Swing and a Kiss: Carolina Waves Series Book 4

by Tina Gallagher

  He looked around and smiled when he saw us. More than one woman glanced in his direction as he walked across the restaurant to our table. That could be either because they recognize him or just because he’s sexy as hell. Since no one approached him or stopped him to talk, I’m assuming it’s the latter.

  “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” he said as he pulled out a chair and sat between Jeremy and me.

  “No, we haven’t been here too long,” I said. “But we did order so we don’t have to wait to eat. Despite the fact that he ate at the stadium, this guy is starving,” I said hitching my thumb in Jeremy’s direction. “And you probably are too.”

  I’d just finished that sentence when the waiter came out carrying our pizza and wing bites.

  “Oh wow.” His eyes rounded. “Monte.” He set the food on the table then held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure, sir.”

  Dale shook his hand and read the waiter’s name tag.

  “Nice to meet you, Darren.”

  Then he introduced Jeremy and me, but of course, Darren could care less about us. Dale talked baseball with the young waiter for a few minutes before politely ending the conversation.

  “This looks great,” he said.

  Darren took the hint and told us to let him know if we needed anything then left. He practically ran into the kitchen, I’m assuming to alert the entire staff that Dale Montgomery is in the house. Thankfully it’s not too crowded, so if people do start coming over to the table, it shouldn’t be too bad.

  “Sorry about that,” Dale said.

  “Goes with the territory,” I said.

  He nodded and looked at the pizza. “This looks awesome. And pepperoni is my favorite.”

  “Mine too,” Jeremy said as he helped himself to a slice. “And here they put a lot of pepperoni on, not like at Anthony’s. They only give you a couple pieces per slice.”

  “A pizza connoisseur.” Dale smiled at Jeremy. “Now I know who to call when I want a good pizza.”

  Jeremy smiled at that, but didn’t stop eating long enough to comment. He’s always been a good eater, but the past couple years, that’s been taken to a whole different level. I’ve heard teenage boys have big appetites and now I’m seeing it firsthand.

  The conversation flowed while we put a decent-sized dent in the food. Jeremy asked Dale some questions about today’s game. I was happy to see their banter was as relaxed as usual. Jeremy had been surprised when I told him about Dale and me but he didn’t seem upset.

  I’m going to take things at face value and believe him when he says he’s okay with it. I’m sure it will be an adjustment for all of us but we’ll deal with things as they come up.

  “So your mom said you have some videos for me to look at,” Dale said as he picked up a napkin and wiped his hands.

  Jeremy shoved a wing bite into his mouth and nodded then picked up his phone. His fingers swiped at the screen as he chewed then swallowed.

  “This is the first day I used the tee.” He leaned toward Dale and held the phone so they both could see. “I spent a lot of time putting the tee back together at first because I kept hitting it instead of the ball. But I took this video on the last few swings.” They stared at the phone for a few seconds. “Then if you just swipe, the other videos will play.”

  He handed the phone to Dale and they leaned even closer together. Dale made a few comments as they watched. I know what they’re looking at because Jeremy showed me the videos every day after he recorded them. I’m no expert, but it seems like his left-side swing is getting better.

  Dale swiped the screen a few times, I’m assuming to watch certain videos a second or even third time.

  “Look at this,” he said as he pointed at the screen. “From this video to this one, you started dropping your elbow. That’s why you’re popping it up more than hitting it straight ahead.”

  Jeremy asked him to replay the videos and scratched his head as he watched.

  “I didn’t even notice that.”

  “It’s pretty subtle but it’s enough that you’re not getting a flat swing,” Dale said. “If just being conscious of it isn’t enough to help fix it, raise the tee as high as it will go. That’ll force you to keep your elbow up. Once you get the feel, lower it in small increments.”

  “Thanks Monte. I’ll work on that this week.”

  “You’re welcome,” Dale said then took a long drink of sweet tea. “If we ever have the same day off, maybe I can throw to you so you can try to hit off live pitching.” He glanced at me. “If it’s okay with your mom.”

  “That’d be awesome!” Jeremy turned pleading eyes my way. “Wouldn’t it, Mom?”

  “Sure.”

  Of course, I know how difficult it is to blend our schedules so hopefully he won’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen anytime soon.

  “I’m off Saturday,” Dale said. “Do you have any games that day?”

  Dale knows Jeremy has games Saturday and had already planned on coming, but I like how he’s asking my son about his schedule instead of me.

  “Yeah, my first game is at eleven.”

  “Would you mind if I came to watch you play?”

  Jeremy’s eyes widened. “Seriously?” Dale nodded. “Dude, that’d be so cool. Mom?”

  “It’s fine with me.”

  “What time do you have to be at the field?”

  “Ten, but it takes a while to get there.” Jeremy looked at me.

  “It’s about an hour away,” I said.

  “How about if I pick you up at eight and we get some breakfast before we hit the road?”

  Jeremy liked that idea. We...or rather they...were discussing potential breakfast spots when our waiter, Darren, approached. He’d checked on us once while we ate and refilled our pitcher, but other than that kept his distance, which I appreciated.

