The Heart Of The Game

by Pamela Aares

  She sucked in her bottom lip and bit it. For a moment he thought she was going to burst into tears.

  Then she nodded.

  Once. Twice.

  And he couldn’t hold back.

  He pulled her against him. He had every intention of sharing a gentle kiss. But as his lips met hers, he plundered. She moaned softly as his tongue teased hers. That quiet sound flicked off the lid he’d kept on his control. He cupped his hand against her backside and deepened the kiss, his erection going hard as she melded her body to his.

  Liza nudged him hard in the side, enough to knock them both into the hay. Cody pressed himself up, away from Zoe. “You okay?”

  She didn’t answer. Instead she reached her hand up and pulled his lips to hers. Her other hand traced fire up his back, tracking a searing path of yes straight to his groin. He inched his hand up under her sweater. And moaned when his fingers met the bare flesh of her breast. He cupped the warm weight of it in his palm. She arched and gasped against his mouth. Her nipple went pebble hard. He couldn’t resist rolling it between his finger and thumb.

  “Cody,” she murmured.

  He smiled against her lips and then slowly tracked kisses down her throat. The throb of her pulse under his lips, her scent and the feel of her skin peeled away his reserve, his plans to go slow. He slid his hand from her breast and lifted her sweater. It was his turn to moan. Her breasts were full, creamy white, and the dark rose nipples begged to be tasted. He bent over her and sucked, brushing his tongue over and over against the tips as she writhed under him.

  He put a hand on her bared stomach and kneaded gently. She shivered as he ran kisses up her throat and met her lips again. He slipped his hand lower and found the button at the top of her jeans.

  Breaking off the kiss, he looked into her eyes for a sign. He wasn’t going any farther without her full-on permission.

  She knitted her brows.

  “Tell me you want me,” he whispered as he fingered the zipper of her jeans.

  “I do, Cody. I do.”

  Infused with passion and coming from her lips, the words sounded foreign, like a password to a secret world. Her world. A world he hungered to enter.

  He inched the zipper of her jeans down and slid his fingers below the lace of her panties. He nearly came when he touched her slick, wet sex and she arched into his hand. He stroked her hard nub with one finger, his own body thrilling as he watched pleasure begin to take her.

  The sound of footsteps coming toward them had him pulling his hand away and tugging up her zipper. Puzzlement clouded her eyes. Maybe she hadn’t heard the footsteps, but he had. He had the ears of an owl, his brother used to say.

  “Someone’s coming,” he whispered.

  He knelt, taking one last look at her soft belly and enticing, perfect breasts before he pulled down her sweater to cover her.

  A moment more with her and the someone coming would’ve seen them in the proverbial compromising position. He pulled straw from her hair as she sat up. They didn’t even have a chance to stand before Ryan loomed at the door of the stall.

  It was the second time that Cody had been so engulfed by the hunger Zoe whipped up that he’d lost track of his surroundings. That wasn’t like him. But hell, neither was losing his mind with wanting a woman.

  “Oh... bad timing,” Ryan said, red creeping into his cheeks as he backed away from the door.

  Liza darted for Ryan and nuzzled his pockets when she reached him.

  “We were just headed out,” Zoe said as she jumped up and tugged at her sweater. She wasn’t a convincing liar, and Cody found he liked her more for it.

  “I was just bringing Liza her treats.” Ryan patted Liza and rubbed behind her ears.

  Zoe darted a glance at Cody and then at Ryan. “Jackie said no treats.”

  Ryan gave a nervous laugh. “Dr. Jackie’s not the animal law around here, but never let on.” He reached into his pocket. “Besides, these treats contain vitamins.” He looked Cody in the eye. “Have you shown Zoe the back pasture?”

  “Not yet.”

  Ryan knew full well that he and Zoe hadn’t made it out of the stall, but his diversion at least helped them save face. Not that it was a crime to be kissing in the hay, but getting caught made him feel like a school kid. Hell, they weren’t naked or anything, just copping a kiss. At least he hoped that was how it appeared. If either Zoe or Ryan looked into his soul right then, he’d be hard pressed to explain the hungry turbulence they’d find.

