by Lyssa Layne
Sitting in the dugout, I tap my foot nervously. I’m ready for this game to be over. This night to be over. Hell, just this whole ordeal to be over so I can get on with my life. I haven’t told Grant or my sister, but I’ve been sending out resumes to a few different clubs for next season. I think a change of pace and a fresh start will be good for both my career and my mental health.
Looking at the batter’s box, I see Jace approach with his cocky grin and a head nod to Grant. Grant turns his back to home plate and takes off his hat, wiping away sweat. I chew on my bottom lip as he turns around and gets ready to pitch, but I notice it isn’t his normal stance. I stand up before the ball is even over the plate as I realize exactly what he’s doing.
Jace turns away from the pitch and the ball nails him square in his back. He falls to the ground dramatically and I roll my eyes. He stands up and charges the mound. None of his teammates stop him, although Grant’s immediately surround him. Jace slows as he approaches him and sees all four of the infielders at Grant’s side. I watch him mutter something to Grant but Grant just smiles. Jace obviously isn’t amused by Grant’s antics as he mutters something that is probably being bleeped out for the viewing audience at home.
Jace jogs to first base and Grant goes back to the mound, glancing over at me. I raise my eyebrows, questioning his shoulder, and he gives me a quick nod to let me know it’s fine. I sit back down waiting for the inning to finish. The team quickly gets the third out and the guys trot into the dugout. I’ve already excused myself to the training room, knowing that the cameras will be focused in on the dugout. Grant must have the same notion because he doesn’t come looking for me until the middle of the fifth inning.
I’m watching the game on the monitor and sitting on a table. I have the radio on and I’m humming along to Van Halen, both Grant and my favorite band. My back is to the door so I don’t hear him come in. Startled, I jump off the table at the touch of his hand on my bracelet.
He smiles as his fingers run over my charms. “I could use your help stretching.”
I swallow hard, trying to keep the butterflies in my stomach tamed as he takes my spot on the table. I push his arm over his head and hold it there, our faces nearly touching.
“How much longer are you staying in?”
“I want all nine innings,” Grant says calmly.
I let go of his arm and my jaw drops. “Grant, it’s not just about tonight. There’s the entire postseason after this game. Don’t be dumb. Don’t drop to Jace’s level.”
Grant’s hand moves up my arm and over my shoulder to my neck as he looks into my eyes. “Colie, stop worrying. I know what I’m doing.”
My heart beats quickly as his eyes stare deep into mine. I don’t realize I’m leaning forward until the announcer on the television tells us the inning is over and the score is still zero-zero. Grant moves his hand to mine and stands up. Walking toward the dugout, he tugs me behind him and I sigh as I follow. With a quick squeeze of my hand, he jogs out on the field to start the top of the sixth inning.
***
The entire stadium is on edge. It’s the bottom of the eighth inning, still scoreless, and we have runners on first and third with no outs. Grant is up to bat but luckily Jace was pulled in the previous inning. His pitching was completely off, but he still had his team’s good defense on his side.
I see the third base coach send Grant the signal for a hit and run, meaning no matter the pitch, he makes the bat hit the ball. I hold my breath as the pitcher winds up and Grant knocks a line drive directly between the first and second basemen, scoring the runner on third. The entire bench, along with everyone in the stadium, goes crazy while I try to calm my erratic heartbeat. The next batter strikes out and then an outfielder forces a double play. The teams switch places with us up by a run.
Grant jogs in from second base and I hand him his glove. I hold onto it for a second making him look me in the eyes. Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “You sure you’re up for this?”
He smiles and rubs his dirty finger down my cheek. “Colie, didn’t I tell you to stop worrying?”
I smile and say, “It’s my job to worry about you.”
Grant winks at me and replies, “And it’s mine to worry about you.”
As Grant runs on the field, I don’t move. Suddenly Jace’s words hit home—I’m in love with Grant Adamson.
