Swing For The Fences
Page 26
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BOTTOM OF THE NINTH Chapter One
Chapter One
*Bottom Of The Ninth is a full length novel derived from the Bottom Of The Ninth: The Novella. The novella was featured in The Mistletoe Kisses Anthology and was strictly from the main character, AJ Gonzalez’s, point of view. The full-length novel features added scenes, along with dual point of views and an epilogue.
AJ
Current Day
“Why the hell do I look like a half-naked lumberjack elf?” I snap the red suspenders against my bare chest and glance at the green velvet boy shorts. Red triangles, with actual gold jingle bells, trim the waistband. Fucking bells. But I don’t know which is worse—the redonkulous suspenders or the green felt elf shoes with pointed toes curling upwards, capped with more damn bells. I jingle like a powder-puff princess cat every time I move.
“You look...cute?” Jax, my soon-to-be former roommate says, suppressing a grin.
“Fuck you. Trade me costumes; I’ll be Mr. Fourth of July.”
He flanks my side, wearing red and white striped pants and a matching patriotic hat. He’s like a beefed-up Uncle Sam. I don’t understand why I couldn’t have gotten that costume.
“No way, man. I’m not wearing that thing.”
“So much for helping a guy out.” I no more get the words out when Mr. April, better known as Zach, our ace closer, walks by with a large pastel Easter egg tucked under his arm.
Zach stops midstride and sizes me up, the horror of my outfit reflecting in his bulging eyes. Perfect. His jaw drops, and he stands there gaping like a fish.
“Uh, I just… Yeah, MVP announcement party at my house. And I’ll”—Zach’s voice drops as his bunny paws carry him away—“stop complaining about my outfit.”
My blood boils. Sure, his silky boy shorts have tiny bunnies draped everywhere, but he pulls it off. I do a quick check of the other teammates and conclude I’m the only creepy one. When I agreed to be Mr. December, I thought a Santa Claus hat with sexy underwear would be my costume. Not this hideous contraption.
“Why the hell are we even here?” I grumble more to myself.
“You know why. Just grin and bear it.” Jax’s gaze roams along my body, and his lips press tightly together. Despite his best efforts, his shoulders start to shake, and a huge grin slowly stretches across his face. He snorts as he turns to leave and slaps my butt, the jingling sound drawing out the overdue laugh.
Bastard.
Also by Kimberly Readnour
Bad Boys Redemption Series
Second Chance Hero
Swing For The Fences
Bottom of the Ninth (Summer 2018)
An Unforeseen Destiny Series:
Impossible Love
The Mystical Encounter Series:
Visions
Deceptions
Vanished
Acknowledgments
First of all, I want to thank you, the reader, for your continued support. There simply aren’t enough words to express my appreciation. When I began this journey writing for my daughter, I never dreamed anyone else would want to read my stories. Thank you for taking the time to delve into each world I create. It means so much to me.
There are so many people that help get the book out into the public, and each one is critical to producing the finished product. I’ll start with thanking my trusty beta readers, Kayla, Michelle, Staci, and Kate. Each of you make my story stronger, and I cherish your opinions. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you.
My content/ line editor, Deb. I’m so glad to have found you. Your edits and insights were spot on and put the polishing touches my story needed. Thank you so much for fitting me into your schedule.
My editor, Kelly. Once again your editing and proofreading skills are top notch. Thanks so much for putting the last shine to pages! You’re the best.
My Proofreader, Deanna. Thanks so much for giving the book one final pass. I appreciate your help in making the book as error free as possible!
My PR lady, Linda. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to bring awareness to this series. I truly feel your efforts and hard work is what helped get this series in front of readers. You’re a wonderful person, and I value our relationship.
My family. 2017 was an extremely hard year for me. In the process of trying to write Swing for the Fences and pushing out the novella for the Christmas anthology, I lost two family members along with placing another one in a nursing home. I never knew the kind of pain that losing a sibling would bring until experiencing first hand. My family and God kept me strong and kept me pushing forward. I love you all and appreciate the continued support you bring.
I look forward to finishing AJ’s book along with the Unforeseen Destiny series. Until next time, happy reading!
About the Author
Kimberly Readnour lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and a very fluffy cat.
Visions, book one of the Mystical Encounters Series, is a #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller and a 2015 Readers' Favorite book award finalist. Her series, the Mystical Encounters, has spent many weeks on the Amazon's teen and young adult's mysteries and thrillers bestseller's lists.
Kimberly worked as a Registered Nurse for fifteen years before hanging-up her stethoscope. When she isn't running her own business, you can find her tucked away writing.
Contact me at:
kimberlyreadnour.com
kimberly@kimberlyreadnour.com