“I’m sorry,” he muttered, unable to look any of them in the eye. “But I’d be no good to you here. My mind would be on finding my little girl. I have to be in Aurora. Maybe I can help them search or…” He ran a shaky hand through his hair, wondering if there was anything he could do to help. “I don’t know. I just know I need to be there, for her, for Jay…”
“Of course you do,” Ace Matthews said. “You’re a dad. We get that. Family first.” He looked around the room. “Right, guys?”
They murmured their agreement as they hung their heads, clearly torn between their loyalty to him, their concern for Cadence, and their desire to advance to the next and final series.
Family first. Chase had never learned that lesson from his own family, who’d been apart since he was a kid. He’d bounced back and forth between his parents like a volleyball. When one couldn’t handle having him around anymore, they’d volley him back to the other one. By the time he was ten, he got the message loud and clear—no one wanted him.
But inside a locker room, he’d managed to find a family who cared about him. His teammates were the first and only people who did… until Jayda. Then Cadence came along. He’d wanted to be all they needed him to be, but eventually he’d failed miserably, putting his team before his family. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.
“Thanks for understanding, guys.” Chase moved through the group, shaking hands and giving half-hugs as they made him promise to let them know as soon as he had Cadence back in his arms, where she belonged.
“A word before you go,” his manager said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder.
Chase waited until they were behind closed doors before he said, “I know I should stay for the sake of the team, but—”
The silver-haired manager, who’d been one of baseball’s finest for more than two decades, sighed heavily. “I’m a father too. I’d do exactly the same thing in your position.”
“Thanks.” Chase appreciated the reinforcement—he’d always looked to Paul for guidance and he never wanted to disappoint him—but his gut already told him he was doing the right thing. This time.
“I want us to win.” His manager released a shaky laugh. “More than I’ve wanted anything in a really long time. But finding that little girl of yours safe and sound trumps everything.”
“I appreciate that. I love my daughter.” He cleared his throat, praying he’d have the opportunity to tell her that over and over again. “She means more to me than anything, even baseball.”
Paul shook his head. “I feel the same way about my kids, son. At the end of the day, we love this game, but it’s just that—a game. Our families are the ones who’ll be there for us long after the game lets us know we’re no longer wanted or needed.”
Chase thought of the family he no longer had to go back to as another wave of regret washed over him. Countless times over the past five years, he’d asked himself if he should have walked away from baseball instead of his marriage. He knew the answer. He loved Jay more than he’d ever loved the game, but by the time he realized that, it was too late to make amends.
“I made a mistake,” he whispered, choked with fear, regret, and sadness. “Jay wanted me to stay, to build a life with them, and I couldn’t do it.” He shook his head as tears tried to spill down his cheeks. “I wanted the glory. I wanted the money.”
“You wanted the recognition, the respect.” Paul shook his head. “You wanted to leave your mark on this world. To feel as though your life mattered. You wanted people to know and remember your name.” He shook a finger at Chase. “You forget, I know you. I know your story. I know your family didn’t give a shit. No one did. Except Jayda.”
“Yeah, and how did I repay her? By bailing on her and our baby girl.”
“You didn’t bail on Cadence. You get her for a week before Christmas and you go back to visit her plenty during the off-season, right?”
“It’s not the same, Skip.” Chase knew nothing could make up for all the good night kisses and bedtime stories he’d missed. “God, what if something horrible has happened to her?”
“Don’t think like that. Go.” Paul wrapped his arm around Chase’s shoulder as he walked him to the door. “Go find your baby, and when you do, give her a kiss from Uncle Paulie.”
“I will,” Chase said, trying to force a smile.
“And when you do find her, Miller… get your ass on the next plane, so you can get back here and help us win some ball games.”
“You got it.”
***
Chase held his breath as Jayda turned to face him. He’d seen her plenty over the years, but every time he did, she managed to pierce his heart with how beautiful she was. She had long auburn hair and piercing green eyes that were undoubtedly her best features. Most guys would say it was her rockin’ curves, but Chase knew better. It was those eyes that first told him she loved him… then eventually told him she hated him, even before the words left her sweet lips.
“You’re here,” she whispered, looking shocked. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
He shoved his hands in the pockets of his artfully faded designer jeans, trying to quash the impulse to hug her. He had no right, and she wouldn’t want his comfort. “Any word yet?”
Chase looked around the shop her father had started decades ago, noting how little it had changed over the years. He knew Jayda was an astute businesswoman who turned a tidy profit every year, but she clearly didn’t see the need to spend it sprucing the place up. The only change he knew of was the apartment they’d added to the back a year ago, when Bill couldn’t handle the stairs to his old apartment anymore.
“Jessie just left.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “Dad went to lie down for a while. I insisted. This is all too much for him.”
He’d never been a big fan of Bill’s and he knew the feeling was mutual, but they had one thing in common—their love for Cadence. And Chase couldn’t deny he was a good grandfather. “What did Jess have to say?”
“Chase, sit down.” She rounded the tall counter where customers stood to pay the receptionist. “We need to talk.”
