Zander strode by them. “Hey, Dom, come in the dining room.”
Voices carried in from that direction. Dom slowly turned.
Platters of food filled the center of the table. Four place settings covered the rest of the space. An older man and woman sat on one side of the table. He glanced at Irisa. “Am I interrupting something?”
“Family dinner.” The woman rose and extended her hand. “I’m Mila, and this is my husband Alex. Otherwise known as Mom and Dad.”
“Dom.” He shook their hands. “Nice to meet you.”
“Please, join us. Irisa, get this man a plate.”
He hadn’t meant to break into a family scene. “No, thanks. I don’t want to interrupt. I’ll get out of your way.”
Irisa smiled, looking almost shy. “You’re welcome to stay and eat with us.”
Zander handed him a plate and pointed to a chair. “Come on, man. It’s not every day that my sister cooks.”
Dom blinked at the spread laid out before him. “You made all this?”
“Surprised it’s not chocolate?” Irisa’s laughter tumbled over him, warming him. He loaded his plate with lemon chicken, rosemary potatoes, string beans, and carrots.
The family shuffled their plates and glasses, creating room for him between Irisa and Zander. Alex peered at Dom over his glasses. “You’re the ballplayer.”
“Yes, sir.” The ballplayer? As in oh, you play for the Riptide, or you’re the bastard who made my daughter cry? Neither parent looked anything less than welcoming. They may have caught sight of the kiss, but probably didn’t know too many details of the relationship. Relief eased his muscles.
“You had a decent road trip. I’d expected your team to struggle against that hotshot pitcher in Phoenix, but you held your own.”
He nodded, almost expecting Alex to continue with a critique of his performance, like his own father would do. But no harsh words came.
“Dom played great the entire trip.” Irisa sent him a smile over the rim of her glass. She’d told him as much each night they’d spoken, but her sparkling eyes and the pride shining in her voice made him feel like an All-Star.
“Thanks.” Hauling her into his arms wasn’t an option with the crowded table and three pairs of eyes on them. He settled for grazing his knuckles against the back of her hand.
Alex talked about the first ball game he’d seen after moving to the States. The conversation then turned to the tour and then stories of Zander and Irisa growing up. Loving, teasing, laughing.
Dom polished off the best food he’d eaten in weeks and drank the crisp white wine poured into his glass. He missed his own family. He and his brothers were rarely home to visit their parents at the same time. His old man hadn’t called since their fight. Not hearing from him after a game was odd, but he couldn’t say he missed the criticism. Talks with his mom had become delicate dances around the topic of why Dad couldn’t come to the phone. Not that he’d asked to speak with him.
Irisa’s hand on his arm drew him back into the moment. “We’re having chocolate mousse for dessert.”
“I figured you’d find a way to work chocolate in somehow.” He winked at her.
Mila tapped Alex’s arm and said something in Ukrainian. Irisa’s mouth dropped open and her face turned bright red. Zander cracked up and tried to hide his laughter behind a fit of coughing.
Dom turned to Irisa, waiting for the translation. His parents would occasionally slip into Spanish, forgetting that not everyone around them could understand it.
She shook her head at her mother, lips firm in a frown. “No more of that. I’m not kidding.” Then she turned to him and her blush crept over her cheeks again. “It wasn’t anything important.”
Her mother lifted her hands. “All I said was that you two would make beautiful babies together. What’s wrong with that? You’re both attractive people.”
“Oh my God. This is not happening.” Irisa stood, grabbed her plate, and marched into the kitchen.
Babies? Dom stared after her. His body tightened, craving her warmth, needing to be inside her—but babies? He wasn’t exactly ready for that enormous responsibility, but the idea of Irisa growing round with his child didn’t make him want to bolt for the closest exit. That realization gave him pause.
“I’m sorry. My wife doesn’t watch her words sometimes.” Alex’s apology set off a heated, whispered discussion in Ukrainian between him and Mila.
