I used the time on the walk to think. I knew in my gut that they were going to offer Judd a position in the minor leagues. Just like I knew when I told him that I had to have a job and a stable life for Karrie, there was a chance he’d turn it down.
That was just the kind of man that he was.
I also knew that I couldn’t let him do it.
“Hey Mom,” I said as I opened the door. “Was Karrie okay?”
“A complete angel,” my mom said with a grin. “How was the game?”
“Judd did great,” I said, tearing up. “I think they’re going to pick him up.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” she asked, looking worried.
“It’s a great thing,” I replied, the look on my face not matching my words.
I sat down on the couch forcefully and looked at my mom, my eyes filling with tears.
“Do you think Karrie and I could come back home with you? I’d like to stop by the school and see about that job opening.”
“Honey,” my mom said in a tone perfected by mothers over the ages. “What’s going on? Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“I am,” I said, nodding for emphasis.
“What about Judd?” she asked softly. “Are you in love with him?”
“Yes,” I answered her, the tears flowing freely. “Which is why I have to let him go.”
My phone vibrated, signaling a text.
“Babe, I’m on my way over. I’ve got crazy news.”
“Is that Judd?” my mom asked.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“What are you going to do?” she asked.
“What I have to,” I responded sadly.
I asked my mom to take Karrie to the park. I used the time to straighten up the house and try to settle down. This was going to be one of the hardest moments of my life.
Even though I was expecting it, the knock on the door scared the life out of me. Judd didn’t wait for me to answer; he knocked once and then opened the door.
“Sam,” he exclaimed, excitement dancing across his face. “You aren’t going to believe what just happened.”
He crossed the room and picked me up, spinning me around in circles and laughing happily.
“They offered me a contract.” Judd smiled so widely I thought his face might split. “It’s the craziest thing... I actually thought that my baseball career would be over after this season. I never let myself dream that this was possible.”
“That’s wonderful, Judd. I’m so happy for you.” And I was.
Judd kissed me soundly on the mouth and I sunk into it, loving the feel of his lips against mine and throwing everything I felt for him into my response.
When he pulled away he gazed down at me and said, “Wow.”
“My mom’s here,” I began. I was going to have to tear the Band-aid off swiftly, and still, this was going to hurt. A lot.
“Yeah, where is she? I thought I was going to get to meet her,” Judd asked, looking around for signs of my mother.
“She took Karrie to the park.”
“Oh, okay, will they be back soon?” he asked. “I want to go tell my dad.”
“Um, yeah, they won’t be long, but you should definitely go and tell your dad. He’s going to be so proud of you.” I smiled at him and kissed him one last time before saying, “She’s here until tomorrow, then Karrie and I will go back home with her for a couple of days.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you were planning on going for a visit.” Judd looked slightly puzzled.
“Actually, I’m planning to make an appointment with my old school to see about that teaching job,” I answered, looking him in the eyes.
He put me down slowly, my descent down his body slow and torturous.
“Is that your plan, then? To move back to your hometown and get a job?” Judd asked, his face suddenly serious.
“I think that will be the best thing, for me and for Karrie,” I responded. “It’ll be easier for me to work and finish up my credentials with my parents nearby to take care of Karrie.”
Judd cupped my face and gazed down at me.
“I want to be there for you and Karrie,” he stated.
I knew I needed to be firm and straightforward.
“You’re going to be traveling a lot, Judd,” I replied. “You’re going to need to focus on your game, not worry about my job or Karrie’s daycare.”
“What are you saying, Sam?” Judd asked, his hands dropping down to his sides. “If I take this contract, we’re over?”
My stomach clenched at the look on his face.
“Judd, it doesn’t make any sense for us to have a long-distance relationship,” I began. “You need to focus on baseball and I need to focus on Karrie. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us to try and have a long-distance relationship.”
Judd started to pace the floor, running his hands through his hair and over his face a couple times before stopping in front of me.
“What if I don’t take the contract?” he asked, his voice desperate. “What if I come with you and get a job? A normal job?”
I took his hands in mine and looked into his face – his sweet, gorgeous, pain-filled face.
“I can’t let you do that, Judd,” I said sadly.
“But, I love you, Sam!” Judd exclaimed. “I love you and Karrie. I want to be there for you.”
If a heart could soar and break in two at once, mine did.
“I love you too,” I replied as my throat clogged and my eyes burned with unshed tears. “That’s why you have to go. You have to take that contract. If you don’t, you will live to regret it. I can’t stand the thought of you resenting me one day because you didn’t follow your dream.”
The tears began to flow when Judd leaned his forehead down and pressed it against mine. We stood there for a moment, eyes closed, holding hands, and crying softly together, both of us recognizing that I was right.
SEVEN MONTHS LATER...
CHAPTER 34
JUDD
I woke up slowly, groggy from sleeping on the bus for the last sixteen hours. You’d think after six months of traveling on a bus I’d be used to it, but I found it too hard to get comfortable enough for a good night’s rest.
