by LuAnn McLane
“Uh, most of your community was at a local bar last night, getting hammered.”
“It was a party, Lannigan,” he defended through gritted teeth.
Logan arched an eyebrow. “I’m just sayin’.”
Ty wanted to reach over and rip that damned eyebrow off his face and toss it out the window. Except for one thing: Ty had been a late bloomer and was littler than most of his high school teammates. He had always had a bit of a chip on his shoulder and felt the need to prove himself with a cocky attitude much like Lannigan’s.
“Are we finished?” Logan asked, and put his hands on the armrests, as if eager to get the hell out of the office.
Ty wanted to mention Bella, but it really wasn’t his place, so he sighed and then nodded. “Yes,” he replied, and stood up and extended his hand. “Welcome to the Cricket Creek Cougars.”
Lannigan took his hand and shook with a firm grip. “Thanks. I appreciate the offer. No matter what you think of me, I can promise that I will work my ass off.”
“Good. You damned well better,” Ty answered, but was pleased with the kid’s declaration. “I’ll be honest. We need you, Lannigan. But we will get your arm back in shape and you won’t pitch before we think you’re ready. I won’t win at the expense of your health. I want to see you make it back to the minors too.” Ty meant it. It was what he and Noah wanted to see happen as often as possible.
“Thanks,” Logan said, and something shifted in his eyes. The wariness, the hostility, vanished, making Ty wonder how many coaches or even if his parents had pushed this talented kid too much, too far, and if when he finally had his big shot, his overused arm gave out. And to add insult to injury, he was brought back too soon. “I appreciate that.”
“You bet.” Ty released his hand and watched the kid walk across the office, but when he put his hand on the doorknob, Lannigan paused and turned around.
“Sorry about hitting on your girl.”
Ty shrugged. “I probably would have done the same thing at your age.”
“She’s hot.”
Ty angled his head.
“Guess I should have kept that to myself.”
“Just keep your hands to yourself, Lannigan.”
At his comment, a look Ty couldn’t quite read crossed Lannigan’s face, and he said, “Hey, about Bella. Look, I know she’s your friend, and for the record, we’re just roommates.”
“Didn’t you just meet last night? How does that happen?”
Lannigan tilted his head and ran a hand down his face. “Jell-O shots. It seemed like a good idea to us both last night. Madison pushed for it. Anyway, it’s purely a business arrangement. Not that I had to tell ya, but I wanted to put your mind at ease, because I can tell that you really care about her.”
“She acts like one tough cookie, but she’s going through some shit right now. Don’t take advantage.”
“I won’t. As a matter of fact, I’ll take it one step further. I’ll kick any dude’s ass who tries to mess with her,” he added hotly.
Ty had to press his lips together to keep from grinning. The kid was reminding him more and more of himself . . . and Lannigan already cared about Bella. “Hey, I understand where you’re coming from.” Ty walked over and clamped a hand on Lannigan’s shoulder. “I’ve known Bella for a few years. I was a regular at Chicago Blue, where she was the hostess. It’s nice to know someone is looking out for her.”
“I hear a but in there somewhere.”
“But good luck.” Ty couldn’t hold back a grin this time. “Because Bella’s a handful.”
Lannigan gave him a lopsided grin back. “I already have that figured out, but thanks for the heads-up, Coach.”
Ty sat down and then swiveled around to the window view, and exhaled a sigh of relief. He felt much better about that whole exchange and smiled. Logan Lannigan wasn’t quite as cocky as he pretended to be, and Ty could relate. The kid was good, but had worked hard, and it was some scary shit watching a dream of a lifetime slip through your fingertips. And while Ty had been telling him the truth—that he wouldn’t sacrifice the health of any of his players for a victory—the fact remained that a winning season was important. But he welcomed the pressure and the challenge. It was the name of the game.
Ty inhaled the smell of fresh paint and new carpet while watching a barge heading slowly down the river. The sinking sun glinted off the water, and he felt a sense of peace wash over him just watching the lazy progress. But at the same time, he felt a sweet surge of anticipation. Opening day was just weeks away!
