Stealing His Heart (Kingston Heat, #1)

by Jade, Ella

  “No surprise there.”

  “Ha!” Maggie smirked. “But I would have been fucked by now. How’s that working out for you?”

  “You’re so crass.”

  “You’re twenty-three years old. You live the life of a nun. You didn’t answer my question.”

  “You know I haven’t been with anyone in years.”

  “We need to fix that. You let me take care of it. I’ll have you riding that Texan cowboy in no time.”

  “Don’t you dare do anything to embarrass me or make me look desperate.”

  “What? You are desperate.”

  “Mags.”

  “Come to the party with me tonight and I bet the rest falls into place.”

  “He won’t even remember me.”

  “I doubt that but there will be lots of horny, sexy baseball players to choose from. They’ll be drunk and looking to blow off some steam. Your dry spell is about to be broken. You can thank me in the morning.”

  “I don’t know.” Sophia wanted to take a chance but this was a long shot. How could she show up to a private party and hope that a guy she spent three minutes talking to would even remember her? Even if he did remember her, would he be interested?

  “Trust me,” Maggie said. “How could this not work?”

  “Trust you? I don’t think your plan is a good idea.”

  “You’ll be sure when you can’t walk tomorrow.” Maggie grabbed her phone from her bag. “I’m going to call Kyle and tell him you’re coming too. Make sure you wear something revealing and tight. Don’t look like a music teacher.”

  “I am a music teacher.”

  “A music teacher who hasn’t had a guy in years. It’s time you changed your approach.”

  Sophia wanted to see Pax, but she wasn’t sure about this. She never sought out a guy before. What if he had no interest in her?

  “Come on,” Maggie whined. “It will be fun. No expectations. Come out and have a good time. Whatever happens happens.”

  Sophia debated for a few seconds. Would one night out with a muscular, athletic baseball team really be so bad? When would she ever get this opportunity again? Time to take a chance.

  “I’ll go.”

  “Sweet!” Maggie scrolled around in her phone. “It’ll be a night you’ll never forget.”

  SOPHIA WALKED INTO Bennet’s with Maggie and Kyle. She quickly looked around to see if she recognized anyone. The Crushers had lost their first home game a few hours earlier and the town was disappointed. They had a strong team and the organization had dumped tons of money into the players and coaching staff this season. It was only April, but most sportscasters were predicting at least a division win in September. Some had the team going all the way. Soph’s dad said October was a long way off, and they needed to win one game at a time.

  The chic bar and grill seemed empty but the players were trickling in a few at a time. Kyle said some coaches, wives, girlfriends, and other staff usually stopped in for a few rounds too. Nervous energy came over Sophia. She’d been watching this team for years. Her father had taken her to games throughout her life, she’d had her picture taken with some of the players while growing up and even had a few autographs in her scrapbook. This was different. She’d never been up close and personal with the whole team. Kingston was a hot spot for baseball, and the town loved their players. The fans went crazy when they took the field. Players often said that all the guys in the majors wanted to wear a Crushers uniform because they had such a loyal fan base.

  “You ready?” Maggie hooked her arm in Sophia’s and ushered her into the restaurant. “Pax said he was coming.”

  “Okay.” Soph didn’t want to appear like some crazed groupie. “Thanks for bringing me, Kyle.”

  “No problem. Maggie talks about you all the time. I’m glad we finally met.”

  “I’m glad Soph agreed to come with us.” Maggie kissed Kyle’s cheek. “She could use a night out.”

  “Maggie says you met Paxton today.”

  “Briefly.” She scanned the room, hoping to find what she’d come for. “He probably won’t even remember me.”

  “He will,” Kyle said. “He has a weakness for pretty girls.”

  “I don’t think he’s interested.” Soph forced an awkward smile. “In me. We only talked for a few minutes.”

  “I think he’ll be more than interested in you,” Kyle said. “And since you’re a good friend of Maggie’s, I want to tell you to be careful with him. If you’re looking for a one-night stand, he’s your guy. He doesn’t do serious or long-term unless you consider eight hours long.”

