Beyond the Bases

by Kaylee Ryan

  Delving into the bag once more, I pull out the small pink glove. “Found this,” I say, handing it to her.

  She takes the glove and turns it over in her hands. “You remembered.” She looks up at me, and her smile is blinding.

  “Of course I did. Princess P wanted a pink glove, but they didn’t have one in her size.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Don’t say anything. Just listen.” Setting the bag aside, I reach for her hand, holding it in mine. I softly trace her knuckles with my thumb and wait for her to look at me. When she does, I let the words tumble free. “I like you, Larissa. I’m not playing games. I know you’re a single mom and that Paisley is, as she should be, the most important person in your world. I just want the chance to be a part of that world. To spend time with you, and her. To get to know you and see if this electricity I feel every time I’m with you is what I imagine it to be.”

  She closes her eyes and nods. I don’t say anything else, giving her time to process what I’m saying. When her eyes open, they say so much. She wants to trust me, but she’s guarded. I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll earn that trust from her. From both of them. I can feel her fear, her reluctance pouring off her. Is it that she’s still mourning the loss of her husband? Is it the fact that my life is in the spotlight? Maybe she’s fearful of losing yet another important person in her life? Whatever those fears may be, I want to demolish them. I want her to smile like she was just moments ago. I want her laughter. I want to watch her be the incredible mother I already know she is. Whatever she’s hiding behind those walls, I want to be the man to knock them down.

  “What else is in the bag?” she asks after clearing her throat.

  Not letting go of her hand, I reach again for the bag with my other. I pull out two more gloves and a couple of balls. “We couldn’t give her the pink glove she’s always wanted and not use it.” I wink.

  “You thought of everything.” She smiles. It’s softer than those I received earlier, but I’ll take it. Never would I turn down one of her beautiful smiles.

  “Maybe I always wanted to be a boy scout,” I say, and her smile grows. “Let’s eat.” I remove the fresh fruit, pretzels, and sandwiches from the picnic basket. “We have turkey clubs, a plain turkey, and a plain cheese. I wasn’t sure what Paisley would eat, but I know she loves her cheese.”

  “That she does. That was very thoughtful of you, Easton. Thank you for going out of your way, just on the idea that she might be with us today.”

  “So how did I do?” I ask. “Cheese or plain turkey for the princess?”

  “She would have either, but she would have chosen the cheese.”

  “Yes.” I throw my hands up in the air celebrating my victory. “What about you?”

  “Turkey club is perfect.”

  “That’s two for two,” I say, holding up two fingers.

  “Gloating, Mr. Monroe?”

  “Celebrating. There’s a difference.”

  “Uh-huh,” she laughs.

  We spend a couple of hours lying on the blankets talking. She tells me stories about Paisley, and I tell her stories about growing up as an older brother. Sometimes we just sit in silence, hands linked, staring up at the sky. It’s simple, yet perfect. This is one of the best days I can ever remember having.

  “I know it’s getting close to five, but I’m not ready for today to end.”

  “It’s been a good day,” she agrees.

  “How about dinner?”

  “I really should be getting home. I have a ton of assignments I need to get caught up on, and with P being at Mom’s, it’s a great time to do it.”

  I’m disappointed, but I understand. She has no time for herself; it’s all work, school, and her daughter. I’m in awe of her. “Let’s get packed up and get you back to your car.” We make quick work of packing up, and we’re on our way in no time.

  “Thank you, Easton,” she says once I pull my truck up next to her SUV. “I didn’t know what to expect today, but this… thank you.”

  “We should have day dates more often.” I smile over at her.

  “Yeah, maybe we should.” With that, she climbs out of the truck. I hurry to do the same and walk with her to the driver’s side of her SUV.

  “Can I call you later?” I ask.

  “We just spent the majority of the day together.”

  “And it’s still not enough,” I say, stepping in closer.