When Ty’s stomach rumbled he was reminded that he had skipped lunch. But then he felt another rush of anticipation that had nothing to do with baseball. It was time for a little dinner at Wine and Diner. With that thought, a vision of Jessica popped into his mind, and he slowly shook his head. He never imagined that a woman could have a hold on him the way that she did . . . and it felt amazing. Ty leaned back and chuckled. “Damn . . .” He had been teasing Noah about being whipped, but now he totally understood.
Although Ty had carefully distanced himself from serious relationships, he had always wondered what it would feel like to be in love, but the intensity of the emotion blew him away. He would do anything for Jessica. But he also knew that he needed to take things slow or he might scare her away. Little by little, inch by inch, he was going to remove that fear lingering in the depths of her eyes. He wanted Jessica to look at him the way Olivia looked at Noah. It would take some time, but he was a patient man when it came to getting what he wanted. And he wanted a relationship with Jessica Robinson more than anything. That thought startled him at first, but he smiled. “So this is love,” he whispered. “Well, damn.”
When his stomach rumbled again in protest, Ty pushed up to his feet and rubbed his midsection. “Meat loaf and mashed potatoes, here I come.”
Since he had been cooped up in his office all day, Ty decided to walk to Wine and Diner. He had to smile at how many people honked and waved or stopped him to chat about how pumped they were that opening day was fast approaching. He loved seeing hope and excitement on the faces of the townsfolk, and he was going to work his ever-loving tail off to make the team a success.
When Ty entered Wine and Diner, he was pleased to see a line waiting to be seated. “Well, hey there, Bella.” When she looked up from the hostess podium, Ty greeted her with a grin. “Kinda like old times.”
“Well, hello again, Ty McKenna. Welcome to Wine and Diner!” Bella tucked her pen behind her ear, and Ty was glad to see her smile. “Just you tonight?”
“Yep, okay, maybe it’s not like old times.”
Bella laughed. “Not even close,” she commented in a low tone.
“You doing any better today?”
Her smile faltered a bit. “Heading in that general direction, I hope.”
“That’s good to hear,” Ty said, and took the menu she handed him, even though he knew it by heart.
“There’s a twenty-minute wait unless you want to sit at the bar.”
“You know I have no problem bellying up to the bar.”
Bella laughed. “Well, at least some things never change. Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” she added with a wink.
“Lead the way.” Ty of course knew where the bar was, but allowed Bella to do her job and followed her through the main dining area. He got waves and nods from now-familiar faces, and although he wasn’t a hometown boy like Noah, he liked the fact that he was being treated more like a resident than a celebrity. Fewer people were calling him Triple Threat, and referred to him as Coach instead. Cricket Creek was beginning to feel like home, and after the transient lifestyle of a pro baseball player, the thought of putting down roots was appealing.
Although everything had been updated, Jessica had kept the essence of the original diner intact. Square Formica tables swirled with shades of smoky gray filled the booths lining the walls of the room. The chairs and benches gleamed with deep red leather upholstery, and the hardwood floor had been
refinished and restored. A long counter with swivel stools formed an L shape directly in front of the bustling kitchen. Round trays of food were constantly being shoved up for the servers, who bantered back and forth with the cooks in diner lingo that entertained the customers. Ty knew that Jessica urged them to create a fun, energetic atmosphere that brought people back time and time again, and it was working. Jessica was smart and savvy. And sexy, his brain added, making him smile.
“Wow, that’s temptation under glass,” Ty commented to Bella when they passed a glass case displaying mouthwatering desserts that could be bought by the slice or by the entire pie or cake, some of which were made at Grammar’s Bakery across the street.
“Oh, I know!” Bella said over her shoulder. “That Mile-High Coconut Cream Pie has been calling my name. It’s a good thing the condo complex has a workout center. I’m going to need it!”
“Tell me about it,” Ty agreed, and patted his stomach.
