Blake (Season One: The Ninth Inning #2)

by Lindsay Paige

  Me: Well, if you were here, you could lie on your back and I could take care of you.

  I giggle at the screen as it alerts me of a phone call coming through. Of course, it’s him.

  “Give me your address now, Sofia.” I tell him. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Don’t you dare move.” He ends the call, and I jump up out of bed.

  I change into a thong and a matching lace tank top. I double check, making sure I don’t look like a zombie without makeup, but the sun I got from the beach makes my skin a golden brown.

  Before I know it, I hear the doorbell and grab my robe. He must have been speeding the whole way over here. I head down the stairs, but stop about halfway because Harmony has already opened the door and let him in.

  “Well, I guess I’ll be wearing my noise canceling headphones.” Harmony looks between us.

  I hold my hand out for Blake. “Good night, Harmony,” I say and head back to my bedroom.

  “Like you’ll be sleeping!” she yells up at me and I ignore her.

  The second I close the door, Blake pushes me up against it and fiercely kisses me. He slides his tongue into my mouth, and I lightly suck it, causing him to moan heavily. He unties my robe and pushes it off my shoulders. I fist my hands in his hair and press my body harder against him. He tenses.

  “Shit.” I pull away from him. “I forgot. I’m sorry.” I try catching my breath.

  “Don’t be sorry. The only thing I care about is you right now.”

  I lightly touch the cotton material of his shirt. There are other ways to take care of him and not hurt him. I duck out of his hold and take his hand, guiding him to the edge of the bed.

  “Stay and tell me if I hurt you.” As easily as I can, I pull up his shirt. I notice he winces once, but together, we get it off him.

  I kiss down his chest and take extra time around each bruise. When I reach the top of his jeans and belt, I fully drop to my knees in front of him. I look up at him and he’s staring down at me with bright hazel eyes. I keep our eyes locked together as I undo his belt and unbutton his pants. I tug his clothing down and swiftly take him in my mouth. Blake softly gasps and grasps the side of my head.

  At first, I slowly work him in my mouth. Listening to his soft moans and heavy breathing causes me to move faster and take him further back in my throat.

  “Sofia.” His gruff, sexually aroused tone makes me smile around him. I use my tongue roughly on his underside and he pulls my hair tighter. “If you don’t stop that, I’m going to come in your mouth,” he growls at me, but he pushes deeper into my mouth.

  I squeeze his hands and slide my mouth off him. “Not tonight, Blakey. Lie down.” I rise up and he kicks off his jeans.

  He kisses me again and removes my tank top. He slides my thong down, and he lands on his knees in front of me. I perk one eyebrow at him. He kisses each of my hipbones and pushes open my thighs. My knees are weak as he slides down my sex and sucks on my clit. I throw my head back as the sensation of his tongue overtakes me.

  “Blake.” It’s my turn to pant. “Please.” My plea makes him suck harder and my hands are fisted harder in his hair. I’m about to find my release and my knees buckle. Blake holds my ass tighter, but doesn’t stop sucking me. “Blake,” I moan his name as I shake with release. Once he lets go of me and stands, he licks his lips and smirks.

  “You think you’re all bad ass now?” I breathe out, still shaking.

  “Oh, I know it.” His smirk deepens.

  “Then lie down and I’ll show you that I’m better.”

  Blake does. I grab a condom from the drawer and slide it on him. I swing my leg over his hips and he pushes up as I sink down on him.

  I make sure I don’t put any pressure on his chest or side as I grind on him. The only sounds is the pounding of our skin and moaning. I feel him tightening up inside me and I can’t hold much longer myself. He growls out my name and pumps faster. He squeezes my hips tight and I think he might even bruise them, but I don’t care. I push on him harder and we hit our release together.

  “I needed that.” He takes a deep breath, trying to regulate his breathing.

  “Me too. It’s been a long three days without you.”

  “I need to clean up.”

  I point to my right and he heads over to the bathroom. I push my hair out of my eyes and grab his t-shirt from the floor and follow him.

  “Are you okay?” I rub my hand up and down his bare back.

  “I’m great.” He turns to me with a smile on his face. “I missed you.”

