Stealing Second

by Alison Packard

  It shouldn’t bother him. Not after so long. But there were still nights when the thought of anyone else touching her was enough to make him want to take a drink.

  Ten minutes later, he was still waiting for his take-out order, and instead of keeping tabs on the booth in the back, he forced himself to watch the latest sports news on one of the flat panels hung over the bar. Seeing Katie with Logan had killed his appetite, but with a game tonight it was going to be a long day and he’d be starving later.

  So far there were no reports of Rick Taylor’s impending decision, but it wouldn’t take long for the gossip in the clubhouse to spread to the media. He’d probably have to field those questions tonight. He hoped for a definitive answer soon. Most sports reporters were like a dog with a bone once they got wind of a story. Dealing with them wasn’t one of his favorite parts of the job, but it was unavoidable. More than once he’d wanted to tell them to go to hell, but as hard as it was, he’d managed to restrain himself. The last thing he needed was an antagonistic relationship with the press.

  Despite his best intentions, he couldn’t help but look in the mirror. His gut tightened as he saw Katie and Logan navigating around the tables in the middle of the room and heading his way. He’d met Adam Logan a few times—Adam’s firm, Logan-Johnson, represented the Blaze’s star pitcher, Trey Gentry. Logan was a bit too citified for Tom’s taste, but he didn’t hold it against the guy. Not everyone was lucky enough to hail from Texas.

  What did irritate Tom was Logan’s proprietary hand on the small of Katie’s back. Was Kelly right? Could there be something more going on between Katie and Logan than business? The guy had been named one of the most eligible bachelors in the city several times and had a reputation for dating supermodels and actresses. Katie was as beautiful as any model or actress, but her looks weren’t her only asset. She was smarter than hell, and that combination of beauty and brains was both alluring and addictive. He knew that better than anyone.

  As the couple passed behind him, Katie glanced at him and his gaze collided with hers in the mirror. She inclined her head but didn’t pause, and then she and Logan made their exit. Two minutes later, with his take-out order in hand, he left Kamu’s and was surprised to find her standing alone near the entrance.

  “Where’s your date?” he asked, surprised that Logan wasn’t in sight. “He could have at least walked you back to the ballpark.”

  Katie’s pale blue eyes narrowed on him. “It’s across the street. I think I can handle it.”

  “How long have you been dating him?” Tom asked, then almost wished he hadn’t. Since arriving in San Francisco he’d made it a point not to ask Katie about the past, or her personal life. She’d firmly set those boundaries his first week as manager, and until this morning he’d adhered to them. Her aloofness during his tenure with the Blaze had put a burr under his saddle, until he’d found that the best way break her icy façade was to find subtle ways to annoy her. He found her anger and irritation more to his liking than her remoteness.

  “Who says I’m dating him?”

  “Aren’t you?”

  “Whom I date is none of your business.” She adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder as they moved to the side of the entrance to allow an elderly couple to enter the restaurant. The light breeze from the bay ruffled the wisps of auburn hair that had escaped her bun, and he had to physically restrain himself from brushing it away from her eyes. Touching Katie wasn’t allowed. Not anymore.

  “But Adam did share something with me that you need to know about,” she continued.

  “What? Is it about Gentry?” The young pitcher was phenomenal, but dealing with his rapidly expanding ego was becoming more trouble than it was worth.

  “No. We didn’t discuss Trey at all. While we were having lunch, Adam got a text from his firm. Rick Taylor signed with Logan-Johnson this morning.”

  Although not surprised, Tom let the news percolate in his brain for a few seconds. “That means he’s serious about resuming his career.”

  Katie nodded. “It appears so. However, until we get the official word, we can’t say much. Unless you hear otherwise, deflect any questions with the usual response. Once I get the go-ahead I’ll schedule a press conference.” She glanced at the watch that encircled her slim wrist. “I have a feeling I’ll be meeting with Doug sometime today. I’m almost positive Adam is on the phone to him right now.”