Country and bluegrass music filtered through speakers, while lively conversation hummed throughout the room. Silverware tinkled, glasses clinked, and a sprinkling of laughter gave the restaurant the modern-meets-throwback feel that Jessica was going for. He smiled, remembering the many conversations about the new menu and decor they had had over the past few weeks. Jessica pored over every detail, but wasn’t opposed to listening to his suggestions. Having been valued only for his athletic ability over the years, her heeding his advice was a good feeling. Adding Bella to her crew was going to keep the bigger crowds under control.
Ty eyed plates with big, juicy burgers and hand-cut French fries, double-deckers, and open-faced roast beef. But Jessica had also added some modern flair to old favorites and included some bistro-style entrées that she had perfected at Chicago Blue. Tonight’s special was Jessica’s amazing meat loaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes, the kind with the skin still on, and his stomach rumbled just thinking about it.
“Smells great in here,” Ty commented.
“I know.” Bella nodded and gave her long, dark hair a flip over her shoulder. “I plan on trying everything on the menu. Jessica was working on some summertime fare this afternoon. Corn-and-bean salsa. Oh, baby, it was spicy hot, but so good.”
Ty followed Bella into the new addition at the rear of the building. Although there was still a retro look, the tables were covered in white linen and rolled napkins. Fat candles flickered in muted lighting, and the music was soft rock instead of the bluegrass in the main dining room. A gorgeous bar built by Jason ran the length of the room, and mirrored lighted shelves displayed top-shelf liquor, with the emphasis on Kentucky bourbon. A wine rack butted up to an exposed brick wall, and a stone fireplace was the focal point in a lounge area at the rear of the room. French doors led to a patio that was a work in progress that Jessica wanted to have ready for an opening-day outdoor party.
“Do you still want to sit up at the bar?” Bella asked. “The couple at the end has a table that’s ready.”
“Yeah, that works,” Ty answered. No need to take up a table when he planned on staying until Jessica was finished for the night. Just the thought of seeing her made him grin.
“Do you want me to find her?” Bella asked with a knowing arch of an eyebrow.
“Who?”
“Right,” she said with a tilt of her head. “I’ll let Jessica know you’re here.”
“Am I that transparent?”
“Yes, and I think it’s so cute,” she said, and wrinkled up her nose. “I always hoped you’d end up with somebody with some substance instead of those airheads you used to hang out with.”
“I haven’t ended up with Jessica. I still have my work cut out for me.”
Bella lifted her chin and tapped him on the chest. “Somehow I think you’re up for the challenge.”
“I am,” Ty answered, and gave Sam, the bartender, a nod when he held up a Kentucky Ale.
“Good, because Jess is worth it,” Bella said with the conviction of someone who cared. She really was a sweetheart, and he had a hard time wrapping his brain around anyone treating her poorly.
“I agree,” Ty answered, and then sat down on the vacant leather-backed stool.
“How are ya doin’ tonight, Coach?” Sam asked as he popped the top off the beer and handed Ty the cold bottle.
“I’m doin’ great, Sam,” Ty answered before taking a long swig of the cold brew. And he realized that it wasn’t just one of those automatic replies when in reality you’re doing crappy. He truly meant it. The roster was filled with some solid talent, and opening day was just around the corner. Season-ticket sales were going strong, and local merchants were already feeling a positive impact.
“Glad to hear it,” Sam replied. “This whole town is lookin’ forward to opening day.”
“Me too.” Ty took another drink from the bottle and looked around. This was a typical Tuesday night, and yet Wine and Diner was packed with locals who, like Ty, were regulars. But a recent article in Southern Living magazine had also been bringing in patrons from miles away. Ty knew that Jessica had been scrambling to keep up and had called in a favor from a staff writer who was a big fan of his—not that he would ever let Jessica know he had a hand in landing the article. He wished there was something he could do to help out. A late-night back rub popped into his brain, almost making him choke on his beer. There had never been a woman who had occupied his thoughts as much as Jessica, and at this point he couldn’t imagine his life without her.
