MVP

by Laramie Briscoe

  “Like people commenting on her Instagram, things she might hear at the ballpark - I’m worried about all of it. I just have this sense of foreboding about it.” I shake my head. “I don’t know, after the paparazzi shit last year, I’m just wary of it.”

  “We all are, man.” JD wipes his mouth. “The shit people send to Felicity is ridiculous. It’s an uphill battle. Last year, I spent most of the year telling her that I wasn’t cheating on her. People were sending her pictures of me and fans. Fuck, I was just taking pictures to be nice, and then someone uses it against me. The woman you’re with has to know you love her.” He levels me with a gaze. “Whether that be from the small things you do for her, or the big things you do for her.” He gives me a look. “You have to make your family a priority.”

  “It is a priority.”

  “All I’m saying is make sure your need to be the best at the game doesn’t interfere with being a good husband. That was my biggest takeaway from last year.”

  “Then I’ll take everything you’ve said and pay attention to how I’m treating Malone.”

  We’re quiet as the rain stops coming down, and we’re told to get prepared to restart our game.

  It’s late when it’s finally time for me to take my next at-bat. There’s been talk in the dugout about whether or not I’ll hit a homer tonight, especially with it being so late. Chances are this will be my last one of the night, and everyone wants me to continue my streak.

  Taking a deep breath, I practice my swing, blocking out the boos I already hear. The San Francisco fans hate me because I ruined their playoff run two years ago. The memories of sports fans are better than anyone else’s I know. JD gets a base hit, and if I’m able to do what everyone is hoping I can, it’ll put us in the lead.

  Walking up to the batter’s box still gives me slight anxiety. In a way I’m still scared to death that my knee will snap, but I know to trust my body, to trust the job the doctors did on it, and to send up a little prayer to God.

  “Too fuckin’ late for me to give you shit,” the hind catcher says as I take my place. “This damn thing should have been over hours ago.”

  I can’t help but agree with him, and since we’re on a different time zone, it’s an even longer night for us. “Maybe y’all should think about getting a covered stadium.”

  “Yeah, why don’t you bring that up to the commission?” The ball that goes past me makes a loud smacking noise in the hind catcher’s glove.

  “Don’t quite think they would listen to me.” My tone is regretful as I wait for the next pitch.

  The next one comes across, looking like a fucking beachball. I’m not sure what happened, but it’s straight down the middle and slow as I fuck. I shift my weight, pull my hands back and unload, as I swing a ton. As soon as I hear the smack, I know it’s over the wall. Dropping the bat, I watch a kid in the stands catch it and start my trot.

  JD is waiting for me at home plate. “Number four in four games. Look at you go.” He slaps me on the ass, because he knows it bothers the shit out of me.

  “We’ll see what happens.” I’m non-committal as I go into the dugout, giving high-fives as I make my way to my seat.

  Four outs later, and we’re finally heading to the showers.

  M: You played a great game! Four homers in four games, slugger. You’ve got a streak going.

  The smile on my face as I have a seat on the bus is huge. There was no way I expected her to stay awake and watch the game, much less send me a text this late. But I’m beginning to understand what JD was talking about. It means a lot to have someone back home paying attention to what’s going on. Being there for you at the end of the day.

  S: Thanks! There’s a record for most consecutive homers in consecutive games. I think it’s eight, so I’m pretty far away.

  M: Bullshit, you’re half-way there.

  S: Don’t get excited, not just yet. The better question is, why are you awake? It’s got to be around two a.m. there.

  M: I wanted to make sure you were good after the game. Plus, it’s lonely and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to sleep in the bed without you.

  S: Same, Mal, same. I’m tired as fuck, but I have no idea how I’m going to handle it when I get into bed and you aren’t there beside me.

  M: You’ll be home soon though, right?

  S: Six sleeps.

  M: Look at you being all damn romantic.

  S: That’s me baby, romantic as fuck.

  The bus is coming to a stop and turning into what I recognize to be our hotel for the night. As soon as I get upstairs, all I want to do is take a shower and fall into bed.

  S: We’re at the hotel. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?

  M: Yes! Please FaceTime me again. Love you! I hope you sleep well!

  S: You too…love you and see you soon!

  As we’re disembarking, I put my phone in my pocket and follow my teammates off the bus. There are a few fans; I take a moment to pose for pictures, sign a few autographs, and then duck inside.

  The ride up on the elevator is quiet, because all of us are so tired. As I get to my room I wave at JD and Jax, before letting myself in. There’s a routine I have every time I come back into a hotel room on the road, and that’s to check the room over. One time, my rookie year, I came back from one our games and some woman had snuck into my room and was naked in my closet. Since then, I’ve always checked.

  It takes a few minutes, but when I’m sure I’m alone, I throw my bag down and go start a hot shower. It doesn’t matter that I’ve already taken one at the stadium. After the game I like to soak.

  My body doesn’t react as well as it used to after playing, and enjoying a nice long shower is one of the ways I manage to wake up the next morning and not be stiff. Reaching in, I turn the shower on and wait for the water to start.