  “She doesn’t need serious,” Maggie said. “She needs a one-night stand. He’s perfect for her.”

  “Stop making me sound desperate.” Sophia let go of Maggie’s arm. “I’m here to have a drink.”

  “Okay, but Kyle’s right. Don’t go looking for love here. You’re not going to find it. These guys are on the road constantly. A new girl in every city, and really, who could blame them? Just go into it having fun and you’ll be fine.”

  Right, no expectations. No problem.

  “Stop hovering,” Soph said. Maggie made her edgy and Kyle probably thought there was something wrong with her. The poor, pathetic friend who couldn’t find a date.

  “Hey.” Kyle waved across the room. “My dad’s over there. I want you to meet him.”

  “Really?” Maggie smiled in the direction of Kyle’s dad. “I’d love to.” She turned and looked at Soph. “He wants to introduce me to his dad.” Kyle had stunned Maggie. That didn’t happen often.

  “You can come too, Sophia,” Kyle said.

  “I’ll go sit at the bar.” She motioned in the direction of some empty stools. “You take Maggie and I’ll meet up with you soon.”

  “If you’re sure?” Maggie asked. “I don’t want to ditch you.”

  “Go meet his dad.” Soph pushed her friend closer to Kyle. “He’s going to love you.”

  “See you in a few,” Maggie said as she looked over her shoulder.

  Soph laughed to herself over her friend’s eagerness to meet her new boyfriend’s dad. Maggie wasn’t the kind of girl most men took home to meet the parents. She was more of a one-time date kind of girl.

  As Sophia walked over to the bar area, she noticed it had gotten a little more crowded since they had arrived a few minutes ago. Maybe the players had finished showering and answering post-game questions.

  She sat down at a stool at the corner of the bar, watching as some of the guys ordered drinks and made small talk. Her dad would be so excited when she told him where she had been. Tomorrow they’d have a fun breakfast conversation. He’d want to know every detail.

  After a few minutes, the bartender made his way over and took her drink order. She wanted to keep her wits about her so she decided to go with a light beer. She wasn’t much of a drinker and when she did indulge, it went straight to her head. She didn’t need to make a fool out of herself in front of a national baseball team.

  She placed a ten on the bar and waited for her drink. Glancing in Maggie’s direction, she noted her friend seemed to be enjoying herself. It was nice to see her so happy and content. She may have liked the sex with different guys but Sophia knew Maggie sought something deeper. She hoped she could find it with Kyle. They made a sweet couple, she thought as she watched them interact.

  “Well, if it isn’t my little runner.”

  It didn’t take her long to recognize his voice.

  “This is a nice surprise.”

  Sophia turned in the direction of the slow, sexy drawl. He’d traded his uniform for a black, tight-fitting t-shirt and a pair of faded blue jeans that sat low on his hips. She dropped her gaze to his feet. Gone were the cleats and in their place were black, snake-skinned cowboy boots.

  “Hello, sugar.” Pax took a long sip from his bottle of beer, never taking his gaze away from her.

  Holy shit!

  Chapter 3

  PAX STRODE INTO THE restaurant and looke
d around. He waved to a few of his teammates before scanning the bar area. What was he in the mood for tonight? He hadn’t pitched in that night’s game. Their first series had been on the road and he had started the season off a few days before. He was well rested and ready to play with a willing participant. He didn’t think he’d have trouble finding someone who would want to leave with him. These parties were always good for a one-nighter. Desperate divorcees, cougars, college students, and baseball chicks always found a way into these so-called private parties. He didn’t mind. Those women kept him busy on and off the road.

  “See anything you like?” Kenny, his long-time friend asked as he handed him a beer.

  “It’s early.”

  “I hear the ball girl is bringing some of her sorority sisters tonight.”

