Waste of Handsome (Carolina Waves #2)

by Tina Gallagher

  Guess she finally caught him.

  The dome light went on as Jack slipped into the driver’s seat and slammed the door behind him. The light faded as his head fell against the headrest. She must have exhausted him.

  I stopped a few feet from the truck to blink back tears, trying to convince myself they’d formed because of my father’s call.

  Jack

  Staring at the headliner of my truck, I struggled to keep my temper in check.

  I can’t believe that woman ambushed me in the parking lot. Did she actually think I was going to sit her in the passenger seat and take her home with me? Or maybe she just wanted a fast fuck against the truck.

  It doesn’t matter...she wasn’t getting either. Not that I encouraged her during the event, but I think I made myself pretty clear just now that I won’t be going there and she needs to back off. Hopefully that will stop her from showing up at a game.

  A noise against the passenger door had me on full alert. If it’s her, I swear I won’t be responsible for my actions. I looked over and was relieved to see Hannah.

  Shit. Hannah.

  She opened the door and climbed into the seat.

  “I’m sorry, Hannah.” I paused to figure out what to say. She’s been around the game so long, the truth wouldn’t surprise her. But I really don’t want to discuss it with her, so I settled on, “I got held up.”

  “Not a problem,” she said, clicking her belt into place.

  Once she was settled, I pushed the ignition button, shifted into drive, and pulled out of the lot. Tension echoed through the truck and about a mile into the ride, I realized it wasn’t all coming from me.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  “Fine. Why?”

  “You seem upset.”

  “Nope. I’m good.” From the corner of my eye, I saw her glance in my direction. “You?”

  “Honestly, I’ve been better.”

  She faced the windshield again and mumbled something.

  “I didn’t catch that.”

  “It wasn’t important,” she said.

  Her icy tone slapped me in the face.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  After a few seconds, she said, “I’m just tired.”

  We drove in silence for a few more minutes during which she seemed to be fighting an inner battle. Eventually her body language changed slightly, and she shifted into what I now recognize as PR mode.

  “So, I think the event went well. Mrs. Garrett was thrilled with the outcome and plans on singing your praises to anyone who will listen.”

  Up until three months ago, I had no clue there was a difference between the real Hannah and the professional persona she projects most of the time. But now that I’ve seen the real woman, I don’t want to deal with an imitation.

  Instead of commenting on the bullshit PR garble she just spewed, I said, “I’m in the mood for ice cream. I know a place not far from here that makes an amazing banana split. Whaddya say?”

  “I really don’t want ice cream.”

  “Are you lactose intolerant or something?

  She looked at me and frowned. “No. Why?”

  “You said you don’t normally order whipped cream and now you don’t want ice cream. What other explanation could there be?”

  “Not all of us are world-class athletes that burn millions of calories a day, you know.”

  I smiled. Real Hannah is back.

  “Come on. You have to splurge once in a while,” I said. “Besides, I’m driving so you don’t have a choice.”

  She opened her mouth to say something then closed it and crossed her arms across her chest. “Fine.”

  I pulled into the lot next to its sole occupant, an orange Subaru hatchback.

  “Is it open?” she asked, looking around the nearly empty lot.

  I’ve learned that while this place has a never-ending line during the day, it’s usually deserted at night. I have no idea why that is, but it works well for me.

  “Yep, for another hour or so.”

  She didn’t seem convinced, but unbuckled her seatbelt anyway.

  I got out of the truck and rounded the hood just as she opened her door. The fact that she didn’t hesitate this time when I held out my hand to help her step down pleased me way more than it should.

  We walked through the gravel lot to the window. The glass slid open and a gust of cold air floated out. A teenage girl smiled and asked, “What can I get for you?”

  Looking at Hannah, I asked, “What’s your pleasure?”

  “Oh, uh, I’m not sure.” She glanced at the menu and bit her lip, seeming to consider each item. “I’ll have a hot fudge sundae.”

  The girl wrote that down, then turned her attention to me.

  “Banana split.”

  “That’ll be nine dollars and twenty-three cents.”

  Hannah reached into her back pocket. “Don’t even,” I said, then handed the girl a twenty. “Keep the change.”

  The girl’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Thank you. Your order will be right up.”

  She closed the window and walked away. I was happy to see another girl in the back. I’d hate to think she’d be closing up alone.

  Putting her money back in her pocket, Hannah said, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She looked around and then back at me. “How did you find this place? It’s a bit out of the way.”

  “A few years ago, Dan and I were talking about taking Lexi for ice cream after practice. One of the stadium groundskeepers heard us and recommended this place. We figured if the locals come here, it must be good, so we decided to give it a try.”

  “Is it always this dead?”

  “At night it is, which in my mind, makes it perfect.”

  “I don’t know how you guys handle it. I’d go crazy if I couldn’t just go about my business without people staring at me or worse.”

  “Depending on where I am, I can usually get away without attracting too much attention.”

  She snorted. Actually snorted. “I doubt that.”

  Before I could comment, the window slid open.

  “Thank you,” I said, taking the sundaes. “Come on, let’s sit on the patio.”

