by Croft, Rose
My heart was hammering as I saw his tall figure approach. Oh.My.God.
He had a huge smile on his face as he eyed my friend. “Loren? I thought that was you.” He leaned in and gave her a hug.
Oh great. This whole time I thought he was checking me out when he was actually interested in Loren. I blurted out in surprise, “You know this guy?”
She smiled. “Yes, this is Andrew’s brother, John.” She introduced us. And, I stared, mute. It was like my brain had malfunctioned and all I could do was shift my eyes between my friend and this living breathing God standing before me. Finally, I saw Loren silently urge me to greet him back.
Think, Rose. Speak, Rose. I drew my hand up to my neck. “Oh, heeeey.” That’s what I choose to say?
“What are you doing here? Don’t you have games this weekend?” Loren asked John.
“I do, but I pulled a hamstring a few days ago, and I don’t want to reaggravate it,” he said with his deep, sexy voice, and his eyes were on me.
“Oh no, does that mean you’ll miss the All-Star game too? I know you were selected.” What All-Star game was Loren talking about? Was he an athlete? He definitely looked like one.
“Yep.” A flash of disappointment crossed over his face before his eyes dropped down to his feet. Oh no, he’s sad. Maybe I should comfort him. Shut up, brain!
My eyes traveled down his towering frame admiring how fit he looked in the short sleeve knit polo. He was standing sideways as he spoke to Loren, and I couldn’t help but slip a peek at his butt in his jeans.
When I drew my eyes up to his face again, he was watching me with that damn cocky grin. The sympathy I felt for him dissolved quickly. Unfortunately, the attraction didn’t.
“What All-Star game? Do you play football or something?” I asked thinking that sounded legit as I tried to recover from checking him out.
The grin seemed even more pronounced after I asked that question. He turned to Loren. “She’s cute.” When his eyes were back on me, he informed me as though I were not the sharpest knife in the drawer. “No, I play baseball.”
“Oh, that’s cool,” I replied acting like I knew what he was talking about. But, in reality, I was out of my element when discussing sports. However, I was going to foolishly try to sound like I understood. “Is this like a summer league you’re playing in? I know some friends told me they play in a softball league.”
This time he snorted and chuckled, and I drew my brows together in confusion wondering what I said that was so funny. “I’m lost.”
When I turned to Loren, she was fighting to keep a straight face. Are you kidding me? Loren was patronizing me, too? “No, sweetie, John plays professional baseball. He plays first base for the White Sox, and is leading the league in home runs. He will probably be selected for MVP at the end of the season.”
Did I have dumbass stamped across my forehead? You would’ve thought so and John was watching me in a smug manner as if I was supposed to kiss the ground he walked on because he was obviously a well-known athlete. I shrugged acting like I wasn’t impressed. “Oh.” I sipped my drink.
He cocked his head at me for a second, flagged down the waitress to order another round, and had Loren slide over so he could sit down.
John turned to Loren. “Andrew should be here soon.”
“Yeah, I know, but he didn’t tell me you were in town.”
He smirked and nudged her. “Probably because he knows how excited you get when you see me, baby.”
Of course, he would hit on Loren. And, he wasn’t even subtle about it even knowing that Loren was into his brother. What an asshole!
He glanced at me, and I must’ve had a scowl because his cocky demeanor dropped before he glanced down at the table. Did he feel a touch of remorse? He should, acting the fool like that.
After another round was delivered, Loren asked, “How long are you in town?” He didn’t live here? Where did he live?
“For a few days, then I’ll rejoin the team.” He looked at me. “So, what do you do?”
“I teach high school English.”
“Damn, I wish I would’ve had a teacher that looked like you. I definitely would’ve stayed after class for tutoring.” He lifted his fingers in quotes like he just told an inside joke and his eyes traveled from my face down to my chest. I could feel my body flush as he stared at my cleavage. It almost infuriated me that my body obviously didn’t get the memo that it was not supposed to react that way to what I normally considered crude behavior. Then he added for good measure, “I bet you could teach me…a lot.” Was this joker for real? How could I feel such an attraction to someone who said such stupid things?
