The Maxwell Series Boxed Set: Books 1-3

by Alexander, S. B.

  When Monday rolled in, the sun shone bright in the stark blue sky. After a tense day on Friday, I’d had a fun and relaxing weekend. I’d made amends with Kade, which afterwards I’d dreamed about, any chance I had to myself. I spent time with Becca, shopping, laughing, and bonding. She’d told me Kross had asked her out. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to get involved, since she was in love with Tyler. She asked again about Kade, and how he kissed, and other private details. My response to her had been: he was terrible. Then we giggled until our stomachs hurt. Becca and I had probed Mary about Mr. Wiley. Like me, she wasn’t kissing and telling.

  I’d thought Friday was big with tryouts, but Monday was even more heart-palpitating as Coach announced in homeroom that morning that the roster selection would be posted outside his office sometime during the school day. Between English and chemistry, Mrs. Flowers informed me I scored high on both my trig and calculus exams. I was surprised, given I didn’t have a warm and fuzzy feeling when I handed them in.

  “Earth to Lacey,” Becca said, snapping her fingers in my face.

  “Sorry. Did you say something?”

  Becca and I sat in our usual spot during our free period, in the school’s courtyard, basking in the warm sun. Indian summer had been the weather theme for the past two days. I almost felt like I was back in LA with the sixty-degree temperatures.

  “No. You were in a trance though,” she said.

  “So, have you decided if you’re going to go out with Kross?” I asked.

  She twisted her long black hair and pinned it up with a clip. “I might do a movie with him this weekend. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hang out with him. He is hot.”

  “Why don’t you ask Tyler to a movie?” I plopped my legs onto the empty chair next to me. What was wrong with a girl asking a guy out?

  “Are you kidding me?” She narrowed her eyes. “Tyler made it clear two years ago he wasn’t interested when he broke it off.”

  “That was in the past, girl. Dip your toe in the water.”

  “And if it freezes?” She angled her face toward the sun.

  “I’ll be there to thaw you out.”

  A few other students had the same idea as Becca and me, soaking up the warm rays. Before long, the cold New England winter would be here. We had to take advantage of every ounce of natural vitamin D we could.

  Deep familiar male voices resonated near the entrance to the school. I warmed as soon as I met Kade’s eyes. He tapped Kelton on the arm. They strode over with a sense of purpose and confidence like they owned the school.

  “Hey, baby,” Kade rasped as he leaned down to kiss me, his lips warm and inviting.

  When he broke the kiss, I straightened my spine, dropping my feet from the chair, and Kade slid into it. Kelton stole a chair from an empty table next to us.

  “Aren’t you guys supposed to be in class?” Becca asked.

  “Maybe,” Kelton said, biting his lower lip.

  Kade and Kelton had those blank expressions I hated. Becca and I shared a perplexed look.

  “Lace,” Kade twined his fingers with mine. “Coach Dean will have the roster posted outside his office in fifteen minutes.”

  “How do you know?” I tilted my head, nerves suddenly biting my stomach.

  “Kel and I just came from his office. I had to talk with him, and Kelton wanted to find out when the names for the team would be ready. Lace…you know I love you, and I can tolerate some pain…but I do need my fingers.”

  I looked down and my nails were embedded in his skin. “Sorry.” I blew out a breath, removing my hand.

  “I want to beat the rush before classes let out,” Kelton said. “It will take us five minutes to get over there.”

  Kade snatched my bag. Becca jumped up. Kelton was already walking around tables toward the path that led from the courtyard to the sports complex. I needed a minute to take in a few quick calming breaths to ease the low whirring hum in my head.

  “Good or bad, I’ll be there to catch you,” Kade said. He knew me too well already. Whether I did or didn’t make the team, I’d probably collapse from the built-up anticipation.

  He splayed a hand on my lower back as we headed in the same direction as Kelton. On our way to the sports complex, Kelton and Becca chatted. I tuned them out. If I didn’t make it, I would be devastated. I kept trying to tell myself I wouldn’t be, but I’d been kidding myself. I wanted this dream, this opportunity, no matter the consequences. Dad and I moved here to help me realize my dream. I couldn’t disappoint him or my brother, Rob. I was counting on the baseball scholarship from ASU. I’d live through the bullying and any obstacles that would be thrown my way. I replayed Mom’s speech, the one she’d given me when I was waiting to see if I’d made the team at Crestview.

