“Okay,” I said, turning my attention back to the game.
Chloe held up her hand with her pinky out. “Pinky swear?”
I turned my head toward her and frowned.
“How old are you?”
She held her hand in front of my face until I relented and linked my pinky with hers.
“Pinky swear.”
Chapter 3
Dale
* * *
I stepped into the on-deck circle watching the new pitcher take the mound. New York’s starting pitcher had walked two then gave up a homerun to John Kasprzyk to start the inning so they yanked him here in the fourth. Meanwhile, our starting pitcher, Chris “Rusty” Russell, is doing a stellar job. He had some control issues in the first half of last year, but ended strong and looks great so far.
Holding the bat at both ends, I folded forward and touched it against my toes then straightened and arched back holding it over my head. I leaned down and grabbed the doughnut then slipped it on and, holding the bat in my right hand, swung my arm in big circles to loosen my shoulder then repeated the process with the left.
As I moved through the rest of my routine, I scanned the stands. There’s a decent-sized crowd tonight which is pretty common. Fans are usually starving for baseball after a long winter and it’s a perfect night for a game.
I banged the handle of the bat on the dirt and dislodged the doughnut then took a few practice swings, careful not to look behind me. As I knew they would be, Karen and Jeremy are here. I’d spoken to him before the game but I’ve made it a point to avoid looking where I knew they’d be sitting.
The umpire signaled that the pitcher was on his last warm-up pitch so I took one last swing and rested the bat against my shoulder. My attention was pulled to that taboo section and as I walked toward the plate, I gave in to my urge to look, figuring a peek couldn’t hurt. Trying not to be too obvious, I glanced over my shoulder and met Karen Walsh’s gaze. The netting and distance between us did nothing to lessen the impact of her cornflower blue eyes on mine.
Taking in a deep breath to combat the weird twisty-flippy thing going on in my stomach, I turned back toward the field and walked to the plate. Stepping into the batter’s box, I took in another deep breath and slowly let it out as I settled into my stance. But neither the job I had to do nor the cleansing breath stopped me from relishing in the fact that Karen had been watching me.
A fast ball to my sweet spot pulled all my focus back to the task at hand. Stepping forward with my left leg, I shifted my hips and extended my arms, swinging the bat around with quick hands. The satisfying crack of the ball hitting the wood vibrated up through my shoulders as I watched a line drive sail over the shortstop’s head into the gap between left and center. The first base coach waved me on to second and I ended up with a stand-up double.
Jimmy Chavez stepped up to the plate and I took my lead. After getting to a full count, he hit a ground ball to Noah Shepard at third base. I stayed a few steps off the bag waiting for the throw so I could advance. But instead of just looking me back and throwing to first to get the out, Shepard turned toward me and started to throw then stopped. He couldn’t throw because no one covered the bag behind me.
Realizing his mistake, he turned and rushed the throw to first. The ball went sailing over the first baseman’s head. I rounded third as the right fielder picked up the ball and threw it home, sliding across the plate a split second before the catcher caught it and slapped the tag down.
Jumping up, I ran toward the dugout and caught Karen’s eye again and smiled, feeling all warm inside when her smile widened. I have no idea what it is about this woman, but she makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
Stepping down into the dugout, I grabbed a cup and filled it with water then settled onto the bench next to Jack and Dan. We have a six run lead now so I doubt I’ll be going back out for the fifth inning, but I won’t get too comfortable until the coach officially tells me that.
“What’s the matter, old man? You winded from running?”
I swallowed the last of my water and looked at Jack. “You should know since you’re a year older than me.”
“Speaking of running,” Dan said. “I wish I had a picture of the look on your face when Shepard turned your way instead of to first. You looked like a deer caught in headlights.”
“That’s exactly what I felt like.” I stood and refilled my cup. “I mean come on, that’s a Little League play. Look the runner back then throw to first. It’s not like I was that far off the bag.”
“But your reputation precedes you. Everyone knows you usually end up running,” Dan said as he stood and grabbed his helmet, bat, and batting gloves.
“Still, no one has ever done that to me.” I shrugged. “That I remember anyway.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” After imparting those words of wisdom, Dan jogged up the steps and out to the on-deck circle.
Oskar Marquez hit a little blooper to short right, scoring Leo Marakis.
Dan worked the count full and fouled off four pitches before launching a high fly ball right at the center fielder for the third out. As I’d predicted, I was told not to head back out to the field and watched as the spring training invite jogged out to first. Dan, Jack, and the rest of the starters were also joining me on the bench.
My first few years in the Majors I’d get pissed during spring training whenever I didn’t play or when they yanked me when we were ahead. But now I know it’s all just part of the game. I don’t need to prove myself anymore and besides that it’s a long season. I need to take breaks whenever I can.
I grabbed a bag of dill pickle sunflower seeds and settled onto the bench to watch the game. Jack sat next to me and held out his hand, as if there weren’t boxes of the things right behind his head.
“Did Hannah talk to you about Sunday?” he asked then shoved a handful of seeds into his mouth.
