Patrick didn’t just call Mark; he called the head of ESPN, John Paul. He said he’s an old friend of his family so it wasn’t that big a deal but I think it is. I was quite surprised when John Paul called me apologizing for the huge error the company made that day and I guess Mark has been demoted. That was not my intent but what a huge error in judgment to make when first meeting someone and immediately thinking they sleep their way to results.
I was able to let it all go after I talked it through with Chase. I not only arrived in Detroit for work, I sort of moved in with him this time too. I still have my real home in New York, but when I’m in Detroit for work I’ll stay at Chase’s.
I love how he keeps referring to our quiet nights at home as his new ‘normal’. Every day I fall more and more in love with him and I slowly let my guilt of leaving him disappear because I’m learning we’re different people now.
I’m watching what is, sadly, the last game for the Mustangs. In game 7 of the National American League Championship series the Mustangs lost in an amazing triple play in the final inning.
This is when it’s hard not showing favoritism because I know my face just fell on air. I thought the Mustangs would win tonight and I’m in shock that it’s all over.
It’s quite an accomplishment for Chase to make it so far in his rookie year and I’m beyond excited for him. I know he will be a little sad but mostly thrilled that they were here tonight and had the opportunity to lose. I’m thinking hard and fast at what I can do tonight to make it even more special.
It’s our new ‘normal’ for me to be there at the end of the game and give him a big hug and kiss and I make sure I’m there and ready for him as soon as they get out of the team huddle.
The team is in a meeting and I’m waiting outside of the doors responding quickly to texts and emails about my trip to the World Series; I just found out that I’m covering it even though the Mustangs aren’t in it.
I’m so consumed with getting this business rapped up before Chase comes out that I almost didn’t notice who was walking toward me. Ugh, the last thing I want to deal with is Arianna tonight and the very last thing I want is for Chase to come out and see an altercation of some sort.
Thankfully before she reaches me Chase and his team walk out of the room and he pulls me into a breath stopping hug.
“Hey babe, it’s so good to have you here,” he whispers in my ear and I melt. I thank God I’m here for him in this moment.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, love,” I whisper back.
We’ve been doing this for the past few months, he’ll call me babe and I’ll respond with love, or vice versa. We both told Arianna we were in love weeks ago; but we haven’t said it again, and I don’t know why.
By the way his head is tilted I know he can see Arianna. He makes no mention of her and turns the other way wrapping his arm protectively around me. I’m glad she didn’t make a scene tonight; tonight needs to be special for Chase. Suddenly I remember what I needed to talk to him about.
I’ll let him control tonight completely until it’s my turn; I just hope my plan works out and doesn’t blow up in my face.
The guys all plan to meet for one last toast to celebrate the success they have shared this year. As we walk out to the parking lot Chase is very quiet. Usually he’s much more talkative but something is on his mind. I’ll wait him out on this since I understand what a big deal this moment is to him.
He keeps his arm around me all the way to the car. My arm is around him as well, but I’m surprised he isn’t holding my hand since this is not the easiest way to walk.
Although, I don’t mind being pressed against his near perfect body.
He opens the door for me and smiles. He’s smiling but I notice something is on his mind that he’s worrying about and I feel badly he’s taking this loss so hard. I knew it would be a tough one, but I thought Chase would understand how monumental this moment was regardless of the win or loss.
When he gets into the car I reach over and put my hand on his thigh, his upper thigh. Its rock hard and I’m even more turned on than when I was crushed into his hard body. It’s something I didn’t think about before but I’ll absolutely make sure he works out the same all year; his body is something else.
He leans over and kisses me, but it’s not the passionate kiss I desire. I smile back at him, a little disappointed, but I want to be Chase’s supportive girlfriend tonight.
When we pull into the bar there’s a very large crowd surrounding the entrance. Chase says nothing and pulls into a spot to park. I don’t know what’s going on in his head but I wish we weren’t walking into a crowded bar right now so we could talk.
There’s a ton of press surrounding the door, everyone knows the Mustangs hang out here but for the most part they’re usually left alone. It makes sense that they would all show up for this night. Chase tells me he will come open the door for me and help me through the crowd. I’m thankful for that since I still feel a little skittish around a bunch of people thanks to the Travolts.
“Stay close to me Luciana, ok?” Chase asks me and he looks either mad or scared. I hope it’s just scared for how I’m about to handle a tight crowd, but with that look on his face I forget about the screaming crowd and wonder what the hell is wrong.
As we walk through the crowd there are a ton of people taking pictures. They are yelling at both of us and asking for a picture. I’m against all this type of press but I’m so proud of Chase and happy to be with him that I would gladly stop and take a picture. I’m alone in that sentiment, he doesn’t stop.
Chase is working the room and moving around saying hi to everyone. He’s still holding my hand but he isn’t engaging me. I can hold my own with this team since I’ve been a staple with them for a few months, but this isn’t like him and I’m getting past the thought of ‘being a good girlfriend’ and I’m starting to get pissed.
