Waste of Handsome (Carolina Waves #2)

by Tina Gallagher

  There was a pause and I heard him inhale deeply, then let it out.

  I love ya, baby girl. Call me.

  Blinking rapidly, I reached for a tissue and dabbed at my eyes to avoid damaging the makeup I’d just meticulously applied. Thankfully I didn’t ruin my face too much. I did a quick touch up then stared at myself in the mirror.

  “You need to concentrate on business tonight. Get Christmas out of your head. Get your father out of your head. You can do this,” I said to my reflection. It didn’t look convinced, but I decided to pretend it did.

  Before getting dressed, I double-checked the three boxes of swag I threw together to take to the event. This isn’t an official meet and greet, but it’s always nice to have something for the guys to sign, especially when children are attending. Although, truth be told, sometimes the adults are more star struck by the players than their offspring.

  I looked down at the gray suit I’d pulled from the closet earlier and can’t imagine putting it on. It’s funny how just hearing my father’s voice reverts me back to that girl I used to be. But I left her and that life and it’s taken me a long time to figure out a balance between my two personas.

  At first, I was so afraid of slipping that I lived like a monk. It took me a few years to realize I could loosen up and enjoy my life without totally falling back into dangerous patterns. I’m still pretty buttoned up around the team, but that just helps keep things professional, which is a definite necessity with those guys. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all great for the most part, but personal boundaries are pretty scarce with people who routinely walk around naked regardless of who’s in the locker room.

  I glanced at the clock.

  Crap.

  I better step it up if I’m going to get there before the guys.

  Grabbing the suit and blouse off the bed, I walked into my closet and placed them back on the rack. After shifting a few items out of the way, I found the dress that had called to me since I found out I had to attend this event. While it’s not something I’d wear to the office, it’s more professional than sexy and I think it will be perfect for tonight.

  I shimmied into it, careful to not ruin my hair or makeup. The black eyelash lace skimmed down my hips and settled a hair below mid thigh, the silhouette hinting at my curves without putting them on full display. The high neckline and three-quarter length sleeves ensure nothing else is on display. After sliding my feet into red platform heels, I eyed myself in the mirror.

  Not bad.

  I turned and lifted the lid of the fitted wardrobe I’d had installed last year. The custom space keeps all my eyeglasses safe and sound. A wise investment, as far as I’m concerned. Looking through its contents, I selected a pair of glasses with red, gray, and black plaid frames. Slipping them on, I took one last glance in the mirror, fluffed my hair, and called it good.

  Jack

  Pulling into the parking lot, I backed into the first spot on the left. Hopefully it will allow me to make a quick exit later. I got out of the car and checked my reflection in the window, then adjusted my tie, making sure the Waves logo is perfectly centered in the Windsor knot. I figured sporting the team tie Mr. Hanover gave out at Christmas might earn me some brownie points with him. Even though he won’t be here, I’m sure he’ll get a full briefing, including pictures.

  I searched the lot looking for Dan or Cal’s cars and didn’t see them. But I did spot a hot ass sticking out of a white Volkswagen SUV. Its owner pulled a box out of the car and placed it on a cart before diving back in, putting her ass on display again. My eyes skidded down and took in her perfect calves and ankles before moving back up to her spectacular backside. She struggled with another box and I finally remembered my manners. I reached her side just before she lifted the box.

  “Need a hand?”

  She startled and stood to full height. In her heels, this girl is almost as tall as me, with a good portion of that being long, lean leg.

  “Oh no, thank you,” she said. “I’m good.”

  In the back of my mind, it registered that her voice sounded familiar, but before I could figure out from where, she looked over her shoulder at me.

  “Hey Jack.” Hannah looked me up and down. “You look great. Love the tie.”

  She turned back to retrieve the box. I stood frozen in place.

  Hannah?

  If there’d been any question it was her, those glasses would have been a dead giveaway.

  In what alternative universe is this goddess in come-fuck-me heels Hannah Adams?

