Just a Little Hope

by Amy J. Norris

  “Tori… Where are you? I’ve been asking you for the last two minutes if I you had any gum?”

  Tori glanced at Pax. “What? Gum?”

  “I know it sounds crazy, but it makes me nervous to be at a baseball game. The last time I went to a game—”

  “Oh. Yeah. That’s kinda when Seb blew out his knee, right?”

  “Well, yes.”

  Tori dug through her purse until she found a somewhat crumpled pack of gum with two pieces left. She slid one out and handed it to her friend.

  “Well, unless he slips on a paper cup in the dugout, I don’t think you really have to worry about him getting injured. I mean, he’s just sitting on a bench. Not playing.”

  Pax swiveled her head and gave Tori the evil eye.

  “Yes. I know that. I can’t help the feelings I have, though. I’m just nervous for everyone. Aren’t you nervous for Carter?”

  “Nervous? For Carter? Um, why would I be nervous? He’s out there doing his job, hitting and catching the ball. Just like Seb does. Wait. Just like Seb does! What am I thinking? Carter needs to find a nice quiet office job. Behind a desk. Where there’s no chance of him ever getting hit in his handsome face by an object going one hundred miles per hour. Or stumbling while running, and needing major knee surgery and months of therapy. What are we doing, Pax? These men are going to give us heart attacks. People think football is a rough sport—”

  “Tori, Tori. I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t brought it up. Besides, you never told me what has you so distracted.”

  Tori took the gum out of the wrapper and folded it into thirds before putting it in her mouth. “Distracted? Who says I’m distracted?”

  “Tori.”

  Tori used her fingernail to scrape the foil off the back of the gum wrapper. “Um, maybe while Seb was in the other room and you were in the bedroom… I might have sat on the couch beside Carter, and we discussed the weather.”

  “The weather? What is so distracting about the wea—”

  Tori held up her hand to stop Pax from continuing. “And in said discussion, there might have been a small caress of my hand.”

  Pax sat up in her seat. “Really?”

  “Maybe Mr. Blue Eyes couldn’t stand it anymore, and perhaps, just maybe, he may have—”

  “Tori…”

  “He might have kissed me.”

  Pax’s mouth dropped open. She spun back to face the baseball field in front of them and then in the next breath turned back to face Tori.

  “Right there? In Seb’s living room?”

  “Um. Yes.”

  “Wow. Just wow. You said you were just texting buddies.”

  “We were. We are. We’re just texting buddies who happen to know what each other lips feel like now.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “There you go with the ‘uh-huhs’ again.”

  Pax leaned over and nudged Tori with her shoulder. “Uh-huh!”

  Tori tried to hold it in, but she couldn’t. Laughter spilled forth uncontrollably. “You are not fair.”

  “Aw, I’m happy for you. Carter is a great person, and you know what’s even better? He’s a godly guy. Those are hard to find. Snatch ‘em up when you can.”

  “I know. I’ve got a great job, good friends, even if you do annoy me sometimes, and now this great prospective boyfriend. I never knew my life could be this good.“

  “Enjoy it, my friend. But Seb will tell you, and I can attest to it as well, happy times are rare. Joy is eternal, but happiness is fleeting. Make sure you are grounded in the joy, okay?”

  “How could I not be joyous? Life can’t get any better than this.”

  ****

  Slipping off his cleats with his feet, Carter blew out a sigh of relief. He put the cleats in the locker and threw his jersey on top of them. These were the times he was glad they had an equipment manager who took care of the disaster his uniform became after a hard-played nine innings.

  Seb dropped in the chair next to him. “Hey, man. I was wondering if you’d like to take Tori out on your own tomorrow. I want to take Pax to the beach, just the two of us.”

  Carter grinned at the thought. A few hours with Tori? It sounded like a great idea.

  “That’d be great. Thanks.”

  “I figured you might want to spend some time alone with her. You can just ride on back to the house with us if you like, and I’ll give you the keys to one of my cars for you to use.”

