“Thanks.” I want to talk to her, but Seno is standing in front of me.
“I already talked to Skip and told him we need you to come in to close tonight. I’m not giving up any runs to get you a save, but most likely you’ll be pitching the 9th. She needs to watch you pitch and win. Women like winners.” He has it all planned out. “I know you’ve had a couple bad outings. Nobody’s perfect. There’s nobody I’d rather have closing for my team. It’s probably the only two blown saves you’ll have all season. I’m happy you got them out of the way early.” He smiles deviously, “Now, tell me you want this woman and the texts I got from Sherry aren’t crazy.”
“What?”
“She’s been talking to Sherry. Never mind. See you on the field,” he high-fives me and walks away.
I wonder what they’ve been talking about.
Text to Angie - Did you enjoy BP?
Text to Angie - You have food service at your seat tonight. It’s already set up. You don’t need money.
Text to Angie - Carter’s bringing you a hoodie for me.
She isn’t answering. I start to get ready for the game and my phone lights up.
Text from Angie - BP was fun
Text from Angie - You didn’t have to do all this for me
Text from Angie - Thank you (picture of Angie in her Seals jersey and cap)
Text from Angie - Ordered a hot dog and beer. Saving room for dessert.
Fuck, she’s hot in my jersey.
Chapter Four
Angie
Text from D - I’ll meet you at my place after the game.
Text to D - What’s for dessert?
Text from D - Whatever you want.
I want you. Can I have you? Maybe I need to test his theory. We need to kiss and he needs to hold me all night. How do I make both of those things happen?
Text to D - Where’s your favorite place to have dessert?
Text from D - My bed, with a big bowl of ice cream or gelato watching a movie.
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!
Text to D - Sounds like a plan.
Text from D - You’re going to sit in my bed with me and eat ice cream?
Text to D - Yea, is that a problem?
Text from D - No. You pick the movie.
Text to D - How have I never heard about the girl who’s the one for you?
Text from D - Time for the game. We’ll talk later.
Text to D - Have a good game.
I’m going to sit in bed with him and watch a movie with a bowl of ice cream.
I sit with Sherry and watch the team warm up. The relief pitchers walk out to the bullpen in a group before the game starts. D is leading the bunch. It’s fun to cheer with Sherry and get involved in the game. I haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy a baseball game like this since college.
I remember the night D pitched the complete game. It’s probably the only time I ever considered kissing him, until recently. If my business partner wasn’t getting married, I’d probably still be in control of my world and not wondering if I’m missing out. Have I been missing out on D all this time?
It’s the bottom of the 8th inning and the Seals are ahead by 3. The score is 4-1 Seals. They flash the bullpen up on the big screen and D is warming up. D is warming up! He’s damn fine in his uniform. I don’t remember him being so much of a man. I guess it was college. He probably hadn’t filled out yet and he definitely hadn’t had the opportunity to work out with a professional baseball team. There’s no denying it, he’s hot. He’s tall with larger than average shoulders. His hair is cut short and clean. His pants are snug around his ass and he’s wearing them long, down to his cleats. No stirrups or fun socks, he’s all business.
End of the 8th inning and no score change. The stadium goes dark and the speakers start blaring “Sex Type Thing” by Stone Temple Pilots. The light bars are blue with a neon green line showing the beat of the music, then flashing to Houck. The big screen changes back and forth from the ball in his hand to his eyes staring you down. His gorgeous grey eyes staring straight into my heart. It’s hot, or maybe it’s me. He can stare at me like that any time he wants. I find myself standing up and cheering for him as he runs to the mound. “Let’s do this, Super D! Wooooo!” Did he smile at me? It’s probably in my head. Seno’s behind home plate and ready to go. D throws him a few pitches and the first hitter of the 9th inning steps into the batter’s box. First pitch and he’s challenging the hitter with a 100 mile per hour fastball right up the pipe. The bat connects and it’s a come backer, straight at D and he catches it. “Woooooooooooo!” One out. Second hitter and he throws him a fastball low on the outside corner, he gets the strike call. Second pitch, exactly the same spot and the hitter reaches for it smacking it down the first base line. First baseman, Kris Martin, grabs it and tags the runner out. “Yes! Go D! Wooo!” I’m dancing around and all the Seals fans are on their feet for the last out of the game. First pitch, he throws a curve for a strike. Second pitch, 98 mile per hour fastball on the outside corner for a called strike. Count is 0-2. Third pitch, 102 mile per hour fastball but it’s off the plate. Fourth pitch, heater straight down the middle, batter swings and misses. Strike out, the Seals win and D gets the save. I scream out at the top of my lungs, “Woooooo! Go Super D!” and I dance around happy.
He’s staring at me and smiling. He meets Seno halfway between the mound and home plate for a bro hug. They high-five the rest of the team in celebration of the win and the on field reporter grabs him for an interview. They show it up on the big screen.
“Doug, your fastball tonight was on point. You were clocked at up to 102 miles per hour, your fastest pitch of the season so far. Have you been working on pitch speed?”
