“Hey, my harmonizing sold it.” Brendan nudged her brother out of the way. No drums for this gig, but he’d pulled off the background vocals perfectly.
“Sorry, man.” Landry sauntered in and snagged a beer from the table. “Without the guitars, you don’t have anything.”
“You kidding?” Luke grabbed the bottle from his hand. “I could’ve been solo out there and they would have loved it.”
They were all smiles and high on exhilaration. She’d take the friendliness as long as it would last. “You really knocked it out of the park. Perfect pitch.”
Groaning, Zander shook his head. “Two baseball references, back to back? I guess your car is still tuned to the sports radio station.”
Heat flushed into her cheeks. “Go grab something to eat and drink.” She pointed to the table laden with food behind her.
The crowd’s cheer drew her attention back to the field. She grabbed a bottle of water and dropped into the closest seat. “Guys, shh. I’m trying to hear.”
“You realize this isn’t like watching it on TV, right? There isn’t a running commentary from the broadcaster.” Luke sat next to her and treated her to a rare smile.
“I know that.” She playfully slapped his shoulder. “I’m just trying to absorb the experience, that’s all.” She was saved from further explanation as Jayne came into the room, followed by the road crew, and greetings rang out.
The first inning passed quickly. Before she knew it, the familiar guitar riff from “Cut Down” blared over the stadium as Dom walked to home plate. To her left, Zander and Brendan high-fived each other. The crowd cheered. Then the Jumbotron’s camera panned from Dom to their suite, landing on the band. The cheer turned into a roar.
“Landry, wave. Zander, Luke, smile.” Instructions rolled easily, but weren’t necessary, especially for their drummer. Brendan jumped to his feet and pumped his fists, making the crowd go wild.
The camera shot back to Dom. His big body, so powerful, poised at the plate, ready to swing.
She leaned forward, elbows on her knees. That intensity, that focus, that strength. He swung the bat and connected with the ball. It sailed deep into the field and hit the grass between two Rattlesnake players. His legs pounded the dirt; he rounded first base, and held up at second. The camera stayed on him long enough to show him exchanging words with the Rattlesnakes’ second baseman. She wondered if they were friends, until a close-up of their faces revealed narrowed eyes and scowls.
When the camera focused back on the batter at home plate, she kept watching Dom. And when he started running toward third base, she grasped her hands together, holding her breath, willing him to make it in time.
The crowd roared and she didn’t have a clue where the ball had landed or what the other batter had done. But he kept running too, and Dom didn’t stop at third. He crossed home plate, and seconds later, the other player did, too. She jumped to her feet and cheered. Exhilaration stole her breath. His smile, when the camera focused on the dugout, quickened her pulse.
And she had to wait eight more innings until she could see it up close.
Dom played the entire game as though a championship was riding on the outcome. Every time he came up to bat and the opening bars of “Cut Down” played, the stadium’s screen flashed to the band. The band waved, and the audience cheered. Irisa’s presence charged him with extra energy. With every move he made, he was hyperaware that she was watching. And knowing she was watching made him even more vigilant about not making any mistakes. He thought he’d played it cool, until both Adam and Slade mentioned that he needed to turn down his intensity several notches.
The game remained close throughout, with the Riptide ahead by one run at the top of the ninth inning.
Two outs for the Rattlesnakes, and Marc Platt was the last at-bat for his team. He knocked the ball right up the middle. Right toward Dom. No way would he let that guy get on base. Eye on the ball, he ran and reached, and reached, and dove across the grass. Relief outweighed elation when the ball slammed into his mitt. He clutched the leather over it and rose to his feet. Cheers and stomping feet rang out from every side of the stadium. Game over.
He tossed the ball into the crowd seconds before his teammates surrounded him, piling on in celebration. Flanked by Slade and Adam, he walked toward the dugout.
Platt the Jerk stood by first base, slowly removing his batter’s helmet and methodically placing his batting gloves inside. Glaring at him. Waiting for him.