  Finally coming to my senses, I stepped around her and grabbed the box out of her hands.

  “Give me that.”

  I placed it on the cart, then reached into her car to grab the third box. Once that was settled next to the other two, I closed the hatch.

  “Anything else to unload?”

  She shook her head. “No, that’s it. Thanks Jack.”

  Before she could, I wrapped my hand around the handle of the cart and tugged, pulling it behind me. Hannah’s heels clicked on the blacktop as she followed. A group of attendees walked ahead of us and a young boy held the door open for all of us.

  “Thanks sport,” I said as we entered the restaurant.

  He smiled, and I heard him say, “Holy crap, that’s Jack Reagan” as I passed by. I’d have to sign something for the kid. Which reminded me.

  “What’s in the boxes?” I asked Hannah.

  “Just some swag. There’s a box for each of you.”

  She always thinks of everything. I’ve played with the Waves long enough to remember life before Hannah. Events were planned well, but nothing like they’ve been since she took over. The woman is a dynamo. Turns out, she’s a sexy dynamo...something I never noticed before. Now that I have, I’m hoping I can go back to living in ignorance.

  Hannah found the group’s chairperson, Jill Sember, and introduced me to her.

  “Thank you so much for coming here tonight,” she said. “And for supporting the organization for so long.”

  “My pleasure,” I said.

  “We brought some items along for the guys to sign,” Hannah said. “I don’t want to upset your schedule, so we’ll keep them under wraps until you let me know it’s okay. I also have some ticket and T-shirt bundles for your raffle.”

  “You’re wonderful,” Jill said, stopping at a table near a huge picture window. “This is your table. If you need anything, just let me know. You can also talk to any of the coordinators. We’re all wearing one of these,” she said, pointing to the red ribbon attached to her blouse.

  While the other woman was speaking, Hannah had rummaged through the boxes and now held four Waves gift bags. “Here are the bundles.” She held them out to Jill.

  “Again, thank you.”

  That said, she was off, leaving me alone with this new version of Hannah. In the ten years I’ve known her, I never thought of the woman in front of me as anything more than the hardass PR person who planned every Waves event to the last detail. Never once did I notice her shiny hair, amazing ass, or shapely calves. Or that fresh citrus scent that fills the air every time she moves.

  I felt movement beside me and realized that Hannah was struggling to maneuver the cart against the wall.

  “Let me,” I said, maybe a little too harshly. I don’t want to see Hannah as anything but the efficient executive she is. And I also don’t want to think I’m so shallow that a little black dress could totally change the way I look at a person.

  Pushing the cart out of the way, I stepped back and said. “That good?”

  “Perfect. Thank you.” She looked around. “It’s starting to fill up. I’m going to head to the ladies room before it gets started.”

  She breezed by me, leaving the smell of citrus in her wake. I turned my back to the room and looked out the window. The pitch black outside didn’t allow me to see much more than my reflection in the glass. Thankfully I’d learned how to mask my feelings years ago, so my face doesn’t show the turmoil I feel.
The turmoil I’ve felt since that damn book hit the shelves.

  Since I was a teenager, I’ve done my best to stay in control. Keeping my relationships simple seemed the best way to do that. I pretty much stuck to one nighters when I was in the Minors and when I was first called up, but eventually that got complicated. By the time I settled into the Majors, I’d perfected the seasonal girl method...one girl during the season and another for the off season. I was always honest about my intentions and the girls I spent time with didn’t want much more than a good time for as long as it lasted.

  Until Cindy Parker, that is.

  About halfway through last season, she got really clingy and eventually started making demands I had no intention of conceding to. And the book came out too fast for it to have been just a revenge thing for her. She must have been working on it right from the start, if not before.

  I admit I’m a little gun shy now. My usual vetting system didn’t work with Cindy, how can I trust it to be reliable with anyone else? It’s best I’m on my own until I figure it out. I can’t handle any more upheaval in my life right now, I have to focus on baseball.