Zander, still smiling, raised his brow at Dom. “If you’re sure you’re sticking around after that, you might want to go into the kitchen and reassure my sister.”
Dom nodded. He cared about her. He wanted her. The rest could figure itself out.
He rose, took his plate, and headed for the kitchen.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Irisa slammed dishes into the sink and ran hot water over them. Mortification didn’t begin to cover the way she felt. Damn it. Why? Of all the things her mom could have said, why did she have to go that route?
Her relationship with Dom was just getting back on even ground. She wasn’t even sure what to call it. What if that comment made him run? She couldn’t blame him.
Fresh heat burst into her cheeks. The door hadn’t slammed yet, so Dom hadn’t left. She’d just have to stay in the kitchen for the rest of the night. One counter held all the chocolate he’d sent her while he’d been away. At least she wouldn’t starve.
Footsteps sounded. Expecting her brother, she turned. And came face to face with Dom.
“Hey.” He smiled and set his plate on the counter.
She glanced at the floor, wishing for a hole to open up and swallow her. When that didn’t happen, she raised her gaze to his. “I’m sorry about my mom. She’s on some kind of crazy grandparent timetable. Zander and I have told her we’re not in any position to help her out with that yet. I hope she didn’t embarrass you too much. And I hope you aren’t too weirded out by it.”
While her heart pounded in her throat, Dom came closer. His big hand grasped hers and lifted it to his lips. He kissed her palm, then drew her close. “She’s right about one thing. You’re beautiful.”
Irisa relaxed when his arms slid around her. “Says the sexy guy voted one of the best bodies in sports.”
“My body’s very interested in a few things.” Strong hands pressed into her low back and brought her snug against him. Hard everywhere.
She strained closer. “Maybe you’ll show me later.”
A low groan sounded in his throat and his teeth nipped her ear. “Be prepared to go into extra innings.” Then he paused, looked into her eyes, and cupped her cheek with his hand. “Does that mean what I think it means? We’re really back to being good?”
She nodded. Her pulse pounded. The intensity of his gaze pulled the air out of her chest. “I’m trying. I’ve had a lot of time to think. I really don’t want my past to mess up my future.”
The biggest smile she’d ever seen lightened his features. His arms tightened their hold and he lowered his head until his lips brushed against hers. “Irisa,” he whispered and hugged her to his chest, like she’d returned something precious to him.
She basked in the circle of strength enfolding her.
His phone pinged. He pulled back enough to extract it from his pocket. Keeping his arm around her, he angled the screen. A text from Liam.
Ready for me to drop Champ off?
“I can help you clean up before I go.” His hand traced a pattern across her back.
She shivered and leaned into him. “Don’t worry about it.”
Zander came in, loaded down with plates. “Well, they’re really going at it now. Dom, you should come to dinner more often.”
“Just wait until you’ve brought someone to dinner.” Irisa pointed at her brother. She’d love to see her mom’s reaction to Jayne.
He shook his head. “Don’t even think about trying to plan something. I’m not subjecting anyone to Mom until she passes through this crazy wedding planner-matchmaker phase.”
Dom reached over her to shake Zander’s hand. “I’m heading out. Good to see you, man.”
“Not staying for dessert?”
“Nah, I need to get my dog.” He lowered his lips to Irisa’s ear. “But I plan to have my dessert later.”
Her knees weakened and her hands fisted on his shirt. “I’ll walk you out.”
When they entered the dining room, her parents stopped speaking. She smiled, hoping they’d behave and not say anything else about babies while Dom made his goodbyes. She ushered him quickly to the door. After a brief kiss, and a request that she call him later, he was gone.
Following the scent of coffee, she walked back to the dining room. Zander had the pot of coffee on the table and cups of mousse at every place setting.
Her mom sat, arms crossed over her chest. “I didn’t mean to make him leave.”
“You didn’t. His dog sitter is dropping off his dog.”
Her dad dug into the dessert. “He seems like a good man. But is he good enough for my only daughter?”