  “Are you sure? I can get a taxi or just get a rental.

  “There’s no need to go to the trouble. I’ve got two cars sitting in the garage that rarely get driven. Trust me; it will be doing me a service if you’ll use one of them.”

  “Well, if you’re sure, man. Absolutely.”

  “Great! I think we’re going to head out for something to eat with Linc and Rangy. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to go.”

  “Sounds great.”

  Carter relaxed back in the chair and stared into his locker. What could he and Tori do tomorrow? She’d mentioned how much she loved the weather. Maybe they could hit the beach, too? It seemed like Seb had mentioned one not too far from his condo.

  The ringing of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts. When he looked at the Caller ID, he almost chose to ignore it. Closing his eyes, he offered a silent prayer. Please don’t let this be anything major. I can’t deal with it right now.

  “Dani.”

  “Hey, bro! How are you?” He shook his head, listening to her slurred speech.

  “Where are you?”

  “Where else would I be? I’m in Okleehomee.”

  “Are you in trouble?”

  “Trouble? I’m not in trouble. I just wanted to catch up with my big brother. We were out tonight, and your game was on the TV. You did good, Carter. Real good.”

  “Danielle, please tell me you aren’t driving?”

  “I’m not that stupid. Gimme a break. Dax is driving.”

  Dax. Carter’s fears multiplied exponentially at the mention of Dani’s on and off boyfriend.

  “Has he been drinking?”

  “You worry too much. We’re fine. In fact, we’re better than fine. We’re just great.”

  “I think I need to call someone.”

  “No! Carter. No, you don’t! Just leave me be, okay? You’re always trying to put an end to anything remotely fun. You are such a goody-goody. Just leave me alone.”

  The phone went silent in his ear. She’d hung up on him. Again.

  Carter dropped his head between his knees and tried to cool off his building anger to his irresponsible little sister. Why, Lord? Why?

  “Yo, Carter! We’re ready to head out. Ya’ coming?”

  Carter lifted his head and looked over in the direction to where Seb and his fellow teammates were waiting.

  “Yeah. Gimme two seconds, and I’ll be right with you. I just need to make a quick phone call.”

  “Sure, man. We’ll be outside with the girls.”

  Carter waved as they left the locker room and poked the number one button on his speed dial.

  “Hey, Dad. I think we might have a problem. Dani just called, and she’s wasted.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Tori’s excitement about going out with Carter and the others tempered when he didn’t seem to be too enthused with the idea. Distracted didn’t begin to describe him. Carter’s behavior unsettled her to no end.

  Oh, he was a perfect gentleman. Carter opened her car door and smiled at all the right times. But there was something preventing him from being with her in the moment. Tori played with her food and on occasion glanced at the dark-haired man beside her. Carter had barely spoken two words since they reached the restaurant. The other people in their party carried on normal conversations, evidently not noticing his lack of participation.

  She hesitated to ask what was going on. Goodness. When have I not been outspoken? Why stop now?

  She nudged him with her elbow. “Hey. You okay? You’re kinda quiet.”

&
nbsp; She must’ve startled him with her question because he shook his head slightly before he looked in her direction.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “I was just wondering if you’re feeling okay. You don’t seem yourself tonight. You didn’t get hurt, did you? Pax and I were talking before the game, and I didn’t even think you could tear something or break something or, I don’t know, dislocate something. Nothing’s dislocated, right?”

  Smiling, he reached over and took her hands, giving them a little squeeze. Dad’s teasing rang through her mind. Tori, when you get wound up, you couldn’t say a word without your hands making every point for you.

  Carter smiled at her. “I’m fine. I promise. Nothing torn, broken, or dislocated. Thank goodness.”

  Tori breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “Hey. Seb’s going to let me borrow one of his cars tomorrow so we can go out. How’d you like to go to the beach?”

  “The beach? With you?” She looked down as she tossed her salad around on her plate. Looking up, she grinned. “I suppose I could be convinced.”

  “You could be convinced? How?”

