One out. Which means only twenty-six more until we’re done here. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but I know it is. The next two batters are out and no one even touches a base in the first inning. My eyes are glued to Cam as he runs off the field. His head nods my direction in a barely perceptible motion. I recognize it only because I know him so well at this point. He’s thinking the same thing as me. One inning down, only eight more to go and we can be done with this game.
The guys need a win tonight to get the momentum moving in the right direction. Cam is the one to get them the win, and I have no doubt he won’t deliver exactly that.
After five innings have gone by, we’re ahead two runs to none. The evening has cooled down, and I’m now wearing my vest and matching red gloves. My legs are bouncing up and down, but not from the cold; I just want another inning behind us so we’re closer to a win. When Cam throws the first pitch of the sixth inning, it hits the dirt. Johnny stops it effortlessly, but I watch Cam shake his shoulder. I turn to Stan.
“Is he hurting or did he just have a bad pitch?”
“I don’t think his arm is botherin’ him. I think the ball just slipped a little on his release.” Stan looks at me, and I nod at him.
I hook my arm through his. I have given both Quinn and Stan the evening off since the first inning. I have actually been pretty calm, but I can’t stand even one mistake. It makes me nervous. Cam walks the first batter, and now I’m leaning into Stan as if that will protect me from anything negative on the field.
Stan senses my increased tension and pats my hand that is hooked through his arm. “It’s just one batter, Ashley. He’ll be fine. His arm is still strong. Don’t worry.”
I nod again at Stan and continue to watch Cam. I feel like he’s not standing as tall, and I need him to throw with the same fierceness he has all night. The next batter pops out but the runner on first advances to second. Cam struggles with the next batter, throwing two balls out of the gate. I hear someone behind me yell.
“Can’t your boyfriend do better than that?”
What the hell? I refuse to turn around and engage the drunken fan nearby. Now I have two things to worry about. Apparently, either the entire ballpark knows I’m dating JC Williams or this is a fan that was in the section when they took me down below last time Cam was pitching. Stan’s hand tightens on mine, and I keep my eyes on the field.
The batter fouls the next pitch, and I let out the breath I was holding. I steal a glance in Quinn’s direction, and I know by the look on her face she heard the drunk guy too. I turn back to the field and watch as Cam prepares to throw the next pitch. The batter swings but makes no contact. I blow out another breath.
When the next pitch is a ball, I feel my shoulders slump. I hear the same fan yell again. “Come on! He sucks! He needs to be pulled.”
Someone else from a different section yells for the guy to shut up, and I go back to focusing on Cam. The batter hits a grounder and Johnson scoops it up, easily throwing the batter out at first. Two down. I want this inning over so badly.
Finally they escape the inning with no runs scored, but now I’m on edge with the rowdy fan behind us. I haven’t turned around yet. I know the team is close by, but it still bothers me.
The guys score another run in the sixth, and we go into the seventh up three runs to none. This makes me feel a little better, but I have a feeling this is going to be a tough inning. The first batter is easily out at first. Cam battles with the second batter and when he hits a triple, I feel nauseous. I can hear the jackass behind me yelling, and I watch Johnny head out to the mound. They’re deep in conversation, and I glance at Quinn. I see the worry on her face and I’m not sure if it’s for Johnny and Cam or the idiot a few rows back.
“Come on, Mrs. Williams. Are you afraid to turn around?” At least the guy doesn’t know my real name, which is a relief.
I don’t need to give this guy the satisfaction, but it’s taking all of my self-control to keep facing forward. Quinn leans into me, and she and Stan are both a solid rock for me to lean on. When the guy starts up again, someone else yells at him to shut up. At least the rest of the fans are on Cam’s side. That makes me feel a little bit safer in my seat. I know it’s just one drunk idiot, and I can’t let him break me.
When the next batter steps up, I stop breathing. I close my eyes and beg for him to strike the guy out. First pitch is a strike; the batter just watched it. Relief. When he swings at the second pitch and it flies out to left field I stop breathing again. I know it’s short and Dyson can’t make the catch. The runner is going to score. When the ball bounces in front of Dyson, the runner on third is almost home, so he throws toward second. The batter was ballsy to try and make it and Dyson makes a great throw. Johnson catches it and easily tags the runner out at second, but the inning is over with one run scored.
“What do you have to say now?” I don’t acknowledge the guy but that doesn’t stop him. “I’m talking to you, bitch!”
When the word rolls off his tongue, I stand up and turn his direction. As I do, I see him moving down the aisle with his glass raised. Before anyone can stop him, his hand swings forward and the liquid is flying through the air. Three guys have him tackled to the ground before the beer even hits me. I’m grateful they didn’t hesitate to take him down, but as the cold liquid covers me, I panic. The guy moved so quickly that I fear the team is not off the field yet.
My head whips back toward the field and my fear is confirmed. Cam has stopped in his tracks and he looks like he wants to kill someone. “Shit,” I mumble under my breath. I don’t want this to affect his pitching. I think they still need him for one more inning, but I’m afraid this is going to impact him.
Fonz is at the wall before I can even register what Cam is going to do. “Ashley? Ashley! Are you okay?”