  “Look who I found,” Hannah said.

  I turned and saw Dan, Sabrina, and Lexi walking beside her.

  “Uncle Jack!” Lexi threw herself into my arms.

  “Hey sweetheart,” I said, setting her down. “Don’t you look pretty?”

  She twirled in a circle, making her dress swirl around her legs.

  “Mom took me shopping and we got matching dresses.”

  I looked up and noticed that Sabrina was indeed wearing a dress similar to Lexi’s. The little girl was obviously thrilled with that fact.

  “Hey Sabrina.” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

  “Nice tie,” she said. “Looks like great minds think alike.”

  Thank God men don’t freak out being dressed the same because Dan and I look like twins in our gray suits, white shirts, and Waves ties. Just then, Cal appeared turning us into triplets. I couldn’t help but chuckle as he approached.

  “Oh wow, we’re going to have to get a picture of this,” Hannah said. “You three look perfect.”

  That’s not the word I’d use, but I didn’t correct her.

  I noticed the bar in the corner and figured it was time to hit it. Since I’m driving, I’m limited to one drink, but I’ll enjoy the hell out of it for sure.

  Stooping down next to Lexi, I said, “Would you like a drink?”

  “Sweet tea.”

  “One sweet tea coming up.” I touched the tip of her nose with my index finger, making her giggle.

  “Would you like a drink, Hannah?” I asked.

  “Oh, um, yes. I’ll have a seltzer with lemon, please. Thank you,” she said.

  Cal and Dan accompanied me to the bar. We shook hands and made small talk with the people in line. It was finally our turn and we placed our orders.

  “Thanks for coming tonight guys. I really appreciate it,” I said.

  “No problem. Thanks for inviting Lexi. She’s thrilled,” Dan said.

  “How are you doing?” I asked Cal. After last season, he and his wife had decided to divorce and he’d moved into Dan’s pool house. We just helped him move into a new place last month. Even though he only lives a few miles from me now, I haven’t seen him since.

  “I’m hanging in,” he said. “I’ll be happy when the season starts so I have something to focus on besides my divorce.”

  “How’s that going?” Dan asked.

  “As well as can be expected,” Cal said. “You know how it is when lawyers smell money.”

  That’s just one more reason I never plan on getting married.

  The bartender set our drinks on the bar. I grabbed my beer and Hannah’s seltzer, then almost knocked Lexi’s tea over when Dan and I both reached for it.

  “Lexi is my date tonight, remember?” I said, grabbing the glass.

  He snorted. “As if I’d ever let someone like you date my daughter.”

  That should have smarted, but I’d never let anyone like me near Lexi either. Sad, but true. I figure I can at least help teach her how she should be treated so she doesn’t end up with some walking hormone who’s only after one thing. Thankfully it’ll be a few years before we have to worry about that.

  Changing the subject, Dan said, “Am I the only one who barely recognized Hannah?”

  Cal and I both shook our heads.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything besides those suits she always wears,” Cal said. Dan and I agreed.

  As we approached the table, I couldn’t take my eyes off the woman in question. Her dress isn’t overly sexy or slightly indecent. It’s just...different.

  “Here you go,” I said, handing Hannah her drink.

  Her cheeks turned pink. “Thank you, Jack.”

  I placed the sweet tea down then took the empty seat next to Lexi.

  “Thanks Uncle Jack.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetie,” I said. I’d felt Hannah watching me since I handed her the seltzer, and finally looked in her direction. Her eyes widened but she didn’t turn away. The air crackled between us and I figured I’d better get things back to business. “So what’s the plan tonight?” I asked. “Are we supposed to just mingle?”

  She took a deep breath in and slowly let it out, then smiled. “Nothing formal has been planned, but like I said, I brought some swag for each of you. I’m sure people will be less shy as the night goes on and will approach you more. I saw you three talking to people in the bar line, which is great. You’re all good with the public and have experience with different venues. So all I can say is play it by ear. If anyone gets out of line, let me know and I’ll deal with it.”

