Star-Crossed in the Outfield (All About the Diamond #4)

by Naomi Springthorp

  “How do I get up there? I need to talk to her.” My eyes tell my story and Hannah’s all in.

  “Come with me.” I follow her as she takes me to an elevator at the center of the stadium and uses her media card to get us to the control room door. She knocks and verifies that Kristina hasn’t left yet. “This is the only door out, so unless she jumps to the field you’ll see her come through that door. I’m leaving the rest to you.” She winks at me as she turns and walks away, “Good luck, slugger.”

  I wish I had my phone, so I could text Sherry and find out what to do next. It feels like forever that I’m standing here, waiting for the door to open and see Kristina come walking out. I’m still in my dirty, game worn uniform and cleats. I probably smell like a stinky dude that’s been working out in the sun all day. I know I’ve got dried mud on my pants and possibly a hole. My head is racing thinking about her and how it’s been weeks since I’ve seen her. I try to ignore that she said she isn’t interested. Maybe she’s not interested in celebrating with the team. That doesn’t mean she’s not interested in me. I start to get a little bit crazy and I’m afraid I’m going to do something I shouldn’t, but I can’t leave. I need to see her. I want to talk to her. I’d love to touch her. There’s something about this chick. I get in my head and start to wonder if it’s really her or if I’m making it all up in my head, as the door opens and a dark haired gentleman walks out, with Kristina a few feet behind him.

  “Hi, Kristina? Can we talk?”

  “We don’t have anything to talk about, Chase.” I can feel her voice as it touches my ears.

  “Kristina, will you go out with me tomorrow night? You’re welcome to join the team tonight at my place, too. Please let me take you out on a date.” She stares at me blankly. “I’m sure this sounds crazy, but I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Kristina glares at me, “Why?”

  “I want to get to know you and spend time together.”

  She stares at me blankly and I don’t find any of the fire I could hear in her voice when she’s announcing. I reach for her, putting one hand on each of her upper arms gently and I’m happy she doesn’t back away. I gaze into her eyes and lean in, pressing my lips to her soft, full lips that are exactly as I remember except she tastes like chocolate chip cookies. I think it’s her lip balm. I don’t push further, I simply hold my lips to hers until it runs through my head that I’m kissing her and I’m not supposed to do that and it’s basically like kissing a co-worker while you’re at work. I needed to make sure it’s her. I needed to know it’s really her and not a chick I made up in my dreams. I pull back and search her eyes, “What do you say? Will you let me take you out?”

  She stares at me blankly and I can see the no coming.

  “The team is going to my house to celebrate tonight and you should join us, bring a friend if you want.” I give her my address and my phone number. “See what you think and then let me take you out tomorrow night.”

  She’s still giving me the “I really don’t want to talk to you” look.

  “Kristina? I don’t know why you don’t want to talk to me. Give me a chance. Come by my place and see who I really am.” I lean in to whisper in her ear and end up smelling her hair, “Please. I just want to talk. I promise all my clothes will stay on.” I lean back and smile at her hoping for something positive.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “At least text me, so I have your number.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Better than a no. I give her a quick peck on the cheek and take off to the clubhouse. Hoping to see her at my place.

  Chapter Seven

  Kristina

  I walk into my apartment and go directly to my room, tossing my bag into the corner and changing into my PJs before I plop down belly first on my bed for some alone time.

  I turn the lights off and start to shut my bedroom door, but my roommate, Michelle, blocks my actions. “How was it, PA Announcer?” She asks all smiley.

  “It was fantastic. It couldn’t have gone better!”

  “Then what’s with the mood?”

  “I’m not in a mood. I want to soak it all in and relax.”

  “I call bullshit.”

  I glare at her and force a breath out.

  “Who is he?”

  “Why does it have to be a guy?”

  “Do we have to do this every time? It’s always a guy.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Overly obstinate, nice. He must be a baseball player.”

  I screech at the top of my lungs and bury my face in my pillow.

  “Why don’t we skip to the chase?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “Chase.”

  “Chase Cross? Are you kidding me? The guy you jumped in the mascot costume? He’s here?”

  She laughs at me and the story I’m now wondering why I told her.

  “Let’s talk it out now, so we can drink tonight and get it out of your system.”

  “I don’t want to talk about him.”

  “Oh, you like him. Like, really like him.”

  “Shut up!”

  “You want to kiss him all over and jump his bones.”

  I swear I’m going to strangle her in her sleep.

  “Oh, wait! You already did!”

  “Stop! None of it matters! I’m not going!”

  “Going where?”

  Shit! “He invited me over to his place to celebrate with the team. I’m not interested and I’m not going.”

  “This is the hot blonde ballplayer that you humped for hours? I’d say you’re interested.”

  “You know how I feel about baseball players. They’re bad news. I don’t want anything to do with any of them.”

  “They can’t all be bad. It’s mathematically improbable. So, you talked to him?”

  “Yea, he was waiting for me outside the control booth.”

  “So, he went looking for you? Put effort into finding you? Waited for you to finish working? And asked you to come over?”

  “Yea, and he asked me out on a date.” I remember the kiss that accompanied the conversation.