  I kiss his lips. “I missed you, too. Will stay tonight?”

  “Do you mean sleep in your bed, holding you all night long?” He inhales sharply. “I don’t know if my dick can handle it.”

  “Well,” I walk my fingers down his chest and grasp him. “If you have a problem with morning wood, I know the perfect solution.” I look up at him through my lashes.

  “I’m staying.”

  I giggle as he bends, nips at my neck, and leads me back to bed.

  THE SMILE HASN’T left my face since Blake and I were together last night. Tonight’s game is a big one since the Chicago team is first in the division. In the bottom of the third inning, Blake comes up to bat. He’s in a lot of pain, but his face doesn’t show it. You can only see his signature scowl.

  Mom, Harmony, Dad and I all watch as Blake swings and connects with the ball on the first pitch. It’s high into left field and hugs the foul line, but it clears the bright white line and he runs until he’s safe at second base.

  “He made it second base last night too. Didn’t he?” Harmony whispers in my ear.

  My cheeks heat up and it’s not because of the humidity. I don’t comment and only look ahead.

  “Oh, wait.” Harmony snaps her fingers. “I’m pretty sure I heard a grand slam this morning in the shower.”

  I cover my smile as the memory of Blake hopping into the shower and taking me from behind washes over me. Harmony snorts a giggle as Mom gets up and heads over to respond to the knocking on our box door.

  “Caroline,” Mom coos and I turn to see Blake’s mother walking in. She’s wearing a long jacket and her dark glasses. If Blake’s bruises were any indication of Jack’s force, I’d hate to see Caroline’s.

  I stand and walk over, softly hugging her. I don’t want to hurt her further. “Mrs. Foster, it’s so great to see you.”

  “Sofia, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Her smile is bright.

  “May I get you something to drink?” I offer.

  “No, thank you. I’m actually here to talk to Art and Viv for a moment, and then I’ll leave you alone.”

  “Don’t run off,” Mom says. “Are you here alone?”

  Caroline nods. “Jack’s under the weather and hasn’t left the house in a few days.”

  I wonder what Blake did to him and if it’s why he hasn’t been out. That’s not like Jack at all.

  “Well, I’ll leave you to talk to my parents, but please stay when you’re finished,” I encourage her.

  She lovingly pats my cheek as my dad comes up behind me. I turn and sit back down by Harmony.

  “What’s that about?” she whispers.

  “I’m not sure.” I shrug and look back on the field. Blake is on third base now and he’s itching to steal home.

  I watch as Tanner comes up to bat and after a strike and a ball, he swings. The ball is high into centerfield. Blake holds his position about a couple feet from the third base. The centerfielder catches it, making Tanner out, but Blake sprints to home plate, sliding between the legs of the Chicago catcher. The catcher tags him hard in the chest, and I wince seeing how slowly Blake gets up. He’s safe but in a lot of pain.

  I watch the next two innings and notice that Caroline, Mom, and Dad are quietly talking. Mom catches me looking at her and gives me the look and I quickly turn around. I know that look means it isn’t any of my business. I stay focused on the game until they all three come down to sit with us, but they don’
t mention anything they talked about.

  We don’t talk much throughout the rest of the game. When the Angels win, Dad stands and turns to me. “Get Blake and meet us at the steakhouse.” His voice leaves no room for argument or discussion. I quickly head down to the locker room.

  “Blake!” I yell for him before he goes to the media room. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. What is it?”

  “Your mom is with us and Dad wants us at the steakhouse. I think it’s important.”

  “Is Jack with her?” He looks concerned.

  “She said he’s sick. Hurry up. I’ll wait by your truck. They’ve already left.” Blake nods and heads his way and I go mine.

  I stand by the truck and it’s not too long before he comes out. “Are you sure she’s okay?” he asks again as he opens the door.

  “Well, besides the thick sunglasses and jacket she’s wearing, she seemed fine.” I hop in the truck. Blake nods and rushes to his side and we’re off to the steakhouse.

  Blake valets the truck, and he takes my hand as we head inside. I give the hostess my name and she leads us both to the back where the private dining area is. My family and Caroline are already sitting there. Caroline has her sunglasses off and I can see the heavy makeup on her cheeks and around her eyes, but the black and blue bruises are still coming through.