“Hey!” I say to Chase as I remove my hand from his and touch his arm. I just want to grab it tightly. I don’t know what has gotten into me tonight; I just want to touch him…everywhere. “I’m going to run to the bathroom, I’ll be right back.”
He simply nods his head and says, “OK.”
I walk to the bathroom and take a few minutes to breathe. When I’m done freshening up I decide to take a few more minutes to myself and head to the bar and get some drinks for us.
As I head to the bar I realize just how packed this place is. I order two beers and ask the bartender to keep them shut so I can open them. I don’t actually want beer but I don’t want to order a mixed drink even when I trust the bartender because I’m still fearful.
He smiles and hands me two bottles of Bud Light and the opener. I smile back and open one of the bottles. I didn’t want a beer but it actually tastes refreshing. I look around but don’t see Chase so I sit at the bar and enjoy a few more sips.
I’m looking over the crowd and spot him, he’s still making rounds but this time he’s standing with some girls I’ve never seen before.
“Hey, Lucy!”
I’m startled at the mention of my name and turn toward Jason’s voice. He’s one of Chase’s best friends and also happens to be Arianna’s brother.
“Hey Jason, great game!” I tell him with a genuine smile.
He’s a little older than Chase and has been in the Majors a few more years. He isn’t as tall or as handsome as Chase; but few men are, in my mind. He’s shorter at around 5’10-5’11 and has short, dark brown hair. He looks built, but not as defined as Chase.
“So… I’ve wanted to apologize on behalf of my crazy sister for a little while now,” Jason starts to say.
“No need to apologize on behalf of anyone, Jason,” I tell him and I mean it. This isn’t Jason’s fault and he really shouldn’t feel responsible.
He sits down next to me and he sincerely looks distraught, “Arianna has seriously crossed the line and I couldn’t be more embarrassed about it.”
“Listen, neither Chase nor I think
you had anything to do with this. No one blames you in any way, I promise.”
He looks genuinely relieved to hear this and I’m so glad he had the courage to come talk to me about it.
“So, you’re ok with everything then?” Jason asks me.
“Define everything,” I say with a laugh.
“Do you trust our man here?” he asks as he points toward the crowd and I assume at where Chase is standing.
“I trust our man, Jason,” I say with no humor to my voice. I do, I trust Chase with everything. When I saw him talking to the group of girls, all of whom are showing off all their assets, I didn’t doubt Chase at all. And that tells me that my plans are solid, on my end anyway.
Jason seems to let out another breath, “Oh thank God, Chase was just… I mean…well, Chase really loves you and if Arianna did anything to hurt his chances with you I don’t know what I would do.”
“Hmm, there were a lot of pauses there Jason, anything else you want to get out?”
He smiles at me and says, “Nah, that’s just guy code.”
“There you are,” I hear Chase’s voice above me and I smile.
“Oh, hey! There you are,” I say as I turn to look at him.
“Want to play some pool?” Chase asks both of us and we agree.
After two games of pool thankfully Chase is ready to go; I’m exhausted and so is he. Chase seems in a little better spirits, but not completely out of his rut. I say nothing as we walk to the car, but my mood shifts as I think this is the first night that we’ve been out where he hasn’t kissed me all night. What the hell is going on?
I quietly stare out the window, the exhaustion kicks in and I fall asleep. I must have been really worn out because when I wake up the sun is up and I’m in Chase’s bed.
“Morning, sleepy head,” he says as I yawn and stretch out. I feel so rested and apparently Chase does too because as I’m busy yawning and stretching he’s pulling down the panties I slept in.
When I relax back on the bed without panties he quickly takes his boxers off.
“In a hurry this morning stud?” I ask him with a smile.
I love the enthusiasm he’s showing here with getting our clothes off but I have memories of last night that I’m trying to get out of my head.
“I need you love, now!” he says as he starts to kiss me with wild passion. The kissing is turning me on and I need him now.
Chase’s hands are all over me and mine are on him. I remember the strong desire to touch him yesterday and it’s back in full force.
I can’t get enough of him.
My breasts have never felt so full and I’ve never had the kind of throbbing in my core that I have right now. I want it fast, hard, and now.
He stops kissing me and trails kisses down my chin around my neck and I’m moaning in delight. He moves to one breast and sucks hard on my nipple. Slight pain mixes with extreme pleasure as he moves over to pay attention to my other breast.
Kissing continues down my stomach toward my clit, but I stop him before he can get there. He looks at me with lust in his eyes and I smile wickedly.
“In me now!”
He smirks a sexy half smile and licks my clit passionately. I grab his head and repeat, “In. Me. Now.!” but he insists on teasing me to near climax before revealing his extremely hard cock. I begin to stroke it, but he pulls away; it seems he has other plans for me.
“OK,” he pants as he grabs both breasts with his hands before he slips several fingers inside my wetness. I gasp with pleasure; although it’s not exactly what I requested, he’s rubbing me just the right way and it feels exquisite.
I cum quickly, but I can’t help but want more. I want his cock thrusting deep inside me, sliding in and out at a fast pace.