When he asked me if I’d ever been in love and I described my Loyola Jace, I was describing Grant. Grant always supports me and encourages me even if it’s not to his benefit. He’s always watching out for me, but above all else, he makes everything better. He makes me complete and he brightens my days, even when he gets my apartment condemned in the process.
“Earth to Colie!” Benny yells at me as I turn around.
I walk over and take a seat by him. Glancing up at the scoreboard, I see we’re only two outs away from winning the pennant.
“You’ve done good work with my boy,” he says, nodding toward Grant.
Feeling possessive, I turn to him with a smile and correct him, “That’s my boy, Martinez.”
Benny raises his eyebrow inquisitively and pats my leg. “About time you realized that.”
I smile as Grant strikes out the batter for the second out. The team stands up in the dugout as the count is now two and two. Benny reaches for my hand as I nervously bounce up and down while holding my breath. He laughs and reminds me, “Breathe, girl.” Grant winds up and launches the ball across home plate.
“STRIKE!” the umpire declares, and the fans go crazy! The players clear the dugout and run onto the field, celebrating. I stand where I’m at smiling, proud of Grant for pitching the entire game and leading the Aces to the pennant. The guys have him hoisted on their shoulders and a sense of pride for Grant soars through me. I head to the training room, letting him have this moment of victory with his boys. I know I’ll catch up with him later.
I’m about to walk into the hallway when I feel a thick, calloused hand on my arm spin me around. Grant Adamson towers over me with that sexy left eyebrow raised and his reclusive grin on his face. He pulls me into his arms and leans down. His lips capture mine and his tongue dives into my mouth. Stunned, I stand there motionless for half a second before I move my arms around his neck and return the kiss. I hear fireworks in the background, although I’m sure they’re going off inside me too.
Grant breaks the kiss and tilts his head back without letting me go. “I love you, Colie Adger,” he says, not taking his eyes off me.
I blink away tears as a feeling of relief washes over me. Nodding, I whisper, “I love you, too.”
Bending down, he kisses me again as I see the flashes going off all around us, but neither of us stop. We kiss as though we’re the only two people in the entire stadium, and I know I don’t ever want to kiss another man besides Grant Adamson.
We’re interrupted when the team manager pats Grant on the back. “Okay, lovebirds, break it up. Adamson’s got interviews to do, and Adger, you’re wanted too.”
My cheeks flush red and Grant brushes his fingertips across them. He leans his head to me as we walk onto the field and he whispers, “Wait until I get those cheeks even more flushed at home.”
His comment sets my face on fire and my jaw drops in awe. I squeeze his hand tightly, shaking my head with a laugh. “You better be able to back up those words,” I say confidently, and he leans down kissing me once more on live television. As I taste his sweet, sweaty lips, he pulls me protectively against him and I know he’ll never let me go again.
EPILOGUE
“Colie, your ring,” Grant says and points to the jewelry on my finger. Sliding my World Series ring off, I hand it to him and give him a kiss. He puts it in our hotel safe then turns around and pulls me into his arms.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I comment, “Jamaica for Christmas was a great idea.”
His lips press against mine and he nods. “I figured we could use a break from everyone chasing us around.”
The past two months have been crazy. The Aces won the World Series, Jace is being indicted for his gambling scheme, and Grant and I are ‘officially’ living together. The paparazzi have been tailing us ever since our kiss after the win over the Diplomats.
Grant’s hand slides up my back and tugs on the string of my bikini top. Breaking the kiss, I jump away. “No, no, no! We’ve already had to reschedule this snorkeling trip three different times.”
Grant reaches forward and pulls me to him again and kisses my neck. “I can’t help it, Colie. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
Tilting my head back and enjoying his lips, which have found my collarbone, I let out a small moan. “I’m not complaining about that, but we should really see the sights while we’re here.”
“Fine,” he says as his hands run down my chest and push my bikini top off my breasts. He grins at me as he takes a step in my direction, pushing me toward the balcony.
