Keeping Score

by Alyssa Kale

  Oh no.

  “Braxton,” I begin as I push myself from the couch and walk toward him. Placing my hand on his arm, I take a deep breath before I break his heart again. “This baby isn’t yours.”

  His expression falls. If you could hear hearts break, there would be a loud shattering sound right now. As he closes his eyes, I watch as his nostrils flare, and he takes long breaths.

  “It’s Jared’s. I don’t want you to think I was seeing anyone else while we were hanging out. I planned to tell you once I fully grasped the news myself. Then, you told me about Amber, and the press went crazy. I just couldn’t put you through that again. I can’t and won’t put you through that again.”

  His eyes are closed, and I want nothing more than to look into his eyes. To witness this man, who suffered so much because of one woman’s deception, see I’m being truthful.

  When his eyes find mine, they look lost and confused. He’s been stewing on this for days. Thinking I kept the news of his child from him.

  “Is this why you took off that morning and avoided my calls?”

  “Kind of,” I say with a shrug before returning to the couch. This time, he follows. “The attention was a lot first thing in the morning. I was overwhelmed and needed some space to deal with how it all made me feel. Then I had to change my number because of the calls I was getting. If you called me after the second day, I never got the message.”

  “I wanted to work through all of that together. To help you as much as possible, because I know how awful the press can be. I’m sorry you went through that alone.” He grips my hand, and the flutters I’ve had every other time he’s touched me return.

  I’ve missed him so much. I care for him more than I’ve allowed myself to admit. Pushing him away was best for him but the worst thing for my own heart.

  “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

  “Because it’s my burden to bear, not yours. Not that I consider my baby a burden. He or she is a gift. Even if it’ll be just the two of us, I’ll never regret having him or her.”

  More silence. Neither of us really knows what to say, but after a few more minutes, Braxton speaks up. “Now I understand why you only wanted to be friends. You thought this would be hard on me. It’s one of the things I admire most about you. Your ability to put others first says a lot about you.”

  Another squeeze of my hand. “The thing is, I can’t stop thinking about you, Sophie. I know now is not the right time for us to start a relationship, but I’m not letting you go. That’s what I came here to say the other night. I want to be more than friends, Soph. You are my best friend, and the thought of not having you in my life every day isn’t something I’m willing to do anymore. I also know you have a lot going on, so we’ll stay just friends if that’s what you want. Just know, I’m here for you, even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to. Please, just don’t shut me out.”

  Slowly, I shift my body and wrap my arms around his neck. I could blame the hormones for the tears, but I won’t. I’ve missed him and having his arms around me is like coming home.

  “What did you mean you’re doing this on your own? What about Jared?”

  Scoffing, I sit back and wipe my cheeks. “He wants nothing to do with the baby.” My voice quivers, and before I can say more, Braxton has me on his lap, my head buried in his neck. The weeks of emotions flow out of me in body-aching sobs.

  For the first time since the last time Braxton held me, I feel truly safe and cared for and—loved. I’ve come to terms with my feelings for this man over the last few weeks. Saying we were just friends was easier than accepting I fell for him almost immediately. In my mind, it didn’t make sense to have such strong feelings for someone I hardly knew. Especially after I just ended a relationship with someone who I had been with for years. Yet, not seeing Braxton, or talking to him these past few weeks, was pure torture.

  When I’ve calmed down slightly, he speaks up, “Did you have fun shopping today?”

  It takes me a second to realize what he’s talking about.

  Motherfucker.

  “That was you!” I whisper-shout, my voice scratchy from the crying. Pulling back to look at him, I find a smile. Oh, how I’ve missed this smile. Damn him.

  Do not fall for his charm, Sophie!

  “Braxton, I have to return everything.” He only did this because he thought it was his child I’m carrying. This wasn’t a gift; it was a man taking care of the woman he believed was carrying his baby.

  “No, you don’t,” he says with such conviction I almost agree with him.

  “Yes, I do. You did that thinking you were providing for your child.”

