Felix (The Ninth Inning #1)

by Lindsay Paige

  “Good morning. Want to go running with me?”

  Abigail groans. “That’s how you choose to wake me up? No wonder you suck at flirting.”

  I chuckle. “Would you have preferred I give you two options? We could go running or since we’re half dressed as it is, should we find other ways to get sweaty?”

  “That would have been a little better,” she grins.

  “Well, it’s game day and I need to do my morning run. Do you want to go with me? I could run my four and then come back for you and the last one.” I kiss her upper jaw. “Please say yes. While I love you in my t-shirt, you look even better in those tight, little boy shorts.”

  “You run every morning. How is it different if you have a game?”

  I shrug. “Not important.” I give her one more kiss before slipping out of bed to put on my jeans, which were laying on the floor. My grin widens when I catch her watching me. I lean onto the bed, kiss her again, and say, “You have four miles before I come back.”

  She groans again. “Fine.”

  I smile in victory before leaving. I decide that since I left her apartment shirtless, and she’s still wearing my t-shirt, that I would run shirtless this morning. Plus, maybe it could be motivation for her. After changing, I start my run.

  Yesterday was pretty fun with her sisters and Harry. I knew I was in for it because of LA’s personality and she didn’t hold back either. I loved seeing Abigail with her family. It was a little odd because I felt like I fit in with them. It made me want to be that much more careful to not mess things up with her. When we made it back to her apartment and things escalated, I guess that’s why I told her not yet to sex. It was almost painful though to sleep naked next to her.

  When I make it back to the complex, I grin as I see Abigail making her way toward the sidewalk. Holding back on sex was a stupid, stupid idea. God, she looks good. Those boy shorts and tank top will be the death of me.

  “If I had known you were running shirtless, I would have come sooner.”

  I laugh. “Well, let’s go.”

  Abigail keeps doing better and better. At first, I wasn’t too sure about running with someone for this. These morning and afternoon runs started for me to have time for myself and to get lost in the steady motions of my body. Abigail doesn’t distract from that though.

  We walk the last block back to the complex. I walk backward in front of Abigail, so I can appreciate how she looks better.

  “Are you trying to show off now or something?” she asks, her hands on her hips as her chest makes the effort to rise and fall with her breathing.

  “I’m giving you something to look at to make it through the last stretch.” I grin and she rolls her eyes. “Do you need me for anything today besides taking you to school?”

  Her eyes glide over my body slowly before she shakes her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

  I begin to walk forward next to her. “I’ll meet you back here at eight then.” I give her a quick kiss before we go our separate ways to our apartments.

  TODAY’S GAME IS against a tough opponent. The team has been doing extremely well so far this season. However, one of their best players was just injured and will sit this game out. It starts much like the rest of our home games, with me talking to Abigail and throwing her a ball.

  “Are you bangin’ her yet?” Hector asks. “Because, really, why the hell not? She’s hot and you obviously have a chance since she comes to every game for you.”

  “Will you shut up about it if I told you she’s my girlfriend?”

  Hector slaps me and Blake on the shoulders. “Look at that. The two ugliest guys on the team have women and I don’t. Something is wrong with this picture.”

  I glance at Blake, wondering if he’s dating Sofia, but he only smiles a little as he stares out over the field. There’s no time left for talking now. We take our places on the field and the game starts. My pitching is consistent, which is more than I can say for them. Their best pitcher is the guy who was injured. My batting, on the other hand, is decent. I don’t know about anyone else, but this is my least favorite part.

  I want to be the one throwing the ball, not the one the ball is being thrown toward. The game is so much better and more fun when I’m on the mound. Maybe that’s a sign I should spend more time in the batting cage. I need to make sure this part of my game is up to par with the same standards I set for myself for pitching. Nonetheless, we come away with a win, the score being pretty close.

  Back in the locker room after showering and changing, Hector walks over to me with Blake in tow.

  “We’re going to a bar to celebrate. You coming?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I grab my cell and keys and then we all drive separately to the bar Hector suggested. As we walk into the place, I text Abigail.