  I walked around the side of the building and placed our ice cream on a table. Strands of lights woven through the beams of the patio roof added a soft glow to the space. Hannah sat and looked at her sundae.

  “There’s got to be a half gallon of ice cream in that,” she said. “I’ll never eat it all.”

  “Just give it your best shot.” I handed her a spoon and a couple napkins. “Lexi usually gets about three-quarters of the way through, so I’m expecting at least that much,” I said.

  “Lexi eats this?”

  “Hot fudge is her favorite.”

  She looked at the sundae and frowned, then tentatively dipped her spoon in and took a small taste. Then a bigger one.

  “Mmm, this is amazing.”

  “Told you.” I shoved a heaping spoonful of banana split into my mouth and enjoyed watching her dig in with gusto.

  Her sexy moans and constant spoon licking made my dick twitch. I recited stats in my head and focused on my own ice cream and anything else that would stop me from sporting full wood while eating sundaes with Hannah Adams. I really can’t go there. Hell, I’ve known her for ten years and until recently, never even thought about going there.

  What the fuck is wrong with me?

  Hannah is an attractive woman, but she’s definitely not my type. And if I did pursue her, what would happen at the end of the season? I’d have to deal with her, see her on a regular basis until I retire. Something tells me she’s not into casual relationships and that’s all I’m looking for.

  A sense of sadness rolled through me at that last thought. I’ll admit that watching Dan and Sabrina settle into wedded bliss has messed with my equilibrium. It’s made me wonder what it would be like to have someone to come home to after a long away stretch. A woma
n who actually cares about me and isn’t just there to add another professional ballplayer to her collection. Someone who won’t pay attention to every little thing I do and write a tell-all book.

  I took a huge spoonful of ice cream and shoved it into my mouth, working to settle my rioting emotions. Maybe not getting it on the regular is messing up my brain.

  “So earlier you said you’ve been better,” Hannah said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Did something happen at the event?”

  I shook my head. “Just an overzealous fan trying to get a little too close.” The lights reflected off the lenses of her glasses and I couldn’t see her eyes clearly, yet somehow they compelled me to continue. “The woman that offered me a seat at her table followed me to my truck and made it pretty clear she was mine for the taking.”

  Hannah nodded, then looked down at her half-eaten sundae.

  “So what did you do?”

  “After the polite route didn’t work, I made it pretty clear I didn’t want her.”

  “Oh.”

  So much was packed into those two letters. What did she think I’d do?

  I didn’t realize I’d spoken that last question out loud until she spoke.

  “I saw her leaving your truck and I thought…” Her voice trailed off and she dragged her spoon through the melting ice cream.

  “You thought what?”

  She squared her shoulders, looked directly at me, and said, “It doesn’t matter what I thought. It’s really none of my business.”

  “Don’t do that,” I said.

  “Do what?”

  “Hide behind that bullshit professionalism. Tell me what you thought.”

  “When she passed me in the parking lot, it didn’t look like she’d been turned down. I figured you’d either taken care of business at the truck or made plans for later.”

  She’d seemed upset when she climbed into the truck earlier. Is that why? And if so, why would it bother her?

  Then it hit me. Her usual reluctance to take my hand or touch me in any way. The wall she puts up when things get too casual. She feels this thing between us too.

  Holy hell.

  “Hannah.” She looked up and I shifted forward until the glare disappeared from her glasses so I could see her eyes clearly. “I know I’m not a saint, but I don’t hook up with random groupies in parking lots. Or anywhere else for that matter.”

  Her eyes softened and professional Hannah was nowhere in sight. I took full advantage to plead my case.

  “I know you’ve busted your ass putting these events together and I’d never do anything to fu—to screw them up. Please understand that. And please promise me that if I ever do something to upset you, you’ll tell me. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together and I don’t want any misunderstandings between us.”

  She blinked several times. “Okay.”

  “Good.” I looked at the remains of her melted sundae. “Are you done?”

  Looking down, she nodded. “I can’t believe I almost ate that whole thing.”

  “It’s good stuff.” I grabbed her dish and stacked it on top of mine. “Come on, let’s get going.”

  The ride back to her hotel passed in a comfortable silence. Beyond my teammates’ wives, I haven’t had many women friends in my life, if any, but I can easily see Hannah fitting into that category. The more time I spend with her, the more I appreciate her sense of humor and how easy she is to talk to. I appreciate a lot of other things about her too, but that’s not important. I’ve been controlling my emotions for a long time, I can manage to control this attraction I suddenly feel for her.

  I pulled into the parking lot of her hotel and circled around to the front door.

  “Thanks for another great event,” she said. “I know you weren’t thrilled about doing this, but you’ve really been a great sport. And you’re amazing with the fans.”

  She looked at me and her smile shot all my confidence that I could control anything right to hell.

  Chapter 11

  Jack

  My knuckles turned white as my hands gripped the steering wheel.

  “Jack?”

  I released my fingers one at a time and turned toward her, resting my elbow on the armrest between us. Her eyes widened and she licked her lips. And just like that every ounce of restraint seeped from my body and I couldn’t think of a single reason why I shouldn’t kiss this woman. Right here. Right now.