  Lacey, my beautiful girl. You’re feisty, stubborn, sweet, determined, and tough. Those are the ingredients to fulfill your dream of baseball. Never give up.

  “Lace.” A callused hand stroked my cheek. “Why are you crying?” Kade said.

  “Oh.” I wiped tears from my eyes. “I was just thinking of my mom. Why are we standing here?” Wow! I didn’t even remember the walk from the courtyard to the back entrance of the sports complex. Coach’s office was just inside the brick building and down the main hall.

  “Kelton and Becca ran in to read the roster. I thought with you crying you might want a minute. This way if your name isn’t on the list, we can sneak out to my truck. Well, even if you did make it, we might want to skip the rest of the day and celebrate.” He lowered his head and rubbed my nose with his. “And we could find something to do in my room.”

  God, he smelled like sugar and rain, sweet and inviting. A tingly tap dance began in my belly, marching lower. I so wanted to leave right this minute.

  A door opened, the handlebar snapping up.

  “Kade. Lacey.” Kelton’s voice stopped Kade from slipping his tongue in my mouth. “Get in here.”

  “You ready?” Kade asked before he let go of me.

  “Now or never. The reason I moved here.” I grasped his hand.

  Kelton pressed his back against the inside of the door as he held it open. I didn’t look at his face as I walked in. Taking a deep breath, I let it out. The hall straight ahead appeared ominous. Doors dotted both sides. I homed in on the one at the very end of the hall, where a boy who looked like Todd stood reading the wall. The whirring noise in my head slowly ramped up.

  Kade had no problem keeping up with his brother. I did, though. I had to walk faster to keep up with them. I almost asked Kade for a piggyback ride. I quickly shelved the idea and froze midway down. Sweat coated my palms. I wiped them on my jeans.

  Todd turned to face us and fist-pumped the air. I guessed he made the team.

  “Congrats, man.” Kelton slapped him on the back.

  “You, too,” Todd said.

  “Are you going to stand there?” Kade asked. “Don’t be afraid. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

  More like black out.

  Kelton whispered in Todd’s ear. Then Todd breezed past me. The boy didn’t even give me the time of day. What did Kelton say to him? Did he not want Todd to speak? Was he afraid Todd would tell me the bad news? Or say, “Sorry, Lacey. You deserved it over…”

  My heart raced like a sprinter in the Olympics. My mind wreaked havoc on my emotions. Just go up to the board and freaking read it. My legs began to quake as I inched over to Kelton, who was blocking the bulletin board.

  “Now, Lace. I want you to know that I’m proud of you no matter—”

  “Get the fuck out of the way, Kel, before I push you through the wall,” Kade growled, yanking Kelton by the arm, then pushing him into Coach’s office. “Stay,” Kade said, blocking the doorway next to me.

  The white sheet seemed to blind me as I scanned
the list. My vision blurred in and out. I rubbed my palms on my jeans again, then again. I licked my dry lips, blinked a few times. I stepped closer, then ran a shaky finger down the list of names. I didn’t see mine. I started at the top again. A warm, strong finger looped around my left pinky finger. I swallowed as I landed on Kross’s name. Where the hell was Robinson? Coach had the last names listed first. Maxwell, Pritchard, Ravine, Robinson, Stanley, Switzer. Wait. Back up. My name, Robinson, Lacey. I read it again. Tears streamed down. The buzzing in my head began to clear. I dropped my head in my hands and dropped to my knees. Thank you, God.

  “Can I come out now?” Kelton’s voice echoed in the hall.

  “Touch her, I’ll cut off your balls,” Kade said.

  “Hey, you let me kiss her at her birthday dinner.”

  “One time. No more.” Kade’s voice was steadfast.

  I had no idea what was going on above me. I didn’t want to look either. I wanted to keep my face hidden, until the tears dried up, and savor the moment.