  She wiggled her eyebrows. “See this divine chocolate brownie on the menu? Split it with me, and we can start negotiations.”

  Carter laughed and agreed to her initial terms by signaling the waiter to their table.

  “Okay. That’s done. What’s next?”

  “We’re in L.A., and number one, Pax still can’t get around too well. Number two, she hates to do what I am going to ask.”

  Carter leaned back in the booth and crossed his arms. “I think I know where this is headed.”

  “Could we possibly, maybe, just drive down Rodeo Drive? We don’t even have to stop. I just want a picture of the sign. Perhaps with me standing under it?”

  “I think it could be arranged. The beach afterwards?”

  “Yes. It would be a great way to spend the day. Shopping and sand. I love it.” Tori put her fork down and put her hand on his arm. “But seriously, you’re okay?”

  Carter squeezed her hand in reassurance. “I’m good. I promise I am. Just had something on my mind, but it’s nothing for you to be concerned about, okay?”

  “If you say so.”

  He tugged her so she fit snugly underneath his arm. “I say so. Look, here comes the waiter with your, I mean ‘our’ brownie. Let’s see if it tastes as good as it looks.”

  Tori smiled back at him, but something still tugged at her making her think everything wasn’t as hunky-dory as Carter would like her to believe.

  ****

  Relaxing back on the sofa at Seb’s, Carter’s attention was diverted to a key being dangled in front of him.

  “Carter, here’s the keys to the SUV.”

  “The SUV? Are you sure Seb? I don’t mind taking the Jeep. The SUV would be better for Pax don’t you think?”

  Seb grinned. “That may be so, but the Jeep and Pax and I have some history. So I’d like to take it tomorrow.”

  Carter nodded. “Okay. I appreciate you letting me borrow it. Tori’s asked me to take her down Rodeo Drive. I’m not sure who’s crazier. Tori for wanting to go, or me for agreeing to take her.”

  Seb slapped him on the shoulder. “Well, I reckon when you’re crazy about someone, you’ll do just about anything they ask, right?”

  Carter didn’t embarrass easily, but he could feel the heat rise in his face. “Well, maybe.”

  “Carter? Why is your face so red?”

  He spun around just in time to see Tori come out of the downstairs bedroom.

  “No reason. Seb was just being Seb.”

  “Now son, is that any way to treat your guest?” asked a sweet voice from the steps.

  “It’s okay, Mom. Carter needs a good ribbing every now and then.” Seb walked over and gave Margaret Quinn a kiss on the cheek. “Where’s Dad?”

  Margaret gave a dismissive wave. “Oh, you know your father. He’s still unpacking. I expect he’ll be down shortly.”

  “Come over and meet my friends. Tori Alberson and Carter Manning, this is my mom, Margaret.”

  Margaret embraced them both.

  Carter stepped back and pulled Tori to him. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Quinn. We’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Please call me Margaret. I was so happy when Seb told me he was going to be in town and we’d have the opportunity to meet some of his friends. His father will be down in a minute. He’s anxious to meet you, too.” Margaret reached to lay a hand on her son’s arm. “Where’s Pax? She’s feeling all right, I hope?”

  “She’s fine, Mom. Just takes her a little extra time to move around these days, but she’s doing pretty well, all things considered.”

  “And you son? You didn’t overdo it today, did you?”

  “No, Mom. Therapy is going well, and I’m confident I’ll be back out on the field in time for Spring Training.”

  Margaret patted him on the cheek. “Just so you’re careful, dear.”

  Seb rolled his eyes and smiled. “Yes, Mom.”

  “Sebastian! How’s my boy?”

  Alex’s booming voice carried down the stairwell.

  “I’m good, Dad. I was just telling Mom the same thing.”

  “Good, good. This must be Tori and Carter. Nice to meet you both!”

  Carter laughed as Alex shook his hand. He and Seb were almost spitting images of each other, except for Alex’s hair being gray.

  “Good to meet you, sir. Hope your trip went well.”

