The Perfect Play (Southern U O'Brien Brothers)

by Cookie O'Gorman

  "Why would I do that?"

  Seeing Baylor's look of confusion, I barely repressed an eyeroll. This guy may have looked identical to Chase, but I swear he was totally out of touch. My thoughts must've called him over or something because a second later Chase was there. He glanced from me to his brothers and back again.

  "Hey," he said. "What's going on?"

  "I was just trying to help your twin," I said. "Baylor's upset because June's over there getting her flirt on."

  Chase nodded. "Ah, I see."

  Baylor frowned harder. "I hate that she's over there with them."

  "Or," I said, trying to point him in the right direction, "maybe you hate that she's not over here with you?"

  "I'm not following," he said.

  "You should ask June out."

  Alright, I'd said it as plainly as I could. There was no way for him to mistake my meaning. But after a moment, Baylor scoffed.

  "Yeah right," he said. "She's my baby sister's best friend. Hell, June's like a sister to all of us. I'd never go there. Ever."

  I crossed my arms. "Have you ever thought about kissing her?"

  "What the hell?"

  "People don't think about kissing their sisters, Baylor," I said with a shrug. "Not unless they're in Game of Thrones or something."

  "I can't even believe you'd say such a…alright, that's it. I'm out," Baylor said. "Chase, good luck with this one. She's crazy in the head."

  As Baylor stomped away, I looked up at Chase, who patted me on the shoulder.

  "He didn't mean that," he said.

  "Yes, he did," I said.

  "Okay, but Bay will get over it." Chase shook his head. "When it comes to June, my brother's best friend is denial."

  "Apparently," I muttered.

  I watched Baylor stride into the living room like a man on a mission. June's eyes widened as he stopped next to her. The guys sitting on either side of her looked up. I couldn't hear the words that were exchanged because of the movie. But it looked like Baylor said, "Move over." That was all it took. The guy he was glaring at shot to one end of the couch, leaving enough space for Baylor to sit, thigh-to-thigh next to June. He fired another hot glare at the guy on her other side. That one couldn't escape fast enough. Once he was satisfied, Baylor draped an arm around June, who looked like she didn't know whether to tell him off—or sit there and enjoy it.

  "Poor June," I said. "I hope he makes a move soon. A real one."

  "You and me both," Chase said.

  It wasn't until I saw Dex's slight grin and the direction of his gaze that I realized Chase's hand was still on my shoulder. Shrugging him off, I faked a yawn.

  "Getting tired?" Chase asked. "I could take you home if you want."

  "I'm fine," I said.

  Archer and a couple of other guys approached us then. Guess this is what I got for standing in direct line of the kitchen. Was anyone actually watching the movie?

  "Hey Chase," one of them said. I knew his voice from somewhere but couldn't quite place it. "I meant to tell you, good practice today."

  "Thanks, Graves."

  "Keep that up, and we'll win this next one for sure."

  "I'll give it my best," Chase said.

  A different guy said, "You better. Everybody under the sun wants to beat us."

  "That's nothing new," Archer said.

  "Yeah, but before Chase got injured, they couldn't do it."

  "I think it's safe to say that the old Chase is back and raring to go."

  Chase smiled, but I could tell it was forced. Didn't they get it? Could they not see how much pressure they were putting on him just with this one conversation?

  "Hey, are you the reason our star pitcher was so on his game today?" one of them said to me.

  "I guess," I said.

  "Well, praise the Lord. We need him back to win."

  "Ease off, Perez," Dex said then shrugged. "Though, you're right. I don't see us getting far in the tourney without Chase."

  His brother took all of this in stride, but I was starting to get a little pissed.

  "Your arm is feeling a hundred percent, right?"

  Chase nodded, and Perez spoke up again.

  "We all know you can do it—"

  "Thanks, man," Chase said. "Appreciate the support."

  "—but we really need you to bring some of that magic. Like you used to, before you got hurt."