  “I dunno know. I might be getting too old for those college girls.” He was going to celebrate his twenty-eighth birthday this summer. While sorority girls were appealing, he was starting to feel the generation gap.

  “How about an older, more experienced woman?” Kenny nodded in the direction of two attractive ladies sitting at the bar. “They look like they’d keep you busy all night.”

  “Yeah, they do, and they’d tire me out too. I have to pitch tomorrow.”

  “What’s gotten in to you?” Kenny asked. “You never leave these parties without a babe on your arm. Why are you being so picky?”

  Kenny had been his friend since high school. They came from the same small town outside of Dallas. He’d been there for both his high school and college careers and stayed with him when Pax got drafted out of college. He’d become Pax’s personal assistant, traveling from city to city with him and making sure his life ran smoothly when he was on the road.

  “I never said I wasn’t going leave without someone. Just don’t see anyone I’m interested in.”

  “How about her?” He pointed to the corner of the bar. “It’s dark over there but she looks pretty damn good. She’s new too. If you pass her up, I’m heading straight for her. I don’t have to pitch tomorrow.”

  Pax laughed and as he was about to tell his buddy to go for it, he stopped.

  It’s her.

  He moved closer to the bar area to get a better look. What was she doing there? Did she come for him?

  “Well?” Kenny asked. “Can I call dibs?”

  “I know her,” he mumbled, not fully believing the woman who had been on his mind all day was now sitting a few feet from him.

  “Like, know her, know her?” Kenny chugged his beer. “Is there anyone in this town you haven’t done?”

  “I’ve seen her run in the morning. She lives on the other side of the lake.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m gonna find out.”

  “I guess I’ll see you sometime around noon tomorrow.” He laughed. “Have fun.”

  Pax walked over to the bar, stopping to admire his mystery runner. He never expected to see her there tonight. She sipped her beer, placing those dainty lips just at the tip of the bottle. He watched as she crinkled her nose as the liquid entered her mouth. She didn’t look like a beer drinker. As a matter of fact, she looked out of place sitting at that bar. He noticed her fingers wrapped tightly around the bottle as she shifted her legs. Those long, slender legs covered in a cropped pair of jeans. He let his gaze wander down to her feet. He’d only seen her in running shoes but tonight she wore a wedge heel that matched the black, backless shirt that revealed her soft, olive skin.

  Enough gawking. He needed to get closer, find out her name and what she was doing there. Was she waiting for someone? Another player? That thought infuriated him. She’d been his quest before he even realized what he’d wanted. It may have started out as innocent flirting, a smile when she ran past him or a tip of his baseball hat when she exited the path, but after talking to her this morning and seeing her here tonight there was no way he’d dismiss this. There had to be a sign here somewhere.

  He closed the gap between them and spoke over her shoulder.

  “Well, if it isn’t my little runner.” He took a sip of his beer to coat his throat before speaking again. “This is a nice surprise.”

  She swiveled the bar stool around to face him. Her eyes widened when she realized who he was.

  “Hello, sugar.” He took in her beauty as he took another sip of his beer. Something about this woman had him off his game. He wanted to know why she had him thinking about his next move.

  “Hey,” she said so soft he could barely hear her over the crowd and the blaring music.

  “This seat taken?” He motioned at the stool next to her.

  If it is, I’ll take care of that.

  “No, I’m waiting for my friends. They’re over there.” She looked across the bar and in the direction of a small group of people.

  “You know the doc?”

  “I came with his son.”

  “Really?” He stared at Kyle wondering how he’d managed to claim such a stunning woman. A surge of jealousy raced through him. That was a first. “I didn’t realize he was seeing anyone.”

  “Not me,” she said. “He’s here with my friend Maggie. I’m tagging along.”

  “I see.” He let out the breath he held when he thought she’d be leaving with Kyle and not him. He didn’t know what had gotten into him. The territorial type had never been his way. He’d always been happy to step out of the way when a friend showed interest in a woman. There were plenty out there, and he saw no reason to fight over a chick. This was no ordinary woman.