  Lifting his hand, Braxton swipes his thumb across my cheek. “Soph, I did it for you. My baby or not, all of that was for you. It was my apology for being an ass—once again.” He kisses me on the forehead. “I seem to apologize to you a lot.” He chuckles.

  “I don’t want your charity, Braxton.” I’m slightly angry that he did that and now refuses to take it back. Moving to shift off his lap, my moves are thwarted as he pulls me back into position.

  “It’s not charity, Soph. It’s a gift.” He grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger, so I’m looking him in the eye.

  “But—” I begin, but am cut off by his lips on mine.

  Melting into him, I’ve missed this.

  Gentle and tentative, he pulls me close until I practically melt into him, his fingers tangled in my hair. The moment ends too soon when he places a quick peck to my lips.

  “Just say thanks, Soph.”

  “Brax—” I try to argue again.

  “Thank you, Braxton,” he says with his thumb at the bottom of my chin as he moves it up and down in time with the words so it seems like my mouth is saying them.

  Rolling my eyes, I smile and concede. “Thank you.”

  29

  * * *

  BRAXTON

  I need to lighten the mood, so I ask, “What cravings have you had?”

  She laughs, that wonderful, glorious laugh. “Mostly tacos and queso. Oh my gosh. I swear I could eat chips and queso every single day and not get tired of it. I really don’t want to gain that much weight though, so I limit it to only two meals per week.”

  I laugh along with her and ask if I should call in an order and have it delivered.

  She jumps up off the sofa like something bit her and grabs her phone from the counter. She types out a text quickly then returns to the couch. “Sorry, Kendall was supposed to be coming over with food. I told her you were here and we’re talking.”

  “Oh. If you have plans, I can go. I don’t want to intrude on ladies’ night.”

  “No! I mean… no. Stay.” Her cheeks pinken, and I love it. I love her. Damn, do I love her. “Why don’t I order us something?”

  “Sure. I need to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” She scurries from the room, and I shoot off a text of my own to Kendall.

  Me: Thanks for your help today.

  Kendall: Hurt her again and I’ll kill you. I’m a scientist. They’ll never find you.

  Me: You’re a little scary.

  Kendall: I know. Be kind to her.

  Me: Always.

  Kendall: [rolling eyes emoji]

  Me: Never again. Better?

  Kendall: Yes.

  With my phone out, I go with my favorite Mexican restaurant and place an online order for delivery. To keep myself busy, I pick up her snack plate from earlier and clean up her kitchen a little.

  When Sophie finally returns from the bathroom, she’s full of apologies.

  “Sorry. Why didn’t you tell me I looked like I’d been attacked by bees? My face was so puffy.”

  Stepping up to her, I push the hair around her face out of the way.

  “You’re beautiful always. I ordered food, and it should be here in about thirty minutes. Should we choose a movie to go with it?”

  Smiling up at me, she wraps her arms around my waist. “I missed you, Brax.”<
br />
  I screwed up so much over the last year. Really, since college. Arrogance was never lacking in my decision making, and maybe that was the problem. With Sophie, I’ve had to work for her friendship. I’ve had to earn my spot in her life. She makes me want to be more than what the public expects of me. To show her I’m a man she can depend on. This may not be my child, but this woman is mine in every sense of the word.

  Sophie scrolls through movies, never really settling on anything, until there’s a knock on the door. Taking the bags from the courier, I pass the kitchen and head straight for the living room, spreading our feast out on the coffee table. The giddiness on Sophie’s face is almost frightening.

  “Do I get plates or should we—”

  “There’s no time for that. I’m starving.”

  Popping the lid off the queso, she dips a chip in and lets out a moan to end all moans. It’s a direct shot to my dick, and I remind him we’re here to win her back, not get laid.

  Overindulging isn’t something I do often, but I must admit, this is the way to go. Tacos, beans, rice, and two different types of queso. Sophie and I are bordering on overstuffed when we finally throw in the towel. Or in this case, paper napkin.