  “Spring training should be interesting,” Tom commented as they, by unspoken agreement, moved to the corner of Second and King to wait for the light. “Whatever town Taylor rolls into, they won’t know what hit ‘em.”

  “It’ll be a zoo. Everyone loves a comeback story.”

  Tom ran a hand over his jaw. “I hope this doesn’t blow up in Rick’s face. He’s been out of the sport for almost two years. If he isn’t in top shape, I don’t think he’s got a whisker of a chance of getting a non-roster invitation. I have no doubt he could do well in the minors, but I doubt that would satisfy him.”

  “Knowing Rick, he wouldn’t have started the ball rolling if he didn’t believe he could make it back to the majors.”

  “I hope you’re right,” he said as the light changed and they stepped off the curb. The sudden blaring of a horn caused his heart to almost burst out of his chest, and he turned just in time to see a low-slung sports car bearing down on them. Instinctively, he dropped his take-out bag and snaked his arms around Katie’s waist to pull her back to safety. The speeding driver made a right turn and, with its tires squealing, the car sped quickly out of sight.

  A nearby pedestrian yelled out an obscenity, then, shaking her head in disgust, she crossed the street, but Tom couldn’t seem to move. The only thing he was aware of was Katie’s soft, trembling body pressed against his.

  “Are you okay?” he asked as he caught the light but intoxicating scent of her perfume and inhaled deeply. Primal desire played havoc with his senses—holding her again after so many years was like coming home.

  “Yes.” She nodded, but made no attempt to pull away. “Where’s a cop when you need one?” she joked, with a shaky laugh.

  The same place a cold shower was when he needed one. Nowhere to be found. Before Katie could feel how much she affected him, he let go of her and bent over to pick up his lunch. Luckily, the bag and its contents didn’t seem the worse for wear.

  Unfortunately, he couldn’t say the same for himself.

  * * *

  Katherine couldn’t concentrate on the Blaze’s weekly community outreach report to save her life. With a disgusted snort, she slipped off her reading glasses and swiveled her chair toward the window. Ever since her return from lunch she’d been discombobulated. Almost being run down by a speeding car could do that to a person.

  Oh, who was she kidding? It wasn’t the car that almost mowed her down that had her reeling; it was the feel of Tom’s strong arms around her as he pulled her back onto the curb and saved her from becoming fresh roadkill. It was also his warm breath on her ear when he asked if she was okay, and the clean, bracing scent of his soap that invaded her senses and left her momentarily paralyzed by a flood of long-ago memories. And finally, it was the raging disappointment that filled her whole being when he relinquished his hold on her.

  What was happening to her? Ever since he’d accepted the manager position she’d done her best to remain immune to him, but in less than two minutes she’d been reduced to a quivering mass of gelatin.

  “I got your message.” Kelly Maxwell’s husky voice jerked Katherine from her thoughts.

  “Come on in.” She eased her chair around and set her glasses on top of the folder.

  Kelly entered and sat on one of the two upholstered chairs facing Katherine’s desk.

  “I met with Doug after lunch,” Katherine said. “It’s official. Rick wants to return to the Blaze.”

  “I assume he’s going to one of our minor league affiliates.” Nonplussed, Kelly crossed one of her long legs over her knee and got comfortable.


  “It depends. We need to see what kind of shape he’s in and assess his skill level. He was at the top of his game when he left, but no one from the organization has set eyes on him since Jill died.” Katherine rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, then leaned back in her chair. “Doug’s going to have Jeff Dawson from Player Personnel fly to Texas within the next week or so to do a preliminary assessment. Depending on what he finds, Rick may be selected as a non-roster invitee at spring training.”

  Kelly shook her head. “I still can’t get over how the top brass allowed Rick out of his contract.”

  “I think both Doug and Simon had a lot to do with that. Against his agent’s advice, Rick didn’t contest any of the terms for voiding the contract. And, of course, Simon believed that the team was a family,” she said, thinking fondly of the team’s recently deceased owner. “He also believed that Rick would change his mind. He’s been playing since he was old enough to pick up a bat. Baseball is in his blood. Simon told me on more than one occasion that it was only a matter of time before Rick realized he couldn’t stay away from the game he loves.”