  A delicate hand touched my back. “Lacey,” Becca said. “Congratulations, girl.”

  I didn’t mind if Becca saw my tears, but I wanted to be strong for Coach. I didn’t know if he was in his office or in the hall now.

  “It’s okay. No one is going to laugh at your tears. If they do, I’ll kick their ass. You should cry tears of joy. Those are the best kind,” she said, as though she knew what I’d been thinking.

  I sucked in a breath, dashed away any remaining tears, and pushed to my feet. Before I had a chance to balance myself or register where everyone was, Kelton’s arms snaked around, sucking me into one of his strong bear hugs.

  “Welcome to the team, Lacey Robinson,” he cheered. “You fucking made it.”

  “I…can’t…breathe, Kel.” I really needed to teach him how to hug a person.

  He kissed me on the lips. In a blur, Kelton was pulled away from me. Keys fell next to Kelton. Grunts and more grunts ensued.

  “What’s going on out here?” Coach Dean ran out of his office.

  Becca rolled her eyes. Kade had Kelton pinned to the floor. “I’m the only one who puts lips on her,” Kade snapped.

  “Congratulations, Lacey,” Coach said, ignoring Kelton, who now had Kade immobilized. “Hard work is what I expect from you.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you for the opportunity. I won’t let you down.” I’d walk on hot coals before I did anything to screw up my chances.

  He nodded. “Now, all of you get out of here,” Coach ordered.

  Kade and Kelton brushed off their jeans and raked their hands through their hair.

  “I’m so excited for you,” Becca said, sidling up to me.

  “Thanks.” Now that my head was clear, I read through the roster.

  Renee had made it too. Not surprisingly, Kross, Kelton, and Aaron had been selected. After all, they were great ballplayers. I might not like Aaron, but I wouldn’t fault him for his talent.

  Kade draped an arm around me. “I’m so proud of you. We do need to celebrate.”

  I warmed to the fact that he knew not to pick me up like Kelton. A simple touch meant more to me than anything.

  “I can’t skip school. Maybe tonight.” Part of being on the team meant toeing the line, on and off the field. Which meant no ditching school—at least not today.

  For the rest of the school day, I’d carried a bittersweet feeling with me from class to class. So many emotions coursed through me. A few times I spaced out, smiling at nothing. Becca caught me once and had to bring me back to reality. I pouted. I’d wanted to continue to enjoy the surreal moment. I’d worked so hard over the past few months to focus on baseball, overcoming my PTSD, new friends, new school, new home. While euphoria felt wonderful, fear carved out a space inside me. What did Aaron have in store for me now that I’d made the team? Would he follow through on his threat? Fortunately for me, I didn’t run into Aaron at all, not even in the halls. Becca heard Aaron was absent today. I’d always believed that things happen in threes. Today proved to me how true that theory was: I found out I passed my math tests. I made the team, and I didn’t have Aaron to bother me.

  During the last class, psychology, the news was all over school of who made the team. Renee had found out she’d made it. So when she came into psych, she had a smile from ear to ear. Thankfully, she didn’t have that half smile like Julie. We fist bumped and congratulated each other. I would’ve hugged her, but I didn’t want to come off as sappy. Not that I would’ve cared. I just had to keep rumors to a minimum, so I wouldn’t be tempted to lash out. Principal Sanders already gave me one strike. I couldn’t get any more. I had to be the perfect student and perfect daughter, at least through the end of the school year.

  I’d bounced my knee all through psych. I wanted to get home and share the great news with Dad. He had texted me around lunchtime telling me to come straight home and not to go to Dr. Davis’s office this afternoon. I asked if my appointment was cancelled. But all he said was “just come home.” I was also excited to share the news with Tyler. I’d seen him this morning before I’d found out, but hadn’t since. Actually, I didn’t expect to. We didn’t have any afternoon classes together. He’d been instrumental in pushing me to practice. His skills had been invaluable in showing me how to grip the ball, my stance, my follow through. We hadn’t talked since he held me the other night. I left that part out when I told Kade we were just friends, especially after Kade said he’d make it so Tyler never played football again.