  He left the check and took the two leftover slices and handful of chicken wings to wrap for us to take home. Dale insisted on paying the bill and pulled out a few bills that would not only cover the total, but would also give Darren a generous tip.

  Jeremy took the take-out container when Darren brought it out and the three of us walked out of the restaurant together. He commented on how awesome Dale’s truck is then said goodbye to “Monte” before continuing to my car, asking me to unlock it. I heard the door open and close then looked up at Dale and chuckled.

  “Well, I’m no expert, but I think that went well,” he said.

  “I have to agree.”

  He stepped closer and cupped my jaw with his hand. His denim eyes turned serious as they stared into mine.

  “You’re going to have to guide me here. I want to get to know both of you but don’t want to make you uncomfortable or overstep my bounds in any way. So please tell me if I’m doing either.”

  His thumb stroking my cheek was having a hypnotic effect so I just nodded my response.

  Closing the space between us, he leaned down and gave me a quick kiss before pulling back.

  “Call or text to let me know you got home safely please.”

  I promised that I would and practically floated over to my car excited about the fact that we get to see each other in three short days.

  Chapter 17

  Dale

  * * *

  I just got out of the shower when I heard my front door open and close. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I walked out of the bedroom. Jack and I just finished a run on the beach a little while ago and he went to his place while I got cleaned up to grab some brownies Hannah had packed for me to bring to Jeremy’s game.

  “Tell Hannah I said thank you again.”

  He nodded and set the container on the kitchen table.

  I went back into my room to get dressed but left the door open.

  “I told you Jeremy would be okay with you and Karen dating,” he said loudly enough for me to hear him.

  I slipped into a pair of boxer briefs then pulled khakis from the next drawer and put them on.

 
; “He really is a great kid.” I grabbed a plain black T-shirt out of another drawer and walked back out into the living room. Jeremy told me his team colors are black and light blue so it should help me blend in with the other parents. “But you had no way of knowing that. You just got lucky. We got lucky.” Pulling the shirt over my head, I added, “For now anyway. Hopefully it stays that way.”

  Jack shrugged. “As long as you’re good to them, I don’t see why it wouldn’t.”

  “I guess.”

  “So what’s the plan today?”

  “Karen said the fans are usually more spread out at the field we’re going to so I’m hoping no one recognizes me.” He looked at me with raised brows. “I know, Karen seems to think I’m dreaming but I still have high hopes. Or at least if they do recognize me, I hope they respect the fact that I’m there to enjoy the game and not hang out with them and talk baseball strategy.” I sat on the couch and put on a pair of deck shoes. “Since none of you guys will be there and I’m not in Waves gear, I think it’ll be easier to blend in. I’m trying to keep things as normal as possible.”

  “Like you’re normal,” he snorted.

  I stood and punched him on the arm.

  “I know Jeremy would love for you to come see one of his games sometime. After all, you’re his favorite player.”

  “And don’t you forget it,” he said around a cocky smile. “I’d love to go see him play sometime but today is for you guys.”

  Up until he noticed Hannah as something more than a kickass PR person, Jack exuded an I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude, but he’s always been deeper than that. Case in point, how he met Jeremy at that CADD event and befriended him. Which I thank every deity for because it brought Karen into my life. Even if it did take two years to get her firmly in place...or at least semi-firmly.

  I grabbed my keys and the container of brownies and followed Jack out the door. He headed back to his condo and I got in the elevator to head down to the garage.

  Jeremy came running out of the house with his bag slung over his shoulder and a cooler in his hand as soon as I pulled into the driveway.

  “Hey bud,” I said as I got out and opened the back door for him.

  He slid inside and dropped his bags onto the seat beside him.

  “Mom will be right out,” he said as he clicked his seatbelt into place.

  He’d just said that when Karen stepped out onto the porch carrying her purse, a cooler, and two chairs. Two items were slung over each shoulder and she struggled to get out of the way of the door so she could close it behind her.

  I jogged over to her side.

  “Let me help you with that.”

  Wrapping my hand around the strap of the chairs, I pulled them off her arm, taking the opportunity to steal a kiss.

  “Thank you.”

  I walked down the steps, giving her room to close the door and screen door.

  “For taking the chairs off your hands or the kiss?”

  “Both.” Karen smiled up at me as we walked the short distance to the truck.

  I opened the passenger door and kissed her again before she stepped up and settled into the seat. After closing the door behind her, I walked around the back of the truck, opened the tailgate, and secured the chairs and cooler before slamming it shut.

  “Ready?” I asked as I got behind the wheel then looked back to Jeremy. “Have everything you need?”

  “Yep.”

  “Then let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

  “Me too,” Jeremy said.

  I backed out of the driveway and turned left onto the street. We’d decided to stop at a diner a few blocks from Karen’s house so Jeremy isn’t eating a big breakfast and playing immediately.

  “This truck is awesome, Monte.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Do you have any other cars?” he asked.

  “I have a Mercedes, but I don’t drive it that often.”

  Not anymore anyway. That was my see-and-be-seen-in car and the women I spent time with in the past would have expected me to pick them up in it rather than a truck, no matter how fancy.