  “I’d love to see your place,” Zoe said in a stronger voice that had Cody almost believing her.

  “I’ll give you the fifty-cent tour then,” Ryan said. He didn’t have to halter Liza; the little donkey followed Ryan like a puppy.

  Zoe’s eyes went wide as they exited the back of the barn. Thirty donkeys were spread out over a three-acre pasture. A group of them trotted over to Ryan.

  “Looks like Liza’s not the only treat princess,” Zoe said.

  Cody was glad to hear the steadier tone of her voice. Being caught in an embarrassing position was never comfortable. But the flicker of her pulse in her neck betrayed the effort she was making to pull off a calm front. He wanted to press his lips to where her neck throbbed. To pull her back into his arms. But now was not the time.

  “What are those?” she asked, pointing to four paddocks open to the sky but closed in on three sides.

  “Isolation stalls,” Ryan answered. “These are all rescue donkeys. Some of them have been so badly abused that it takes time to settle them in and introduce them to the others. Even longer to get them comfortable with people once again.”

  Ryan patted Liza on the rump and encouraged her to roam. But she didn’t budge.

  “I wanted to thank you for what you did with Barney last week, Cody. He’s way better.” Ryan turned to Zoe. “Cody has a way with animals. Darnedest thing I’ve ever seen. He made more progress in reducing Barney’s PTSD in an hour than any of the fancy trainers I’ve had coming in for the past three weeks. He has magic hands.”

  “Barney’s a quick learner,” Cody said, deflecting the praise.

  Zoe blushed when Cody caught her staring at his hands. She knew plenty about the magic in them.

  No pleasure in Zoe’s life had felt as good as Cody’s hands on her body. Except maybe his lips tasting her.

  “I’ve experienced his magic.”

  That hadn’t come out right.

  Before Ryan could tease her, she added, “He helped with one of my geldings.”

  At the sound of Cara calling his name, Ryan turned toward the house.

  “Casey’s almost too big to carry,” he said as he waved at Cara bounding down the back steps with the baby on her hip. Ryan hit Cody playfully on the arm. “Carting around a toddler will build up your muscles faster than you can imagine. I may not need my gym this winter.”

  They all watched as Cara and Casey caught up to them.

  Ryan scooped Casey from Cara’s arms and set him atop Liza.

  “He’s going to be a class A rider someday,” Cara said. “Maybe even a polo champ.” She winked at Zoe.

  “Like hell,” Ryan said. “No way I’m getting into all that. Next thing you know I’d be rescuing cast-off polo ponies. Those and racehorses require special facilities. And loads more time than I have during the season.”

  Cody stepped beside Ryan and steadied the giggling Casey on the donkey’s back.

  “Okay to take him for a spin?” Cody asked.

  “Watch out for gopher holes.” Cara laughed.

  Zoe watched as Cody led the little boy and donkey toward the middle of the pasture. Cody leaned down and whispered something to Casey, and Casey let out a high-pitched squeal of joy.

  “Tell me that you didn’t just promise him a saddle,” Cara called across the pasture to them.

  Cody blushed.

  “He’s impossible,” Cara said. “I don’t know who he spoils more when he comes out here for batting practice, Casey or Liza. When he has kids,
I’m going to go all out spoiling them rotten. It’ll serve him right.”

  “Maybe I’ll buy them their first Bugattis,” Ryan said with a knowing grin to his wife.

  No words were needed to explain the love that flowed between Cara and Ryan. Zoe felt it to her toes. Just as she felt an odd sadness as she watched Cody grinning while he led Liza and Casey around the far side of the pasture. He seemed so good with kids, she couldn’t imagine what trauma had made him so clearly against having any of his own. It struck her that she barely knew him—something she was more than ready to remedy.

  “Would you bring him in for his nap?” Cara asked Ryan. “I have a few things to finish up before the East Coast office closes.” She eyed Zoe. “We’d all be very sorry in about half an hour if we didn’t put him down for some shut-eye. Like his dad, he gets fussy unless he has a nap.”