  “So, be honest. What else do you crave? Anything crazy like pickle and banana sandwiches?”

  She laughs and shakes her head. “That doesn’t sound too terrible.” I gasp. She laughs again. “Kidding. I do have non food cravings though,” she says in an almost sultry voice that makes me pause.

  “Oh really? Like what?”

  “For sex. I crave sex. All. The. Time.”

  I nearly choke on my own spit. That was not what I was expecting her to say. But I can’t say I’m bothered by it. If she needs to satisfy that craving, I’m her man.

  “Are you craving it right now?”

  She looks up at me with hooded eyes and nods. I take that as my cue to kiss her again. I move slowly, giving her time to stop me. I know that once I get a taste of her, I’m not going to want to stop. Ever.

  “What have you been doing to curb the craving?” I ask.

  With the first brush of my lips, she doesn’t move, and I wait for her answer before doing it again.

  “Well, I have a couple of toys that have been half-assing the job,” she smiles and jokes. “Now kiss me,” she demands.

  And I do. When she kisses me back, I go for it. Cupping her face with my hands, I capture her lips like a man starved. This isn’t the sweet, slow kiss of earlier.

  As my hands slide down to her hips, I stay focused on her lips. I nip at her mouth, swiping inside with my tongue as it dances with hers. Her purrs are like gasoline to my inner flame. I’m on fire for her and pull her onto my lap, her legs straddling me.

  Fuck. Her body is always perfect, but like this, it’s unbelievable. Curves for days and full breasts. I can’t wait to have her spread out before me so I can taste every inch of her. Panting, she pulls away from my mouth, her forehead resting on mine.

  Our breaths mingle, and I slip my fingers under the hem of her shirt, grazing her soft, warm skin. My hands move forward, and when they skim her small bump, I don’t stop. It doesn’t frighten me. In fact, I’m surprisingly even more turned on.

  “Is this okay?” I ask as my hands skim across her ribs, my thumbs grazing the bottoms of her breasts. With her eyes closed, Sophie nods and rotates her hips. The movement makes my already hard dick feel like a steel rod. The moment she makes the contact, a moan escapes her throat.

  Needing more, I tug the shirt off her body and toss it aside before taking her mouth again. Kissing my way from her mouth to her neck and ultimately to the hard buds begging to be sucked, I shift my hips, hoping to find relief, but instead the movement seems to give Sophie more of what she needs. Her hands grip my shoulders, and when I flick her nipple with my tongue, she throws her head back, long hair flowing down her back.

  I continue to caress and suck each nipple. Making sure to give each breast equal attention, not wanting either one to feel left out. With her hands in my hair, she grinds her hips. I can feel the tension in her body as an orgasm builds.

  “That’s it, baby. Make yourself come.”

  Sophie rides me as I grip her hips and enjoy the feeling of her riding a wave of pleasure.

  “Brax-ton,” she pants, breaking my name up into syllables.

  “What do you want, baby?”

  “You. I need you.”

  In one motion, I lift us from the couch, and she wraps her legs around my waist. Capturing her mouth as I walk to her bedroom, I realize nothing has ever felt this right. No moment has ever felt this pivotal to my life.

  Slowly, I lay her on the bed and shed my clothes before gripping the waistband of her pants and tugging them off along with her panties. Damn, I had my memories of how beautiful she is, but none of those did her justice. Hovering over her, I kiss her unhurriedly before moving down her body one inch at a time. With little sucks along the way, I pause between her legs. She’s soaked, and I’m ravenous.

  One swipe of my tongue and I pull back.

  “Braxton... please,” she begs.

  Another swipe.

  Pause.

  “I swear to God, if you stop one more time….”

  Chuckling, I put her and me out of our misery and lick her deeply, causing her to moan loudly while gripping the sheets below her. I’ve only started as I lick and suck every single inch of her. When I feel her pussy tighten, I pull away, earning me a groan of frustration instead of a moan of pleasure.