  I watch as she swallows, the column of her throat sexy as hell. “Yeah, that would be fine.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to see me today, Larissa. I can’t remember a day that I’ve enjoyed more.” Leaning in, I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Drive safe.” With that, I step back and open her door. I stand there until she drives away, watching until I can no longer see her.

  I really like this girl.

  I’ve been sitting on the couch with my laptop for the last four hours. My eyes are tired, and my stomach just growled. I’m feeling pretty good about where I am with my classes. It’s been a productive evening. I refused to think about Easton, pushing him out of my mind. If not, I knew I’d get nothing done. Now here I am at almost ten in the evening, and my studying is not only caught up, but I’m ahead. I don’t know that I’ve ever been ahead before. I shut down my laptop and stack my binder and notebooks on the end table when my phone rings.

  Easton.

  I take a deep breath to tamp down the excitement of seeing his name on my screen. I’m acting like a teenager, but I can’t seem to control it where he’s concerned. “Hello,” I answer.

  “Hey, Ris. How’s studying going?” The deep timbre of his voice washes over me. It’s soothing.

  “Good. I’m actually caught up and worked a little ahead. I just put it all away for the night. My eyes are going crossed. I’ve stared at my computer screen long enough.”

  “That’s good to hear. Have you eaten?”

  “Not yet. I was actually just going to head to the kitchen and see what I could find.”

  “I could bring you something.”

  “That’s sweet of you, but I can just find something here.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m sure. How was the rest of your day?” I ask, opening the freezer door. I spot one of the single serve microwave pizzas that P loves and grab it. As quietly as I can, I open the package and place it in the microwave. I don’t want to miss a word he has to say.

  “Uneventful. I came home, did some laundry, worked out a little, then went for a swim.”

  “Ah, the life of a professional athlete,” I tease.

  “More like the life of a man who’s trying really fucking hard not to end up on your doorstep tonight.”

  “Oh really?” I ask. I keep my voice calm, but on the inside, I have that feeling, the one that starts in the pit of your stomach and then washed over you. It’s a feeling of longing and want.

  “I miss you already. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I know you’re home alone. If it weren’t for the fact that I know you not only need but deserve this free time to get caught up, I’d be pounding down your door.”

  “It’s been nice. Don’t get me wrong. I love my daughter, but to actually be caught up and be a little bit ahead of schedule, it feels good. I have to admit.”

  “Then my suffering was worth it,” he says dramatically.

  “Listen to you,” I say with a laugh. The microwave beeps, and it’s loud. “Sorry, that’s my dinner,” I say.

  “What are you having?”

  “A frozen microwave pizza.”

  “Sounds… delicious?” he asks.

  “P loves them. They’re quick and easy. I keep them on hand for those days when cooking just isn’t in the cards. I try to keep her on a balanced diet, so I usually cut up some fruit or open a can of vegetables to go with it.”

  “I bet she loves that.” Amusement laces his words.

  “The fruit yes, the vegetables not so much. Not unless it’s peas. The kid loves peas
, which is odd.”

  “That is kind of odd,” he chuckles. “How is she?”

  “Paisley? She’s living it up at Mom’s. I called to check on her, and they were baking a cake. I’m going over there to have breakfast with them in the morning before work. I have to work the early shift.”

  “I have to be at the stadium at six for team lifting, but then I’m done for the day.”

  “Plans?” I ask, a little surprised at how easy it is to chat with him.

  “Not really. There’s this girl I met.” My heart picks up speed at his words. “She works at a pretty nice restaurant. I might swing by for lunch.”

  “You seem to be putting forth a lot of effort for this girl.”

  “She’s worth it.”

  That feeling washes over me again. “I guess I should let you go then. You know, since you have to get up so early.”

  “Are you going to bed?” he asks.

  “Not yet. I’ll probably do a couple of loads of laundry before crashing.”

  “Mind if I keep you company?” he asks.

  His request should startle me, but it doesn’t. “Easton, it’s late—”

  He cuts me off. “Just on the phone, Ris.”

  “That’s a pretty long phone conversation.”