  “Not true,” Ryan protested as he headed across the pasture to lift a protesting Casey from Liza’s back.

  “The food’s ready,” Cara said. “If you can drag Cody away from the animals.”

  They left Zoe standing in the pasture, staring at Cody and Liza. Did Cara and Ryan think they were a couple?

  One of the smaller donkeys wandered over to her and sniffed at her sweater.

  “No treats,” she said, rubbing its neck. The donkey’s ribs showed and the patchiness of his coat told her that he hadn’t been at Ryan’s refuge for very long.

  “I wouldn’t say that,” Cody said as he slipped an arm around her. He kissed the bare skin of her neck. “Would it be rude to skip out on the meal?”

  “I wish I could say no,” Zoe said. “But yes, it would be, especially considering all the work Cara put into the cooking.”

  He crooked his arm. “Lead on, then. But you should know that there are many activities I’d much rather be doing.” He grinned. “Many other delicacies I’d rather be tasting.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “And all of them involve you.”

  They walked through the fenced back paddock. As he turned to close the gate behind them, Liza charged straight for Cody, braying loudly.

  “Told you she didn’t like sharing.” He stroked Liza. “It’s okay, girl. I’ll be back. I promise.”

  Zoe leaned her elbows on the gate and watched the little donkey submit to the bliss of Cody’s hands. But then she nosed over to Zoe.

  “She knows a good thing when she sees one.” Cody chuckled. “Fickle creature.”

  Zoe stroked Liza through the fence.

  “You know, you have a way with animals too,” Cody told her. “I feel it.”

  “I love them. Sometimes more than people.” She motioned to the grazing donkeys. “This a wonderful refuge Ryan has created.”

  “When Ryan’s dad found out his son put heaters in the barn, Ryan told me he nearly went into shock. His dad’s an East Texas rancher, hard-core old school. But I heard that once he met Liza here, he was a goner too.”

  He touched his hand to Zoe’s arm. Warmth sizzled into her, and she wanted to purr.

  “The way you love animals—have you ever thought about maybe starting a refuge?” he asked.

  Although the idea struck solid in her heart, she didn’t have the land for such an undertaking in Italy. Certainly not enough to rescue horses. It just wouldn’t be feasible. Land near Rome cost a fortune even greater than hers.

  Before she could formulate her thoughts, he added, “You could easily run fences in those acres behind the old crush pad, near where Scotty and I finished up that back fence. Your brother said the soil in that area’s no good for grapes, but it’d be great for horses. I’d be glad to help.”

  But she wasn’t staying and therefore wouldn’t be running fences or anything else on that land.

  And no part of her had the will to tell him right then.

  Not when every pulse of her heart was screaming that she should reconsider.

  “I’ll think about it,” she finally said. And instantly regretted not telling him the truth straight out. Putting the truth into words couldn’t have made her feel any worse; she knew she was leaving soon and not coming back.

  Maybe sharing the news with Cody would lessen the growing sting.

  She angled her head, studying the strong lines of his face as they returned to the house.

  But maybe telling him that she was leaving would have him pulling away and turning his attention to a woman who lived in the area. A woman he could enjoy for months or years rather than only days.

  And just maybe not saying anything would allow her to lie to herself. Let her ignore the warring impulses inside her, the one that needed her to leave and the one that now wanted to stay.

  “I’ll think about it,” she said again, knowing there was nothing left to think about.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The sounds of celebration hummed through the great hall at Trovare as Cody took his place next to Zoe near one end of the massive table set for the Thanksgiving feast. Ropes of woven flower garlands and greenery snaked along its center, and dozens of candles gave the room a soft glow. He was still uncomfortable in Alex’s opulent home, but he couldn’t deny that the place had a spirit he was coming to love. He supposed it was because instead of being constructed to impress, like the homes of the McCormacks and other wealthy people he’d known, Trovare castle and its grounds had been crafted to bring a dream to life. Every room, every mural, every stone told a story.