  Once there’s enough steam in the room that it’s hard to see, I climb in and let the temperature do its magic. If anyone were to ask me two things that keep me in top shape, it’s working out and giving my body time to recover by steaming it every night that we play.

  The loneliness hits me hard as I have a seat in the bathtub, letting the water wash over me. I miss Malone, more than I ever thought I would. Even when I’m home, I know she’s there, can hear her moving around.

  It never occurred to me how quickly she would move into my life, how quickly I would come to count on her reassuring presence to be there. Tonight, in this hotel, I feel alone. Kind of like I did after she first left. Which I know is crazy. She’s back at home waiting for me, but when you’ve been around each other as much as we have; you feel that missing piece of your life.

  Eventually, the shower runs cold; I get up and get out, drying off and then walk over to the bed. I’m not relishing falling asleep without her next to me, and as I’m trying to get comfortable, there’s a FaceTime request from her.

  “Babe,” I chastise her. “Why are you still awake?”

  “This learning to sleep without you thing,” she yawns as she says the words, “isn’t going to be easy.”

  There are dark circles under her eyes and I know she has to get up in a few hours. “What can I do to help you?”

  “Tell me about your day, your night. Anything, just talk to me, Slade. I miss hearing your voice. This house has been so quiet all day.”

  “I know what you mean; the silence is almost deafening in this hotel room.” I roll over onto my side and get situated so I can hold the phone without my arm going numb.

  She moves around, getting comfortable in her own way, pulling my pillow into her chest. “So your day? Tell me all about it, Slade.”

  To me, my day has been boring, but I’m beginning to understand she needs to be a part of this. I grin as I begin talking, telling her about our plane trip, the ride into the city, the game, and then finally arriving at the hotel. When my voice is hoarse and I’ve been talking for the past thirty minutes, I notice she’s fallen asleep. I’m almost there too, and I blow her a kiss as I disconnect the ca
ll.

  Somehow, someway, we’ll make this all work.

  Twelve

  Malone

  Late June

  Over the past few months, Slade and I have settled into a routine that’s comfortable for the two of us. When he’s home, we spend as much time as we can together. When he’s gone, we talk as much as we can.

  I’m actually starting to love when he leaves, because when he comes back, it’s that much sweeter.

  Today I’m picking Slade up from the airport, after having been gone for the last five days. Feeling cute, I take a quick selfie, posting it to my Instagram account, which has continued to blow up since the beginning of the season.

  SavageSweetness: On my way to the airport to meet the team and pick up my hubby. Do you think @TheSavage will appreciate it?

  I tag him, making sure he sees that I’m wearing a dress. The dress shows a good bit of leg, and enough of my chest to make it interesting. My hair is curled softly and I’ve done my makeup a bit more than I normally would for a weekday. On my feet, I have my new favorite shoes. They’re stilettos and put me at Slade’s collarbone. It’s nice to be that close to his neck, especially when I just want to reach over and give him a quick nip.

  “Are you heading out to meet, Mr. Slater?” Susie asks as I hurry into the living room, looking for my purse.

  “I am!” I give her a huge smile, so happy that I’ll be seeing him soon. “I took the day off work so we can spend the day together.”

  She raises her eyebrows. “I sure bet you did, Malone.”

  I give her a wink. “You know me too well. I miss him when he isn’t here.”

  “I think we all do, a little bit,” Susie admits. “I enjoy talking to him, seeing what’s going on, and he always has good bits of wisdom for my boys. He’s going to make a great father one day.”

  That’s one thing I definitely know for sure. Slade will make a great father, and I think together we’ll make a great pair of parents. We’ve discussed it, and during the off-season we’ve decided to let nature take its course. To say I’m excited is a huge understatement. “He will, and maybe this time next year we’ll be expecting. You never know.”

  “I have a feeling you do know, Malone.”

  I shrug as I find my purse and grab my keys out. “I’m out of here. Will we see you later?”

  Part of me is hoping she’ll be gone when get back, the other part of me knows she likes to catch up with Slade. So while I’m trying to be a nice person, I’m also a woman who just wants to see her man naked.

  “I’m leaving here in a few; I have errands to run for my son. You never stop being a mom!”

  “We’ll see you tomorrow morning then.” I wave at her as I dash to the elevator, and then all but will the thing to go faster as I press the button for the garage.

  This hasn’t been the longest stretch of him being gone so far this year, but they had a road trip, then a three-game homestand and now another road trip. Having him home for three nights wasn’t enough. This time, they’ll be home for almost twelve days, and then we hit the All-Star break.

  And my man? He’s an All-Star, but the best thing about it? The All-Star game is here in Birmingham this year. Quickly I get in, plug the address into my GPS, put on my sunglasses, and take off.

  It’s a hot one here in Birmingham today, but I’m so very glad it isn’t raining. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and my husband will be here in this SUV with me in the next hour and a half. There’s nothing that could be better.

  As I’m making my way through mid-day traffic, the Bluetooth rings, and I grin when I see Felicity pop up.

  “Hey!” I answer as I check my blind spot and then accelerate around a car.

  “Hey,” she answers back, sounding awful, coughing heavily.

  “You’re still not feeling better?”

  Two days ago she’d been fighting a migraine and said she’d felt like she was coming down with something.