  Me: Don’t go to sleep yet, please. I’ll be there in a few hours for my post-game kiss.

  I slip my phone into my back pocket as we take seats at the bar. The bartender comes over to us almost immediately. Her arms are both full-sleeves of tattoos, which are clearly visible because she’s wearing a strapless top. She has her nose pierced as well as three in both her ears, plus a bar at the top of one. Her black hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she flicks her gaze over each of us.

  “What can I get you?” she asks.

  We give her our orders and she walks away.

  “Really, Hector?” Blake says. “She’s your type?” It’s then that I notice Hector is still watching her.

  Without taking his eyes off her, he answers, “Beautiful women are my type and she definitely fits. Holy shit, she’s pretty.”

  I glance back at the girl, seeing more tats on her back. She’s pretty, yeah. Blake shakes his head and laughs a little as she comes back, setting our drinks down in front of each of us.

  “What’s your name, beautiful?” Hector asks, leaning towards her.

  She smiles brightly at him. “My first name is Not and my last is Interested. Enjoy your drinks.”

  Blake and I laugh as she walks away. Hector’s frown flattens and he glares when Blake says, “Looks like you’re not her type.”

  “Unlikely. She probably just didn’t like that I called her beautiful. I’ll have her number before I go home.” He sounds so sure of himself.

  “Good luck with that,” I laugh.

  After our first drinks are gone, Blake and I get up to play a game of darts. Hector stays behind at the bar to order more drinks and to try again with the bartender.

  I throw a dart and say, “Fifty bucks says he doesn’t even get her name.”

  Blake glances at the girl. “He may be able to get that out of her, but there’s no way he’ll get her number. He’s not that good with women.”

  “I’m hurt you’re betting against my odds, Blake,” Hector says as he sets three filled glasses down on a nearby table. “I’d expect it from Felix, but not from my wingman.”

  “We aren’t betting against your odds. We’re betting on the fact that you have no odds,” Blake answers, throwing his dart. “Did she give us refills or did she send another girl?”

  We look at Hector and wait for a response. “Another girl,” he mumbles, shaking his head.

  I laugh, drink, and then take my turn with the dartboard. Blake and I play the game while Hector switches his attention between the girl and us. After our second round of drinks, we cut ourselves off and switch to water. We watch as he manages to get her attention and makes her wait on us. He still returns defeated.

  “Felix sucks at darts. Play a game with me and maybe then you’ll have a better plan.” Blake chuckles as he hands Hector some darts.

  I ignore Blake’s jab and check my phone. There’s a new text message from Abigail, so I open it.

  Abigail: Just a kiss? I would figure you had more in mind.

  I reply back that I’m on my way as I say, “Hey, guys. I’m going to go. Unlike some of us, I have a girl who is interested. Good luck though.”

  Hector glares and Blake chuc
kles. After paying my tab, I head home. Abigail’s text has my mind running rampant, making me even more eager to see her. When I finally reach her door, I knock four times and wait. She opens the door a few seconds later. I don’t waste a second. I cup her face, pull her towards me, and kiss her.

  “Hey,” I say, pulling away much sooner than I want. “I think since I’m about to be gone for a few days and since I stayed here last night, that you should stay with me tonight. Want to?”

  She nods. “Let me grab a few things and then I’ll come over.”

  I grin, kiss her again, and then leave. By the time I’ve changed into a pair of pajama shorts, there’s a knock on my door. I can’t wait to spend the night with Abigail in my apartment. It probably won’t be much different than staying in hers, but I’m still excited. I lead her to my room. We finish getting ready for bed before climbing beneath the sheets.

  Abigail’s lying on her back next to me while I’m on my side, my head propped up in one hand with my other trailing down her leg. I lean forward and softly press my lips to hers once.

  “You know, I’ve been thinking and I’m pretty sure you’re addicted to kissing me,” she tells me in just above a whisper.

  I kiss her again, letting my lips hover over hers as I talk. “Oh, I am. I think about it all the time and when you’re within reach, it’s impossible to resist. You don’t mind, do you?” My lips lift into a grin.

