“Real estate’s cheaper down here,” Kelly said.
“The weather’s much nicer, too,” Sky added.
“Jeez, you two are some pair. Do you always just steam-roll over any obstacles in your path to getting what you want?”
“Pretty much,” Kelly said, grinning.
Sky nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mike shook his head and sighed deeply. “Okay. Sign me up as shotgun for Jed—but that’s all I’m committing to,” he declared, both hands raised.
The two women glanced at each other and slapped a high five.
“What time is wheels-up in the morning?” Kelly asked.
“Five a.m. I’m going to cut over on I-4 and pick up I-95 in Daytona, and I want to miss rush-hour traffic going through Orlando.”
“Then I’m hitting the sack,” Sky yawned.
“Yeah, ditto,” Kelly said.
“You two don’t have to get up that early just to watch us leave.”
“It’s no problem. I’ll make you some breakfast sandwiches so you won’t have to stop for food until you cross the Georgia line.” Kelly blithely ignored the smug look on Sky’s face.
“Thanks, Kelly,” Mike said.
His eyes held an intensity Sky hadn’t seen in a long, long time. Maybe ever. Yep, I’m really liking the idea of these two getting together. Even if it might mean Mike living close by and giving my dates the Zeigfeld version of the Spanish Inquisition.
Chapter Six
AJ rubbed the back of his neck as he drove back to the Bucks campus. He’d dropped the top again in hopes the chilly air would combat the heat that settled in his crotch when he kissed Sky. So far, no luck.
First dates were always a bit uncomfortable, but that dinner went way beyond the norm. Of course, usually first dates did not include other family members. That hurdle was generally left for later, after two people had some time to get to know each other. No doubt the rather animated discussion with her brothers didn’t increase his chances for future dates. For a few moments he’d thought he would strike out, but he’d managed to talk her into one more, which, hopefully, would go much better.
He parked at the Barracks, put the top up on the Mustang and headed to his room. There was a lounge area at the end of the hall with a mini-kitchen and a few tables where several guys were playing cards. He nodded on his way by but didn’t stop to chat. He heard music as he passed Cal’s door but didn’t want to talk about the evening’s fun and games with him, either. Cal would surely want to know about Kelly, and he had a sneaking suspicion that she and Mike could easily become a couple were it not for the distance problem. He wasn’t going to be the one to break that news to Cal.
Looking at his watch, he realized it was probably too late to call his mom and check in. He’d have to find time tomorrow.
Since sleep was out of the question after that kiss, which had his pants tightening to the point of pain, he changed into sweats and headed to the gym. The ever-present tension the tryouts kept simmering in his subconscious would have kept him awake anyway, but the first taste of Sky’s lips had pushed even that down a peg or two on his anxiety scale. The skin of her cheek was so soft, and the velvet brush of her lips on his tasted of lemons and wine. He wanted more of that. Much more.
Putting twenty-pound weights on the dumbbells, he did reps until his biceps screamed for mercy, then hit the power tower to work on his triceps, chest and abs. A half-hour run on the treadmill finally exhausted him enough to consider a shower and sleep.
Tomorrow, Coach Betz would be all over them again.
After tonight’s heated debate over the designated hitter rule, AJ planned to spend a lot of time in the batting cage. While that would no doubt make coach happy, AJ was driven even more knowing Sky’s brother Jed wanted to come down to see some games. A few doubles and maybe even a home run might wipe the sneer off the face of the scornful teenager. Hell, once the kid found out his name, as he surely would as soon as Sky did, the sneers and snickers would probably never stop. He shrugged, remembering the old adage about sticks and stones. Jed’s smirks wouldn’t bother him. Sky’s, on the other hand…
~~~
Since she and Kelly had been up at oh-dark-thirty to see her brothers off, Sky took advantage of the extra time to get to her office early and dive into research on Mr. AJ Reed.