Great.
Slade, fresh off his first game back in the lineup, gestured toward the Rattlesnake. “What is that guy’s problem?”
Adam’s mitt tapped Dom’s shoulder. “Don’t engage.”
“I know, I know.” But his shoulders tightened and fists followed suit. If Platt had something to say, he’d better say it.
A gray and blue blur sped in from the warning track. Fin the Shark, riding the four-wheeler he used on the field, zoomed closer. He passed Platt, and grabbed the helmet from his hands, then continued on his way, cutting a zigzagging path toward the Rattlesnakes’ mostly empty dugout.
Platt’s head whipped around, following the shark’s path. “What the hell?”
Dom couldn’t hold in his laugh. His teammates cracked up, too. Slade grinned. “Way to go, Liam.”
The rest of the Riptide surrounded them, pushing past Platt to join in the celebration.
Dom filed behind them and headed into the locker room. He actually received a “nice job” from Dusty before he hit the showers. Next up, meeting Irisa and The Fury. Adrenaline spiked his blood and fueled his movements. Dressed and back in the locker room in record time, but not as fast as some of his teammates. Slade and Mario crowded around Irisa. He didn’t like that one bit.
He started toward her, but Zander stepped into his path. “Hey, Dom. Great to meet you.”
Meeting his favorite band was a highlight he didn’t think he could top, aside from winning the championship, or scoring a date with Irisa. He shook Zander’s hand. “I’m a huge fan.”
“Likewise.” Zander nodded as the rest of the band joined them. “Maybe someday we can take batting practice with you.”
“Any time you want.”
“My sister mentioned you have a charity event next month. We’re in.”
“Yeah? That’s awesome. I appreciate it.” And it gave him one more opportunity to spend time with the woman who’d dominated his thoughts.
More of his teammates crowded into the room and drew the band into conversations. And more of them drifted over to Irisa and the redheaded woman who stood with her.
Dom chatted about the tour and the team and baseball in general with Zander. Slade came up to them. “Where are we going for food?”
“Lorenzo’s?” Dom named the closest restaurant to the ballpark.
“Good plan, man.” Slade slapped him on the back and turned Zander. “Do you and your guys guys want to grab a bite with us?”
As they talked, Dom surveyed the room. Luke and Landry chatted with Adam, Brendan chatted with Mario, and Liam chatted and turned on the charm with Irisa. Dom excused himself and muscled his way across the room. He smiled at Irisa and nudged Liam out of the way. “Slade’s looking for you.”
“I’m sure he is.” Liam grinned. “Nice meeting you, Irisa.”
Finally, Dom had her to himself. And he wanted to keep it that way. He shifted his stance and hopefully blocked her from his teammates’ view. She smiled, and his heart slammed against his ribs like he was rounding third. “Hey. Enjoy the game?”
“I really did.” She gestured to her brother. “You met all the guys?”
“Yeah. They’re great.”
“Your teammates seem nice. Liam’s very funny and Slade’s very sweet.”
Sure, they were great guys, when they weren’t trying to compete for her attention. “They’re good guys.” But enough about them. “You look beautiful.”
Her skin glowed, set off by thick gold bracelets. Lights glinted off her ha
ir, and her green sundress teased over her curves. “Thank you.”
He stepped closer to her. The springtime fresh perfume was a welcome change from the usual locker room smells. “Why don’t you take a break from your guys, and I’ll take a break from my guys, and let’s grab something to eat.”
Her eyes widened. “You know the band’s going out with your teammates, right?”
“Yeah. I suggested Lorenzo’s to them.” He shrugged. “I’m around these guys twenty-four-seven most of the year. I see them more than I see my dog. And you probably see your band even more.”
“But don’t you want to go with them?” A line formed between her brows.
“Not if I have the chance to spend time with you.”
Her gaze turned analytical, as though she was measuring his words, but against what, he didn’t know. All he could offer was his honest preference. “So what do you say? You and me? I know of a place that has chocolate wine.”