“She did.” I cracked a shell open with my teeth and spit it out then chewed the seed. “And I told her that I don’t need a birthday party.”
“Despite that fact, it seems you’re having one,” Jack said around a chuckle. “You know how my wife loves to plan things.”
The guys and I have always spent a good amount of time together, even off season, but that’s definitely increased since Hannah has been in the picture.
“Doesn’t she organize enough things at work?”
“Guess not.”
I finished the seeds in my mouth and took a drink, then watched all the young guys out on the field.
“It’s just us, right?”
Jack nodded. “And Penny and Kenny.”
I grunted in response and continued to eat my seeds.
Kenny Hanover really is a good guy, but since his father owns the Waves, it’s like having my boss around and definitely changes the dynamic. But Penny seems head over heels for him and he treats her like a princess so I’ll just have to deal.
I’ll also have to deal with the fact that I’m turning thirty-five. Which I know isn’t old for normal people, but it’s bordering on ancient for professional athletes.
Thankfully the Waves just signed me on for another four years, so at least I still have my career for now. As long as I stay healthy that is. I saw how lost Cal was when he got hurt and had to retire. At least now he has Barbara and his new venture.
I bought the ranch in Aspen shortly after I started playing for the Waves and have been renovating with the intention of retiring there. The thing is that the closer that day comes, the less I’m sure it’s where I want to be.
Thankfully I have another four years to figure it all out.
Karen
* * *
I watched someone who is not Dale run to first base and start warming up the infield. The Waves are winning by seven runs so I guess they’re giving the newbies a chance to show what they can do.
“Mom, can I get another drink?” Jeremy asked.
“Sure honey.” I pulled my purse onto my lap and reached
in for my wallet. “Would either of you like anything?” I asked Hannah and Ivy Sherman, who is dating the pitcher, Rusty Russell.
“No thanks,” they said in unison.
I handed Jeremy a twenty as he stood and handed me the bag of swag Jack had given him. I watched him make his way down the aisle then turned my attention back to the game. Although I have to admit, it’s less interesting now.
“Missing anyone in particular out there?” Hannah asked.
I looked at her and rolled my eyes. “You’re not very subtle.”
She laughed then nudged her glasses back into place.
“Neither are the two of you,” she said. “There were sparks flying between you at the fundraiser last week and you’ve been staring at him the entire game.”
I shook my head, not sure what to say. Thankfully there was some action on the field to offer a distraction.
“What’s going on?” Hannah asked Ivy.
“The bat shattered and a piece of it hit Rusty in the leg,” Ivy said.
I turned my attention to the pitcher, who was shaking his head at the hovering manager and trainer. A spot of blood was visible on his shin but he seemed to be insisting he’s okay. They had him throw a couple practice pitches before heading back to the dugout.
Ivy took in a deep breath and let it out.
“I’m gonna have to start taking Valium when Rusty pitches,” she said. “Talk about nerve-wracking.”
“I totally understand,” Hannah said. “I watched these games for years but after Jack and I got together, it became a whole new experience. I’m always nervous he’s going to get hurt.” She turned to me. “You must feel the same way.” I widened my eyes, not sure how to respond and she took mercy on me and clarified. “You must be nervous when you watch Jeremy play.”
“It’s funny, I never really was, but he pitched for the first time the other night and I was so nervous I was afraid I’d throw up. I was so tense throughout the whole game, my whole body hurt later that night.”
“I hardly knew anything about the game until I got involved with Rusty last year,” Ivy said. “Now I can tell the difference between a slider and a curveball.” Her eyes shifted back to the field and a sappy smile crossed her face. “That was a curveball,” she said as Rusty threw one across the plate, striking out the batter for the third out of the inning. Holding up her iPad, she added, “Time to get back to work.”
She’d told us earlier that she’s going to school for graphic arts and is working on an assignment. Somehow she manages to focus on her task while the Waves are batting.
My phone buzzed and I pulled it from my purse and checked the text.
Mom, I ran into Johnny. We’re hanging out behind you at the railing watching the game.
I turned around and spotted him and his friend leaning against the railing and waved, then gave him a thumbs up. It’s amazing how independent he’s becoming. The first few years after Jason died, he rarely left my side. But he’s officially a teenager now, so it’s to be expected. Thankfully he’s not at the point where he’s gone out all the time. The house is way too quiet when he’s not around. I don’t even want to think about what it will be like when he goes away to college or moves out for good. It’s too depressing to contemplate, but I refuse to be one of those clingy mothers who doesn’t let her child grow up.
“I guess Jeremy found a friend,” Hannah said.
“Yeah, he’s at that age,” I said, echoing my thoughts.
“He’s grown so much since last year and he looks more mature.”
“I know. He just turned thirteen. It’s still a shock to say that.”
“Well he’s a great kid. Jack really likes seeing him and so do the other guys.”
As the Waves got up to bat, Jack, Dale, and Dan stepped out of the dugout and stood at the railing. Jack looked over his shoulder and offered a sexy smirk when he spotted Hannah. I shifted my eyes toward her and watched a blush spread up her neck to her cheeks.