  “You kissed him!”

  “I did not.” I stop and look around my room smugly. “He kissed me.”

  “I knew it! This would be so much easier if you just told me what happened. Why do you always make me figure out the details?” She does this little dance she does when she’s right. “Tell me about the kiss.”

  “It was just a kiss. Forget it.”

  “I saw your eyes glaze over when you remembered him kissing you. Your eyes don’t glaze over for nothing.”

  “Look, it doesn’t matter. I don’t date or do anything else with players.”

  “Stop holding out and tell me about the kiss. What did he do with his hands? How did his lips feel? Was it hot?”

  “You really need to get a dude.”

  “Whatever. Give me the deets.”

  “Fine, but only because I think it’s the only male interaction you’ve had this year.”

  Michelle scoffs at me and waves me on for more details.

  “He took me in his arms with passion and dipped me leaving me completely in his control while he kissed me senseless until I begged him to carry me off to my cubicle and have his way with me.”

  She glares at me and shakes her head, “Start with where his hands were.”

  I thought about his hands and how they felt on me. I’m reliving the warmth of his touch and the feel of his body.

  “Hey!” Michelle snaps her fingers, “Out loud please.”

  “His hands are large and warm, slightly rough to touch yet tender in their actions.” Michelle drops to my bed and makes herself comfy while she melts into my words, “He placed one hand on each of my upper arms and held me gently, making sure I was paying attention to him. His eyes,” I stop as I remember the look in his eyes and gather myself.

  “What about his
eyes? Keep going. Tell me about the kiss!”

  “His eyes were focused on me. I was the only thing that mattered and it was more than desire. Then he kissed me.”

  “He just kissed you, like a peck on the cheek?” she rolls her eyes at me in irritation.

  “He leaned in slowly with need, completely focused on my lips. Softly placed his lips to mine and pressed against them gently, holding his lips on mine and not asking for more.”

  “And?”

  “That’s it. He asked me out again, reiterated the invitation to his house and told me I could bring a friend.”

  She raises her hand, “Friend!”

  “I already told you I’m not going.”

  “Then tell me about the rest of the kiss.”

  “That’s it. There’s nothing else to tell.”

  “No tongue?” She looks confused. “Was it a good kiss? Did you like it?”

  “No tongue.” I consider the rest of her questions and realize there’s no reason to keep it to myself. She already knows. She saw my eyes glaze over. I take a deep breath, “It was amazing. Electric with only his lips.”

  “Why aren’t we going to his party?”

  “I’m not interested in a baseball player. I don’t need the drama. He thinks I’m that crazy seal girl. Forget it.”

  “Not interested doesn’t mean you don’t want him.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Don’t you wonder what that kiss could turn into?” Michelle stops and waits for me to respond, but I hold my ground. “Get ready we’re going. I’ll be your DD. We need to find out more. Consider it a research mission. Hurry up!”

  I stand up ready to go off on her and hold my ground, but why fight it. She’s right, I want him. “Do you promise not to leave me alone with him unless I approve?”

  “Of course.”

  “Fine. Get ready. I’m sure there will be other single guys there and you need a man.”

  “Whatever.” She gets up like a shot, changing to go to the party.

  Chase

  A couple hours later the whole team is hanging out on the beach around my place, when Kristina shows up with a friend. “Hi, I’m happy you decided to come by.” I smile at her and give her a quick hug. “This is my place. Food and drinks are out on the patio. We’ve got a bonfire going out on the sand tonight and some video games in the living room. Mostly the single dudes are playing video games and the couples are out on the patio or the beach somewhere.” I walk them out back to show them where everything is and notice the couples have gotten closer to each other, all snuggling in their blankets on the sand and watching the waves while they’re warmed by the fire. “I have some extra beach blankets if you would like to use them. Please make yourselves at home.” I stop, focusing on Kristina, “I’d really like a chance to talk with you. I’m here when you’re ready to talk or if you want someone to keep you warm out by the fire.” I turn to her friend, “Hi, I’m Chase,” and I reach my hand out to shake hers.

  This warm girl with a sweet, innocent face takes my hand and shakes, “I’m Michelle. Nice to meet you.” She smiles, “Thanks for inviting us over. So, can we play video games with the guys?”

  Kristina shoots her a quick stare and I respond, “You’re welcome to do whatever you like. Let me introduce you to the gamers.” I lead them into the living room and point to each of my teammates as I introduce them, “This is Nathan Stray, Jones Mason, Rhett Clay, Cain Simms, Andrew Brandt, and Corey Grace. Dudes, this is my friend Kristina and her friend Michelle.” Look at me getting names and making sure that everybody knows who everybody is. I realize Kristina hasn’t said a word and I don’t know if that’s good or bad. “I can take you around and introduce you to everybody outside, too, if you’d like.”

  Michelle is still the only one talking, “No, this is cool. I’m comfortable with the video game crowd.” She smiles awkwardly like maybe she shouldn’t admit that. “Hey guys, do you mind if I join in and play?” She asks as she settles into a spot in the living room, making herself at home.

  “What can I get you two ladies to drink?”

  Michelle responds quickly, “An energy drink or a soda would be great, thanks.”