The past few months had been some of the best of my life: training with my teammates, traveling with them, and playing with some of the greatest players out there.
My dad had made it to every game. He’d driven his car, stayed in cheap hotels, and ate his fill of game day food. He said he was exhausted by the end, but that he’d enjoyed every mile.
I’d never forget the smell of the hot dogs, the sight of the freshly chalked diamond, and the crack of the ball hitting my bat.
I knew I’d made friends that I would have for life, and I was so grateful to have had the experience.
Sam had been right about that...
As the sun began to rise and shine through the bus’s windows, I thought back to that day we’d said goodbye.
Sam had asked for a clean break. She didn’t want to have a long-distance relationship where we were calling and writing. She thought it would be too hard for her and Karrie, and that it would distract me from baseball.
So, I hadn’t seen or heard from her since that day. It had been really hard in the beginning, but I respected her wishes, and I think she was right. I had totally immersed myself in the season, getting to know the guys and honing my skills. Other girls had been the last thing on my mind. As far as I was concerned, I was still in a relationship.
Saying goodbye to Karrie had been the hardest part for me. She didn’t understand that I was leaving for a long time, and I didn’t try to make her understand it. I just held her and told her that I’d miss her.
I really had missed her. Although Sam had asked me not to contact her, I’d been unable to disappear from Karrie’s life for good. I sent her a package every month filled with souvenirs I’d picked up at each game. I didn’t know for sure that Sam gave them to her, but I liked
to believe that she did.
And although she’d asked me not to, I included a small note for Sam in each package as well. I wanted her to know that she was still on my mind.
Tuck had ended up getting picked for a different team, and although we did play each other once, we didn’t clear the air. He’d tried to engage with me after the game, and I wished him luck, but I wanted my life to be with Sam and Karrie. We were in different places in our lives now, and I guess I’d outgrown him.
The bus was about ten miles out from the station and my nerves began to get the best of me. I’d already said goodbye to my teammates and listened respectfully as my coaches tried to talk me out of quitting the league. But my mind was made up. I’d gotten to enjoy living out my childhood dream, and it had been everything I’d wanted and more.
Now I wanted to spend the rest of my life living out my adult dream.
I’d called Sam’s mom to let her know I was on my way, and make sure Sam was around. I’d also asked her if Sam was seeing anybody. I wasn’t trying to be a stalker, but I didn’t want to look like an ass.
She said Sam was single, and had been since the day I left.
After I unloaded my bag off the bus, I grabbed the first cab I saw and gave them the address that Sam’s mother had given me.
I suddenly felt really hot, even though it was only about fifty degrees outside. My palms were sweating and my throat felt like it was closing shut.
Shit... What if she no longer felt the same way about me? What if she was happy in her new job and realized she had no place for a tattooed baseball player in her life?
Fuck... I needed to breathe.
I inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly and closing my eyes as I tried to calm down.
The car started to slow and my eyes flew open just as the small blue house came into view. There was a little pink Big Wheel in the front, which caused me to smile. I was sure that Karrie was happy surrounded by people who loved her.
I thanked the driver and gave him his money, then grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car. I stood there for a minute, staring at the house and gathering my courage.
I walked up the path and set my bag down at the base of the stairs before walking up and knocking softly.
I realized that I’d probably knocked too softly for anyone to hear.
“Shit,” I muttered, before raising my hand and knocking louder.
“I got it,” I heard Sam yell, and then suddenly she was standing before me.
Damn, she was a sight for sore eyes.
Her red hair was a little shorter than it had been and framed her face, which currently held an expression of shock. I watched as the shock turned to joy and a smile took over her face.
Christ, she was beautiful.
“Judd!” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
I didn’t say anything at first, I just soaked her in. “I’m here for you,” I stated simply.
“What?” Sam looked confused. “What do you mean? Are you on a break or something?”
“No.” I shook my head and picked up her hand, holding it gently in mine as I caressed her knuckles. “The season’s over, Sam. I’m not going back.”
“What do you mean?” Sam asked. “Your dad said you were playing exceptionally well.”
Sam turned red when she realized what she’d said, while hope blossomed in my chest.
“You’ve been checking up on me?” I asked happily.
“Well...yeah. I wanted to see how you were doing,” she admitted.
“I’m glad,” I responded. “It was a great season, and I’m so happy that I did it. You were right about that, but now I’m ready to start the life that I want.”
Sam’s breath caught and she brought her eyes to mine, as if trying to interpret my words.
“What life is that?”
“Our life, Sam,” I said with a smile. “I’m grateful for the season and I’ll remember it forever, but I’m ready to start our life together.”
Sam opened her mouth then snapped it shut, waiting for me to go on.