  “No,” she answers with a shake of her head.

  “Good.” I slip my hand under her shirt, letting my fingertips graze over her stomach. “What do you think of my bed so far?” My lips begin to travel along her jaw and to her neck as my thumb brushes over her nipple once.

  “Is it new?” she breathes when I grasp her breast.

  “Mhm,” I hum along her skin.

  “Then I think it could use some more breaking in.”

  With a smile, I lift my head. “Take off your shirt.” She sits up and swiftly removes it. I drag a finger over the skin above the waistband of her shorts as I kiss her collarbone. “Tell me what you want to do, Abigail.” Her inhale is shaky when I take her breast into my mouth, flicking my tongue over her nipple.

  “I,” she starts. My hand slips into her shorts, quickly finding her wet. “I want,” she begins again. Slowly and with a bit of pressure, I rub her, moving my finger up and down, teasing her entrance. I kiss across her chest to her other breast. Abigail shifts her hips, the tip of my finger pushing inside her. “That,” she finishes. Lifting my head, she corrects herself. “I want you.”

  This time, I don’t say no. A man only has so much restraint. Instead, I kiss her once before leaving the bed to grab a condom from the top drawer of my dresser. I toss it to Abigail, pull my shorts off, and get back in bed, lying on my back. She shimmies out of her shorts and thong before climbing onto my lap.

  She tears open the wrapper and then rolls the condom on me, a small smile on her face. I groan when she strokes me. It’s been awhile since I’ve had sex and there’s no telling how long I’m going to last.

  “Abigail.” I grab her hips, bringing her closer. She hovers over me before lowering herself and guiding me into her entrance. “Damn, you feel good.” Her grin widens as she begins to move. Her hands are flat on my chest, her movements slow and teasing. “Come here.” I reach for the back of her neck and pull her down to me, so I can kiss her.

  We both moan as our tongues caress one another. “You’re beautiful,” I whisper. Her hips stay at the same pace. I lay a hand on her lower back, pushing her down faster. “You’re going to kill me, Abigail.” She laughs softly, pressing her lips hard against mine. Finally, she goes faster, rolling her hips. Fuck. My stomach tightens already.

  I move my hand between us, vigorously rubbing my thumb over her clit. Abigail moans into my mouth, her fingers digging into my chest. If I’m going to come this fast, so is she. I brace my feet flat on the bed and lift my hips up to meet her. My hand moves from her neck to her lower back as I push her down hard as I rise to meet her again.

  My hands move to her hips, holding her still. Abigail grabs my shoulders, kissing my neck, and I thrust into her hard, hard and fast.

  “God, Felix,” she groans into my neck.

  She tightens around my cock. “Damn it, Abigail,” I manage to mutter before my muscles tense and I come. I clench my jaw, as I keep moving. “Touch yourself,” I tell her. She quickly brings her hand between us, rubbing her clit hard. Within a few more thrusts, she shudders, shouts my name, and collapses onto my chest, both of us breathing hard.

  “Good thinking to have me spend the night, Felix,” she says after a moment, causing me to chuckle.

  “And we’re not done for the night.”

  I SHAKE OUT my hands as my chest tightens more. I pace my living room and there’s sweat on my brow. I can’t do this. I can’t do it at all. There’s no way.

  “Abby-bear, you called us over here for a reason and I’m hoping it’s not to watch you walk because we’ve seen it already.”

  I turn to LA and scowl at her. Annie pats LA’s knee to have her be quiet.

  “I…I…can’t…there’s…no… way.” I choke out each word and hot tears from my eyes are almost burning my cheeks. Annie goes to reach for me, but I pull away from her and pace again.

  “Just tell us what happened.” Annie’s voice is soft.

  I’m not able to say the words that are swimming around in my head. I hear them, but I can’t force them out. I shake my head vigorously and Annie keeps saying my name, but isn’t touching me.

  “Abigail Harris, you tell us right now what the fuck is going on.” I stop at LA’s demand and my knees shake.

  “She wants me to drive.”