  Kristina wanders out to the patio to get food and pick a drink from the ice chests. Getting Michelle something to snack on, too. She settles in next to Michelle, quietly eating and watching everybody play games. When she finishes eating, she throws away her trash and walks off, checking things out around my bungalow and finally making her way out to the beach. I go after her when she gets to the beach, “Hey, did you want to go for a walk? May I escort you, so you aren’t out here alone tonight?”

  She glances up at me and we walk down the beach together, “I don’t understand why you’re paying so much attention to me. I told you I'm not interested. I’m only in San Diego to work for the Seals and I’m trying to get a permanent gig.”

  “We have that in common. I’m trying to show the Seals they want to keep me. It’s an everyday thing, making myself better and proving myself,” I say sincerely.

  “Yea, but you’re a player and I’m an intern that gets coffee for the media and fills in whenever I possibly can.”

  “You really did sound great as PA Announcer today.”

  “Thanks.” Her accompanying smile makes my heart skip a beat.

  I know I shouldn’t ask, “Kristina, what happened between giving me hickeys all over my body and now? What made you not interested in me? I know I was drunk and that means I’m a jerk. I’m not doing that any more.”

  She glares at me disgusted, like I should know. “I’m just not interested. Girls can change their mind, you know.”

  “Maybe you’re not interested in that guy who wanted you in the mascot costume. But, how about me now?” She turns away from me and starts to walk away down the beach, but I go with her because I’m not giving up that easy and it’s getting late for her to be out here by herself.

  She sighs derisively, “You know I was trying to walk away from you, right? I don’t need you to walk on the beach.”

  “Yes.” I touch her cheek and make her look into my eyes, “Give me a chance here, get to know the real me. We can start from the beginning and pretend we just met. I haven’t had another chick in bed with me since you left me. I’ve only wanted you and I thought you were gone.” I feel my emotions in my throat as I say the words. I did think she was gone and now that I know where she is, I’m not letting her go. I need to be clear with her, she needs to know how I feel. “I’m not just looking for sex. I can get that whenever I want it. It’s more than that.” I’m really not good at this shit. No wonder she left in the middle of the night. I suddenly remember her words from that night. “I remember what you whispered in my ear before you left me that night. You said ‘I want you, too. You have to want me for more. You don’t want me enough.’ and you were probably right. But, you wanted me then. I want you for more. I want you more than anybody else. Please let me show you.” My hand still touching her face, I can feel her warm breath and her pulse quicken. I want to kiss her, but I don’t want to do the wrong thing. I don’t want her to run off on the beach. The wind off the ocean is getting stronger and cold. I brush her hair out of her face and I can’t help myself, I lean in to kiss her. She surprises me by meeting me halfway and kissing me back. Relieved, this tightness that has been growing in my chest releases. The touch of her soft full lips to mine are an adrenaline rush to my system. I try not to push the kiss forward and instead wrap my arms around her, holding her close to me. I want to keep her warm. I want to take care of her. I don’t want her to leave. I have no fucking clue what I’m doing. I can’t believe I’m even thinking these things. The ocean roars and the lights on my patio twinkle off in the distance. I feel her lean into my body and she pulls back quickly, as if she’s burned herself. “I like it when you’re close to me.” My voice comes out low.

  “I should go back and check on Michelle. I shouldn’t have left her with a bunch of guys she doesn’t know.”
Kristina pulls away from me and I grab her hand, intertwining my fingers with hers as we walk back to my bungalow.

  The crowd has gotten smaller and the bonfire is dying down. We catch Seno wrapping a blanket around Sherry as they’re getting ready to leave. “Kristina, this is Rick Seno and his wife, Sherry.”

  Sherry immediately reaches for Kristina and gives her hug, “It’s nice to finally meet you. Chase is one of the good ones.” Sherry stops and stares at me, “Give her my number.” It’s more of an order than a request. Seno smiles and leads his wife away to take her home.

  I start to go inside and check on the other dudes, but Kristina stops me. “How does she know who I am?”

  “Uh, Sherry’s my buddy. She bakes for me. Seno is my best bud, so I spend some time with them.” That’s good enough, right? She hasn’t pulled her hand away from me yet, so it must be okay so far.

  We walk into my living room to find Stray and Simms sitting on the floor playing a game with headphones on, and Mason sleeping on my couch with his arms possessively around Michelle. I didn’t think we were gone that long. I glance at the clock and it’s been longer than I thought, but not that long. The rest of the gamer dudes are gone. I look at Mason and Michelle. They're comfortable together and kind of match. I think that maybe we could double date, that would be fun. But, my thoughts are interrupted by Kristina. I feel her start to shake and she takes her hand from mine.

  “Michelle!” Obviously upset at her friend. “What are you doing? Get up. Let’s go.”

  Hold on. What happened? It was good and now she’s freaking out.

  Michelle opens her eyes and looks at Kristina drowsily, “What? I don’t want to go yet.” Mason’s arms tighten around her and she smiles. “I like it right where I am.”

  “You don’t even know this guy. He’s a player. He won’t even know your name tomorrow.” Kristina throws the words at Michelle.