  A look of distaste crossed Kelly’s face. “His agent didn’t share that sentiment. He was quick enough to drop him after that.”

  “Well, to be fair, Rick did proclaim he was giving up baseball. But he’s secured new representation. Logan-Johnson signed him today.”

  Kelly raised a brow. “So that’s why you were meeting with Adam Logan.”

  “Actually, we were discussing Leah Porter. Adam got a text in the middle of lunch regarding Rick and shared the information with me.”

  “Are you sure it wasn’t more than lunch?” Kelly asked, with a sly grin.

  “It was business. Nothing more.” Katherine smiled as the excitement faded from Kelly’s eyes. “At least not yet,” she added. “Unless I’m reading him wrong, I’ve sensed some interest on his part for a while, and I’ve been thinking it’s time to get back in the saddle.” She grinned. “So to speak.”

  “You could certainly do worse. The man is hot.” Kelly paused. “Not as hot as Matt, but close.”

  Katherine laughed. “Not that you’re biased or anything.”

  “Biased? Me?” Kelly put a hand to her chest and gave her a cheeky grin. It was then that Katherine noticed something different about Kelly’s left hand.

  “Do you have something you’d like to share with me?” She looked pointedly at the sparkling diamond on Kelly’s ring finger.

  Kelly blushed—something that didn’t happen too often. “Matt proposed last weekend. I was so busy this morning I didn’t get a chance to come by and show you the ring.”

  “Congratulations,” Katherine said, truly happy for the couple. “Have you set a date?”

  “No. But we’ll make sure it’s during the off-season.” She paused. “Actually, we may get married in Hawaii. Both of us love the beach. Matt’s been teaching me how to surf, and so far I haven’t killed myself.”

  “Make sure you don’t,” Katherine admonished her with a smile. “I’d be lost without you.”

  After they finished discussing the upcoming press conference to announce Rick’s comeback and Kelly left her office, Katherine had a hard time focusing on work. Seeing Kelly so happy, and so in love, reminded her of a time in her life when she’d felt the same way. Back then she’d been told she was too young to know what real love was and that what she was feeling wouldn’t stand the test of time. Maybe her father was right, but almost two decades later she’d never come close to recapturing the joy and wonder of falling in love with Thomas Jefferson Morgan.

  Not that she hadn’t tried. Over the years, she’d dated several men—charming, successful men with whom she’d enjoyed spending time. But there was always something missing—something she couldn’t put her finger on.

  But her lack of a successful long-term relationship didn’t mean she couldn’t help Kelly and Matt celebrate their engagement. Opening her laptop, Katherine slipped on her glasses, navigated to the team’s schedule and confirmed that the Padres would be in San Francisco next week to take on the Blaze. And, as luck would have it, two of the games had early afternoon start times. That left two evenings free to plan an impromptu engagement party. Reaching for her phone, she scrolled through her contact list and found the name she was looking for. A celebration for Kelly and Matt wouldn’t be complete without their closest friends.

  Chapter Three

  Katherine couldn’t help but pump her fist as she spied a rare open parking space in the Richmond District neighborhood where Matt and Kelly’s close friend Dorie Lovett lived. After maneuvering her British green MINI Cooper into the small space, she turned off the engine, gathered her notebook and purse, then eased out of the car.

  As August days went, it wasn’t half-bad. Summer weather in the city was capricious at best, but today the fog had lifted, and the sun’s warm rays lightly kissed her face as she rounded the corner.

  Once she’d located Dorie’s home, she stood at the front porch and rang the doorbell. A few seconds passed, then Dorie opened the door and greeted her with a wide smile.

  “I’m glad you found a place to park. On the weekend it’s slim pickings.” Dorie gestured her inside with a wave of her hand.

  The second Katherine stepped into the living room, the delicious scent of sugar and cinnamon filled her nostrils, and for a moment she was transported back to a time in her life when that comforting aroma was a common one—a time when her mother was still alive and Katherine would come home from school to find homemade cookies cooling on a wire rack on the kitchen counter.