“You ready to order?” Sam flicked Ty a glance while making drinks with lightning speed.
“Meat loaf special,” Ty answered with a nod, but then sighed, thinking this going-slow thing wasn’t going to be easy. Ty was used to going full throttle. It was everything he could do not to head on into the kitchen and drag Jessica into his arms in front of God and everybody. His heart thumped. He was half tempted to do it.
With another sigh, Ty looked up at the flat-screen television and checked out the score of the Cincinnati Reds preseason baseball game, but watched the action without much interest. All he could think about was getting a kiss from Jessica. When his meat loaf arrived, his attention was diverted by the delicious meal and a very nice glass of 2008 Estate Merlot from Elk Creek Winery. Jessica’s wine list included several Kentucky wineries, and this one was a favorite of his.
Ty smiled when he spotted Madison heading his way. Jason wasn’t with her, since he had been burning the midnight oil on last-minute work over at the stadium. The kid was talented and a hard worker.
“Well, hello there, Ty.” Madison greeted him with a bright smile. “Enjoy your dinner?” She glanced down at his nearly clean plate. “Ah, meat loaf and merlot?”
Ty wiped his mouth with his napkin and scooted around to face her. “Well, after all, it is called Wine and Diner.”
Madison nodded slowly and raised her palms upward. “My mama is a genius.”
“I won’t argue that.”
“Have you seen her yet tonight?”
Ty toyed with the neck of his beer bottle and tried to appear casual and not like a lovesick puppy. “No . . .”
“Was that a pout?”
“Hold on. I’m a dude. An athlete!” Ty sat up straighter. “I don’t pout.”
Madison arched one blond brow and gave him a pointed look.
“Okay, yes, that was a pout. But, hey, I know she’s busy.”
Madison rolled her eyes. “Yes, she is, but Mom has very capable people back there, especially at this time of night, when things are starting to wind down. Ty, we close in just a little while. She can leave the doggone kitchen. I told her she needs to get out here and mingle with the customers, and she delegated that job to me.” Madison sighed. “I don’t mind, but Mom’s tired and could use a cold drink. But do you think she would listen? No-oo.”
“So she refuses to leave the kitchen?”
“Yes,” Madison replied darkly, but then tapped her finger against her cheek. A moment later, her eyes widened. “Hmm . . .”
&nb
sp; “What?”
She bit her bottom lip and then leaned in closer, away from prying eyes and ears. “I think I might have thought of a plan. Are you game?”
Ty grinned. “What do you think?”
Madison angled her head with her hands on her hips. “I’m thinking yes.”
“You’d be right.”
“Awesome!” She leaned her forearm on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Now, here’s what I want you to do. . . .”
12
The Shape of Things to Come
Jessica moved her head from side to side and then rolled her shoulders in an effort to ease the tension. She was elated that Wine and Diner was packed—on a Tuesday night, no less—but waves of exhaustion washed over her. The flattering Southern Living article that hit the stands yesterday was such a blessing, but she was running on fumes. She glanced around the kitchen, searching for potential problems, but each station seemed to be running smoothly and they were slowly sliding into cleanup mode. Everyone was weary but remained upbeat, making Jessica smile. This was a good crew.
Jessica felt a little guilty sending Madison out to mingle, but she was bone-tired and her bubbly daughter was so much better in that capacity than she would ever hope to be. And while Jessica was sorry for Bella’s recent breakup and the loss of her job at Chicago Blue, having her as hostess, particularly on a night like tonight, was a blessing. Jessica also knew that Bella’s mother, Nicolina, would soon blow into Cricket Creek like a hurricane, especially when she learned that her daughter had moved in with a complete stranger! Jessica had been shocked when Madison had given her the news that Bella and Logan were roommates, and none too happy when Madison had also confessed to orchestrating the situation. But Madison had given Jessica the matchmaker look of I know what I’m doing, and she knew there was no arguing with Madison’s gut feeling.
“Mom!”