  “May I?” He stepped toward the empty seat.

  “Of course.” She played with the corner of the beverage napkin that rested under her beer.

  “So I have Kyle to thank for getting you in here tonight.”

  “I wasn’t sure I should come, but Maggie insisted.”

  “I’ll have to buy Maggie a drink.” He sipped his beer. “She did me a favor.”

  “Are you flirting with me?” She smiled for the first time since he’d approached her. He liked the way it suited her face. A beautiful woman like her should smile all the time. He intended to be the man to keep her happy all night long.

  “Why yes, ma’am, I am. Is that a problem?”

  “I like your accent.” When she blinked he took in her long, full eyelashes. “It’s different than the guys around here.”

  “Not many like me in these parts.”

  “Where did your name come from? It’s unique.”

  “My mother’s maiden name. I hated it growing up, but when I started to make a name for myself in college, it was good to have an unusual name. Helped people remember me better.”

  “I think it’s great.”

  “Did you know who I was this morning?” It didn’t matter if she hadn’t. He never cared one way or the other if people recognized him, but since moving to Kingston he couldn’t go many places without someone stopping him for an autograph.

  “I did.”

  “I seem to be at a disadvantage, sugar.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “You know who I am, but I don’t know your name. You took off too quick today for me to properly introduce myself.”

  “I’m Sophia Ballis.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ballis.”

  She continued to fidget with the napkin. He wondered what had her so anxious.

  “You follow baseball?” He wasn’t much for small talk but he wanted to keep the conversation going with her. It wasn’t like him to take the time to get to know an evening prospect but he wanted to help ease her nerves. He could tell she was going to be different, but he wasn’t sure why.

  “My father and I have been rooting for the Crushers my whole life. I hope you can give that man a pennant real soon. He prays for one every year.”

  “Him and the rest of this town.” He smirked. “We’re working on it.”

  “That’s why they brought you in, isn’t it?” She finished her beer. “Don’t they call you the
savior?”

  “Well, well.” He laughed because most women he associated with knew nothing about his career. “You know your stuff.”

  “Like I said, my dad’s a big fan. He doesn’t have a son so he’s been taking me to the games ever since I was a kid. I can’t wait until he wakes up tomorrow morning and I tell him I met you.”

  “If you recognized me this morning, why didn’t you say something? I could have given you an autograph for your dad.”

  “Do you carry a pen and paper on your run?” Her giggle made him smile.

  “Nah.” He motioned for the bartender to bring two more beers.

  “You wear your hat low when you run and tend to stay on the less traveled paths. I figured that’s your time to be you and not worry about bumping into fans. I know this community is a little obsessed with their team.”

  “You’re pretty observant.” He hadn’t been the only one paying attention during the morning run. She’d noticed him too. “I run to quiet my mind and get myself mentally ready for the game. I have to pitch tomorrow so a long run today was just what I needed.”

  “Tough loss tonight, huh?”

  “It’s never easy, especially in the home stadium, but we can’t win them all. We’ll get them tomorrow.”

  “We better,” Nic Cordova, the second baseman said as he reached for the beer the bartender had placed in front of him. “You’re pitching so you can redeem us.”

  “No pressure there.” Pax chugged his drink.

  “Who is your friend?” Nic studied Sophia, lingering on her face a bit longer than Pax liked. “I haven’t seen you here before.”

  “Nic, this is Sophia Ballis. Sophia, this is Nic Cordova.”

  “Nice to meet you, Nic.” Sophia extended her hand. “That was a great play you made in the third inning. That coach never should have sent the runner. Not with you at the base.”

  “Nice.” Nic smiled. “I like this one.”

  “Yeah, she knows her baseball.” Pax stared at her as she talked to Nic. He took in her striking features. There wasn’t anything flashy about her. She possessed a subtle beauty. Natural and fresh.

  “I was going to guess you were Italian, Sophia, but your last name tells me otherwise. You are a fellow native of mine,” Nic said.