She sat in one of the guest chairs in the lobby, inviting Chase to do the same. He tried not to notice the way her torn, faded jeans and black tank hugged her curves. She was a visual conundrum with her subtle makeup, braided hair, and baseball cap. She looked like a sexy tomboy who’d infiltrated a man’s world and knew how to gain respect, which was exactly who she was. Sexy and sultry in the bedroom. Kick-ass when someone challenged her skill as a mechanic. A sweet and patient mother. There was a time she’d been his best friend, the center of his world…
“This isn’t easy,” she said before biting her nude, glossy lip. “But, um, you have a right to know.”
“I’m listening,” Chase said, knowing he wouldn’t like hearing what she had to say.
“Jess thinks Dillon may have Cadence.”
“Your brother?” When Jayda nodded, Chase ran his hands over his face. “Okay, so you obviously got in touch with him—”
“I couldn’t. He doesn’t have his cell phone.”
“Why would Dillon have picked up Cadence? Did he know you were having car trouble?”
Looking pained, she said, “God, Chase, I wish I could tell you he was doing me a favor, but he wasn’t. My brother was just looking out for himself, like always.”
“I don’t understand.” Chase hated Jayda’s youngest brother. Not because he was such a screw-up, which he was, but because he kept breaking his big sister’s heart. Jayda had tried so hard to help him, and every time he’d spit in her face by lying to her, stealing from her, or bailing on her.
“Jessie thinks his motive was money.”
“Isn’t it always?” Chase asked, thinking about how much of a parasite his ex-brother-in-law was. He’d hit him up for money more times than Chase could count. When he’d been married to Jayda, Chase had handed it over simply so Dillon wouldn’t ask her for it, but he stopped the gravy train as soon as
they divorced.
“I’m so ashamed of him,” Jayda said, blinking back tears. “And I hate saying that, because he’s my family, ya know? But how can he keep doing this to us, hurting us this way?”
Chase knew all about what it meant to have a family who always had their hands out. His parents were two of the worst culprits. They hadn’t had time for him when he was a kid, but now that he was one of the highest-paid players in the game, he was their pride and joy.
“I don’t know, Jay.” He hated to see her hurting, even though he knew there was nothing he could say or do to make her feel better. “I know Dillon’s messed up, but you don’t honestly believe he’d hurt Cadence, do you?”
Jayda shook her head emphatically. “No, absolutely not! There’s not much I would stake my life on where my brother is concerned, but that is one thing I would. He wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t.”
Chase wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him or herself, but it didn’t matter. Because if Dillon thought he was going to get away with this latest stunt, he was dead wrong. Chase was going to beat him to a bloody pulp when he got his hands on him.
“So what do we need to do?” Chase asked. “What does Jess advise?”
“Well, well, well…”
Chase turned to see his life-long friend walk through the door, but Jessie was looking at him as if he was staring down the enemy.
“Been a long time,” Jessie said. “Wasn’t even sure you’d show your face if you want to know the truth.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Chase asked, narrowing his eyes. “You know I’d do anything for Cadence.”
“I keep hearing you say that,” Jessie said, glaring at him, “but actions speak louder than words.”
Chase spread his hands. “I’m here, aren’t I? Doesn’t that tell you all you need to know?”
“Jay,” Jessie said, his eyes not leaving Chase, “you mind if I have a word with your ex?”
“Not until you tell me whether there’s any news,” Jayda said, standing. She stepped between Chase and Jessie, breaking their eye contact. “Have you found out where my brother’s staying? Maybe I could put together a list of his friends.” She winced. “I sure as hell hope he didn’t take her anywhere near them though. They’re druggies too, every bit as bad as he is.”
“Actually, it would help if you’d put together a list for me.”
“What about a search?” Chase asked, knowing the local police’s resources were limited. “We could get the community involved. I’d be more than happy to foot the bill for any overtime your guys might rack up, or if you need to bring in cops from neighboring towns—”
Jessie glared at Chase over Jayda’s shoulder. “Is that your solution to everything? Just throw money at it?”
Chase didn’t understand Jessie’s hostility. Last time they’d seen each other before the season started, they’d been on friendly terms. What had happened over the last nine months to change his attitude?
“If you guys could save this pissing contest ‘til after we find my daughter, I’d really appreciate it,” Jayda said, glaring at both of them before she turned and stalked through the shop. A few seconds later, they heard a door slam and Chase knew she was probably holed up in her office, making that list of her brother’s deadbeat friends.
“What crawled up your ass?” Chase demanded.
“You can’t just come back here and start barking orders at me. I don’t work for you!”
“Fine, whatever.” Chase rolled his eyes, knowing that would antagonize his old friend further.
“Jay’s got enough going on without you upsetting her anymore,” Jessie warned. “So if you’re thinking about giving her a hard time, you can get your ass back on that plane and—”
“Jay?” He thought he was the only one who called her that, and though it might be stupid, hearing someone else say it pissed him off.
“Yeah, you got a problem with me calling her that?”