By 8:30, she knew exactly why AJ preferred to use his initials. Augustus Jedidiah Reed was born in Philadelphia on October 24, 1989, to Alexander and Julia Reed. Why Alexander and Julia would shackle their son with a name like that, she had no idea, unless they expected the inevitable schoolyard fights would toughen him up. Still, it seemed a cruel joke to play on a defenseless baby.
She also discovered that AJ’s father was deceased, his mom now lived in Beacon Hill, and he rented an apartment in New York City, although his legal address was the same as his mother’s.
At 9, Kathryn came into her office to remind her that the corporation’s legal department, which maintained offices in Naples, was sending a rep to go over the contracts the new players would have to sign.
“Go over the whole ten pages with this lawyer, and ask him about anything you don’t understand or agree with. I’m sure it’s merely a formality, but you’ll be on the front lines to get questions from the players we sign, so make sure we haven’t missed something important from the HR point of view.”
Sky nodded. “He’s due here at ten, right? I’ll be ready. I’ve already read the first draft, and there are a couple of things I asked them to change. Mostly semantics. You know how legalese uses fifteen words to say what three would do.”
“Yes. I’m glad you’re the one who has to plow through all that jargon. It gives me a headache just reading one paragraph.” Kathryn smiled. “How’d your dinner date go?”
Sky’s jaw dropped. “How did you know about that?”
“Oh, I have my ways,” Kathryn chuckled. “Mimosa Key is a small community, and Charity Grambling manages to spread news about every hot affair in less time than it takes for the tide to roll in. The Barefoot Bucks compound is a new neighborhood where gossip is the main form of entertainment. You’ll be amazed how fast word gets around. Better keep that in mind.”
“I will.” Sky shook her head in dismay. Who would care about her personal life? The image of Charity behind the counter in the Super Min flashed before her eyes. Yeah. She’d care. About any little tidbit she could suck from an unwary customer.
Surely AJ wouldn’t have blabbed about dinner? Other than possibly to complain to his buddies about the hard time her brothers had given him.
No. He wouldn’t.
Would he?
Kathryn relented at the stunned look on Sky’s face. “I’m only teasing you. Actually George and I happened to be having dinner at Arturo’s ourselves last night. We saw you as we were leaving, but I didn’t want to interrupt what seemed like a lively conversation.”
Lively, indeed. Sky frowned. She now was in possession of information that AJ would rather not have her drop into the gossip mill. She wouldn’t actually do that, but the thought of dangling the threat over his head brought back her smile.
Sky sighed in relief. Then had a thought. Maybe as head of the Human Resources Department, she shouldn’t socialize with members of the team. She had no control over hiring or firing, so no one could accuse her of influencing a team member’s rise or fall in the ranks. Still…
“Kathryn, can I ask you something?”
The older woman nodded. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Is there a rule against dating a player?” A twist in her stomach signaled just how disappointed she’d be if there was some kind of prohibition. She chewed her bottom lip.
“No. There isn’t any restriction that I’m aware of, but remember what I told you at tryouts. Some of the guys will hit on you in the hopes you can do something for their careers.”
Sky blew out a breath she’d been unconsciously holding, and Kathryn grinned. “And be prep
ared for the ridiculous assumptions the rumor mill will spread,” she said over her shoulder, as she went to her own office.
This is one more good reason to date a few different fellas. That way no one will think there’s anything serious going on with any of them.
Sky pulled out the notes she’d made on the first draft of the contract and began to review them.
By noon, her stomach rumbled loudly enough to be heard by the corporate rep across the table.
He looked up and grinned. “I guess it is about lunch time. We’ve covered everything I had wanted to clarify in the contract. Did you have any other questions?”
“No. I’m fine with the changes I asked for in the first draft. If something else occurs to me, I can email you.”
“Okay, then.” He stood, gathered the paperwork and tucked it into his briefcase. “Sky, it was a pleasure working with you. If you don’t have plans, I’d be happy to take you to lunch.”