  “I think I love Thanksgiving best of the American holidays,” Jackie said from her place next to him as she scooped mashed potatoes from the bowl Cody held for her. “What’s your favorite?” she asked when in turn she held the bowl for him.

  He took up the silver serving spoon and let out a slow breath. Holidays of any sort had been tough the past few years. He’d gone with a couple of his buddies in the minor leagues to their homes for Easter and Christmas, but spending holidays with his teammates’ families had never felt right. Last Thanksgiving had been a low point. He’d stayed in, bought some takeout. And had never felt lonelier in his life.

  “I’m not much on family,” Cody answered honestly. “So holidays aren’t the easiest times for me.”

  He turned to hold the bowl for Zoe and caught her staring at him as if he’d just admitted to a grievous sin.

  “You’re always welcome here,” Alex said from his place at the head of the long table. “If you can put up with us,” he added with a grin.

  As Cody thanked him, it occurred to him that Alex could’ve been a statesman instead of a ballplayer. Hell, he was a statesman in the game. He’d been a player rep during the strike a few years back; the trust he’d earned from both sides had averted a season shutdown. And Alex mentored players in his own quiet and generous way. There were others on the team who might eventually take his place when—if—Alex ever made good on his threat to retire, but they’d never be the wise and inspiring force that Alex was. Some guys were just one of a kind.

  “A toast to our host,” Jake Ryder said, raising his glass to a chorus of cheers and the clattering sound of glasses clinking.

  Cody picked up his champagne glass and clicked it against Zoe’s, then took a sip, but didn’t have another. What with the fast-flying family banter, the customary razzing of his teammates, and his strong desire to carry Zoe off somewhere, anywhere, and kiss her senseless, he needed to keep his wits about him. It’d been two weeks since he’d seen her at Ryan and Cara’s and nearly a week since they’d made a movie date she’d regretfully had to cancel. Family obligations, she’d said. He hadn’t needed any reminder to know that in her mind family came first.

  Zoe tipped her champagne flute to her lips and swallowed. “Mmmmm,” she purred, running her tongue along her lower lip. Cody nearly groaned with the urge she fired in him. She held out her glass, tipping it so the bubbles danced in the candlelight. “Californians may have great reds, but no one beats the French for champagne.”

  He’d barely been able to take his eyes off her since she’d walked into the room just
before dinner. The silver-white clingy dress she wore made him crazy just looking at her. When she’d entered the room, Jake had eyed her and winked. Cody was sure he’d scowled at his jovial teammate. Luckily Zoe’s sister Coco had captured Jake’s full attention, or Cody might’ve bared his teeth and growled.

  Cody had ridden over with Jake and had been glad for the company. He’d been apprehensive about the holiday celebration and even more nervous about seeing Zoe again. She’d crowded into his thoughts, and the fact that he didn’t want to stop thinking about her addled him more.

  Adding to his apprehension was the call he’d received from his dad earlier in the week. Talk about bad timing. His father’s sources had uncovered a data trail suggesting that Santino Tavonesi might be involved in questionable Mafia dealings. The early evidence was sketchy at best, and his dad reminded him not to jump to any conclusions. Those sorts of trails could be deceiving, he’d said, not always what they seemed.

  When Cody had hung up the phone, it struck him: the conversation had been civil. No, more than civil—emotion flowed under it, through their words. They’d somehow become a team again, like in the old days when his dad would pitch to him in the back field after dinner. Cody had expected months, maybe years of wariness, of tentative get-togethers and a slow return to normalcy. But his father’s confession and apology had overcome Cody’s years of hard, burning anger and incinerated the grudge he’d held, blowing it away like ashes in a powerful wind.

  “To all of us,” Alex toasted, snapping Cody back from his thoughts. “I wish Sabrina and my mother were here, but someone had to join Sabrina in Paris since Kaz had to help his parents with the farm and she couldn’t come home during her film shoot.”

  “Real hardship duty,” Alana said, laughing from her place across the table. “I’m on the next plane.”

  “Me too,” Matt’s daughter, Sophie, piped up. She looked up at Alana. “That is, if I’m invited?”