  “I need to know more about you,” he counters.

  “Yeah? Like what?” I’m smiling so big my face might crack. He’s persistent, and I find it harder and harder to keep pushing him away. He’s so easy to talk to and to be around. Today was a true testament of that.

  “Like your favorite flavor of ice cream… how old were you when you had your first kiss, among other things,” he says, his voice low and husky.

  “Are we there yet?” I tease, awareness traveling through me.

  “I am. I don’t know if you are, but I sure as hell am.”

  I don’t hold back my grin. “You go first,” I say. That’s how our night goes. Over the next two hours, we talk about movies, and music, and food. Nothing too heavy, just small mundane things getting to know each other. I’ve managed to wash, dry, and fold two loads of laundry, and now I’m ready to crash. “It’s almost one in the morning. We both have to get up early. You earlier than me.”

  “I know.”

  “We should probably get some sleep.”

  “Thank you for today, and for tonight.”

  “Shouldn’t I be the one thanking you?”

  He laughs. “I mean, I am Easton Monroe.”

  “Hush. Get some sleep, slugger,” I say.

  “Night, Ris. Sweet dreams.”

  Night.” I end the call, plug my phone that is almost dead into the charger, and crawl under the covers. As I drift off to sleep, it’s his smile that I see, and his touch that I feel as if he were here with me.

  Sweet dreams indeed.

  I’ve been driving myself crazy all morning trying to think of something fun I can do with Larissa and Paisley. I want to make a good impression, and everything I come up with seems lame. Grabbing my phone to call Mom and ask her opinion—desperate times and all that—I notice I have an e-mail from the Blaze management. Scrolling through, I see it’s a reminder that the Blaze family day is at the zoo this Saturday. If I’m interested in attending, I need to give them the number of attendees so they can prepare my passes.

  Someone is watching over me.

  Quickly, I reply that I need three tickets, two adults and one child. I had forgotten all about the event and wasn’t even sure I was going to go. A single guy at the zoo isn’t much fun. A single guy, the girl he wants to get to know, and her adorable daughter… that sounds a hell of a lot more appealing. Instead of calling Mom, I call Larissa.

  “Hello,” she answers, and her voice is gruff from sleep. Looking at the clock, I see it’s just after eight in the morning.

  “Did I wake you?” I ask, trying not to think about her all snuggled up in her bed.

  “I was just lying here. P woke me up about ten minutes ago.”

  “She’s an early riser?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Who is it, Momma?” I hear her sweet, angelic voice ask.

  She hesitates. “It’s Easton.”

  “I wanna say hi.” There is a rustle with the phone. Then I hear, “Hey, East, whatcha doing?”

  “Morning, princess. I was just calling your mom to plan for us to spend the day together next Saturday.” I know it’s a dick move to get Paisley excited before I run it past Larissa, but I’m hoping that works in my favor. I can’t have her backing out on me.

  “Are we gonna play catch?” she asks.

  “Nope, but I need to ask your mommy first. Can you hand her back the phone?”

  “Mommy, Easton wants to talk to you.”

  “Hey,” Larissa says, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

  “So, I have this thing on Saturday, and I was wondering if you and Paisley would come with me?”

  “What kind of thing?” she asks cautiously.

  “The Blaze are having a team family day at the zoo. They close the place down for us, and we pretty much have free rein. I thought Paisley would enjoy it.”

  “She’ll love it,” she admits. “What time?”

  I throw my fist in the air in silent celebration. “I’ll pick you ladies up at eleven.”

  “Okay,” she whispers.

  “Okay,” I repeat. “Great. Send me your address.”

  “I can do that. I have to get moving and make breakfast. Then I have to work this afternoon.”

  “Just when you have time. Have a good night at work.”

  “Thanks, Easton. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Bye, East!” Paisley yells as the line goes dead.

  I can’t wipe the smile off my face. I spend the rest of the day lounging and getting caught up on things around the house. We have two home games this week, hence the reason for the team day at the zoo on Saturday.

