Third Base (The Boys of Summer #1)

by Heidi McLaughlin

  My name gets called, and I take a drink of water, waiting for their question.

  “How did the homerun feel tonight?”

  Who comes up with these questions?

  “Uh… I guess it felt good. I mean it brought in some runs and built some momentum.”

  The next question goes to Bainbridge and the following question to Manager Diamond. I sit there, wondering why the hell I’m here. I can’t provide an eloquent answer and honestly, all the cameras make me slightly nervous.

  “Ethan, are you looking forward to the All-Star break?”

  “Yes,” I say into the microphone. “It’s a good time for us to regroup and have a little fun.”

  Diamond excuses Bainbridge and me from the press conference while he stays to finish up. Surely, they’re going to attack him more than they will us. They know if they’re not nice, we’ll stop speaking. Diamond, on the other hand, doesn’t have a choice. It’s his job, whether he likes it or not.

  The temperament in the clubhouse is somber. Everyone is quiet and a few of the guys are already gone. I don’t blame them for bailing after the game. It’s what I wanted to do. No one wants to hang out right now because we’re all feeling the same. We’re all tired of getting so close, only to lose.

  I throw my shit into my locker and kick my stool across the room, lucky that only a few of my teammates are still here and I didn’t hit anyone with it.

  “You’re not the only one who’s pissed,” Jasper Jacobson, our catcher, says as he starts getting dressed. “We’re on the same team here, Davenport. Sure, you brought in the runs, but it’s a fucking team effort.”

  He’s slamming shit around and muttering under his breath. I realize in this moment that I need to keep my mouth shut because bringing up his stats probably wouldn’t be a good idea right now. One of the runs tonight was on a pass ball that he let go through his legs and I felt that the effort put in on his part was lacking.

  Unfortunately, he sees me smirk and is now in my face.

  “You have a problem, rookie?” he spits out, going chest to chest with me.

  “I’m not a rookie,” I say, stepping forward, showing him that I’m not going to back down from him or anyone else who wants a piece of me.

  “You’re a cocky son of a bitch, that’s what you are. You think your shit don’t stink, but let me tell you something sophomore, punks like you are a dime a dozen.”

  I’m not even sure what his problem is. I kicked my stool across an empty room and it landed nowhere near him. He plays a different position, so it’s not like he’s backing me up. My batting average is better than his and maybe that’s why he’s jealous. He could want to be in the third spot in the rotation and if that’s the case, he needs to speak to Diamond about that.

  “If we’re a dime a dozen, you’d think we’d be all over the place. I don’t know what your problem is, Jacobson, but it’s not me.”

  “What the fuck is going on in here?” Diamond says, as he walks in.

  “Just talking, Skip,” Jacobson says, waiting for Diamond to walk into his office. Once the door slams shut, his attention is back on me.

  “You’re my fucking problem.” He puffs his chest out before storming away.

  “What was that about?” Bainbridge asks after coming out of the bathroom.

  I shake my head and grab my clothes. At this point, I’ll change when I get home. I need to go pick up Daisy. I need Daisy.

  “I kicked my stool across the floor and he jumped on my shit.”

  “I know you’re frustrated and you expect us to win, but sometimes teams have to take some lumps. We’re going to bounce back. We’ll dominate. We’ll be on top again.” Bainbridge squeezes my shoulder as he passes by. I hear a faint knock on Diamond’s door and wonder if Bainbridge will be around for when we bounce back.

  Aside from being well under five hundred, I’m doing remarkably well. The batting title is within my reach but I know that unless we make the post season, I’ll be an afterthought. At this point, we’re not even close to making the post season because the teams from Texas are fucking killing everyone right now. We can’t even put together a winning streak, but we can sure as hell lose multiple games in a row.