Frustration pricked along her skin. “Guys, we’re dating. Got it? Dating. Not engaged, not anything serious.” She flopped into her chair and sighed.
“He was looking at you the way a man does when he’s serious about a woman.” Her mom nodded like a sage who held all the answers, then added creamer to her coffee.
Irisa glanced at Dom’s vacated chair. Did he?
The warmth filling her had nothing to do with her coffee.
Hours after saying goodbye to Irisa and her family, Dom lay in bed watching an old black and white monster movie. Champ lay on the floor, his paw over his eyes. The phone pinged with a message from Irisa. Still awake?
He wondered if she was alone. Yep, watching a movie.
Want some company?
Sure. Come on up. He got up and made sure the apartment was fairly neat. She hadn’t been to his apartment since that awful morning, and he wanted everything to be perfect.
When he opened the door, she walked straight to him and wrapped her arms around his torso. More of a desperate hug than anything else.
He rubbed his hands up and down her back. “You okay?”
“Better now. I love my parents, but oh my goodness, when Mom gets stuck on a topic, she really gets stuck on it.”
“More babies?”
“Romance in general. I swear, she should write a book to keep track of all of her ideas.”
He grinned and lifted her off her feet. Her arms encircled his neck, and her legs wrapped around his waist. Maybe things weren’t perfect, maybe they’d still have to work through some issues, but her words and actions had given him the green light. He banded his arms around her. “I have a few ideas on romance myself.”
She cuddled in closer. “Like this?” Her lips teased over his.
He fisted her hair and angled her head, then dove in deep. The thrill of having her in his arms spiked with the need to hold her tight. After a long moment, he drew back and lowered her. Her slow slide down the length of his body fired all his synapses. He fought the urge to drag her to the floor and finish the dance of desire they’d started hours before.
He led her into the living room.
Her gaze swept the room. “Where’s Champ?”
“My bedroom. That’s where I was watching the movie.” He’d left the dog in there so he could greet Irisa without interruption.
“Oh.” The hesitant word and her faltered step drew him up short.
Memories of the last time she’d been in that room had to be playing in her head. The best way to fix that was to create a new memory. He squeezed her hand, then, keeping them linked, continued walking down the hall. “Come say hi.”
When he opened the door, Champ roused and trotted over. She stooped and rubbed his back. “Good boy. I missed you.”
Dom smiled as something sweet twisted inside him. “I have some things of yours.”
“You do?”
He pointed to the bra and heels on the chair.
Her smile sobered. “I’d forgotten about those.”
Shit. He didn’t want to make her upset or remind her of what had happened. “I can’t forget about how sexy you looked in them.” He nudged her toward the bed. “Get comfortable. I’ll be right back.”
He returned a minute later with the specialty chocolate ice cream he’d bought with her in mind, and two spoons. Irisa sat at the edge of the bed, ramrod-straight, legs hanging over the side, shoes on. He frowned. “That’s not a very comfortable position for watching a movie.”
She bit her lip. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”
He set the ice cream aside and knelt before her. “You promised me a chance. And remember what you said about not letting the past screw with things?”
“Yes, but I can’t help that memories are attached to something.”
He slipped her sandals off her feet. “Okay, so we have two options. One, you get rid of the clothes. Two, you create a new memory to override the old one.”
“Good idea. I guess I could try the new memory idea first.”
“My vote is for you to wear them now.”
Her laughter filled the room. “You want me to eat ice cream and watch TV with you and your dog while wearing nothing but a sexy bra and heels?”
“Yes. Please.”
“Not happening.” But she smiled and relaxed.
He gestured to the side of the mattress she’d slept on. “Come on, get comfortable.”
She stretched out beside him and they balanced the ice cream between them. Dom wrapped his arm around her shoulders. On screen, the fight against the monster dragged on. He glanced at her in the darkened room, cuddled close while the dog slept on the floor. This felt so right.