“So I take it you two have settled into marriage,” I said.
She looked at me and her smile widened. “It’s amazing. I mean, we lived together before we got married so it shouldn’t have mattered, but it does feel different.”
“You guys are great together.”
We both looked back down at the guys, although I’m sure Hannah’s attention was on Jack while I focused on Dale. He slipped off his hat and scratched his forehead. The sun brought out the chestnut highlights in his brown hair and I watched as he dragged his long fingers through the thick strands before sliding his cap back on.
While I should have directed my attention back to the game, I couldn’t help but let my eyes take a slow tour down his broad shoulders to his amazing ass.
“Can I ask you something?”
I’d been so focused on Dale’s amazing backside I jumped at Hannah’s voice.
“Sure.”
“Are you interested in Dale?”
“Oh, uh–”
She held up her hand to halt whatever pathetic words were going to come out of my mouth.
“I only ask because I know he’s interested in you. He wouldn’t have asked you out if he wasn’t,” she said, looking me directly in the eye. “And if you’re interested in him at all, you should give him a chance. He really is a great guy.”
I blinked, absorbing her words, not sure how to respond.
“Unless you’re involved with someone.”
She raised her voice slightly on the last word turning her sentence into a question.
“No.” I cleared my throat. “No, I’m not involved with anyone.”
“Then you really should give him a chance. And I realize this is none of my business but you know how it is, once you fall in love you want everyone to be in love.”
I looked down at Dale and felt my stomach flip, the same way it does every time I see him.
“Can I be honest with you?” I asked, turning my attention back to Hannah.
“If you mean you’re wondering if I’ll keep whatever you’re thinking of telling me to myself, the answer is yes.”
“Yes, I’m attracted to Dale. Besides the fact he’s hot and good-looking, he does seem really nice and in another life, I’d definitely go out with him.”
“But…”
“But I haven’t dated anyone since Jason died. A few guys have asked and I’ve turned them all down because I just didn’t feel ready.”
“And now?”
“Jason’s been gone five years and I’m getting there.” I shrugged. “I’m more attracted to Dale than I have been to any of the other guys, I just don’t think he’s someone I should date.”
“Did I ever tell you that I had a crush on Jack for years before we got together?”
I shook my head, trying to figure out what her question had to do with what I’d just told her.
“I spent my days surrounded by not only the players but a lot of the male staff who are often just as hot and nothing. But Jack made my heart pound and my palms sweat.”
“Did you ever tell him?”
“God no! First of all, I figured I wasn’t his type and second, I swore to myself I’d never get involved with an athlete or an actor.”
“So what happened?”
“Jack’s ex wrote a tell-all book and Mr. Hanover approached me and asked what we could do to up his image. I suggested a PR blitz, which Jack turned around on me by insisting I attend all the events with him.”
Her face practically glowed with love as she spoke about her husband.
“Somewhere along the line, he noticed me as something more than a coworker and my crush turned into something much deeper. And it’s been amazing.” She smiled. “I understand you have more to consider than I did, but as your friend and his, I’m saying you should give him a chance.”
I opened my mouth and closed it, but the right words didn’t come. Shifting my gaze back to Dale, I struggled to remember why I was so reluctant about going out with him. At least on one date.
&nb
sp; “I’m not sure that he’s even interested anymore,” I said, looking at her again.
She chuckled at my words.
“Dale’s birthday is Sunday,” Hannah said. “We’re having a small party at Rudy’s Place down on the water at six o’clock. It’s just Jack and me, Dan, and Dale’s sister Penny and her boyfriend. Why don’t you come have some good food, a drink or two, and just hang out?”
“To his birthday party?” I shook my head. “I don’t know.”
“It’s more a regular get-together than anything and I planned it so I can invite whoever I want,” Hannah said. When I continued to shake my head, she added, “Just promise me you’ll think about it.”
Since Jeremy is on a school break, my parents are picking him up tomorrow and taking him to Orlando until Wednesday. They’re meeting up with some of their friends and their grandchildren and hitting Disney World and Universal Studios.
I looked back down toward the field and was sad to see Dale had gone back inside the dugout.
“Okay, I’ll think about it.”
Chapter 4
Dale
* * *
Jack walked Hannah to the door and kissed her goodbye while Dan and I continued to stuff our faces with Chinese food. Based on the number of containers scattered across the table, it seems like Jack ordered one of everything on the menu. I mentally chuckled figuring most of them would be empty by the end of the night.
“See you guys later,” Hannah said as she left to meet Penny. Kenny has to attend a business dinner with his father so they decided to have a girls’ night.
Jack settled back at the table and dug into his dinner. I reached for the General Tso’s chicken and flinched then pulled my right hand back and grabbed it with the left instead. I scooped a few pieces onto my plate then realized the guys had stopped eating and were looking at me.
“What?”
“You okay?” Dan asked.
“Yeah. That wild hop dinged me right in the collar bone and it’s a little sore.” I pulled the neck of my shirt over to reveal part of the purple bruise.
Swing and a Kiss: Carolina Waves Series Book 4 Page 3