  Caroline stands and Blake hugs her, kissing her cheeks. I can see how careful he is with her. I lean over and kiss her cheek softly too and Blake holds out my chair for me and his mom. He shakes Dad’s hand and hugs my mom and Harmony.

  The waiter comes, takes our orders, and pours the wine. Blake declines the alcohol and asks for a water instead. Caroline actually looks relaxed as she sips the wine in front of her and I wonder what’s going on.

  Once the waiter brings Blake’s water and leaves, Dad is the first to speak up. “Now that we’re all here, we need to have a discussion. Caroline, would you like to start?”

  “Thank you, Art.” Caroline turns to Blake and smiles at him. “I’m leaving Jack.”

  “Thank God.” Blake drops his head back as if he’s really thanking Him. “Wait, then what do we need to discuss?” He looks between my dad and his mom.

  “Well, Art and Vivian have been nice enough to let me purchase a house from them. See,” Caroline shifts in her chair and she looks nervous. “I’ve hidden some money away through the years. The problem is if I own anything when I divorce Jack, he can have half of it.”

  “Okay.” Blake looks confused.

  “Blake.” Dad gathers his attention. “Vivian and I need for the property to be in your name and then you can turn it over to your mother at a later time if you so wish.”

  “Mom, you can stay with me or I can buy you a house.” Blake turns back to his mom.

  “Son.” She rubs his shoulder. “I’m not going to live with you. You have your own life. The house I’m getting is in a gated community and it will be harder for Jack to come find me. I’m fifty, Blake. My body, my mind,” she pauses and shakes her head. I can feel my own tears building. “I can’t take it. He’s going to kill me if I stay.”

  Blake closes his eyes and I know he’s holding back his own emotions. I squeeze his thigh and gain his attention.

  “Don’t take Mom’s money. I’ll pay for the house,” Blake tells Dad.

  He nods at him. “I figured you would.”

  Mom pulls out a stack of papers. “Now, this is very informal paperwork,” Mom tells him. “We don’t need to involve lawyers or any of that.”

  Blake flips through the papers and sits back. “You’re selling a two bedroom, two bath house to us for five thousand dollars?”

  “Yes,” Dad answers.

  “That’s not right, Mr. Gardner. I’m more than willing to give you a fair and market price,” Blake counters.

  “To my wife and me, it is a fair price. Caroline can take the rest of her money and fix up the house anyway she wants. The lights, gas, and water are all connected already. She can go tonight,” Dad informs him.

  “I can get you a check in the morning. All I have on me is credit cards.” Blake’s voice cracks.

  “I’m confident that you will, Blake. Sign the papers, let’s have a good family dinner, and enjoy a new beginning.” Dad nods at him.

  Harmony hands Blake a pen and he scribbles his name on the correct pages and hands the stack back to Mom. My heart swells with pride for Caroline and Blake and for my family.

  “I have everything in my car,” Caroline tells Blake.

  “How long have you three been working on this?” I ask.

  “A little while,” Mom answers me.

  “That’s why you didn’t leave with me the other night,” Blake lowers his voice.

  Caroline nods. “Jack would have followed us to your house and caused you more trouble than you need. This way, I can leave from here and he won’t be able to follow me.” She takes a deep breath. “He’ll find me eventually, but it’ll be awhile. However, I’ll have a few nights of peace.”

  “It’ll be okay,” Blake promises his mom.

  The waiter brings our food, and the conversation moves to Mom talking about our trip to the Key West and the family photos. Dad and Harmony discuss a little bit of business and Blake looks the most relaxed that I’ve ever seen. It’s a good family dinner.

  Blake tries to pay the bill, but Dad refuses and waves him away. Dad, Mom, and Harmony leave in Dad’s SUV. Blake and I follow his mom to her new place. It’s not far from my house. It’s a cute house and perfect for Caroline. Blake and I carry in her bags and boxes. The house is already furnished and smells of citrus.

  “Mom, how did you get all this done already?” Blake asks, sitting down the boxes.