  Moving my hand slowly, I raised it and caressed her jaw, giving her time to back away if she didn’t want this. Not only did she not back away, she let out a short breath, leaned into my touch, and shifted her gaze to my mouth.

  “Hannah.”

  The whispered word brought her eyes back to mine. It’s been a long time since the thought of a kiss made my heart pound, but mine was racing so fast, she could probably hear it.

  I moved my head forward a fraction, then stopped and searched her gaze, giving her one last chance to back away. When she didn’t, I tunneled my fingers through her hair and exerted a hint of pressure, tipping her head back. Her lips parted slightly and I couldn’t resist anymore.

  Touching my mouth to hers, I moved slowly, taking in the feel of her soft lips against mine. The kiss is relatively chaste, but I feel its impact everywhere. Needing her closer, I wrapped my arm around her waist and settled my hand against the small of her back, pulling her forward.

  I forget that we’re sitting in my truck in a parking lot where anyone can see us. I forget that we shouldn’t be doing this. And I forget all about control and dive right in.

  Opening my mouth over hers, I licked the seam of her lips, asking for entry. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that and it’s kind of nice. My usual women have their tongues down my throat before I even decide if I want it there.

  She didn’t move at first, but then with a soft moan, she opened up and I touched my tongue to hers, enjoying the lingering taste of hot fudge and ice cream. Pressing against her full lips, I added a soft suction, bringing the kiss to another level.

  It went on and on, and I enjoyed every second, every taste, every touch. I shifted my other arm around and up to the middle of her back, pulling her closer. Firm, round, and full, her breasts flattened against my chest and I flexed my fingers into her back, fighting the urge to reach around and cup them.

  I pulled my mouth from hers for a second, moving my head to go at the kiss from a different angle. Her hands shifted from my shoulders to my head and she dug her fingers into my scalp, pulling me closer. Our teeth touched as our mouths clashed together and I sank into the kiss, thrusting and tangling my tongue against hers repeatedly, pulling her forward until she was halfway across the armrest.

  Before my last thread of sanity snapped and things got totally out of hand, I slowed the kiss and released my grip allowing the lower half of her body to fall back into her seat. Reluctantly pulling my mouth from hers, I rested my head against her forehead, and fought to slow my breathing.

  Pulling back slightly, I looked down at her swollen lips, taking in her dazed expression. Her eyes opened slowly and I had to fight the urge to take her mouth again. Instead, I leaned forward and kissed her temple, then her forehead, and her nose before meeting her eyes.

  “I had a great time tonight, Hannah.” My voice sounded like I’d eaten gravel. I cleared my throat. “But I should go.” When she didn’t answer, I added, “Will I see you at the park tomorrow?”

  She blinked twice, then nodded.

  “Great.” I kissed her chastely and pulled back fast, fighting the urge to park the truck, drag her up to her room, and fuck her senseless. “Good night.”

  Reaching down to grab her bag, she looked back and said, “Good night.”

  The gentlemanly thing would be to go open her door and help her out of the truck, but I’ll totally embarrass myself if I stand up right now.

  She opened the door and glanced back, looking adorably mussed. “Bye Jack.”

  That said, she stepped down, closed the do
or behind her, and disappeared into the lobby.

  Hannah

  I stared at the ceiling, my head still spinning.

  Jack Reagan kissed me.

  He didn’t just kiss me. He KISSED me. And it was amazing. Better than I’d ever imagined. And Lord knows I’d imagined.

  My crush had been out of control before, but now that I’ve gotten to know Jack...really know him...it’s turning into something much bigger. There’s something sweet and real behind that amazing face and sexy body. For ten years, I was attracted to his exterior and am now finding out that what’s on the inside makes him even more irresistible.

  And that kiss. I’ve had sex with men before and not felt as much as I did when Jack put his mouth on mine. It’s been hours, and my lips are still tingling...not to mention other parts. If I was home, I’d take the edge off with my battery operated boyfriend, but I was so afraid they’d go through my bags at TSA, I left him at home. I could take things into hand, so to speak, but that takes so much longer, and I really just want to get some sleep.

  I rolled over and pulled the covers up to my chin, squeezing my legs tight in an attempt to ease the ache. But something tells me that since Jack put it there, he’s the only one who will be able to ease it. And I know I can’t let that happen. Ever.

  Yes, he may be sweet, charming, and sexy as hell, but he’s also heartbreak waiting to happen. Years ago, I vowed to never date athletes or actors and I have no reason to change that now.

  I chuckled and scooted further into the covers. I’m getting way ahead of myself here. Yes Jack kissed me, but it’s probably no big deal to him. How many women have I seen him with in the past decade? Lots, that’s how many. And I’m sure there are just as many I don’t know about.

  One kiss, no matter how hot it had been for me, probably didn’t even register on his radar. With that disheartening thought floating through my head, I drifted into a troubled sleep.

  My cell phone alarm blared and I swiped to shut it off. After tossing and turning most of the night, all I want to do is roll over and go back to sleep. Maybe I should call off sick.