She smiled and her sculpted brows rose. “Chocolate wine?”
He nodded and gave in to the urge to brush her hair over her shoulder.
“It’s hard to say no to chocolate. Give me a minute to talk to my brother.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Happiness danced a duet with relief. Irisa couldn’t contain her smile. Dom had turned down dinner with the band in favor of one-on-one time with her. He hadn’t been feigning interest, with plans to drop her when he met the guys. She’d fully expected him and Zander to hit it off, and had planned to drown her disappointment in a glass of wine, alone, at home.
She weaved through the crowded room. Luke and Landry were on one side and Jayne on the other. Finally, Zander came into view. He stood by Brendan and one of the Riptide players. She paused. The band had arrived together, with a driver, so she didn’t have to worry about anyone getting behind the wheel. Her guys seemed fine, all chatting and looking happy, but maybe she should skip drinks with Dom and tag along with the band in case tempers flared.
Zander caught her gaze and crossed to her. “Having fun?”
“It’s great. You?”
“I have a few invites to visit batting practice, so I’m psyched. Have you seen Jayne?”
“In the corner, talking to one of the players.” She jabbed her thumb over her shoulder, then saw Dom in the corner of her vision. She really didn’t want to have to turn him down… “Do you think you guys can keep it together for a few hours without me?”
“Give us some credit. Why, what’s going on?”
“Dom invited me to get a drink with him.”
A light came into Zander’s eyes and he nudged her shoulder. “I wondered why you’d suddenly developed an interest in baseball.”
Heat flushed into her cheeks. “Listen—”
“I think it’s great. And it’s about damn time, too.”
Responsibility weighed like a heavy coat on her shoulders. “Are you sure you think you guys can be nice to each other?”
“Take a look around.” He pointed at the band members. “Everyone is having a good time, even Luke. We have a driver. Everything’s fine. I think we can manage a dinner out with the team. No thrown guitars or anything.”
The mild sarcasm helped make her decision. “All right. Then I guess I’ll say good night.”
“I want a phone call or text when you get home.”
Her lips twitched. “Seriously? I’m a big girl. I can handle myself. Besides, he lives in my building.”
“Text me anyway or I’ll call him.” Features as set as stone, he held up his phone and pointed to Dom’s name in his contacts list. No doubt he’d make good on his promise.
Maybe he’d suggest a guard dog next. “Overprotective much?”
His eyes softened. “This time, with you? Yeah.”
Her annoyance drained away. She caught him in a quick hug. “Fine. You win.”
Dom’s hand closed over her shoulder. “Ready?”
She nodded weakly. How much had he overheard?
“Great meeting you, man.” Zander stepped closer, eye to eye with Dom. “Take care of my sister.” His words, delivered with a smile, carried an edge.
“Zander.” Closing her eyes, she groaned.
But Dom smiled and shook her brother’s hand. “Count on it.”
He led her through the stadium and into the players’ parking lot. The fluttering in her stomach increased when he opened her door for her. Yes, she was capable of opening it herself, but the gesture warmed her. She climbed inside his truck. When they pulled onto the road, she nestled into the soft seat. “Where is this place with the chocolate wine?”
“My place.”
“Oh.” She glanced at his hands then back at his face. His place sounded far too intimate.
Dark eyes held her gaze. The corner of his mouth winged in a half-smile. “I didn’t want the distraction of waiters and fans and crowded rooms tonight, but I do want you to be comfortable. We can stay at the pub in the lobby, or go someplace else, wherever you want.”
If she hadn’t trusted him, she wouldn’t have left with him. “Chocolate wine does sound interesting and hard to resist. Your place is fine.” She managed to keep her voice level, even while her insides were jumping like bullfrogs. “I have to deal with the same things when the band goes out anywhere. It’s hard. So many distractions.”
“Fans coming up to them? Or guys coming up to you?”
Coming up to her? She nearly laughed. “Them, of course.”