He set the ice cream on the bedside table, then turned back. She smiled at him, and the urge to kiss her was too strong to ignore. Leaning on one arm, he lowered his head and let his tongue tease her lips. His other hand lay against her ribs, fingers restless against her shirt’s thin material. Her hands roamed under his shirt, exploring muscles denied her touch for too long. On a groan, he closed his hand over her breast. Irisa arched closer, rubbing against him and murmuring for more.
The mattress dipped down, too far away to be caused by her movements. He lifted his head.
Champ sat on the end of the bed, tail wagging.
“Oh no.” On a laughing moan, Irisa buried her face in Dom’s neck. “He’s watching us.”
“Champ, go to your room.”
The dog didn’t budge. With a bark, he turned in a circle and then curled up on the mattress.
Irisa shook with laughter. “It’s okay. Let him stay. But I’m sorry, I can’t do…anything…while he’s here.”
Dom rolled off the mattress and extended his hand. “Let’s grab a soak in the whirlpool.”
He closed the bathroom door behind them, then locked it for good measure. The water ran hot, steaming the bathroom. He kissed her and slipped the silky shirt over her head. The deep purple fabric couldn’t match the softness of her skin. Her bra, a temptation of black satin and lace, was the next to go. He followed the line of fabric with his lips before unhooking the garment and tossing it aside.
Her hands grasped his shoulders then trailed down his back, and around to tease the button of his jeans, then slipped inside, reminding him how talented those fingers could be. He groaned, thrusting into her hand when it closed around him. Too close. He pulled back, stripped off her shorts and the scrap of satin riding high on her hip, rid himself of his clothes, then drew her against him. No barriers. Skin to skin. Heart to heart.
They sank into the water. His lips sought hers. He cradled her head, kissing her as pulsations soothed and aroused. Her nipples pebbled against his chest. He lowered one hand to cup her lush breast. So damn perfect.
“Dom.” A whispered plea.
“You ready for me?” He slid into her. Her legs locked at his waist and she tightened around him. He rocked back and forth and fused his mouth to hers. He
r nails scored his back. The sensation of Irisa's heat gripping him and jets pulsing on his back pushed him over the edge seconds after her release. She clung to him and he held her just as tight until their breathing slowed.
Nothing felt as good as having her in his arms again.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
A day off during the season was meant to be enjoyed. Dom rose early, played with Champ, and dutifully made his phone calls to his mom and brothers. He couldn’t wait to spend the day with Irisa. He hadn’t seen her since she’d left his bed Saturday morning, bound for four concerts in Northern California, and her flight was due to arrive any minute. Offering to pick her up at the airport ensured he’d get some alone time with her. He sat in his truck, waiting for her call, feeling as excited and impatient as Champ acted while he waited for a treat.
Finally, his phone pinged. I’m waiting outside the terminal.
Blood pounding, he drove around to the front of the terminal. In heeled sandals, toned legs, white shorts, and one of those flowy shirts she liked so much in vibrant orange, she looked amazing. Grinning, she waved and hurried toward his truck.
She climbed in, filling the air with that spring-fresh scent she wore. “Thanks for picking me up.”
“Anytime.” He tossed her carry-on into the back of the cab, then lingered over kissing her hello. A car horn sounded behind him. He pulled away and eased the truck onto the street. “How were the shows?”
“Tension-filled. Musically everything went fine, but it’s not fun being backstage with the guys, or stuck on a plane with them. I’m so glad we don’t have a show tonight.”
“You need to relax. Is there anything you have to do today?”
“Nope. I worked during the flight.”
A billboard advertisement caught his attention. “Would you want to go to a ball game?”
She peered at him over the top of her sunglasses. “You want to go to a baseball game on your day off from playing baseball?”
“Sure. Minor league games are fun. I think you’ll have a good time.”
Nodding, she settled back in her seat. “You love it so much, I know watching with you will be fun. You won’t get mad if I ask a lot of questions? I want to understand it better.”
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