“I know we haven’t seen each other in seven months, and some things may have changed. You have a job, you and Karrie are settled in with your folks, and I’ve been gone, but I’m here to ask you to give us a chance. A real chance to make a life together.”
“But...we live in different cities. What will you do if you aren’t playing baseball?”
“I’ve spoken to the high school here in town, and they’re looking for someone to be their baseball coach and teach P.E. I have an interview tomorrow,” I said, reaching my hand up to touch her cheek. I’d missed how soft her skin was. It was killing me not to kiss her...
“I’ve found an apartment in town, a two bedroom. I’ve been saving the money I made playing ball, and with the salary I’d make at the school, it’s very affordable. I don’t expect you and Karrie to move in right away, but I want to be clear with you on my intentions.”
Sam looked up at me, eyes wide. “What are your intentions?”
“I intend to marry you, Sam. I want to be a husband to you, and a father to Karrie, and to eventually have more kids, if you’re up for it.”
I held my breath as I waited for her response. It felt like time was ticking by slowly and I thought I’d go nuts. Then, within the next second, she was all over me. Her lips found my cheek, then my neck, and then finally landed on my mouth. I kissed her back with seven months of pent-up passion.
I cupped the back of her head and leaned in, deepening the kiss and savoring the taste of her. The feel of her in my arms again was heaven. I moved my hands down to her waist and dug my fingers in, pulling her body against mine until we were flush against each other.
Sam pulled back and looked up at me, a dazed look in her eyes. “I hope you realize that that doesn’t count as the proposal.”
I laughed out loud, thrilled to be with her again, “Yes, ma’am. Does that mean you like my intentions?”
Sam smiled and nodded, “Your intentions are the best I have ever heard. Ever.”
I kissed her again, greedily, feeling happier than ever before. Full of hope and excited about the future. I didn’t think anything could make my life any better in that moment.
“Wait a minute,” Sam said softly. “There’s someone else who needs to hear your intentions. I gave her all of your packages and she has a picture of the two of you by her bed.”
“Karrie,” Sam yelled into the house. “There’s someone here to see you.”
I heard feet hit the floor, followed by the pounding of shoes, and then I saw her. Her curls were longer and she’d grown taller and thinned out a bit, but there was no mistaking that smile.
“Dudd!” Karrie squealed as she catapulted into my arms.
As I held her little body in my arms and looked over her head at Sam’s tear-streaked face, I realized I’d been wrong—this was the happiest moment of my life.
The End
About the Author
Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.
Tattooed Dots
By Kimberly Knight
DEDICATION
For anyone who thought life would never get better. Just remember, you will never face anything you can’t handle.
PROLOGUE
Easton
The moment I held my beautiful baby girl, Cheyenne, in my arms five years ago, I swore to myself that I would never let anything happen to her. Her mom, Dana, and I married right out of high school. We had no idea what we were getting into, and then before I knew it, she was pregnant with Cheyenne. When Dana held her hand out with the pregnancy test, smiling and jumping for joy, I thought nothing could go wrong in my world. I was do
ing what I thought we were supposed to do: marriage, babies, forever.
We were high school sweethearts. Now those high school sweethearts sit at two separate wood tables inside a courtroom, awaiting a judge to tell me how much I owe the bitch who gave me the greatest gift I never realized I wanted or needed.
We had been sitting in the courtroom for five days straight. We didn't have much to fight over, but the one thing I wouldn't budge on was my daughter. Dana was trying to do everything in her power to get full custody. She even went so far as to have her attorney request that the judge order a drug test for me.
Of course, the drug test came back negative. I hadn't smoked weed or done anything else but drink since before the bitch was pregnant. Now as the trial was ending, my nerves were running through me, and I wanted to do nothing but roll a fat one and blow the smoke in her cunt face.
Over the last year of our rocky marriage, Dana acted like an angel and painted me as the bad guy. We used to smoke up after the high school Friday night football games when we would party with the rest of the school. We didn't stop smoking because it was bad for us; we quit because we were poor and needed all our extra cash to eat, especially since we were kids playing house with an extra mouth to feed in less than nine months.
The day Dana told me she was pregnant; I answered an ad for a shoot and started my modeling career. I'm not gonna lie and tell you that we are only getting divorced because of Dana and her nagging ways. I'll tell you the truth: I cheated on her repeatedly with whores. It was so easy when all that the whores saw was a pretty face and a nice body, and Dana stayed home to take care of Cheyenne.
Part of me regrets the cheating aspect of my marriage, but part of me is relieved. We married so young, and I couldn't imagine spending my whole life with a nagging, screaming bitch of a wife. Now she sits to the right of me, tapping her French manicured nails on the table, and all I want to do is walk over there and rip them off her fucking fingers.
I know she is doing it to get under my skin. This is her last slap in my face, because she knows she is not getting full custody of Cheyenne. Hell would freeze over before I’d let some judge rip my heart from my chest and hand it to Dana on a silver platter.
The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories Page 74