I frowned at Loren. “Is he always this offensive?”
“Rose…” Loren began, but was cut off.
“How was that offensive?” He crossed his arms over his broad chest, perturbed, but there was still a hint of that smirk on his face.
“You seriously don’t know.” I mimicked his pose. I mean, really? He didn’t know?
“No, I don’t. Why don’t you enlighten me?”
Did he think the world revolved around him? Oh, I was going to set this dumb jock straight, regardless if my eyes seemed permanently attached to him. I was above this, right? I pushed my glasses up as I did with my students when they were in trouble. “Am I supposed to be flattered by what you said? First of all, you just joked about teacher-student sexual liaisons, which is a serious issue that’s happening too often in our schools. And secondly, that was the douchiest line I’ve ever heard. Who even talks like that? Are you fifteen?”
I glared at him and could tell he was pissed.
Loren intervened. I guess she was now his interpreter. “Hey, Rose, he was trying to be friendly. He kids around a lot, so I know he wasn’t trying to offend you. Right?”
His anger seemed to abate, and he hung his head to the side and peered at me. “I’m sorry Rose. I wasn’t trying to be offensive. I was trying to give you a compliment.”
In whose world would that be considered a compliment? But, I was somewhat surprised he apologized. “Apology accepted.”
Loren checked her phone. “He’s here. I’ll go meet him.” She stood up, but John stopped her.
“I’ll get him.” As he slid out of the booth, he smiled and winked at me before he left. And, all was right in my world.
Until Loren opened her mouth. “You wanna tone it down, Scrappy Doo?”
“Me? Are you kidding?” What did I do? John sounded like an idiot with some of his comments. “Who talks like that?”
“I know it was cheesy, but John’s a good guy. And he’s obviously interested in you, so give him a chance.”
“What happened to you promising not to interfere in my business? I’m not here to pick up a professional basketball player.” Gah, Loren was always in my relationship business.
She shook her head obviously exasperated with me. “He plays baseball, Rose.”
“Fine, baseball, whatever.” I waved a hand in the air wanting to swat away this ridiculous conversation. “Just worry about your high school lover, and I’ll take care of myself.”
I glanced over and saw John striding confidently through the bar like he owned the place and girls were staring at him hard. Couldn’t blame them. I felt a little jealousy shoot through me. I didn’t like that feeling at all.
Then, I saw an almost-replica of him trailing behind. The infamous Andrew, and the words “Holy shit, he’s gorgeous Loren” slipped out of my mouth. Did these two win the lotto in the gene pool or what?
As if I needed confirmation on Loren’s feelings, I noticed she was staring at him like she might attack him on the spot.
When they reached the table, John stood next to me and motioned for me to scoot in. Did I really want him to sit so close to me? I barely had a chance to make a decision before he was already leaning in. I slid over before he sat on my leg trying to put a little space between us. However, he shifted and quickly closed the gap.
My stomach
was flittering like I’d swallowed a thousand bubbles as John’s heat radiated off me. I’d never had a physical reaction to any man like this. He wasn’t even my type. Not to mention, he sounded like a moron with some of the stuff he said.
“Andrew, this is my dear friend Rose.”
I focused my attention on Andrew. “Hey. Nice to meet you,” he said.
I had to pull myself together. I cleared my throat. “I’m happy to finally meet you because I feel like I’ve known you for years. Loren told me everything about you, and when I say everything, I mean ev-ery-thing.” Loren scowled at me. Was that TMI? Maybe it was. I wasn’t exactly in the right frame of mind right now.
Andrew seemed amused as he surveyed Loren’s face. “I would love to hear it, Rose.”
John snickered. “I have some stories too, but they usually involved a lot of moaning.”
Andrew and Loren both scowled at John. “You just had to go there, didn’t you?” Andrew shook his head in disappointment.