I look down at him. “I’m fine. Please tell Cam I’m okay. It was one drunk guy. The entire section tackled him, and security is dragging him out of here. No one else is bothering me. It was just the one guy.”
He nods, but there’s hesitation in his eyes. “I’ll try, but he’s not going to be happy.”
“I know, but please try.”
He heads back down into the dugout and no one comes back for a couple minutes so I think I might be in the clear. Then Fonz pops back up and throws a jersey over the wall. “At least put this on.” He throws a hat next, and I catch it in the air. Two security guards walk down the aisle, and they nod at me. I look at Quinn, who moves to stand up.
“Let’s go to the restroom so you can put the jersey on. That’s what he wants.”
I nod and look over at Stan. “We’ll be right back.”
“I’m sorry, Ashley.”
I squeeze his hand. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, beer is good for my hair. Some people use it as a conditioner.” I smile and Stan offers a small chuckle.
“I hope that guy knows what a great girl you are. Very few would take that in stride.”
I feel my cheeks heat. “Thanks, Stan.”
I get up with Quinn following close behind. The security guards escort us to the bathroom, and I spend a couple minutes trying to dry out my vest with the hand blower. No matter what I do, the smell of stale beer will still be there.
Quinn stands next to me after she washes her hands. “I’m sorry that happened, Ash. Partially because I’m afraid Wills is going to have security detail with you at all times now. I can see him going into crazy protective mode.”
I roll my eyes. “I know. That’s exactly my fear.”
“Maybe we should sit somewhere different next time, like your suite.”
“Maybe.” I pull the vest away from the blower. It’s a hopeless cause. “But I like being close to them.”
“Me too. But your safety is first, Ash.”
“Yeah. Let’s go finish this game and worry about it later.”
She hooks her arm through mine, and we walk out together. One of the guards is holding a team jacket now. He holds it out to me. �
�He insisted you wear this.”
Rather than argue with the guy, I put my hand out to accept it. I toss my vest in the closest garbage can because I honestly don’t want to carry it around with me all night. The smell alone is nauseating, and I don’t need to be reminded about what just happened.
I carry the jacket with me rather than putting it on because I’m still warm from everything that just happened. When we walk back down the aisle to our seats, our section and the one next to us all stand and start clapping. I smile shyly as we make our way to our seats. Before I sit back down, I turn to everyone, give a quick wave, and yell, “Thank you!” When I turn to sit, I see Fonz standing on the other side of the wall with his eyes on me. I have a feeling he’s been given babysitting duty, and I shrug my shoulder while giving him a small smile.
He nods back, and I see the concern in his eyes. The inning ends a couple minutes later, and our guys start to make their way back out to the field. Cam looks my direction as he heads out. He still looks like he might kill someone and it's the other team I feel bad for right now. Either the guys up to bat are going to be the receiver of Cam’s anger, or Johnny is going to be blocking wild pitches. Certainly, I’m hoping it’s the batters that can’t keep up.
When the inning ends with no more runs scored, I’m pretty sure Cam is going to be out for the last inning. Stan doesn’t think they need him to finish the game and they’ll want him to start the next series, so they will save what they can of his arm. The guys score one more run in the eighth, and we’re pretty sure that guarantees Cam will not be back on the mound.
When Gonzalez runs out to finish up the last inning, I let out a breath of relief. Cam is done for the evening, and most likely we’ll walk away with the first win of the series. Fonz is still in the same spot, confirming my suspicion that he’s been given strict orders from Cam.
When the game ends, I briefly see Cam when he comes out of the dugout to shake hands but he disappears quickly. His shoulder had ice on it when he was out there, and I’m hoping his throwing arm feels okay.
The park has an energetic buzz and people slowly make their way out. Stan needs to get home to his wife, and I thank him profusely for coming with me. We make plans for him to sit in the box with us tomorrow night. I’m not sitting in the stands tomorrow when Cam is not pitching. Even though the rest of the two sections are very supportive, I don’t need to risk any drama.
My phone vibrates a few minutes later. I notice Quinn reaches for her phone at the same time.
From: Cam
Get your gorgeous ass down here!
Quinn must have a similar text because when she makes eye contact, she shrugs. “I guess we’re being summoned.” She gives me a small smile. “Are you okay, Ash?”
I wave my hand at her. “Girl, I’m fine. One person is not going to ruin my entire evening. It was just a little beer. No big deal.”
She narrows her eyes at me but accepts my answer.
Chapter 23
Cam
When I see the girls standing in their usual spot, I motion for them to come in the door. I see Ashley hesitate, and it hurts me that she still doesn’t feel like she belongs in the locker room with the rest of the family members. Johnny is a few feet behind me, and I motion for him to hold the door.
I approach her quickly so she doesn’t have time to react. I dip and grab her around the waist at the same time. She’s over my right shoulder in less than a second. I hear the laughter escape her lips and the sound hits me in the gut like it always does. She tries to wiggle off but my arm tightens around the back of her thighs. My left shoulder is still icing and I don’t want to tweak my left side, so I have to hold her firm with only one arm. I think she senses this because she stops trying to move.
“Can you let me down, Cam?”