Laughing, I raise an eyebrow as we walk onto the deck overlooking the white sand outside our room. His mouth moves to my breast as I grasp the rail behind me. His teeth graze my nipple, making it stand at attention. Moving my hand, I mindlessly run it through his hair as I tilt my head back and enjoy his warm mouth on my sensitive skin. My body is getting used to his touches, but every time, it still reacts the same way—fireworks after a homerun.
Opening my eyes when I feel his mouth move off me, I stick my bottom lip out, pouting. He laughs as he kisses me below my ear and whispers, “Turn around, Colie.” Then he gently kisses my lip, his tongue dancing with mine as though he’s saying please.
His calloused, yet gentle hands move to my hips and slowly turn me around so I’m facing the ocean in front of me. His left hand slides over my stomach and fondles my breast between his thumb and forefinger. My whole body shivers and I push my hips against him. I hear the rip of the condom and I press my body harder against him in anticipation. His fingers move my swimsuit to the side as he slowly enters me, but that isn’t what turns me on the most.
Grant’s mouth is right next to my ear. He breathes hard as he moves in and out of me, but just like he’s done every time we make love, he softly whispers in between breaths, “I…love…you…Nicole.” And every time, my heart melts a little. He playfully nips at my ear, and then I feel him pull out of me.
“Hey!” I object but he spins me around.
Grabbing my hips, he positions himself and slides back in as he lifts me up and I wrap my legs around him. I let out a loud moan as he hits me in just the right place deep inside. His lips find mine and his tongue enters my mouth. My hand moves to his hair and I pull him closer to me as I start to tighten around him.
“Colie…” he whispers, almost out of breath. I nod letting him know I’m close, so he doesn’t hold back. Unlike my previous boyfriend, Grant always wants to make sure I’m as satisfied as he is, which is never a problem. He drives into me and I lean forward, biting his shoulder to keep from screaming so the neighbors don’t hear me. He lets out a low laugh and joins me in my release.
He sets my feet back on the ground and slowly slides out of me. Both our chests heave as we try to catch our breath. He rubs my back as I lean against him and kiss his sweaty, sculpted chest. In return, he kisses my forehead and I ask, “Why’d you turn me around?”
He pushes my hair out of my face when he answers, “I can never get enough of those beautiful eyes.”
I look down sheepishly, my cheeks turning red. Grant laughs at me and lifts my chin for a kiss. His hands slide over my breasts again and heat rushes over me. My hand rubs over his semi-aroused package and I raise my eyebrow. “Again? Already?”
His hands squeeze my chest as he leans down and give me a deep, passionate kiss. His fingers mess with the fabric of my suit, and then he pulls it over to cover me up. I move away and look at him with a frown.
With a huge grin, he says, “We’ve got snorkeling.”
I roll my eyes and he shakes his head. I stop mid-roll and walk around him, purposely bending over in front him to pick up my bag.
“Mmm… Colie, why do you do that to me?” His hands run over my swimsuit as I stand up. Leaning back against him, I can feel that he could go for another round right now.
I take a few steps away from him and turn around, smirking. “Snorkeling, right?”
He shakes his head with a laugh and opens the door. I follow him into the hallway, taking his hand. Draping his arm over my shoulders, we head to the hut on the beach front. Walking along the sand to the boat, I stop and look up at Grant, who is grinning.
There’s a band playing Every Little Thing, and rose petals are sprinkled along the sand. My jaw drops and Grant kisses me before he bends down on one knee. He takes my hand and looks up at me as my whole body starts to shake.
“Nicole Elaine Adger, I promised you everything was going to be alright and I want to be the man who makes that happen for you for the rest of your life. I love you more than anything in this world, Colie, and I can’t imagine spending a day without you. Would you be my wife?”
He’s holding a ring in his finger as he says this. My heart beats rapidly and my vision starts to blur. More than anything I want to say yes but… I take a deep breath and pull on his hand to stand up. He slides his hands around my waist and pulls me to him.