“What?” He asked and dismissed them. He leaned closer to me, “You gotta boyfriend?”
“No.” I tried to back away. Put some space between us.
“Good.” He moved in closer like space was overrated in his mind. But my body nearly rocketed up to the ceiling as I felt the overwhelming warmth of a large hand covering my thigh. I trembled deliciously from the contact. “Because you and I are about to embark on an epic adventure. Like Lord of the Rings epic.”
What the hell was this guy doing to me? Why was my body reacting to him like he was the air I needed to breath? “You’re crazy, insufferable, and ridiculous. There’s nothing epic going on here, except me about to leave because you’re being a creeper.”
As he watched me with eyes raised, I felt one of his digits, his thumb maybe, drawing light circles on my thigh. Goosebumps pricked my skin and delicious heat flowed up my leg pooling at the juncture of my thighs.
This wasn’t good. This couldn’t happen. I had to get control of myself and tried to nudge his hand off my leg. He didn’t budge. I wrapped my fingers around his trying to pry them off me.
As we silently struggled, Loren was talking to Andrew. I didn’t know what she said because John leaned into me and whispered, “Stop fighting me, Rose.”
The low vibrations of his voice hummed through me like a sensual lullaby. Get it together, Rose. I told myself for the millionth time and downed my drink. John squeezed my thigh gently and released my leg as he casually sat back, with arrogant grin intact.
I averted my eyes trying not to ogle and give him more reason to continue his smirk-athon. Try to engage Loren in a convo. Ask her about her job? Wait, she hates her job. Don’t ask her that. “So, Rose, I guess you aren’t teaching right now since it is summer break. Or do you teach summer school?” John brushed his shoulder against mine drawing all my attention back to him. His beautiful eyes were again holding mine hostage, and by this time, I was probably close to a hypnotic state.
I shook it off. “No. I’m enjoying my time off. I usually do teach during the summer, but this year I wanted to take a break.” I fingered the rim of my glass. “You said you were only here for a few days. Where do you live?”
“Well, I do officially live here, but I play for a team in Chicago.”
“Oh, so you commute?”
“No, not exactly. During baseball season, I stay there. I live here in the off-season.” He paused and chuckled. “It’s weird anyway. I’m actually not in Chicago that much because we travel to other cities for games almost every week, and even during the preseason we’re in Florida for a month.”
“Wow, sounds like fun, but it’s hard for me to keep up with all of the seasons in baseball, so forgive me if I’m a little confused.” I was trying to follow what he’d just said. I mean, seriously give me The Iliad and I could read it and decipher it for you—no problem. However, understanding baseball? This was so foreign to me.
He smiled patiently at me and went on to explain it further. However, people were beginning to recognize him and interrupt him for pictures. Then, the girls began approaching and were being very bold and inappropriate with him. And, he was polite to them as well. I gripped the edge of my seat and clamped my lips together. If I didn’t know he was a big-time baseball player before, I was quickly beginning to understand it now.
As I watched this small circus happening around him, my annoyance escalated. Then, annoyance cultivated into full-on pissed off when one slutty “fan” sat in John’s lap and tried to kiss him.
“Whoa, I’m here with my family and girlfriend. Not cool.” He did have the decency to pull away from her. Wait, did he just say I was his girlfriend? And, hold up, did that bitch just give me the stink eye? I’ll wreck her world. Luckily, she huffed off before I had a chance to kick her ass. Smart choice. No, Rose, stop this. Did I actually just think that?
Regardless, I was furious, and I didn’t even know why. “I’m. Not. Your. Girlfriend.” I would never go out with this manwhore who seemed to have the vocabulary of a twelve-year-old.
“You will be. You know you can’t resist me.” He had that stupidly adorable lopsided grin again. I was five seconds away from clawing it off his face. No. I wasn’t.
I needed to get out of here before I did something inane like suction my mouth to his and hump his leg. I bent over and grabbed my purse. “Loren, I’m leaving. Andrew it was nice to finally meet you.”