  “It was fine, just fine. We were anxious to get here and see Seb. It’s been too long son, too long.”

  Alex pulled Seb in and held him for several moments.

  Carter saw Pax limping into the room and headed over to lend a hand.

  “Margaret! Alex! Hello!”

  Seb’s parents rushed over to greet her. “Paxson, my dear, how are you? We’ve been worried sick since Seb told us about your accident. He’s been good to keep us updated, but we are so glad to see for ourselves.”

  “Thank you, Margaret. I’m doing fairly well, I think. Trying to stay upright as much as possible and only use the wheelchair when I get over tired.” She leaned on Seb’s arm. “Which, I think might be right now. Seb?”

  “I got ya’ sweetheart.” Seb lifted Pax into his arms and carefully sat her down in the brown leather recliner in the den.

  Pax’s cheeks turned a shade of pink. “Seb, you’ve got to stop doing that!”

  “Honey, my goal is to sweep you off your feet at least once a day.”

  Carter bit back a laugh as Tori and Seb’s parents all groaned at his declaration.

  “Well, I hate to break up the party, but it’s getting late and I need to get back to the hotel.” Carter shook Margaret and Alex’s hands, bent over and gave Pax a kiss on the cheek and hugged Seb goodbye.

  “Walk me out, Tori?”

  Carter reached out his hand and Tori slid hers into it as they made their way out the front door.

  “Thank you for the fun evening. I hope you aren’t too tired.”

  He opened the door and led her outside to the SUV Seb had pulled out of the garage earlier.

  “I’m just fine. Remember, in general, the guys and I keep pretty late hours. But you all must be tired from the trip. It’s been an exhausting day, I’m sure.”

  “It has been a long day, but enjoyable.”

  Carter pulled Tori toward him as he leaned against the SUV. “I’d say there were parts that were exceptionally enjoyable.”

  He leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. Her sigh at his kiss only ratcheted up his desire. Carter slid his hands up to cup her face as he continued to kiss her, this time with more pressure. The smell of her strawberry shampoo made his heart beat faster. He yearned to touch her more. Her hair, up in a messy bun for the ball game, teased him. He reached around with one hand to free the satiny tresses from the clip holding them and intertwined the locks between his fingers. Tori’s hands came
up and curled around his shoulders, bringing him flush against her as their kiss intensified.

  A voice inside him told him to stop, but his feelings spoke louder. Carter crushed his lips to hers one more time, and when his hands slid down her back, he realized what he was doing. In an instant, he stepped back, and walked away from her waiting for the strong feelings surging within him to cease.

  “Tori, I’m sorry. I let things go further than they should.” He hazarded a glance in her direction and saw her fingers reaching up to her face. Her lips, still swollen from his kisses were slightly parted as her shallow breaths escaped between them.

  “Are you okay?”

  A slight smile crossed her face. “Am I okay? Um, yeah. I’m okay. But I think it would be better for both of us if I just went back inside and you went on back into the city.”

  Carter nodded his head. “Good plan. I’ll uh, text you tomorrow about what time I’m coming. I’m thinking around 10 a.m. or so, but I’ll let you know for sure. Okay?”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Tori walked back toward the door when she stopped and turned back in his direction.

  “Hey… Don’t beat yourself up. There were two of us out here tonight. I’m just glad one of us came to our senses before things got out of hand.”

  She raised a hand and gave him a slight wave before she quickly entered the condo.

  Carter leaned back against the SUV and released a deep breath.

  “You better find a way to reign yourself in, fella.”

  Lord, give me strength.

  Chapter Seventeen

  When Tori opened the front door, she noticed all of the lights had been turned off in the den except for a floor lamp situated next to the recliner. A sigh slipped out as she locked the door and leaned against the cool wood.

  Her heart still raced at the thought of Carter’s lips on hers. She crossed her arms over her chest and could almost feel the warmth of his hands on her arms. The light scent of his aftershave had transferred to her blouse, and she inhaled the aroma.