He instructs me to get on my hands and knees and I hesitate for a second but can’t help but think of how amazing it will feel. I arch my back and take him all the way inside me. He’s using one hand to rub my clit while squeezing my breast with the other. He’s like an animal and I’m loving it; I don’t think we’ve had a more passionate morning together.
He makes me cum a second, and a third time, and my legs go numb from the intensity. This must make him feel like he’s succeeded because he immediately follows my lead and has the most intense orgasm I’ve ever seen him have.
Once we finally catch our breath and I’m laying in his arms I decide it’s my move and my turn to do what I should have done five years ago.
“Chase,” I say with a hoarse voice from all the moaning this morning, “You know I work in New York and my job is year-round.”
He’s silent and I swear he’s holding his breath.
“Would you move to New York with me while you are out of season?” He’s quiet and I’m suddenly nervous.
“Do you mean live together in New York, Lucy?” he asks me and I can’t tell how he’s reacting to this so I turn to look at him.
I’m relieved when I look at him and see his bright eyes staring at me, “Yes, are you ready to live with me and make this work?”
He lets out a deep breath and seems to be thinking.
“I wasn’t expecting you to ask me this at all. I’ve been a wreck since we lost the game knowing that your time working in Detroit is over.”
I smile, “Chase, I love you. I’ve always loved you and I’ll always love you.”
Chase smiles at me and I know this is right.
“I love you too, Lucy,” he whispers in my mouth between kisses. “Yes, I’ll move to New York with you. I’m not just moving in with you for my off season. We are moving in together and together we will make the decision on if we move and where.”
My eyes open wide for a minute but then I remember, you can pretty much live wherever you want as a professional sports player, so he’s not suggesting anything crazy. He will need to be near the team during the season, and I can live with that. I’m so glad he will try New York, and if he hates it I’ll move - but I love New York and it’s ultimately where I want to be. I’m just glad he will give us the shot I wouldn’t give us five years ago.
***
I can’t believe that it was five years ago that I left Michigan without a word to him as to why I was leaving. I won’t dwell on any of the other factors or mistakes that were made at that time but I feel lucky that today I’m leaving with the man I want to be with forever.
It’s October and Sam and Jax are shooting the movie until November. Sam was over the moon that I was moving back to New York. I think a part of her thought I wouldn’t come back after Chase and I moved in together in Detroit.
Chase and I are going to live in Sam’s place, at the very least until November, and then figure it out from there.
Since baseball is over I’m heading back to the New York office to start prepping for the new players, new rules, and new information on teams. Basically everything I need to know to always be the most intelligent analyst I can be. But before I go back to the office, Chase and I are taking a two week vacation.
We’re first heading to California to visit Sam and Jax and then heading to Hawaii for a week. I’m beyond excited to see Sam and Jax and to have Chase all to myself for two whole weeks.
We had a great morning when we finally told each other ‘I love you.’ It’s so easy to say to people sometimes but we both took the time to make sure that it was real and not just memories. Painstakingly slow sometimes with Chase, but I love him and I’ve realized there’s nothing I won’t do for him.
I almost lost him, but I never forgot him, and I will always love him.
The End
Epilogue
Living with Chase in New York is fabulous and I love watching him fall in love with the city.
Sam is moving back next week and it’s been stressful trying to figure out where we should live. Sam suggested that we live with her until after the holidays and I agreed. I just need to break the news to Chase.
“How about this one, that’s a good area right?” Chase asks me as he pushes a
newspaper in my hand.
“Yeah… well, I was talking to Sam today,” I start to say and he’s laughing at me.
“Could you just send me notes after the calls so I can keep up to speed? You talk to her everyday and every time I start telling you something I get the ‘Yeah… well, I was talking to Sam today.’”
I burst out laughing and thankfully Chase is laughing too. It’s true. Lately that’s how a lot of information has come Chase’s way. I need to make a bigger effort not to do that to him.
We’ve spent a lot of hours discussing the trust we needed to have between us. There were times, like at the bar the night they lost their final game, that Chase has not trusted in us the way he should have. Since he has made such an effort by moving to New York with me I need to remember that it’s him and I that need to make decisions together.
“What do you think of staying here until after the holidays?”
He looks at me and makes that face where I know he’s thinking, then he flashes his 12 million dollar grin at me.
“Is this already done or do you want to know what I think?” he asks me with that sexy smirk of his.
I crawl over and straddle him, “Is this a conversation that you want to have with clothes on or clothes off?”
Before I get the last word out he’s ripping my shirt off me. As he grabs my breasts I let out a moan and he tells me, “Babe, we can do whatever you want. Just make sure to tell me what to do.”
I’m rubbing against him and the friction always sets him on fire. “Ok, well I figure after the holidays are probably better, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, whenever you want to move you just tell me and I’ll find us the perfect place.”
After we make love and we’re lying down I realize that the end of the holiday season is close to the next baseball season so we may not get another place in the city.
“If we’re thinking of moving in January isn’t that kind of silly to get a place if you’ll need to leave and I may or may not be able to work with the Mustangs again?”
He looks at me with a sort of blank look on his face, but then he drops a bombshell on me, “I’ll be signing with New York soon.”
Almost Lost, Never Forgotten Page 27