next level. I like her, and the last thing I want to do is scare her off.
When our kisses finally slow, and our beating hearts return to their normal pace, I roll over and pull her on top of my chest, holding her close.
“That was…,” Tabitha swallows, hard. “Fun.”
“That’s a glaring understatement.” I chuckle.
“I like spending time with you…I really, really like making out with you.” She nuzzles my jaw with that last phrase and it feels pretty damn good, being with her like this.
“Dexter, I…I really like you.” Tabitha says, placing her palm on my chest. “You know that, right?”
My pulse quickens and my palms begin to feel damp. If this is one of those declarations that we’re not in sync, her actions have been totally incongruous with her feelings.
“Well, I was hoping you like me. If you don’t, hanging around with me is pretty confusing.” I wink and stroke her cheek. “I certainly like you.”
“Good. I just…I wanted you to know I’m not seeing anyone else. I went on one date right after our first one—I only went because I had already agreed to it and it felt rude to bail.” She casts a sheepish glance up from under thick, dark lashes. “I just wanted you to know that I’m only interested in you. I guess that’s what I wanted to say.”
Her look is hopeful, and I feel something I haven’t felt in a long time. I feel affection for this woman, not just attraction, but the seed of something more.
“Good. I’m not seeing anyone else either. I’m only interested in you too, Tabitha.” I pull her closer, pressing my cheek to the top of her head. It’s a declaration that I’m willing with every fiber of my being to make true.
I vow to myself to concentrate all my energy on Tabitha. She deserves my full attention, and I plan to give her everything I have.
When I look up, I see the meteor shower is in full force. I point up, and she gasps at the beauty above us. Inside, I am more appreciative of the beauty in my arms.
I am starting to feel a shift between her and me. I move toward it. I embrace it. Because this girl is the right girl.
CHAPTER 14
Sinclair
I’VE SPENT THE ENTIRE day rushing from one doctor’s office to another in the biggest medical complex in my territory. My feet hate me for putting them in stilettos today, and all I want is to get out of this suit and put my hair up.
I heave my heavy, wheeled sample case into the trunk of my car and climb behind the wheel. When I go to start the engine, I hear my purse buzz. I dig inside for my phone, and see I have a text from Cole.
We’ve been on a couple of dates, now, met for lunch a couple of times, and our nightly phone chats have become almost a ritual. He’s attentive and thoughtful, sexy and fun. Still, I’m taking things slower than I ever have before. We haven’t even slept together yet. I’m attracted to him…he’s an insanely good kisser. There’s just something that I can’t quite put my finger on that I can’t get past as much as I want to…a little unidentified something that’s making me take things slow.
COLE: Would love to see you tonight. Up to hang?
ME: It’s been a long crazy day. I’m super exhausted. I’m not sure I’d be the best company.
COLE: Impossible. You’re always the best company.
ME: What did you have in mind?
COLE: Something fun. Casual. Easy.
I’m insane. This guy obviously likes me, and I like him. Besides, it would be nice to blow off some steam.
Quit being so damned cautious, Sinclair. If you don’t let him in soon, really let him in, he’s going to move on.
Is that what I want? I realize as I look down at my phone, maybe I have been subconsciously pushing him away. Maybe Rob did more of a number on my trust than I thought.
I send my reply.
ME: If I can wear sneakers, I’m in.
COLE: You can definitely wear sneakers for what I h
ave in mind.
Okay, here we go. All in.
ME: Do you want to pick me up?
COLE: Six o’clock?
ME: I’ll text you the address.
I send Cole my address and head home to get showered and changed. I’m excited at the unexpected chance to hang out, but nervous, too. He’s never been to my place before. It’s not quite so much of a mess anymore, thanks to Dex helping me with the last bits of unpacking. Still, there’s something about having Cole come to my place that feels intimate. It feels like we’re moving to a new level. I’m both excited and terrified by that idea.
I shower and throw on preppy green shorts with a fitted, long-sleeved tee, and sneakers. I put on a little blush and mascara, and throw my hair up in a ponytail just in time to answer the door.