“I’m meeting a friend of mine, and we’re going to grab a bite in the cafeteria in the team’s dorm. You’re welcome to join us, if you’d like.” Peter Redman was a nice-looking man who dressed with style and had a pleasant personality. Sky had already noted that he didn’t wear a wedding ring. He’d be just the ticket to show off in the dining room—in case the local gossips were keeping track of the men she was seen with.
“Sounds good,” Peter said. “I’ve heard the food down there is better than a lot of restaurants around here.”
“It is. The owners didn’t want the team to eat junk food, so they hired a cook recommended by Chef Ian over at Junonia to serve healthy, balanced meals. The fact that they’re also delicious keeps the players coming back. We’re lucky to have access to such good food right next door.” She picked up her phone. “Let me tell Kelly we’re on our way over and she’ll meet us there.”
After introductions, they went through the line and found a four-top by the windows. The fence behind the outfield blocked their view of the baseball diamond, but the area between the fence and the windows had been turned into a garden with flowering shrubs and a small stream that trickled into a pool where brightly colored koi swam lazily in the afternoon sunshine.
“This place is amazing,” Peter said. “I doubt many major league teams have such a beautiful home field as well as all these perks.”
“I wouldn’t know, being new to baseball, but I’ve heard several of the players that transferred from other teams rave about their digs here.” Kelly added a dollop of ranch dressing to her chef’s salad and took a bite. “Mmm, their salads are always so crisp and fresh. Half the time I’d rather pick up one for dinner here rather than go home and cook.”
Sky nodded. “Me, too. That’s the benefit of the farmette that supplies Junonia, and our chef. Veggies are often picked in the morning to make our lunches.”
“Mind if I join you?” Cal asked, tray in hand.
“Of course not. Have a seat,” Sky offered. “Cal, meet Peter Hardwick, the legal eagle who’s ironing out the kinks in the players’ contracts. Peter, this is Cal Castellano, one of the pitchers who’s hoping to sign one of those contracts.”
“Well, I wish you luck, Cal. I’ve been told to have the final draft finished by Wednesday so that Mr. Valentine can start signing you guys up.”
“Wednesday, huh? That’s good news. I thought we’d have to wait until Friday or Saturday before we got the word.” He grinned at Kelly. “If I make the team, I’d sure like to celebrate with you. How about dinner this Saturday, Kel?”
“Thank you, Cal. That would be lovely.”
Kelly’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, but Cal seemed not to notice. Pleased by her acceptance, he dug into the food he’d piled on his plate.
Must be great not to worry about calories, Sky thought. She gave Kelly a knowing look that said they’d have to talk later about T, D and H.
Peter finished first. “I’m due back at the office for a meeting, so I’ll leave you all to finish. Thanks for lunch with such pleasant company. Cal, nice to meet you and, again, good luck this week.”
“He seems like a nice guy,” Cal said. “I don’t suppose he had any ideas about how the roster is shaping up?” He looked hopefully between Kelly and Sky.
“No word has come down from above as far as I know,” Kelly replied. “I think it’s too soon to tell.”
“Don’t look at me,” Sky said, hands raised. “I’ll probably be the last one to know anything. I agree with Kel, it’s way too early to know anything for sure. What do they have you doing?”
“Killing ourselves with exercises, sprints and practice. AJ had the batting coach tied up for hours this morning, which was kind of a waste, since he’s already a good hitter. I’m the one who needs to work with the stick.” He put another forkful of pot roast and potatoes in his mouth.
“Don’t you all break for lunch?” Sky asked, seeing quite a few of the other men lining up at the counter. Not that she was looking for anyone in particular …
Cal grinned. “AJ said he had to make a phone call. He should be along any minute.”
Sky felt her cheeks heat and hoped her blush wasn’t noticeable. By the time she finished eating and AJ still hadn’t shown up, she piled her dishes on her tray and stood. “I have to get back to work. See you guys later.”
“Wait for me,” Kelly said, scrambling to stack her dishes and follow Sky out. When she caught up at the drop-off window, she elbowed Sky. “Don’t leave me alone with Cal like that. People might get the wrong idea.”