  By nightfall, I find myself sitting on the back deck, untouched bottle of beer sitting on the table. I was antsy in the house, pacing, not sure what to do with myself. That’s not something I’m used to. I was tempted to go to The Vineyard for dinner but didn’t want to push my luck. Now here I am wishing I had gone, while cursing myself inwardly for not doing so.

  Pushing the home button on my cell phone, I see it’s a little after ten. I’m not sure what time she gets off work tonight, but the last time it was eleven. I’m in the house, locking the patio door, grabbing my keys, and heading to the garage before I can talk myself out of it.

  The closer I get to the restaurant, the calmer I become. The antsy feeling slips away completely when I pull into the parking lot. The spot next to her Escape is open. Just like last time, I take a seat on the tailgate of my truck and wait for her.

  I check the time what seems like every thirty seconds. I realize she might get out later than eleven, but I’m hoping that’s not the case. Three minutes after eleven, the back door opens, and I lay eyes on her for the first time today.

  “Easton?” she asks cautiously.

  “Hey, Ris,” I say, not moving. I want to though. I want to hop off this tailgate, pull her into my arms, and kiss the ever-loving fuck out of her. Instead, I stay rooted to my spot.

  “What are you doing here?” she asks, stopping just in front of me. She’s no longer in her uniform. Instead, she’s wearing jeans, with holes in the knees and a tank top.

  “I wanted to see you,” I tell her honestly. I don’t want to play games, not with her.

  “You were with me most of the day yesterday,” she reminds me, even though she doesn’t need to. I’ve replayed our day together over and over.

  “Yeah, and today, nothing. I needed my Larissa fix.”

  A slight tilt of her lip appears and disappears just as quickly. She’s trying to hide it, but it was there. “Where’s Paisley?” I ask her.

  “She’s staying at my mom’s tonight.”

  “So you have nowhere to be? You going somewhere,” I ask. I’m not used to her c
oming out dressed in something other than her uniform.

  She hesitates. “No, not really.”

  “Why the change of clothes?” I ask, knowing it’s not really any of my business. But the thought of her possibly meeting up with someone else lights a fire inside me.

  “Oh, I was running late, so I changed here. My last table was a family and the kid, a little older than P, was rushing back from the bathroom and ran into me. A full plate of spaghetti and meatballs right down my shirt. Luckily I had clothes with me so I changed after we closed up.”

  I breathe a sigh of relief. “Have you eaten?”

  “Yeah, one of the perks of the job.”

  “You wanna go for a drink or maybe just a drive?” I’m reaching, and we both know it. I just want to spend some time with her. Hell, we can sit here in this parking lot and just talk if that gets me time with her.

  “A drive?” She poses it as a question.

  I jump off the tailgate and close it. Reaching for her hand, I guide her to the passenger door and open it for her. I wait for her to get situated before closing her door and rushing to the other side. I slide in behind the wheel and look over at her. “You look good in that seat,” I tell her.

  She smiles. “Yeah, the leather really sets the backdrop.”

  “You’re beautiful, Larissa. You don’t need a backdrop.” She swallows hard, and I want to lean over and kiss the column of her neck. Instead, I start the truck and pull out of the lot.

  “So, where are we going?” she asks.

  “I have an idea.” I’m evasive in my answer. I want to take her to my house, but I know we’re not there yet. Instead, I’m taking her to my second home. The drive is quiet, but not uncomfortably so.

  “We’re going to the stadium?” she asks as we pull into the lot.

  “We are. I wanted to share this with you.” She doesn’t say anything to that, not that I expected her to. Larissa analyzes everything. She just needs a little time to catch up to where I am. At the moment, I want nothing more than to spend as much time with her and her daughter as possible. I was raised with the mindset that family is everything. I grew up watching my uncles, my dad’s brothers, fall hard and fast with the loves of their lives, and it’s as if a light is switched on. The light is on and shining brightly down on Larissa.