  The only bright spot right now is Daisy, who I wish was living at my house. Even though I say that, I don’t really want her to move in, at least not yet. It’s far too soon to take a giant step like that. What sucks is having her in my arms, almost falling asleep, only to have to take her home to relieve the night nurse. I’ve offered to pay for a full-time live in nurse but she balked at the idea, saying her grandfather is her problem, not mine. She doesn’t understand that I want more time with her. My schedule really limits our quality time together. I suppose in the long run it doesn’t really matter since she’s still taking classes - one more semester and then she’ll graduate.

  As typical with New England weather, one day we woke up and it was already freaking ninety out. This summer has been hotter than last year; I’m not complaining, just unprepared for the sweltering heat. I long for the days of hitting the beach or lake with my buddies to cool off after class.

  Today, Daisy is skipping school and we’re going to the cabin that Steve Bainbridge owns. He says it’s nothing special, but does have a small beach if we want to go swimming. I don’t care if it means she can’t see me for two days in a row because of homework. I don’t have to work and I want to spend the day with her. She said I have to help her study, but since she’s not a sex-ed major, I doubt I’ll be very useful.

  Right now, I’m counting the hot summer days until the All-Star break. I’m flying her and her grandfather to Cincinnati. It wasn’t easy telling her, but there isn’t anything she can do about it. Her grandpa loves baseball, and this is probably his only opportunity to see a game such as this. She knows she can’t win this battle, as I’ll ask John if he wants to go and use it against her.

  The All-Star break should be a time to rest and recuperate, but I’m playing so I’ll be part of the festivities the entire week. My parents will be there, along with my sister and my niece, and they’ll be meeting Daisy and John for the first time. If I didn’t feel strongly for her, the introductions wouldn’t be happening. This is a big step for me and one I’m not taking lightly.

  I’m going all out for this trip to the lake. I ordered a picnic basket a few weeks ago in preparation for today and it’s all packed with a blanket sitting on top. I have the wine chilled and food ready to go. Daisy should be waiting for me, I just need to grab everything and we’ll be on our way.

  So why am I stalling?

  My palms are sweating and my heart is racing. I’m not sick so the only thing that I can attribute this to is that I want to tell Daisy that I love her. I don’t even need her to say it back, but I need her to know how I feel and I have a feeling that today needs to be the most romantic date that we’ve ever had.

  With a deep breath, I pick up the basket and head to my SUV. As soon as I pull up in front of her apartment, I realize that I forgot to buy her some flowers, and it’s too late to get some because she’s there, leaning up against the wall, waiting for me.

  She’s in the car and leaning over the console before I can even get out and open the door for her. I hate when she does that, but understand that she’s in a hurry because she doesn’t want me to get a ticket for parking in the no parking zone. I know I’m pressing my luck when I park here, but it’s worth it.

  “Where are we going?” she asks, weaving her fingers with mine. The console gets in the way and I wish I had a truck with a bench seat or something so I could pull her close. Even though we’re in the same car, she seems so far away at times.

  “Well, since it’s an off day and I have absolutely nothing to do today or tonight, I thought we’d go to the lake. Bainbridge owns a cabin with a private beach.”

  “Okay, two things,” she says, turning in the seat to face me. “One: I don’t have a swimsuit. Two: Will he and his wife be there?”

  I don�
�t have a suit either and as nice as it is outside, I forgot that we needed them.

  “So, my plan isn’t perfect.”

  She leans over the console and gives me a quick kiss, trying not to interrupt my driving.

  “And no, they won’t be there,” I say, answering her second question. “I do, however, have some wine and food in the back, along with a blanket. I thought we could sit out and just enjoy the quiet and maybe skinny dip.”

  “I’m so not going skinny dipping.”

  “What?” I scoff. “Why not? It’s private, no one will see us.”

  She turns and glares at me. “That’s how you get infections and shit. I don’t need a parasite invading me.”

  “I’d like to invade you,” I say wiggling my eyebrows at her.