  I scoffed under my breath.

  Archer gave a nod to his brother. "He won't let us down. Right, Chase?"

  "Right."

  Unable to take it anymore, I said, "Can you guys please stop? I'm getting second-hand stress over here."

  The group of them looked at me in surprise.

  "What do you mean?" Archer said.

  "You're putting all your hopes and dreams onto Chase's back," I said. "That is a heavy load to carry."

  Chase shook his head and said, "Charlie, it's okay."

  "No, it's really not." I put my hands on my hips. "Are the Wolves a team, or what? Chase can't be the only one making the plays, getting the big goals, and scoring three-pointers."

  Dex's eyes had narrowed. "Are we still talking about baseball? I can't tell."

  I held up a hand. "My point is you may mean well, but the stress is neither wanted nor appreciated."

  "The guys were just trying to be supportive," Archer said.

  "Yeah well," I said, "try harder. He's not the old Chase anymore. Your comments aren't helpful. He's still amazing and talented as hell. But he can't win—or lose—by himself. Next time, why don't one of you step up and do something? Instead of laying all the responsibility at Chase's feet?"

  No one said a word.

  "His arm is fantastic by the way," I added. "Chase is going to kill it on the field. I have no doubt whatsoever."

  Taking a last gulp of water, I looked to my left.

  "Would you please take me home?"

  Chase was staring at me like I'd hung the moon. I suddenly regretted my request, but it was too late to take it back.

  "Absolutely," he said. "Let's get out of here."

  Several of the guys apologized to Chase as we left, including Archer and Dex. They kept staring, and I didn't know if they were mad at me or not. But I wasn't sure I cared. Maybe now they'd leave Chase alone, let him be free of their crushing expectations. That was my hope anyway.

  It wasn't a long drive to Magnolia House.

  But the air in the car felt charged during the entire ride. I couldn't put my finger on it. Chase didn't say anything until we had parked, seeming lost in his thoughts. Again, I worried for a second that he might be pissed. But if that was the case, I didn't know what I could do about it. I said what I said.

  After turning off the engine, he sat back.

  "I can't believe you did that," he said.

  I swallowed. "Did what?"

  Chase looked over to me, his intense gray eyes meeting mine.

  "You stood up to my team and my brothers…for me."

  I shrugged. "It was nothing. I just didn't like all the pressure they were throwing your way."

  "I'm going to have to disagree with you," he said. "It was very much something. Charlie…I really like you."

  "I know," I said, trying to play it off. "You brought me those books, remember? And you said, you only give them to—"

  He lifted his hand, pressed it softly to my cheek.

  "We never got to the kissing," he said, his voice deep and resonant.

  The sound of it struck something deep inside me, and I shivered.

  "Oh?" I said. "I totally forgot about that."

  "I didn't."

  Chase's stare was fastened to my lips.

  "I dreamed about you last night, was disappointed when I woke up to find it wasn't real."

  "A little disappointment can be a good thing," I said.

  He hummed, leaning closer.

  "Chase."

  "Yeah?" he
said.

  "I'm not sure we should do this."

  Chase studied me a second, his eyes moving over my face, my lips, my eyes.

  "I am," he said.

  He closed the distance between us. There wasn't any hesitation. My eyes fluttered shut, and all I could feel were his lips on mine. His mouth was warm and soft—at first. I kissed him back like he was water, and I was dying of thirst. God, his mouth. I couldn't get enough of it. This was nothing like our first kiss.

  That one had been sweet and innocent, barely a kiss at all.

  But this one…Chase wasn't holding anything back.

  His hands were on my waist and in my hair. He kept moving his lips against mine, taking his time, learning every inch of my mouth. It was euphoric. I'd never been kissed like this in my life. And I just wanted it to go on and on.

  Chase didn't disappoint. It felt like he was content with just this. The kiss grew bolder, hotter and as the two of us got closer, there was suddenly no room left between us.