  “I also have an old pick-up truck and a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible that were my grandfather’s. Penny thinks at least one of them should be hers but I told her that he’d already given them to me before she was born.” I smiled at him through the rearview mirror. “That drives her crazy.”

  “You’re awful,” Karen said around a chuckle.

  “Where do you keep them?” Jeremy asked.

  “The Mercedes is at my house in South Carolina and the other two are at the ranch in Aspen.”

  That led to questions about my houses. Are they big? Who takes care of them when I’m not there? Which one do I like best?

  I just pulled into the parking lot of the diner when he asked that last one. After turning off the truck, I unbuckled my seatbelt and shifted to face them.

  “It used to be my ranch but now my favorite is my condo in Clearwater because it’s closer to the two of you.”

  Karen

  * * *

  “You look as excited here as Jeremy does at your games.”

  Dale shifted toward me and lifted the brim of his hat so I could see his dark blue eyes.

  “That’s because this, watching Jeremy, is amazing. Thank you for letting me come today. I’m having a great time.” He looked dramatically from side to side before giving me a quick kiss. “Of course, that probably has just as much to do with my present company as it does the game.”

  “Well, I’m enjoying myself more than I usually do.”

  We’re in the sixth inning of Jeremy’s first game and so far, so good. Dale has drawn some attention, but I’m not sure if that’s because he’s sitting with me or he’s been recognized. Either way, no one has approached us as we sit just outside the fence along the third base line.

  I looked up at Jeremy’s team logo on the hat Dale is wearing.

  “It’s strange to see you in a hat with a logo other than the Waves.”

  “It helps me blend in though, right? I’m just glad Jeremy thought to bring it for me to borrow.”

  I’m not sure Dale could ever truly blend in anywhere. He’s just too charismatic and sexy so he’ll always stand out. But Jeremy stepped up to bat before I could comment on that. Which is probably just as well.

  Dale sat forward in his seat as he watched Jeremy step into the batter’s box. He practically vibrated as the pitcher went into his windup. That pitch was called a ball and he relaxed a few seconds until the next one was thrown. And so it went, him tensing up every time Jeremy stepped into the box and relaxing between pitches.

  Jeremy had a full count on him and fouled off two pitches to stay alive. Dale was literally sitting on the edge of his seat when Jeremy swung and hit a line drive into left-center field. He jumped to his feet and yelled as we watched Jeremy round first base and slide in safe at second for a double.

  Dale let out an ear-piercing whistle and yelled, “Way to go, Jeremy!” before settling back into his seat.

  His honest reaction both amused me and tugged at my heart. It’s obvious when they spend time together that Dale really cares for Jeremy and he’s not just nice to him to score points with me. Then again, they sort of had a relationship before the two of us did.

  “That was an awesome hit,” he said.

  “I probably should have warned you that Jeremy is the king of the full count. On average, it happens two out of three at bats.”

  Which was the case today.

  “He’s really good,” Dale said. “He has a good swing, he’s fast, and he always knows what he’s supposed to be doing. The shortstop is supposed to lead the infield and he definitely does that.”

  “When his junior high coach suggested he try out for this team I was hesitant. Besides the cost, it’s a huge time commitment and our schedules were already pretty full. But he was so excited about the opportunity, I couldn’t tell him no. Then he not only made the team, but scored a starting position and t
he coach has him pitching. He really loves it and his game has really improved in the past year.”

  Jeremy stole third base on a wild pitch, but the batter hit a fly ball to center field for the third out. The next inning and a half went pretty quickly, with three up and three down for both teams.

  Dale and I stood and packed our chairs then headed to the truck. After a quick team meeting with the coach, Jeremy joined us. Normally the team hangs out for short breaks between games, but since we’re moving to a whole other location, they’ve all scattered.

  We’d researched local restaurants using our cell phones during the game and decided on a place called La Taberna. It has great reviews as a local favorite and Jeremy loves Mexican food.

  It was just a short drive from the field so we were seated with drinks in front of us a few minutes later. Jeremy had scarfed down two brownies on the way and was now digging into the salsa and chips the waitress put in the middle of the table.

  He and Dale were discussing the game, and Jeremy glowed as my...boyfriend?...gushed about what an amazing job he did today. They dissected every play and hit. Then Dale offered some pointers, but he did it in such a positive way, and Jeremy lapped up every word.

  I couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy at the fact that Jason should be having this conversation with Jeremy not Dale, but shook it off. Jason is gone. Wishing won’t bring him back. I know, I tried. And I also know that not moving forward won’t bring him back either.

  I’m still not sure how this thing between Dale and me is going to work, especially once the season starts, but I’m trying to enjoy the moment and not obsess about it. For now, I just have to appreciate how wonderful he treats me and how great he is to Jeremy.

  The waitress brought our entrees and refilled our drinks and we all dug in.

  “Did Aunt Chloe tell you she’s coming home Thursday?” Jeremy asked after he’d nearly cleared his plate.

  “She texted me earlier.”

  “Did she tell you she wants me to sleep over Saturday after my game?”