“I had a lot of adrenaline going into the game tonight. It felt good to get it out there. I’ve been throwing 100 miles per hour routinely in practices.”
“How do you feel getting the save tonight after blowing the save on both of the last two outings?”
“I never want to let me team down, but nobody’s perfect. I wanted to get it done in three tonight and show them I’m the closer. I think I achieved that.”
“You most certainly did and brought some amazing heat. Great job.”
“Thanks.”
Houck
I search for Angie in her seat or around the dug out after my interview, but she’s not there. It’s okay, she’ll be at my place waiting for me.
My mind switches gears. She’s going to be in my bed with me eating ice cream? How’s this going to work? I need to make sure I stay in control. Fuck, I’ve dreamt about having her in my bed and it’s always amazing, but definitely not in control. In my dreams, I hold her close to me and kiss her until she gives herself to me. She gives up control to me completely. There’s no words saying it, her actions are all it takes. She’s mine before I do anything more than kiss her. Fuck, kissing her. Kissing her is a drug I can’t get enough of, better than the adrenaline rush I get on the mound when I get the save. I have to kiss her. I need to taste her. It’s a dream, not reality. I dream about her, aware it’ll never happen and with no consideration for it even being a possibility. Is there a chance it could be real? No, she’s not interested. Don’t get your hopes up. Stay in control. Enjoy the time while you have her here. No more whispering things in her ear. No more kissing her on the cheek. She’s going to be in my bed. My mind races because I know what happens when a woman is in my bed. This isn’t some hook up. This is Angie. I take a deep breath to center myself. The bed is a big sofa. We’ll prop the pillows up against my headboard to lean against and sit on top of the bedspread. Right. I can do this. What if we fall asleep? Doesn’t matter, we’ll be sleeping. I’m sure she’ll get up and go to her room when she wakes up in the middle of the night. It’s fine.
“Hey!” Seno calls out to me, pulling me out of my head, “You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“You look confused. What’s up?”
“Nothing.” He motions for me t
o tell him and I spill, “Angie’s going to watch a movie with me in my bed tonight.”
“What’s the problem?”
“She’s not interested and I want more. It’s always been this way.”
“Why’s she here? What if she’s interested?”
“I’d love it, but…” he interrupts me.
“I’m just saying, maybe you shouldn’t rule it out.”
“I’m open to the possibility. She’s more beautiful now than I remember her being before. The part that gets me though, is how she’s still her. You know? She hasn’t changed. I talk to her all the time, but it’s different when she’s actually here. The time apart doesn’t matter. It’s like we’ve spent everyday since college together.” I stop and close my eyes, “That’s the problem. I don’t want to lose her. What if I do the wrong thing and she’s gone forever?”
“What if you don’t do anything and you never find out? What are you missing out on by not trying for more with her?” He turns to walk out of the clubhouse, “Good luck.”
I’m going to enjoy spending the evening with her. Maybe tomorrow I can try something new.
Text to Angie - I have vanilla and chocolate chip ice cream in my freezer.
Text to Angie - Does that work or would you prefer to go get ice cream and take it back to my place?
Text from Angie - Works for me. I’ll be here when you get home.
I’m warm all over, she’s at my place waiting for me. I get out of the clubhouse in half the time I normally take and don’t hang out with the team.
Angie
I change into my soft cotton PJ shorts and the faded Seals T-shirt I’ve had since D was signed by the Seals, comfy and ready to watch a movie. I skim through his movie collection and choose a romantic comedy. There’s only a couple and they both feature baseball. I go with Bull Durham because I love the speeches and the passion in the sexy scenes.
I walk to his bedroom and lean in the doorway studying his bed. The leather upholstered headboard has aged-brass fasteners and beading. The king sized bed is covered with an oversized warm dark chocolate comforter, accented with a bordeaux throw and pillows. The materials and colors are masculine, yet soft and luxurious. It’s inviting to me. His room is large with a full wall of windows covered in blackout draperies to match his comforter. The walls are all off-white and he has some enlarged photos from his college team on the wall, along with a framed print of a baseball diagram. A framed photo on his nightstand gets my attention and I go to it, imagining it’s a picture of his family who I haven’t seen in years. But, it’s not. It’s us in college and my arm’s around him, gazing up at him as if he’s the only one who matters. He’s smiling back at me with heavy hooded eyes. He wanted me then.
What am I doing here?
The elevator opens, and he calls out, “I’m home. Angie?”
“I’m in here,” I respond without thinking. Why am I in his room? “Checking if I should bring my pillow and blanket with me to watch the movie.”
I turn to find him standing in the doorway, “You won’t need them.”
Text from Lucy - Do you want to learn about today’s lesson?
Text to Lucy - I’m still stuck on the last lesson. Thank you very much.
Text from Lucy - Did you find out yet?
Text to Lucy - Working up to it.
Text from Lucy - Stop wasting time. I need you working, not distracted by a man.
“Are you okay?” D asks.
“Perfectly fine. Business partner getting me caught up on today. It won’t take long.” I sit down on the edge of his bed while I text.
Text from Lucy - You’re smart and gorgeous. Any man who doesn’t want you is an idiot.