  The kiss might've gone on for minutes or hours.

  I wasn't sure.

  The only thing I knew when I finally came up for air was that I had to kiss him again.

  I didn't want this to end.

  I didn't want Chase to leave.

  I wanted him—

  My brow furrowed as the thoughts ran through my head, so foreign and unfamiliar.

  Chase placed another lingering kiss against my lips, and I hated myself for what I was about to do. I had to be the responsible one, try to stop this before it got out of hand.

  "I should go," I said on a sigh.

  "Why?" Chase asked. "Didn't you…didn't you like it?"

  "Oh, I did. I really did."

  He shook his head slightly. "Then what's wrong?"

  "I think I liked it too much," I admitted. "It would probably be best if I go."

  "Ah please, stay. I love kissing you, Charlie. We don't have to go any farther than that. I don't expect anything."

  But he did, I thought. Nice guys like Chase were looking for commitment, and that was the one thing I couldn't give him. It was sweet, though. He was sweet. The fact that he'd even thought to assure me that he wanted nothing more than another kiss, it made my heart ache a little.

  "Thanks, Chase," I said. "For saying that."

  The desire coursing through my veins must've been stronger than my fears because the next thing I heard myself say was…

  "Do you want to come inside?"

  Chase blinked.

  "The girls should be gone for at least another hour," I said. "Do you…want to?"

  "Yeah," he said, his voice sounding rougher and sexy as hell from our kisses. "Yeah, of course, I do. But what about your rule?"

  I looked into his eyes and made my choice.

  "I'll make an exception for you," I said quietly.

  One night.

  It was the only thing running through my head as he followed me to the door.

  One night is all this could be, but I would give it to him and myself.

  Damn the consequences.

  CHAPTER 17: Chase

  I couldn't believe Charlie had invited me in.

  Magnolia House was her sanctuary, so I knew what the gesture meant to her.

  I did not want to screw this up.

  My feelings were on high right now. She'd told off my teammates because she couldn't stand seeing me stressed. I would've done the same for her. I loved my brothers—but it had been a beautiful thing, listening to her rant at them.

  And I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss in the car.

  Her lips were addictive. I hadn't been able to stop. Breathing had ceased to seem so necessary when my mouth was against hers. Charlie seemed just as into it as I was. Even as we'd separated, I wanted to kiss her again. I didn't want to scare her off, was deathly afraid that I would. But I was having difficulty denying what my heart had been telling me for days.

  Her.

  She's the one.

  You are hers, and she is for you.

  Charlie wasn't ready to hear that yet, so I had to play it cool. But I knew the truth would come out eventually. I wasn't the type to hold something like this in for long. Guys were supposed to be smooth, but I had no chill where my girl was concerned.

  Right after we walked into the house and Charlie locked the door, I went to her, placing my hands on her waist.

  "So," I said, laying a kiss against the side of her neck. The goosebumps that rose on her skin made me smile. "We're alone. What now?"

  Charlie turned, holding my hand, and pulled me into the kitchen.

  "Oh, I have plenty of ideas," she said.

  "I'd love to hear them."

  "Why don't you start by lifting me onto the counter? You're tall—which I love by the way—but I can barely reach you from down here."

  My lips tugged up to one side as I leaned down, caressing her waist before my hands slid to her hips. In one quick motion, I lifted her onto the counter and stepped in close. Charlie's gasp was music to my ears.

  "I think I like your ideas," I murmured.

  "Good," she said. "I don't think we were quite done with the kissing portion of the evening."

  "Funny. I had the same thought."

  Charlie's hands went up my arms, shoulders, and finally came to rest on my neck.

  "Great minds," she said then pressed her lips to my jaw.

  I groaned then pulled her to me.

  "As much as I like the counter idea," I said, "there's something I want to try."

  "Go for it," Charlie said, placing another kiss to the underside of my chin. "Just don't make me wait too much longer. I need your mouth again, O'Brien."