“I find that hard to believe. I’d think you’d have more groupies than the band.” His gaze returned to hers again, glittering with heat. Tingles of awareness spread from her core and danced along her skin.
They arrived at their building. His fingers grazed her back as they stepped into his elevator. He stood so close and smelled so good, and his gaze roamed over her face like she was the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen. Telling herself the pitch in her stomach was due to rapidly ascending seventeen stories would have been a lie.
His apartment was easily double the size of hers, but they shared the same muted colors and the same wood floors. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, dark leather furniture, and a large TV dominated the living room. Could his life be any more perfect? Everything seemed so easy for him, while she’d had to work so hard for everything.
A deep bark and nails clicking against the wood floor preceded the giant Great Dane hurtling through the room. Dom bent and rubbed the dog’s massive head, then grabbed hold of his collar. “This is Champ.”
She approached, wary of the dog’s size and strength. If he stood on two legs, he’d almost match her in height, and he very likely outweighed her. “Wow.” She rubbed his head and laughed when he offered his paw.
“He doesn’t pull out those manners for just anybody.” Dom released his hold, and the dog curled up on the floor by the window.
“Well then, I’m flattered.” Awareness bloomed as Dom came closer. Her heels put her eye level with his mouth. She’d spent the better part of a week imagining what kissing him would be like. The way he watched her, how his eyes drifted to her mouth, suggested he’d thought about it, too. But she was rusty. What if he found her lacking?
“Want to try that wine?” He gestured toward the kitchen. The cream-colored room had the same layout as hers, minus the stacked washer and dryer she had in the corner. He probably had a private laundry room.
She nodded. He moved with an athlete’s confidence and grace. Muscles bunched in his back when he reached for wine glasses and bulged in his arms when he opened the bottle and poured. Everything about him telegraphed strength. Solid, dependable, with a hint of danger.
The way he smiled at her when he handed her the glass increased the flutters in her stomach. He held her gaze as they both took a sip. Hints of cherry and blueberry complemented the rich chocolate. “It tastes like a chocolate truffle.”
“I thought of you when I saw it at the store.”
Knowing he’d been thinking of her warmed her. She sipped again, hiding h
er smile behind her glass.
Champ padded into the room and headed for his water bowl. Within a few seconds, she realized the need for the towel laid out on the floor under the bowl. “What do you do with Champ when you travel?”
“Liam watches him. He takes care of Adam’s dog, too. Sometimes he stays here, so you might hear him if I’m away.”
Rock music blared from his pocket. The digitized notes repeated three bars of a vaguely familiar song.
“Do you need to get that?”
“That one can wait.” He scowled at the screen, silenced it, and set it on the counter. And then that dark look disappeared and a slow smile spread across his features. “Where were we?”
Her pulse thudded harder. “Liam watches Champ for you.”
“Right.” He strolled closer, until he stood next to her. “So when do you leave for the tour?”
“Two days from now. We have shows in San Diego, beginning on Thursday, and some press events on Wednesday.” Talking about the tour—thinking about the tour—was enough to set off her anxiety. Hopefully having Jayne on board would help keep the tension light.
“We’re in San Diego from Friday to Sunday, but we have to get through a three-game series at San Francisco first. All packed and ready to go?”
She shrugged. “For the most part. My bags have been ready for the past few days. I try to plan as much as I can.”
“Sometimes, things are better left unplanned.” He set his glass on the counter.
Glass clinked against granite as she set her glass next to his. A rush of nerves tightened her stomach. She was pretty rusty at the whole first-kiss thing. She leaned against the countertop, hands resting on either side, watching him. Her pulse quickened. She recognized the intent in his movements. “Like what?”
Large hands cupped her shoulders. His biceps bunched as he drew her closer. “I’ve been thinking about doing this for days.”
She tilted her head back to keep her gaze locked with his. Her hands abandoned the cool granite and trailed up his chest. “Me too.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile. “When the moment’s right, you just have to go for it.”
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