  “Girl, I have strep,” she answers, coughing again.

  “From where?”

  Neither one of us has really been out and about, we’ve stayed at home this road trip, watching the guys on TV and popping popcorn.

  “Maybe the grocery store? I have no idea, but I have antibiotics.”

  Immediately I realize she was supposed to pick JD up today. “Do I need to pick your husband up for you?”

  “No.” The answer is muffled as I hear her blow her nose. “I’d never ask that of you after you haven’t seen yours. Jax is driving him home. I was just letting you know I won’t be there to wait in the parking garage with you.”

  “It’s okay, I’m a big girl. I can wait on my own.”

  She’s taken to mothering me, even though we’re around the same age. It’s sweet and I’m lucky to have a friend like her.

  “I know you can, just didn’t want you to worry. Anyway, I’m going to take my next dose. Try and get a nap before JD gets here.”

  “You sound like you need it.” I wouldn’t wish strep on my worst enemy, but there’s a part of me that’s wondering if JD will show up with it soon. “Remember,” I tell her, giving a grin she can’t see, “antibiotics fuck up birth control. Use a condom.”

  She laughs, but it’s cut off by hacking. “I sound so sexy right now; I don’t know how he won’t tackle me the minute he gets through the door.”

  “Love is love, Felicity,” I giggle. “Seriously though, tomorrow, if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”

  “Oh I see how it is. Tomorrow, huh? Need this afternoon and night with Slater, huh?”

  I can’t help the giggle that breaks through my throat. “You know how it is.”

  “I do, which is why I’m so pissed that I got sick!”

  “Hopefully, with the antibiotics you’ll be fine in a couple of days. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” I tell her as I pull into the airport, and quickly find a space in the parking garage.

  A few minutes after I park, there’s a text from Slade.

  S: Just landed. Have to get my stuff and then I’ll be out to you, just tell me where you’re parked, sweetness.

  Looking around, I give him my location and then get out of the SUV, leaning against it, because I want to see his face when he sees me. I want the excitement, the sparkle in his eyes, and the smile that if it gets big enough, shows a slight dimple in his cheek.

  I’m messing around on my phone, checking comments to my Instagram post, responding to a few, and deleting the truly hateful ones when I hear a voice.

  “Sweetness!”

  My head pops up, and there, coming toward me, I see the man who makes my heart flutter. He looks hot as hell in a pair of dress slacks and a blue button-down. They aren’t required to wear full suits when they travel, but they are required to dress nice. His hair is tousled, face sports a couple days old beard, and the way his shirt is tucked in at his waist calls attention to what he’s packing behind the zipper.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” I bite my lip, trying to hold back my smile.

  Badly I want to run to him, throw my arms and legs around him, but I remember I’m in a skirt, and I also remember we’re in a public place. I have no desire for my ass to be on display for the entire world to see.

  He walks right up to me, pressing me against the outside of the vehicle. It forces me to lean my head back and look up at him. He takes my sunglasses off.

  “There’s those eyes I’ve missed.”

  “Is that all you’ve missed?”

  He leans in, his lips claiming mine in a kiss that’s so very short. “Sweetness, I’ve missed everything about you, and I’m looking to get reacquainted very soon.”

  Tilting my head, I notice there’s no one around us, but I still use my body and the cars parked beside us to shelter our bodies. Reaching down, I run my palm over his crotch. “I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with you too, Slade. Let’s get outta here.”

  He heads for the driver’s side, and I carefully climb into the pa
ssenger side. I love to watch him drive, love to watch his tanned forearms flex and relax as he directs us through traffic. I’ve had a love affair with it since he started driving me around.

  “Malone, you fucking licked your lips when you just looked at my fingers. Are you trying to get me to take you into the backseat, lift up your skirt, and fuck you just to get the first one out of the way?”

  “But then it’d be that much longer until we got home,” I remind him as I buckle my seatbelt, eyeing those hands of his.

  He groans as he drives us out of the parking garage and we enter the traffic flowing through the interstate. Once we’re on the road, he looks over at me, a wolfish glint in his eyes.

  “But I don’t have to wait until we get home just to have a little taste of you, sweetness.”

  I’m not sure what he means, but as he takes one hand off the steering wheel, puts it between my legs, and slips it underneath my lace panties, I know exactly what he means.

  “Oh my God, Slade.” I breathe deeply, tilting my head back as I spread my legs to give him room to work.

  “Yeah,” he groans, his fingers working against my wet flesh, plunging in and withdrawing. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

  “I did,” I heave, letting out a surprised gasp as his thumb brushes against my clit, and that’s all it takes. I explode against him.

  When he removes his fingers, he gives me that same wolfish grin again as he puts those two fingers into his mouth, sucking them clean. “Just as sweet as I remember.”

  And with those words I want nothing more than to come again.

  Thirteen

  Savage

  As we enter our home, I pull her to me, kissing her as she kicks off the shoes she’s wearing. “There’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” I groan as her hand cups my hard-on over the pants I’m wearing.

  “What’s that?” She hikes her legs up around my waist as I palm her ass in my hands, pulling her tighter against me.