Text from Lucy - Your friends aren’t idiots. Stop waiting. Do it.
Text from Lucy - Today’s lesson was about being confident and comfortable in your relationship.
Text to Lucy - Stop! I’m not ready for the next lesson.
Text from Lucy - I think you’re already comfortable, show your confidence.
Text to Lucy - How was business today?
Text from Lucy - Everything is under control. Handle your business.
There’s a reason we’re successful business partners. We support each other and push each other when we need to. I need to listen to her. Shit. Sherry said the same thing.
D walks back into his room with a huge bowl of ice cream, “I went with chocolate chip. Is it still your go-to flavor?”
“Yes, thank you,” I say as he hands me the bowl with two spoons and disappears into his closet.
He comes back wearing sweatpants and a threadbare concert T-shirt. Damn he’s sexy. I’m surprised the T-shirt is staying together as it’s stretched across his chest and shoulders. Ugh, and he smells all fresh and manly. “Great game tonight. You were perfect on the mound. Form, speed, location, everything on point. I guess you don’t need me to tell you, the on-field reporter already did.”
“It means more from you. You’re never here. I’m glad you got to see me pitch.” He smiles at me and stretches out on his bed, leaning back against the headboard. He takes the bowl of ice cream from me and I pull my feet up onto his bed as I move to sit next to him, so we can share.
He starts the movie with a remote without getting up. It’s nice he’s still the same guy. Yes, he lives in a penthouse and has some high-end things, but he’s still him. He’s still happy to stay home and hang out in an old T-shirt and sweats with a bowl of ice cream. Nothing snooty like Kulfi or Lavender Honey, simply the old standard vanilla or chocolate chip. He’s relaxed and comfortable with himself the way he is. It makes him even sexier.
I take a spoon and dig into the bowl for a bite of ice cream, moving in closer and leaning against him in the process. He’s warm and I don’t understand how the ice cream in his hands hasn’t melted. I take another bite and rub against him, waiting for a reaction and not getting one.
“So, tell me about the woman who’s the one and isn’t interested. Why haven’t you told me about her?”
He chuckles, “She’s successful and doesn’t need a man in her life. Men are complications for her.”
“She may not need a man, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want one. I’m guessing it’s a possibility.”
“Maybe, but she’s never shown any signs of interest in me and she’s had boyfriends right in front of me.”
“How long have you known her?”
“Since college.”
“Have I met her?”
“We don’t need to have this conversation. It’s not going to make a difference. It’s not going to suddenly make her interested in me,” his frustration shows.
I back off on the conversation. I consider who it could be and how I could’ve missed it back then. We were together all the time. My boyfriends used to get irritated at how much time I spent with D. Wait. Could he be talking about me? I go for another bite of ice cream and make myself comfortable up against him. He doesn’t move or change positions, he let’s me do what I want and shifts to suit me. He sets the empty bowl on his nightstand and comes back to exactly where he was, trying not to disturb my position. I lean my head on his shoulder and he rests his arm around my shoulders. Not holding me to him, simply getting more comfortable. Either way, it’s nice to have his arm around me. We watch the movie together and my head runs away imagining how D could be the one. I’m comfortable with him and he’s sexy and we get along, we’ve always gotten along. Is the girl who’s not interested me? I need to show him a sign. He needs to know maybe I’m interested. Damn it! I’m interested.
I reach for the throw to cover my legs and he puts his legs over mine to help warm me up. I snuggle into him and he holds me there, like it’s where I belong.
Chapter Five
Houck
Is this Angie? In my bed, up against me with my arm around her?
“D?”
“Yeah?”
“You think I’m a hot blonde?”
“Always have, Ang.” I gl
ance at her face to catch her smiling, but she’s sleeping. I pull her in closer to me with both arms around her. “Do you want to stay here with me tonight?” I ask softly.
She mumbles something I can’t determine, but her reaction is positive.
I hold her with one arm and adjust the pillows, sliding us down to lie on the mattress. She cuddles into me, nuzzling into my chest and my heart beats harder. I hold her, content. The theory is getting tested voluntarily. I’m holding her all night tonight and it just happened, I didn’t have to do anything to get here. I consider step two of the test. Will the kiss come to me on it’s own, too?
I’m holding her and her body is next to mine. She’s wrapped her arm around me. I can’t believe I’ve never held her before.
Houck
I wake up in the middle of the night and it’s my dream. I’m holding her in my arms and she’s wrapped around me. I didn’t believe this would ever happen. I’ve wanted her for so long. I kiss her forehead and glide my foot along her bare legs, she’s cold. I pull the blankets back carefully, trying not to wake her. I whisper to her, “Angie, you’re cold. I’m getting us under the blankets and making sure you get warm. Sleep, everything is fine. D is taking care of you.” I pull the blankets down behind me. I move back on the bed and take her with me, then pull the blankets up over us.
“Thank you, D,” she sighs sweetly without opening her eyes.
Her sweet tone tears at my heart and I hold her tight, “I’ll always take care of you.”
The Closer (All About the Diamond #5) Page 3