  Daisy shakes her head and tells me to watch the road. Every few seconds, her thumb rubs along mine and she lets out a heavy sigh. I don’t know what’s on her mind, but have learned over the past month or so that sometimes it’s better to wait her out rather than ask. More and more, she’s been opening up about things, but if I prod she shuts down. Unfortunately, patience is not my strong suit.

  Daisy startles awake when the terrain turns bumpy. I have to let go of her hand to navigate the small driveway. If this is Bainbridge’s idea of keeping his in-laws away, he’s doing a fine job of it. I’m about ready to turn around and say, “Screw it”.

  “This is it?” she asks incredulously.

  The way she asks the question mirrors my own thoughts. If we were expecting a grand home with large picture windows facing the lake, we were sadly mistaken.

  I put my car in park and slowly exit. The slamming of Daisy’s door makes me jump.

  “What the fuck is this place?”

  “Are you sure it’s the right house?” she asks, as I nod. “What a shithole.”

  “You can say that again.” I take her hand and walk us toward the shack that looms in front of us. This house is not a representation of a highly paid major league baseball player, but one of a bum who has fallen on hard times and can’t afford the upkeep on his house.

  “I don’t even want to go in there,” Daisy says, and I agree. By the looks of it, the walls will come tumbling down any minute.

  “Fuck this bullshit,” I mutter, but feel her hand tighten around my arm. I look down at her and see her green eyes shining from the sun.

  “We still have a picnic and each other.”

  And just like that, what could’ve been a shitty day has turned around because she’s so optimistic about everything.

  “Stay here, don’t move,” I say, leaving her standing there in the middle of whatever this is that Bainbridge calls his yard while I run back to the car and grab our stuff.

  I grab her hand and pull her along my side until we reach the water. I don’t want to know what’s growing in there and am thankful she isn’t willing to chance it either. I’m game for seeing her naked, but not in this water.

  Daisy spreads our blanket out and kneels down to pull out the food. I stand back and watch her, wondering what it will be like once I tell her how I feel. How much will change? And what’s our next step?

  The way the sun is bouncing off her blonde hair and kissing her skin tells me this is the moment.

  “Daisy?”

  “Huh?” she says, without looking at me, more focused on putting together plates of food for us.

  “Look at me please.” When she does, I feel whole. “I love you, Daisy.” I drop to my knees and pull her hands into mine. “I’m in love with you.”

  Her small intake of breath doesn’t escape my notice and neither do the tiny tears watering her eyes.

  “I love you, Ethan.” Her lips crash into mine and she tries to crawl into my lap. I fall back on the blanket, thankfully, because who knows what the hell is on the ground.

  Her mouth moves quickly and her hands push my shirt up. When she sits back, my throat tightens at the site of her lifting her shirt of her head.

  “I thought you didn’t want to skinny dip,” I say stupidly. “You’re afraid of an invasion or something.”

  “You can invade me,” she repeats my words as she falls back down on top of me and rubs her perfect breasts against my still clothed chest. The shit that comes out of her mouth turns me the fuck on. I grab her hips and rock her back and forth, creating some friction for the both of us.

  I sit up, cupping her face in my hands. She’s still moving her hips, driving me insane. “Daisy, are you horny?”

  “Yes,” she says, breathlessly.

  “Do you want to fuck outside?”

  She pulls her bottom lip in between her teeth and nods. Her hands grip my shirt and she starts pulling it over my head. When I join in to help her, she moves her hands down and begins working on my shorts. Who the fuck knew three little words would incite this from her.

  The moment I pull down the cup of her bra and take one of her breasts in my mouth, it happens. I feel the first raindrop, but ignore it. Its New England after all, the weather will change again in a few minutes.

  We kiss, our tongues moving together in heated passion. I don’t know if I’ll ever get enough of her and not sure I ever want to find out what my limit is. She pulls my dick out of my shorts and starts stroking. I have dreams of her sucking me off, but I’m not going to ask her. I know when she’s ready to try it’ll be exactly how I’ve been imagining. My fingers slide into her shorts, dipping them inside her already wet pussy.