  “Sounds good,” I said.

  Just then, the background music stopped as Jill Sember approached the microphone, officially starting the festivities. Waiters scurried about, doling out salads. Once our whole table was served, I picked up my fork and dug in.

  “So what’d you do this week, Lex?” I asked.

  “I had birthday parties on Monday and Tuesday, then me and mom went shopping for dresses on Wednesday.” She shoved a forkful of salad into her mouth then scrunched her nose while she chewed. “I didn’t do anything Thursday, then we had a pizza party Friday. We made our own pizzas and then watched Frozen.”

  “Sounds like a great night,” I said. “You know that’s one of my favorite movies.”

  She nodded. “And you know all the words to Let it Go.”

  Hannah made a choking sound and I glanced across Lexi and asked if she was okay.

  “Fine thanks.” She smiled, but looked like she was holding back a laugh.

  I know what Hannah was laughing at and I could have pressed, but figured it’d be best if I didn’t. No use engaging on anything more than a professional level. So, like the song says, I’m just going to let it go.

  Chapter 4

  Hannah

  My stomach fluttered as I watched Jack twirl Lexi around the dance floor. I’ve seen the two interact at various Waves events, but not like this. It’s obvious they spend a lot of time together and are pretty close. He’s somehow managed to lavish her with attention without ignoring the other children when they approach.

  The man is smart, sexy, and good with kids. My heart can’t take much more.

  I took a sip of water and glanced at my watch. This night is dragging. I’m not used to just sitting around at events. I’m usually the one in charge, taking care of the details, making sure things run smoothly. Besides giving the guys things to sign, I’ve pretty much been sitting here. And once the dancing started, I’ve been sitting alone. Thank God for cell phones. At least I have something to look at besides the object of my obsession.

  I felt someone sit next to me and prayed it wasn’t Jack. Glancing over, I saw Sabrina take a drink of wine. She smiled.

  “It’s time for a break,” she said. “My feet are killing me. I’m not used to wearing heels.”

  �
��I hear you. My toes keep falling asleep.” Once upon a time, I wore heels on a daily basis, but not anymore. Glancing over at Lexi, who was now bouncing to a fast tune with Jack keeping up with her, I said, “Does she ever get tired?”

  “She’ll eventually crash, but not until much later. I wish I could bottle that energy for sure.”

  “You three look like you’ve settled in well.”

  “We have. It’s been wonderful. I can’t tell you how happy I am.”

  “Well, Dan is just glowing, so I’d say the feeling is mutual.”

  She blushed and looked across the room to where Dan and Cal were talking with some fans. I have to say, the people here have been very respectful of the players, and thankfully I haven’t had to pry any women off them.

  “Are you and Lexi going to spring training this year?” I asked.

  “Not the whole time. Lexi has school and I have work, so we’ll go down for a couple weekends and during her spring break,” she said. “Dan said we’ll be seeing you there.”

  While her last sentence was a statement, she raised her voice at the end turning it into a question. I nodded.

  “I don’t normally go, but I am this year. There are some events I need to oversee.”

  Since Dan told her I’d be there, I’m sure she knows why, but there’s no reason to get into detail. Besides, I didn’t get where I am with the Waves by blabbing the players’ personal information.

  Sabrina opened her mouth to speak, but then smiled and said, “Hey sweetie, did you finally give Uncle Jack a break?”

  Lexi sat next to Sabrina. As if she’d been doing it for years, Sabrina poured a glass of water and handed it to the little girl, then smoothed her hair. Lexi took a long drink, put the glass down, and nodded.

  “He wanted to go talk to the people with Daddy and Cal,” she said. “Hey Hannah.”

  “Hi Lexi. You having a good time?”

  “This is so much fun. I wish we could do more things like this,” she said.

  I’ll tuck that away for later. A dance party might be fun at the end of the season. Maybe after the meet and greet. If Lexi likes it, I’m sure the other kids will, too.