“How could they get the wrong idea if you just accepted a date with him?”
Kelly frowned. “I know. I couldn’t think of a nice way to say no.” She brightened. “Oh, well, it is only a dinner. I just don’t want him to get serious.”
“Why not?” Sky’s eyes sparked with mischief. “He’s T, D and H and seems nice enough. What’s not to like?”
Kelly bit her bottom lip.
“Could it be there’s someone else?” Sky giggled. “Some other guy you’ve met recently?”
They were in the hall outside of the cafeteria now, and Kelly gave Sky a narrow-eyed look. “Tell me now. Does your brother have a girlfriend back home?”
“Jed? No. He’s still in the dating around mode. There’s no one special as far as I know.” Sky pressed her lips together to keep her smile in check.
“Don’t be so cute. You know who I mean.”
“Mike’s been a loner since he graduated from college. You’ve got no competition up north, Kel. I got the impression he was kinda taken with you, considering you two barely spent twenty-four hours together.”
“He’s really nice, Sky. Too bad he lives so far away.”
“Yeah, we’ll have to work on that little problem,” Sky agreed. “But my money’s on you, kiddo. Call me when you’re ready to leave.”
They’d decided to car pool since they both had similar hours. As long as neither had errands to do, they drove together.
“Will do. Later, girl.” Kelly headed down the hall past the gym to where the coach and trainer’s offices were.
Sky headed back to the stadium, wishing she’d had at least a glimpse of AJ.
She went into her office, closed the door and got a pair of binoculars from her desk drawer. Scanning the field, she finally found him on the sidelines, pitching to Mack as the coach looked on. After a few pitches, the coach would say something; AJ would nod, then throw again. The lenses brought his beautiful body into close-up focus, and she sighed at the grace and power he combined to send the ball slamming into Mack’s glove. His biceps were hard and cut, and even the corded muscles of his forearms stirred her.
She remembered the feel of his arms around her on the dance floor, and heat blossomed below her waist.
He took his cap off to swipe sweat from his brow, his honey blond hair plastered to his head except where it curled over his collar. He glanced around, and for a moment she thought he might actually be looking at her, his eyes so bright and clear through the binoculars.
Then she came to her senses and realized even if he knew where to look along the bank of windows on the second floor, he’d never be able to see her through the reflective glass. He picked up a bottle of water and drank deeply, his throat muscles working.
Her mouth went dry watching him.
She swiveled on one heel, tossed the binoculars back in the bottom drawer and fell into her chair.
This has got to stop. I’m playing the field. Therefore I need to find another guy to date, and soon. Remember Handsome Ben. I will not fall for this guy.
She gave a decisive nod. But in the back of her mind, the thought that it was already too late niggled.
~~~
“Hi, Mom.”
“AJ. How nice to hear from you, honey. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. I, uh, wanted to talk to you for a few minutes. Is this a good time?” AJ rubbed the back of his neck and paced.
“Honey, as long as the house isn’t on fire, it’s a good time.” Her voice took on a hint of concern. “Is everything all right? I thought you were on vacation.”
“Yeah, well, I am, sort of.”
“Sort of? What does that mean?”
He took a deep breath. “Mom, I’m down in Florida, in a place called Mimosa Key. It’s a small island on the gulf down near Naples. It’s beautiful, Mom. You’d love it.”
“That sounds wonderful, sweetie. Now tell me the part you’re worried about.”
In spite of himself, he had to laugh. His mom was a smart woman and not one prone to beating around the bush. “I’m down here trying out for a new minor league baseball team.”
There was a moment of silence, and AJ’s guilt spiraled up to choke him.
“Oh, honey, that’s wonderful.”
He thought he heard some tears in the sound of her voice. “Mom? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, honey.”
He heard her sigh.
“I’m just so proud of you. Your father would be so pleased. He was always thrilled that you loved baseball as much as he did, and he’d be over the moon to know you wanted to play professionally.”
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