Her voice is low and breathy from laughing, and desire surges through me. “I will as soon as I’m sure you’re staying inside, sweetheart. I’m not going to give you the chance to run away.”
Quinn is laughing as she keeps pace with me. Johnny wraps his arms around her as soon as we reach him. I continue on to take Ashley by everyone else. Coach sees me when I walk in the locker room. Shit.
“JC. Put the woman down. We don’t need you injuring yourself.”
I slowly let Ashley slide down my body until her feet are back on the ground. “Coach, I hope you aren’t implying my girl is fat because I don’t think she’s gonna like that.”
I wink at Coach, whose mouth lifts slightly while the rest of the room laughs at the comment. I give him a nod so he knows I understand what he’s saying loud and clear. He nods back and heads out of the room.
I look at Ashley. She looks sexy in the Flyers hat and jacket. I pull the hat up and turn it around before settling it back on her head. I want to see her eyes and be able to reach her mouth easier. “I’m really sorry about tonight.”
Her eyes meet mine, and she smiles. “Why? You gave me my first postseason win. That’s what I asked for.”
“I’m serious. That never should have happened. I swear to God it took everything in me not to jump that wall and kick the shit out of that guy.”
“Don’t worry. The guys in the stands were plenty protective. They had his face in the cement before I could even blink. I just don’t think anyone expected him to toss the beer.”
I lean down to give her a kiss because her pink lips are too tempting not to taste right now. “Hmm. Apparently it wasn’t a very good beer choice.”
Her face turns into a pout. “Are you saying that I don’t taste good?”
I chuckle. “No. You always taste delicious. I’m just teasing you.” I give her another quick kiss. “Come on. I want you to meet Cameron and Monica.”
Those doe eyes look up at me. “Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.” I grab her hand in mine, and we make our way to another room where some of the women and kids are hanging out. I see Monica talking to Becky, King’s wife, and I head for them.
“Hello, ladies. Monica, I wanted to introduce you to Ashley. She’s your neighbor. Well, when she’s staying at her beach house. She lives in the city most of the time.”
Ashley puts her hand out to shake Monica’s but Monica just glances at it and puts her arms around Ashley instead. I don’t know why but the gesture touches me. I know Monica still has bad days, and I’m not much help at those times. I try to be, but I don’t always know what to say. She’s become friends with Becky over the last few weeks and I’m happy she has someone. Monica never liked Crystal, and I know she’ll love Ashley.
I hear him running up behind me before I see him. His arms wrap around my lower leg, and when I look down he’s smiling up at me the way I love. “What’s up, buddy?”
“Uncle Cam, you won!”
“I did. Were you watching the whole time?”
He nods rapidly. “Uh huh.”
“I want you to meet my friend. Ashley, this is my favorite nephew, Cameron.”
She winks and looks down at Cameron. “As in the Cameron Williams?”
I chuckle as he looks up at her in awe. She squats down to his level and puts her hand up. Cameron leans forward and high fives her without hesitation. “It’s nice to meet you, Cameron. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She tweaks the bill of his hat and he laughs. “Your uncle is pretty amazing, huh?”
“Yeah. He plays with me sometimes. He says I’m gonna be even better than him when I grow up.”
“I bet he knows what he’s talking about. I would trust what he says.”
Cameron nods at her as if the words out of her mouth make it true.
I bend down to pick up Cameron with my right arm. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go get this ice taken off my arm. We’ll let the ladies chat. Sound good?”
“Yeah.”
I nod to the women and walk away with Cameron in my arm. I turn back slightly to see Ashley watching me. I can’t read the expression on her face but I feel another layer of my defense peel away.
Chapte
r 24
Ashley
“Ash, it’s final. Can we please stop arguing about it?”
“But you should go out with the team. You just won your first game of the series.”
He puts one arm around my back and pulls me to him. “You had a beer thrown on you tonight because of me. I’m taking you home so you can shower and get out of these clothes.”
He drops his arm and takes my hand in his. I follow behind him because I really have no choice. Almost everyone is gone from the locker room, and pouting here is not going to get me much. He’s made up his mind, so I resign myself to following him.
He opens the car door, and I slide into the seat. He’s driving his silver Porsche tonight rather than the usual black Escalade. It’s not really warm enough to put the top down, but I’m tempted to ask. If that asshat hadn’t thrown his beer on me, everything about today would be perfect. Well, other than having to see my sister and Charlie. Fine. But the win was perfect, and hanging out with Quinn and Stan was great.
As soon as Cam pulls the car out on to the street, he reaches over to grab my hand. He lifts it to his mouth and brushes a kiss across my knuckles. The touch sends a shiver through my body. Every part of me is on high alert tonight, and I’m afraid I could explode at the mere touch of his hand.
“Thanks for coming to the game tonight.”
I furrow my brow. “Of course. It was a big game for you.”
He doesn’t say anything else to this, and we ride most of the way to his place in silence. I think both of us sense the next shift in our relationship, and it’s easier to just wait for it to come rather than talking about it.
When we get to his building, he stops at the main desk to pick up take-out food that has been delivered. “When the heck did you order this?”
Here for You Page 17