Cole looks incredibly sexy. He’s wearing shorts that show off muscular legs, sneakers, and a polo shirt that hugs every ripple of his chest and shoulders.
“Wow.” He steps inside. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Make shorts and a tee shirt look crazy sexy.” He flashes a grin that I suspect has gotten him both into and out of trouble in his life.
“I could say the same,” I reply, tugging at the hem of his shirt.
“I’m glad you could hang tonight.” He steps forward and wrapping his arms around me.
Before I even realize it’s happening, he traps my lips between his, and we’re standing in my foyer indulging in a desperately sexy kiss. He doesn’t go too far. It’s just enough to stake his claim to this night as a date, even if it is an impromptu and casual one.
“So this is okay for what you have in mind?” I gesture to my outfit.
“Perfect.” He looks past me, down the hall toward the living room.
“Oh, I guess I should give you the not-so-grand tour. Come on,” I take his hand and leading him into the living room.
“This is one of my favorite rooms.” I gesture to the wide sofa, comfy chairs and built-in bookcases.
“Because of the bookshelves?” He asks after a brief pause, walking toward one.
“Exactly. It’s one of the main reasons I chose this place.”
He walks over and pics up the photo of Dex and me. “That was in college, not long after we first met.” He scans the image.
“Wow, Dexter you were skinny back then, huh?” Cole smiles at the photo. It strikes me as odd that he’s addressing the photo as if Dex were here with us, but sometimes his manner of speaking is a little unusual, I’ve noticed, so I brush it off.
“Clair, now you,…you don’t look any different. Gorgeous then, gorgeous now.” Cole looks back to me, raising an eyebrow.
“Flatterer!” I lock my fingers with his and lean playfully into his arm. “Okay, on to the kitchen.” I lead him through to the bright, compact space.
“I like that the rooms have some separation. Dinner guests don’t have to look at piles of messy dishes from cooking.” We push through to the cozy dining room.
“If you like to cook, I can’t wait to show you my place.” He steps behind me and sliding his hands around my waist. He rests his chin on my shoulder, speaking close to my ear. “All the appliances are Viking. It’s a cook’s dream kitchen.” He glances a soft kiss against my neck.
“Maybe we can cook something together sometime?” He makes the proposition sound just slightly dirty.
“I think I’d like that.” I turn to take his hand and guide him out to the deck. “The patio covers half the yard, but having lived in New York for two years, I missed having some grass to walk barefoot through, so I love my little outdoor space.”
As I stand on the patio, he puts his hands low on my waist. He can’t seem to keep his hands off me tonight, and I’m not sure what to do because his warm, strong touch is wearing down my resolve.
“I love being outside myself. Kind of my job, ya know?” He winks, and we move on.
I show him the rest of the house, and then we’re outside my bedroom, and I feel suddenly, incredibly self-conscious. I turn to face him.
“Let me be clear, I’m only showing you my room because this is a tour, and I want to be thorough.” I raise a brow as I let out a breath.
He cups my face in his broad palms. “Sinclair, you’ve told me you want to take it slow, and I’m trying hard to respect that.” His words are sweet and understanding, but the look in his eyes is pure sin.
I open the door and do my best game show hostess impersonation as I raise my arm with a flourish. “Well, this is it. Sinclair’s dreamland, such as it is.”
“I like it.” He looks around appraising the space as he strides, self-assuredly into my bedroom. “Your whole place. It’s comfortable and pretty.”
He walks over and sits on the foot of the bed, then lays back on top of my comforter. My stomach does a little flip, seeing his gorgeous, muscular form stretched out on my bed. My panties dampen thinking of what it would be like to crawl on top of him as he lays there, and do every filthy thing I know he wants to.
“The mattress is nice. Soft but firm.” He sits up and smiles, then pats the spot next to him. “Come here for a minute.”
I cross my arms and chuckle as I shake my head. “I…don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Come on, Sinclair. I promise I’ll behave.” He raises his brows, and I concede, joining him on the foot of the bed.
He leans so that one hand is behind me, and takes my chin with the thumb and forefinger with his free hand, turning my face toward his.