“I’ve got a problem with you trying to tell me how to treat the mother of my missing child. What the hell gives you the right to…” Chase felt as though he’d been sucker-punched as the possibility settled over him. “Wait a minute. Are you and Jay…?”
“A couple?” Jessie leaned against the dingy gray wall, folding his arms. “What’s it to you if we are?”
Chase wanted to wipe that smug smirk right off his face, but that would only start a war with his ex. “Just answer the goddamn question! Are you or are you not sleeping with my wife?”
“Don’t you mean your ex-wife?”
Chase hadn’t referred to Jay as his wife in years, but something about the thought of his former friend sleeping with her made him feel territorial, as though he needed to remind Jessie that he would always be a part of her—through their daughter. The fact that he was scared out of his mind probably made him overreact, but he didn’t care if that was how Jessie perceived it.
“You don’t want to answer the question?” Chase stood. “Fine. I’ll ask Jay myself.”
“Why don’t you just mind your own goddamn business?”
“Why don’t you?” Chase took another step toward Jessie. If he took one more, he knew he’d be in serious trouble, because he was pretty sure assaulting an officer would land him in jail, where he’d be of no use to Cadence. “Your business is finding my daughter, not sniffing around her mother.”
Chase didn’t wait for a response as he stormed through the shop and threw Jay’s office door open without knocking.
She gasped as she flew out of her seat. “What is it? What happened? Did you hear from Cadence? Is she okay?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were sleeping with him?”
“What?” Jayda shook her head. “What are you talking about? I’m not sleeping with anyone.” She’d clearly revealed more than she intended because a blush crept over her fair skin.
Trying to quash his satisfaction, Chase asked, “Have you ever…” He stepped closer, invading her personal space as he towered over her. “Slept with him?”
She licked her lips as she stepped back until her butt hit the edge of the desk. “Who are you talking about? Jessie?” When he nodded, she shook her head. “No, of course not. Why would you ask me that?”
“Because he’s into you.”
“So?”
Her nonchalance reminded Chase that a lot of guys were probably sniffing around her. “Has he ever asked you out?”
“Sure, but—”
“What did you say?”
She stood up straight, planting her hands on her hips. It might have been more impressive if he didn’t have a full foot on her. “None of your business. We’re divorced, remember?”
Chase swallowed. He’d probably regret what he was about to say, but he couldn’t hold back the truth any longer. “I can’t forget that, Jay. I can’t forget any of it. Including how amazing we were together or how much I loved being with you… us being a family, raising our daughter together.” His voice broke when he thought of the days they’d spent walking Cadence through the park in her stroller, taking her to the zoo, rocking her to sleep…
“Are you crazy?” she asked, tipping her head back to look him in the eye. “Where is all this coming from?”
“I hate that he gets to take my little girl to the park… that he still gets to be your friend. You know how much I wish that could be me?”
“Chase…” She sat back on her desk, curling her fingers around the edge. “You and I have been over for a long time. Being friends doesn’t really seem like a possibility after the hell we’ve put each other through.”
“Our baby is missing,” Chase said, his voice cracking, along with his heart. “Forgive me if that brings up a lot of old feelings for me.”
“What kind of feelings?” she asked, looking confused.
“You know what I thought about all the way here?” She shook her head as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and showed her his screensaver. It was the two of them bent over a
precious newborn, smiling in awe. “Remember when that was taken?”
“The day we brought her home from the hospital,” Jayda said, touching the screen. “She was so perfect. I couldn’t even believe she was ours.”
“But she is.” Chase waited until she looked at him before he said, “And she always will be. Whether you like it or not, that little girl made us a family. Some judge may have tried to break up our family, but it didn’t work.”
A tear glided unchecked down her cheek. “A judge didn’t do that. You did. When you chose that contract over us. What was it again?” she asked, her eyes hardening. “One hundred seventeen million over five years, wasn’t it? Five years. That’s how long it’s been since we were a family, Chase. So tell me, was it enough, that fortune they paid you to give up your family?”
Chapter Three
Since there wasn’t so much as a B&B in their tiny town, Jayda had no choice but to offer Chase her spare bedroom. She didn’t want him under her roof, but as he kept reminding her, he was her daughter’s father. They were in this together, like it or not.
“Couldn’t sleep either, huh?”
Jayda gasped when her eyes landed on the form sitting on her couch… in the dark.
“What the hell are you doing out here?” she asked, flattening her palm against her chest.
“How am I supposed to sleep when our daughter is missing?” He held up his phone. “I’ve been going back and forth with my manager for the past hour. He offered to line up a private investigator who specializes in child abduction cases. I’m just waiting for his call.”
“Jessie would probably tell you to back off and let him handle it.” She sighed. Jayda trusted Jessie and knew he was good at his job, but she was glad Chase had the resources to go to any lengths to find their daughter.
“I don’t give a shit what he thinks. This isn’t about him. It’s about finding our baby girl. If he doesn’t like my tactics, he can damn well—”
Make Up Call (Summer Rush #3) Page 2