  “Fucking hell, baby,” I say as I pull my fingers out and lick them. She licks her lips in return before taking the opportunity to taste herself while I finger fuck her. Daisy grinds against my hand, trying to get off as the sky opens up and starts to rain down on us. I know she’s close and don’t want to stop, but I also don’t want to get fucking drenched out here either.

  Her blonde hair is sticking to her face and neck as she leans her head back, letting the rain pelt her. It’s the fucking hottest thing I’ve seen and it’s driving me nuts.

  The sky around us turns dark and cracks as I scramble to pick her up. Her legs are wrapped around my waist with my dick tickling the inseam of her shorts, reminding me that the promise land is just beyond this flimsy fabric.

  When I reach the car, I push her up against the side, not caring about the rain and immediately get back to her pussy. Her head slams back against the window as she cries out, “Oh, fuck.”

  “Yes, that’s what I’m about to do.” I open the door and set her on the seat, opening my shorts before climbing in after her. Thunder sounds overhead and I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy afternoon.

  I pull a condom out of my wallet and make quick use of it, sheathing myself while she strips off her shorts.

  “Come ride my cock,” I say huskily, pulling her to me with our mouths crashing against each other. She settles over me, sliding down slowly. I inch down the seat, giving her more leverage and watch as she starts to move up and down slowly. Right now I’m very thankful for a bigger car.

  “Fuck, baby,” I hiss out as she picks up speed. There’s nothing hotter than watching her ride me.

  “Ethan!” she screams out, the orgasm that has been building working her into a frenzy. I pull her close to me and weave our fingers together, feeling her rub her clit along my pelvis. When I thumb her clit, she slams our conjoined hands into the fogged window and her breathing become heavier.

  “Yes, yes, oh yeah… I… Oh God.”

  “I feel you, baby. Squeeze my dick. Make me come with you,” I encourage her as we both find our release.

  Daisy collapses against me, her chest heaving. I slowly pull out of her, missing the connection we share.

  “Wow… that was…”

  “Intense,” I finish for her.

  “Yeah, intense.”

  She looks away, avoiding eye contact with me. I move her wet hair behind her ear and pull her chin toward me.

  “Daisy, I love you.” I kiss her twice softly, until I seek out her tongue with mine and s
tart round two.

  A strong effort by Ethan Davenport and Branch Singleton fell short when the Orioles added two more runs and the Renegades were unable to come back.

  With thirty-three wins and forty-two losses, it doesn’t look like the Renegades will make the post season unless…

  They have to turn things around. The bats need to be stronger and the guys need to utilize the pitch count. Study the pitcher and know who is going to be strong or who has the ability to hit the long ball. Diamond needs to learn to play some small ball, get a base runner or two and let Davenport and Singleton bring them home. With Jasper Jacobsen batting fifth, he’s a power-hitter as well.

  The bottom line here – we need base runners.

  The pitching needs work. We can’t have five or six strong innings, only for the bullpen to come in and give it up. Pitching Coach, Cole Fisk (Yes, nephew of the great Carlton Fisk), needs to figure out what’s up with this crew and fix it, fast.

  WE WANT TO WIN!!!!

  In case everyone is wondering – the Curse is over! Stop using it as an excuse.

  Only a few weeks left until the All-Star game. Renegades in the homerun competition: Davenport, Meyers and Singleton.

  GOSSIP WIRE:

  Sources say that Jasper Jacobson is asking for a trade! I’ll keep you updated when I find out more information.

  Ethan Davenport and his college girlfriend are keeping things hot and heavy. The couple had full on PDA at Tequila Rain where the co-ed met him after the game. There’s no speculation with these two, let’s just hope they’re using protection.

  Steve Bainbridge has been seen with a mysterious brunette. My best guess is that this is the mistress we’ve heard so much about. Sources are telling me from the look of things, he’s not leaving her anytime soon.