  Kade and I had just walked out of the school on the way to my car when Tyler strutted up from the parking lot. His SUV was parked in the loading zone along the curb. His arm wasn’t in a sling anymore, and his grin stretched wide. Kade’s hand tensed in mine.

  “Now, be nice,” I whispered. “He’s my friend and yours, too.”

  “He touches you, I swear…” he muttered.

  “You made it,” Tyler said, excitement all over his face.

  “I know, right?” I pulled my hand from Kade’s. Or at least I tried. He had a death grip around my fingers. It was a good thing it was my left hand and not my pitching hand. I tugged again, glaring up at the love of my life.

  Lines formed around Kade’s eyes as he glued a death stare on Tyler.

  “Kade, baby. I need my hand.”

  Reluctantly, he let go, his gaze never wavering.

  Tyler glanced from me to Kade. “Hey, man. Your girl made it. You should be happy.”

  I almost laughed. Kade’s grimace looked as though he were pushing all his brain waves into Tyler to mind-speak to him.

  Students passed by on their way to the parking lot. Some waved at us. Others kept their heads down.

  “Anyway, I saw you walking out,” Tyler said as he gave me his full attention. “I wanted to congratulate you. Which means I’m going to hug you. I’m giving fair warning, man.” He eyed Kade again. Then he swooped down and wrapped his good arm around me. I guessed the other one was still tender.

  I hugged him back. I couldn’t see Kade from my peripheral vision, but I didn’t have to. He muttered something under his breath. Tyler didn’t linger long. He knew Kade wasn’t thrilled with the idea.

  “Hey, man,” Tyler said to Kade. “Are you calm so we can talk?”

  Oh, no. What did Tyler have up his sleeve? Was he going to tell Kade how he comforted me when Kade left the other night?

  “What is it?” A muscle ticked in Kade’s jaw.

  “I heard Sullivan is hanging with a couple of guys who work for Jeremy Pitt.”

  “Yeah, we knew that,” Kade said.

  “Were those the two guys with him at tryouts on Friday?” I’d seen Greg and two men sitting in the stands.

  “Probably. So what’s your point, Tyler?” Kade asked.

  “When I had dinner at Wiley’s over the
weekend, Aaron, Greg, and these two guys were there. I didn’t hear the whole conversation, but they’re scheming up something if Lacey made the team. Now that she has, I thought I’d warn you.”

  Kade ran a hand through his hair. “Fuck.”

  “Look, Kade. I got your back. I know you’re pissed at me. Frankly, I probably would be too if I walked into my girlfriend’s house and there was a guy there. Either way, I’m not going to let anything happen to Lacey.” Tyler swung his gaze between us. “But you need to watch your back too, dude. Greg is gunning for you. Look, I gotta run. I’ll keep my ears open. You guys do the same.” Then Tyler jogged back to his SUV.

  Despite the tension between Tyler and Kade, I wasn’t too surprised at Tyler for siding with Kade. Tyler didn’t care for Greg or Aaron. I didn’t see a need to bring up what Aaron had said to me on the field. I’d only add fuel to Kade’s ire, at the moment. While all the threats bothered me, I couldn’t do much about them except watch my back. Plus I had the Maxwells behind me, and Tyler as well.

  When I grasped Kade’s hand he instead wrapped his arms around me. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Me? What about you? You look like you’re about to tear someone’s skull off.” I wasn’t sure who he would start with—Tyler, Aaron, or Greg.

  He searched my face before letting go of me. Then we continued our walk to my car in silence.

  When we reached my Mustang, he asked, “I know baseball is important to you. I would never get in the way of your dreams. But I have to ask, Lace. Are you—?”

  “I’m not giving up everything I’ve worked hard for because some asshole is intimidated by me. Besides, you said Aaron plays mind games. So, let him play.” I gave Kade a weak smile. “I’ve got to get home. My dad is waiting for me.” This day was turning into a downer.

  “Hey.” He framed my face with his hands. “I had to ask.”

  I blew out a breath. “I know. Can we not talk about Tyler or Aaron or Greg?” I didn’t want to go home in a bad mood. I wanted to be excited when I told my dad. “I love you.” I tucked my fingers in the waist of his jeans.