  Although her mother had succumbed to breast cancer a few days after Katherine’s twelfth birthday, she still remembered how her mom would pour her a glass of milk to go with those cookies and they’d sit at the kitchen table, where Katherine would tell her all about her day at school. Thankfully, those memories had become more sweet than bitter.

  “I’m so glad you called,” Dorie said. “When I heard Matt and Kelly were engaged I wanted to do something special for them, but I wasn’t sure it was possible with the season in full swing.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and motioned to a comfortable floral-covered sofa, where a big orange tabby was perched on one of the overstuffed arms. “Have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?”

  “Water’s fine. Thanks,” Katherine said, and as Dorie excused herself to the kitchen, she moved to the sofa and sank down on the soft plush cushions. The cat watched her intently but didn’t move a muscle.

  After setting her notepad on the whitewashed coffee table, Katherine glanced around the room with interest. The first thing that struck her was how different Dorie’s home was from her own. Instead of the simple contemporary style Katherine had selected for her living room, Dorie preferred overstuffed floral pieces. The overall effect was comfortable and homey.

  “Here you go.” Dorie sailed into the living room holding two bottles of water. “We’ll have the house to ourselves. Lily is at a birthday party for one of her friends.” Dorie handed her one of the bottles, then settled on the sofa with one knee tucked underneath her. “I was half-afraid she’d want to stick around and help plan the engagement party, but if she did we wouldn’t get anything done. Twelve-year-old girls are quite talkative. Or at least mine is.” Dorie rolled her eyes.

  Katherine smiled and set her water bottle on the end table next to her, grabbed her notebook and rummaged through her purse for her glasses and a pen. She slipped on her glasses, then opened her notebook. “I’ve contacted a few restaurants downtown, but then I remembered that Kamu’s has a private banquet room that might work. I called and it’s available.” Katherine looked up. “What do you think? Too casual?”

  Dorie shook her head. “Kelly and Matt prefer casual. I think Kamu’s is perfect, and since most of their friends on the team live near the ballpark during the season, it makes it easier for everyone to attend.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Katherine tapped her p
en on her notebook. “I found an amazing bakery on Mission that delivers. I’ll have them do the cake.”

  “I can take on the decorations,” Dorie volunteered. “Once you’ve booked the room, I’ll speak with Kamu’s staff regarding table setup and the drinks.”

  “Perfect. Kelly’s mother is having a photo of Matt and Kelly enlarged and would like it displayed. I’ll check with Kamu’s to see if they have some sort of easel or stand to put it on.” Katherine added the task to her to-do list.

  “What about—” Dorie began just as the musical tone of her phone filled the room. “Sorry.” She leaned forward to retrieve it from the coffee table and smiled after glancing at the screen. “Hi, Tom,” she said cheerfully as she put the phone to her ear.

  Tom?

  Katherine frowned. Why would Tom be calling Dorie? She studied Dorie’s face as she listened to whatever Tom was saying, and suddenly realized that Dorie Lovett, with her dark hair and eyes and smooth olive complexion, was an exceptionally attractive woman.

  “Yes. I’m looking forward to it,” Dorie said, after several seconds. “It’ll be a new experience for me.”

  New experience? What was she talking about? Were Tom and Dorie dating? Katherine’s stomach clenched at the thought.

  Dorie shot her an apologetic smile. “Hey, can I call you back? I’m in the middle of something right now.” She laughed a few seconds later. “No. I won’t forget.”

  “Sorry about that,” Dorie said after she ended the call and set her phone next to her on the sofa cushion. “Okay, so what about food? Do we want to have appetizers before the cake, or a full meal?”

  Katherine hesitated. She didn’t know why she expected Dorie to explain why Tom had called, but she did, and when Dorie didn’t elaborate, it made her even more curious. Had Dorie caught Tom’s eye? Were they just beginning to date? Or was it more serious? Could they be sleeping together? She shook her head to get that mental picture out of her head and got back to the task at hand. If Tom and Dorie were involved, it was none of her business.