I nudged John, trying to scoot out. “Wait, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you.” He pouted sexily as though he’d never heard the words “not interested,” and he probably hadn’t, unfortunately for me.
“Don’t worry, you have several people around that want to have a conversation with you. Now, let me out.” I stayed strong in my resolve though, ignoring the fact that my foolish lips wanted to cover his pout.
He reluctantly moved out of the booth as the crowd backed up giving him space to stand. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” He seemed to have no care a huge group surrounded him as he watched me with that stupid grin that made me want to rock climb his body until I hoovered the dimples out of his face. Dammit. Stop. I was supposed to be angry.
What the hell was I forgetting? I raised my arms in question. Puzzled.
My eyes were focused on his, and he snatched my phone out of my hand and spun around, giving me his back. “What’s your passcode?”
“I’m not telling you that! Give me my phone back.” I was trying to reach around him to grab it. However, that was a waste of time since he was a behemoth compared to me.
He easily shielded the phone. “But I want to give you my phone number, so you can call me.” People were still crowded around us, and I guess he finally noticed. “Let’s go outside, and I’ll give you your phone back.”
Before I could make a decision or reply, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me with him. I was glaring at him from behind, but I was also zeroed in on his well-defined back and ass. Quit staring at his ass like you’re gonna ride him bareback, Rose! But, crap I couldn’t help it; he was perfection personified, and I was obviously a shallow person for thinking that.
When we stood outside of the establishment, away from the crowd, I demanded my phone back.
He grinned and shook his head. “Not until you give me your passcode.”
This shit was getting old quickly! I reached for it, and he side-stepped me holding the phone out of reach. I wasn’t going to jump up and try for it again. I probably couldn’t jump high enough anyway and it was hard to show my athletic prowess in heels. I tilted my head and smiled sweetly. “Tell you what. Give me my phone, and I will put your number in okay?” Then I added a plausible explanation, “I don’t give out my passcode because I once had someone hack into my phone, so you must understand my apprehension.”
It worked. Sucker. He remorsefully placed the phone in my hand. “Sorry about that.”
I clicked on my phone. “Okay, give me your number.” I had no intention of taking his number, however my thumbs had gone rogue. Ne
xt thing I was typing and saving the number against my better judgment.
“Call me this weekend, Rose, I’ll be around,” he said in his arrogant voice again. Ugh. I pictured Oprah pointing and shouting out “You get his number!” over and over to a crowd of screaming, salivating females. How many girls had access to John’s number? Too many, I assumed.
“Sure.” I’m not calling him.
He nodded confidently. I kept my eyes from rolling. He stepped closer. I tried to move away. He cupped my face. I felt my breathe hitch in my throat. His mouth was inches from mine. Was he going to kiss me? My heart raced. I closed my eyes. I felt his warm lips…touch my cheek. I inhaled. When I finally opened my eyes, he was gone.
Five Years Ago
The service for Carlos was held at St. Joseph’s, in downtown Houston, the following Friday. My family drove down from Dallas to attend as well. Although they were here, Carlos’ mom, Araceli, insisted I sit with them.
Carlos Ramirez had a huge family with three brothers and two sisters. Alex was the oldest and Carlos was the second oldest followed by Andres, Cesar, Areli, and Alejandra. And then there were so many cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends in attendance too. Being around his family was so different than mine, since I was an only child.
As the service progressed, I felt numb. I knelt when told, I responded when asked, and I quoted the prayers that I’d known since I was a child. However, my mind kept replaying what had happened after Alex called.
I screamed and cried for what seemed like forever as Loren held me. Then, I was trying to push her away, demanding I see Carlos. He needed me. I was irrational. I was in denial.
Loren grabbed me as I strode to the door. She was trying to convince me I was in no state to drive anywhere. Finally, after calming me down, she suggested I change and offered to take me to his family.
Loren had called Alex from my phone to find out that they were gathered at his parent’s house. The apartment had been sealed off for several hours, and Carlos’ body had been removed early this morning. He had shot himself, I found out later.