  “I have my ways, Blake.” She gives him a small smile. “I’ve been planning this for a while.”

  “You could have told me.” He sounds a little hurt.

  “I’m your mother, not your burden.” Her voice is stern.

  Blake hangs his head. “Do you have groceries? I can run to the store real fast.”

  Caroline walks up to him and cups his face. “You’ve had a long, hard game and night. I know you’re in pain and don’t try to lie to me. Go home and rest. I’m fine. If I need anything, I’ll call you.”

  I smile at the sweet mother-son moment. Caroline is almost a foot shorter than Blake, but he looks like a little boy in the hands of his mom.

  “I’ll come by after the game. We’ll have dinner here, okay?”

  “As long as Sofia comes.” She steps away from Blake and looks over at me.

  “I would love to,” I answer her.

  “Great.” She smiles with a wink. “Now, get out.”

  Blake hugs her and whispers in her ear. She nods, releasing him, and hugging me.

  “Thank you for everything, Sofia.” I don’t know why she’s thanking me because I had no clue this had been going on, but I nod.

  When Blake and I are in the truck, he quickly grabs me and kisses me hard. “Stay with me,” he begs.

  “Okay.” I smile and kiss him again.

  I WALK INTO the locker room with a wide grin on my face. It feels as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders now that Mom has moved out. Sure, it won’t last long because Jack isn’t going to give up that easily, but for now, it’s good enough. Felix seems more relaxed today as well. Maybe he’s made amends with his good luck charm and she’ll be here today.

  “Oh my God!” Hector dramatically shouts, holding a hand to his chest. “Grumpy isn’t being grumpy today. What the hell happened?”

  Laughing, I shake my head at him. Once he’s standing next to me, I say, “Things are looking better for Mom.” He’ll understand what I mean.

  His brows shoot up. “Really? That’s great. If you or she ever need anything, just let me know.”

  “Thanks.” I would probably actually call him too, if needed. He’s helped me before, he knows the gist of things, and I trust him.

  We finish changing for the game,
stretch, and listen as the coach discusses a few tactics. There’s no doubt that today I love baseball. It’s also one of those rare days where I wish I had followed with my dream to become a pitcher. I’m itching to throw, work my shoulder and arm, but that will have to wait until I’m alone.

  When we walk out onto the field for warmups, I glance around at our fans. They are loyal to the team as a whole and it shows. Otherwise, the stands would be dotted with empty seats after last season’s scandal. Fans who are there no matter what are the kind of fans I like. Usually, I don’t pay much attention to them, more focused on the game, but it’s like their energy is as good as ours seem to be today.

  The smile that was already playing on my lips widens when I happen to see Sofia and Art sitting a few rows up behind home plate. She’s talking with her father and glances down, smiling when she sees me watching her. I pat my glove against my leg twice before crouching down to catch a few balls from Felix.

  I know the moment his first pitch hits my glove that he’s on his game today. I’m tempted to glance over the dugout to see if his good luck charm is here. It’s almost comical how my first thought is that she’s here instead of how he’s finally gotten over his slump. But when we finish our warm-ups, I look and chuckle to myself because she is indeed in the stands.

  Hector is bouncing on his toes in the dugout, ready to get the game started. Most of the other guys seem to be ready as well. It’s not long before we’re standing on the foul line and the national anthem is being sung. Usually when I’m Grumpy, Hector will slap me on the shoulder before we take our positions on the field, but not today. I don’t need a pat on the back of reassurance.

  Felix strikes out the first batter without any problems. The next one gets a walk to first, and Spencer catches a fly out in right field for us to get another out. The third follows shortly after without a run being scored. My torso is feeling better today, but I know it’s going to be uncomfortable once it’s time to bat.

  I roll my shoulders and take a few practice swings while I wait for my turn. It’s not too bad. I lean to the left and right and twist left and right, trying to prepare my muscles. Plus, Sofia’s attentive eyes are going to catch any reaction. She voiced a few concerns last night again about my bruises, and I’m not sure she believes I’m as fine as I say I am. Colby hits a double and then I’m up to bat. I glance up at Sofia, my features relaxed, and when she smiles, I give her a slight smile in return before stepping up to the plate.