“I like you a lot, Sinclair.” He gently brushes his lips against mine in a brief, sweet kiss. “Do I want to sleep with you? I’d have to be dead not to.” He rolls his eyes and gives a short, throaty laugh. “I’m trying to be patient, though. I want you to be ready.”
He kisses me again. His tongue darts out, teasing the seam of my lips. They part, and he glides his tongue in and out. This kiss is even deeper than the one from our earlier greeting. It’s more sensual, and fuck if this kiss doesn’t have my panties wanting to jump off my body of their own accord.
As our lips part. “I like you too, Cole. I’m attracted to you. I just…want to get this right.”
He nods and presses his forehead to mine, then stands and takes my hand.
“Come on, let’s get going.” He guides me out of the house and to his car. He’s driving the Mercedes coupe today, and it fits him perfectly. A sexy car for a sexy man.
.-- --- -. -.. . .-.
Being the off-season, I’m surprised when we pull up to Frontier Field.
“I thought it might be fun to show you my office.” He winks as he pulls into the gated area and swipes a key card to get into the secure parking garage. “Then I have something fun planned to get your blood pumping and help you blow off some steam.” His lips purse in a sexy smirk and his brows bounce up and down.
I’m suspicious at this turn of phrase, but I figure we’re in public so I’m probably safe from any advance I might find myself unable to resist.
Once we’re inside, Cole drapes an arm around my shoulders and walks up to the security desk.
“Cole…good to see you.” One of the older men says in our direction.
“Good seeing you, Bill. How’s Billy’s fastball coming along?” Cole writes something in a logbook as he speaks.
“He’s been working hard.” The man chuckles. “Wants to be Colton Bright when he grows up.”
“You tell Billy I said that’s overrated.” Cole points at the man and laughs. “He can do much better than that!” This elicits a laugh from the sweet gentleman.
“Bill, this is Sinclair Baker.” Cole says, putting his arm back around me as I exchange greetings with him.
“Can you add her to the list, please? She’s not some crazy, stalker fan.” He suddenly turns to me. “Wait, you’re not, are you? You don’t secretly have a life-size cutout of me in your attic or anything, right?”
“Damn! You’re onto me.” I rock my head side-to-side. “I was hoping you w
ouldn’t figure it out until I could lure you to my cabin in the woods.”
“Funny and gorgeous? Man, even if she is a stalker, you better just go with it.” Bill says with a chuckle. “Step right over here, young lady.”
I follow his request and step behind the desk to a mark on the floor. On his cue, I say Frontiersmen, and he snaps my photo. Moments later, he’s handing me a red ID emblazoned with the team logo and my photo, which I slide into my back pocket, and Cole shows me down a corridor toward the players’ area.
“It’s that easy to get access? That seems kind of unsafe.” I express my concern as we walk past a sign that reads players only. I know people get really attached to players.
I nervously fidget with the beads of my bracelet for comfort, feeling a little intimidated being in the inner sanctum of the ball park.
“Each player can designate a guest. The red IDs, like the one you have are restricted. Not just anyone can get one. One of us has to put you on the all-access list.”
We walk down a long hallway, and he pushes open a set of double doors into a large, empty locker room.
“So these all-access passes are for friends, family, that sort of thing?”
He steps over and flips on a light switch, illuminating the whole space, then he steps back and turns to face me. “The red cards are mainly for spouses…or girlfriends.” He lifts my chin and deposits a soft kiss at the corner of my mouth.
My heart is thumping in my chest.
Girlfriend?
We’re so not there. Not even close.
Cole takes my hand and leads me down a long corridor to a locker on the back wall. I tug on his hand, making him turn back.
“Cole…I’m not exactly your girlfriend.”
He smiles that sweet, cocky grin of his and winks.
“Yet.”
I can’t help but smile as I roll my eyes playfully. “Yet?”
“I hope you will be.” He’s still smirking. “See, when I was a kid, I really liked hockey. Seven-year-old Colton was a Gretzky man, ya see. Do you know what amazing thing Gretzky is known for saying?”
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