  She squeaked as I lifted her into my arms once more, her legs wrapping around my waist on instinct.

  Seeing her questioning look, I shrugged. "Always wanted to know what it would feel like to have your legs wrapped around me."

  If I didn't know better I would've thought Charlie was blushing.

  "Well?" she said. "Is it as good as you thought it would be?"

  "No," I said, dropping my voice. "It's better."

  Charlie ducked her head, and I chuckled.

  "Plus, my doctor told me that if I can hold another person like this for at least three minutes, my arm was completely healed."

  She looked up. "Really?"

  "Yeah"—I leaned forward—"so we should test it out, just to be sure."

  "Wouldn't want to disobey doctor's orders," she murmured.

  "Hmm, I agree."

  "But how ever should we pass the time?"

  I smiled and closed the distance.

  Kissing Charlie again felt like coming home.

  Or flying.

  Possibly both.

  Our lips moved as if they'd always been meant to do this. My heart soared. I couldn't get enough of kissing her or the little sounds she kept making. When she bit my bottom lip, taking it into her mouth, my fingers tightened on her thighs. Her response was another one of those breathy sounds, part sigh, part moan. It was another thing I immediately became addicted to.

  It's her, my heart said.

  She is what you're addicted to.

  I couldn't argue. Instead, I went back again and again to her lips.

  "Has it been three minutes yet?" she asked breathlessly.

  "Not sure," I said between kisses. "I think we should keep going, though. For my health."

  Charlie nodded, pulling me back in, her talented hands moving across my shoulders and into my hair, her kisses making my whole body light up. It was so good. I was sure I could kiss her for hours, days, years and never tire of it.

  "Okay," she said after another minute or forever. Who even knew? "I think you should put me down now, give your arm a rest."

  "You know I was lying about the doctor thing, right?" I said.

  Charlie laughed. "Yeah, I got that."

  "How?"

  "Your fac
e," she said as I placed her back on her feet. "You should never play poker, Chase. That mug of yours is too honest and open. You'd lose every time."

  I tried to frown at her but couldn't stop grinning, still drunk on those kisses.

  "Plus, I knew no real doctor would ever tell you that."

  I shrugged. "You might be surprised. They say a lot of messed up things."

  Her brows furrowed. "What kind of things?"

  "In the beginning, I had doctors telling me I might never recover, and that if I did, my arm would likely never be as good as it used to be."

  "Don't listen to them," she said with a frown. "They're idiots."

  "Actually, they're experts," I corrected her.

  Charlie wasn't having it. Taking my hand once again, she walked us into the living room where we sat across from each other on the couch. She kept my hand in hers the entire time.

  "You've got to think positive," she said. "You're like Chase 2.0."

  I scoffed at that, but Charlie ignored it.

  "You put in the work, had to fight your way back, and now you'll be better than ever."

  "Or," I said, voicing one of my greatest fears aloud, "I could be worse. A cautionary tale for future MLB hopefuls everywhere."

  She brushed that aside. "They'll all underestimate you, Chase. And trust me, that's going to work in your favor."

  I shook my head. "How do you know this?"

  "People always underestimate broken things," she said. "But sometimes, the cracks and what it takes to get over them makes you come back even stronger."

  I kissed her again then. I had to. There was so much conviction in her voice that even I believed what she was saying. Any lingering doubts I may have had about my arm vanished.

  "You're amazing," I said.

  Charlie nodded. "I know."

  With a laugh, I pulled her closer until we were both lying next to each other, her body half on top of mine. As she rested her head on my chest, I said, "You're going to be an awesome doctor someday."

  "Thought I was already," she said and playfully poked my arm.

  "What made you choose physical therapy?"

  She sighed. "Long story short, I used to dance when I was younger. I loved it, thought I might even make a career of it someday. I'd have gone commercial, of course—my curvy body type would've never fit the classical mold. My dream was to be a back-up dancer for Beyonce."