  There, I said it. Today at my therapy appointment, she gave me a homework assignment of driving the car fifty yards just one time. She even went as far as to give me addresses for empty parking lots in the area where I could do it.

  “I thought this was about Felix,” LA scrunches her face.

  “Felix? God, no. He’s great and I’m great and we’re great together,” I tell her.

  “Well, that was descriptive.” LA rolls her eyes. “So, get in the car and let’s hit the road.” She grabs her keys and the jingle of the metal makes me fall to my knees.

  “Whoa.” Annie wraps me in her arms and rocks me.

  “I can’t do it,” I say it over and over again as Annie smoothes my hair.

  “Hey,” LA bends down to me and she makes me focus on her. “It’ll be okay, Abby-bear. I promise.” Her tone isn’t as harsh as it usually is.

  There’s no way in hell I’m ever going to get back into a driver’s seat. No way. I haven’t been behind a wheel of a car for six years. I can’t put anyone else’s life in danger or my own for that matter. When the therapist told me about it today, all I could hear was the crunching metal and the gurgling of my dad next to me. And the blood. There had been so much blood all I saw was red.

  I won’t be responsible for anyone else’s life. Ever.

  I’m not sure how long I sit on the floor, sobbing in Annie’s arms, but when I’m cried out, LA hands me a bottle of water.

  “It took me almost a year to get into a car to ride with someone. How can I possibly drive?”

  “You get into a vehicle, turn it on, and go,” LA states.

  “Shut up!” I scream at her. It feels good to raise my voice. “Don’t you think this is hard enough on me without your fucking mouth?”

  LA narrows her glare at me as I stand up to face her. LA is only a couple inches taller than me, but her stance is off putting.

  “I’m not in the mood to hear about the poor-Abby-bear pity party.” LA’s voice is low. “You’re not the only one who lost someone in that accident, Abigail.” Even though her voice is calm, it’s not what you want for Leigh Ann Harris. “I lost my parents, too. Annie and I sat in that hospital room with you every day for two weeks, waiting for you to wake up. I missed my wedding and I didn’t get to have Dad walk me down the
aisle, but I never blamed you for that. I know it was an accident. That semi-truck driver blew the light and it could have been any one of us. However, don’t fucking start thinking I’m going to feel sorry for you. You’re alive and have a lot of life to live.”

  My lip is trembling and I know LA is right, but I can’t drive.

  “Abigail.” Annie walks over to us. “Do you think Mom and Dad would want you to move on with your life? LA’s right. It’s been six years. You could at least try.”

  I swallow back the lump of emotions that’s choking me. “I don’t know. What if‒”

  “Stop it,” LA cuts me off. “Any one can have an accident. You’re not going to play the ‘what if’ game. I won’t allow it.”

  “I can’t‒”

  “Enough!” LA’s voice rises. “I’m not listening to this shit anymore. I’m going home.” She turns to leave my apartment, but she hesitates at the door for a brief second before turning to me. She comes back and hugs me tightly. “I love you,” and then she rushes out the door.

  I stare in the direction she headed out and let her words hang in the air. LA’s right. Mom and Dad don’t want me to be this way, but there’s no way I can be in control in a vehicle again.

  “I’m going to go, too. Are you okay?” Annie rubs her hand up and down my back.

  I nod. “I’m fine.”

  “I know you don’t want to hear it, but she’s right. You need to do this.” Annie kisses my cheek and leaves me alone in the apartment.

  I close my eyes and lie on the couch. I try to process through everything I went through today. The therapist thinks this is the next step for me, not only to gain independence, but to get closure on my parents’ death. She’s glad Felix and I had sex, too. That made me smile. She thinks since I’m in a serious relationship, driving will be easy for me. Even though, I don’t think I’m in a serious relationship.

  I roll my eyes. This is far from a simple task for me. It took Annie almost a year to get me into her car without having a breakdown. Can I get behind a wheel again?

  Before I can think about how I’ll explain I’m not doing this assignment to the therapist next time, my phone rings Take Me Out to the Ball Game. It’s Felix.