  Sliding a finger into her pussy before adding a second, I focus my mouth on her clit. Sophie lifts her hips, riding my face as she chants my name over and over before falling over the edge. I slow my tongue until the aftershocks are gone then look up into her beautiful eyes. As she looks down at me with reckless abandon, I wink, which earns me a giggle and an eye roll.

  Sliding up her body, I see how exhausted she is and place a chaste kiss on her lips before rolling to the side and wrapping my arms around her waist. We lay in comfortable silence, and just when I think she’s fallen asleep, she turns to face me.

  “Will you stay?”

  “I’m already in my sleeping attire, so I might as well.” I’m teasing, but her eyes widen. Before she can speak, I place a finger to her lips. “You’re beautiful always, but there’s something about the way you look when you come that takes my breath away.”

  She blushes, and instead of saying anything, she leans in for another kiss.

  Sophie Thomas is going to be the death of me. But what a way to go.

  30

  * * *

  SOPHIE

  If I could wake up every morning with Braxton kissing me, I would be a happy girl. Squirming when his lips move to my neck, I release a giggle and open my eyes.

  “I have to leave. I’m meeting a few of the guys from the team for a round of golf. I’ll call you later.”

  Before I have a chance to respond, he’s out of my room. It’s quiet in the apartment until I hear the front door click. Closing my eyes, I try to go back to sleep, but I think that ship has sailed. Throwing back the covers, I settle my feet on the floor and push myself up. Quickly using the bathroom, I pad my way to the kitchen where my phone is buzzing on the counter.

  Braxton: I used your keys to lock the door. Kendall has them now. She said she’d bring them to you later this morning.

  Me: Thank you

  Braxton: Anytime. Talk to you later.

  Switching to my text chat with Kendall, I tap out a message, but before I can hit Send, she beats me to it.

  Kendall: Please tell me you’re not actually asleep.

  Me: No. I’m wide awake.

  Kendall: Good. I’ll be there in 5.

  Five minutes later, Kendall is letting herself into my apartment. “So, tell me everything. What happened?”

  “I may be wide awake, but I’m not ready to be up. Let’s move this conversation to my bed. I need to snuggle.”

  Smiling, Kendall leads the wa
y to my bedroom. Since she’s still in her pajamas, she crawls under the covers and then sniffs the pillow.

  “Ooo, this pillow smells like a man. Now spill.”

  I cover my face, suddenly embarrassed, but I really want to tell her everything.

  So I do. She oohs and ahhs at the appropriate times. I think there’s a tear or two, and when I get to the part of the story where Braxton’s scruff left oh-so-desirable chafe marks between my legs, she loses her mind.

  “Eeep! I cannot… Sophie! Ohmygosh! “Finally! Fucking finally!”

  Science may be her career choice, but my bestie does have a flare for the dramatics.

  “I just knew you two would eventually get it on again.” We both laugh.

  “Of course you did.” I roll my eyes playfully.

  Turning to my side, I face her, and my smile falls when she asks, “So when do you see each other again?”

  “Probably never. I mean, look at me,” I say, waving my hand down my body.

  She scoffs and pushes my shoulder. “Yeah, look at you. You’re gorgeous. Any man would be stupid not to want you.”

  “Oh yeah. A man like Braxton is just looking for a woman who’s pregnant with another man’s baby. After what he went through? Not likely.” Silence falls between us. She knows I’m right. As much as it hurts, I can’t blame him.

  “You’re not just any woman, Soph. You’re the pregnant woman he wants,” she reminds me.

  “Yeah, but he didn’t know that it wasn’t his baby until he got here.”

  “Did you have sex with him? He obviously spent the night.” Kendall waggles her eyebrows as her eyes sparkle like she’s in on a major secret.

  “No.” My disappointment in that fact is evident. Although I can’t be disappointed in the way he worshipped me and gave me yet another mind-blowing orgasm. I’ve not been this relaxed in months.

  “There you have it. No sex, and he spent the night. Braxton Lee, one of baseball’s most eligible bachelors, came here for you.”