“Grant, I want to say yes but…”
I see his lips turn into a frown when I trail off. I swallow and go on. “Remember when we went to visit my family in California?”
He nods as his fingers rub my hips, distracting me from my thoughts. I shake my head, focus, Colie! I swallow again. “The Stags offered me an assistant trainer position. Grant, I can’t pass this up. I know I should have—”
He cuts me off with a kiss and says, “I think I’ll like California.”
I look at him, confused. “What? You were just offered a contract extension with the Aces.”
“Colie, you and I both know my shoulder is about done. I wanted to talk to you about retiring, but this confirms that I’ll have to.”
My heart sinks and I feel completely selfish that I didn’t even tell him I was applying with other teams. “Grant, you don’t have to retire for me. We can figure things out.”
Grant trails his finger down my cheek. “Just say you’ll marry me.”
He takes my left hand and holds the ring at the tip of my finger. He looks into my eyes with that damned sexy scarred eyebrow raised. I smile and nod. He slips the ring down my finger, then gives me a deep, passionate kiss which sets my entire body on fire. Letting me go, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out another box.
“A charm for my bride,” he says. I open the box and see a new dangle for my bracelet. A heart with Mrs. engraved in the middle. I grin as I throw my arms around his neck and he picks me up. I lean down and kiss my future husband.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book is a result of Rachelle Ayala pushing me outside of my comfort zone in our Romance in a Month class. I loved the support, guidance, and more than anything, the friends I made from this class. Thank you Rachelle for putting it together and for beta reading this story as well. Another shoutout to my other beta readers: K.S. Thomas, Chantel Rhondeau, and Linda Armstrong-you ladies rock! Also, to my buddy, Brett Figus, who gave me a guy’s perspective on this story and whose voice I could hear in my head as I read your critiques.
Of course, I can’t forget the boys of Easter weekend who helped me brainstorm a sports romance novel. I loved all the great ideas including ACL tears, going overseas to play, and all the other crazy ideas we came up with. So here’s a slow clap and standing ovation for Tyler and Steven. LGB!
And I couldn’t have done this without an editor, cover designer, or formatter! Thank you Simone Beaudelaire, my editor, Melissa Keir, my formatter, and E. J. Kellen, my cover designer. Simone, if I could write you a Grant, I would! Thank you for dealing with my misplaced modifiers and missing commas. Mel, thank you for your guidance and help every step of the way. E.J., I can’t tell you how muc
h I love working with you! You are an amazing designer and I apologize for all my pestering.
Lastly, to the lovers of Lyssa Layne-THANK YOU for your continued support! I know I’ve broken your heart in the past so hopefully this is a fun, flirty read for you. I’m giving you a break because books 3 and 4 in the Burning Lovesick series will require lots and lots of tissue! Enjoy Colie and Grant and you’ll get to see them in the future as well.
Fear of Striking Out
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
-Babe Ruth
CHAPTER 1
Shaking my head at the burn of the whiskey rolling down my throat, I tap my glass for the bartender to pour me another. The amber liquid free falls into my cup and I slide a fifty across the counter. The burly man behind the counter nods his understanding to keep them coming.
I spin around and take in the scene in front of me as I lean back against the mahogany wood. The dark bar is illuminated by neon beer signs and the smoky air is so thick you can barely see the other side of the room. Thank goodness, because I don’t want to see who the ear-piercing voice belongs to that’s crooning some unknown blues tune. Despite the less than pleasing aesthetics, I smile as I take a pull of my whiskey, trying to wash away my misery.
This definitely isn’t your typical L.A. bar scene and that’s exactly what I want. No one to recognize me, where I can be left alone to wallow in my own self-pity. I’m still pissed that the Minutemen, my home team for five years, didn’t extend my contract. I’m the best damn shortstop in Major League Baseball, but because some rookie kid from Florida accepted their deal for a few million less than I’d take, I’ve been traded to the Los Angeles Stags.