Ahh. I wanted to scream. I should have asked for help, but I ignored how my skin had pins and needles now as I asked, “Did he say what?”
“No, he wanted to talk to you first. Call me when you find him.”
“I love you, Jeremy.” No matter what happened next, I’d support my son and his father talking to each other. They were two of the best men in the world and deserved to have each other.
After circling the stadium, I found an office with people. The girl at the desk was dressed in a white t-shirt that was see-through to her black bra.
She waved me in and I asked, “Is Michael Irons here?”
“This way, ma’am.” She batted her eyes like she was sizing me up, then shrugged and guided me through to a small office.
She opened the door and Phil and Michael were sitting together. Phil stood immediately and waved for me to go inside. Michael’s blue eyes were as big as those balls thrown in the game. I switched places with his agent and the door closed.
He jumped out of his chair and said, “Georgie?”
Tears came out of my eyes as I said, “I love you. I was so scared yesterday. Please forgive me.”
His arms wrapped around me and he said in a low tone, “I love you, too. We need to talk.”
My stomach was in knots. I still trembled but I said, “I’m okay with going to New York. I want us to be together.”
He lifted my chin and waited till I looked at him. As my tears subsided, he said, “Good, but that’s not it.”
I swallowed and held him so I wouldn’t tremble as I asked, “What?”
He glanced at the door that was closed and then back at me. He pressed his forehead to mine and said, “I have two more offers. One from the Sooners and one from Texas. Which one makes you want to stay with me?”
If he wanted New York, I was there. I hugged his neck and said, “I don’t care. I just want you and us to be together. Forgive me.”
He kissed me.
I absolutely didn’t deserve a second chance, but if this was the start of one, I’d never, ever, ever screw this up again. Love was about being willing to change and grow together, and with Michael I had everything.
I’d never throw that away again because of fear.
Chapter 18
Michael
My arms still ached to hold the best thing in my life, to ensure she was real and here.
Today had been like a dream come true when she'd walked in the door.
I didn’t fucking deserve her or this elation in my blood.
She’d been sweet, and I’d fucked this up. All my life I'd defined myself from this game, and how I was on the field. Georgie had just wanted me.
The only way I changed was if I listened to her and my heart that she possessed.
I kissed her first as I needed to know she was real, and her kiss magnetized me.
I needed her like the wheat fields need sun.
Once I let her breathe, I held her sides and said, “I want you here to listen to the offers.”
She didn’t let me go past her to get Phil. Instead, she placed her arm on my shoulder and blinked as she asked, “Why are we at the stadium?”
I held my head down and listened to the beat inside my heart as I told her a truth I’d avoided for a while now. “I like my team. They’ve been good to me in Oklahoma.”
Her eyes widened and she asked, “So not New York?”
“Honestly, it’s one of the best stadiums I’ve ever played in and the team is top notch.” Right. I’d been so adamant about the dollar proving I’m the best that I'd hurt my family in the process.
If I didn’t let go of being the best, every day I’d die and eventually I’d start losing in the game, too. Georgie meant more to me. I honestly had no idea how she’d snuck into my heart these past seven years and how every day I played and prayed she’d somehow find me. If I chose the game over her, then I wasn’t honoring my own heart. I said, “The numbers aren’t what I wanted, no.”
She sucked in her bottom lip and bounced on her feet until she let it go and spoke, “Then we go to New York.”
And let her be miserable? And leave my team for the cold hard cash that, yes, I deserved, but at what price?
My own happiness? Georgie’s? I shook my head and said, “I can’t force you to go somewhere you don’t want. How would you feel about staying with my team?”
She was a sweetheart when she pressed her palm against my cheek and said, “I don’t care where we live as long as I’m with you.”
I tightened my hand around her waist and said, “We need to make a choice as a family and, in pursuing money only, I almost lost you. I can’t lose my son and, if possible, I’d like to be loyal to the team that groomed me.”
For a moment, neither of us moved. She closed her eyes, and I held her tight. It was like the warmth of light was in my life again and I never wanted to let her go. However, I kissed her cheek and she went on her tiptoes and kissed me back.
Her lips were firm. I ached for her. But I held back. We were in a side office. I let her go and she took the seat beside where I’d been and playfully elbowed me when she asked, “So what are the offers?”
“Let’s get Phil,” I said and stood, kissing her forehead as I passed. Then I opened the door and waved for my agent down the hall. “Come in and tell Georgie what’s going on.”
“Sure,” he called out and walked in with a new cup of coffee in his hand. He retook his seat on the other side of the table and said “Hello” to Georgie as he took out his folders. “This morning we are fielding two more competitive offers. One is Houston where they bumped their numbers to twenty-seven million for nine years.”
Good. Georgie and my parents had wanted that. And that was a good offer, but I asked, “And the Sooners?”
He opened his paper with the offer and said, “Twenty-eight million for ten years.”
I reached for it, but Georgie put her hand on it to stop me and said, “So it’s less if we go to Oklahoma?”
I nodded and said, “Yes, but Texas was what you and my parents agreed to.”
She let the paper go but asked, “Look, do you want to be loyal to the Sooners? Is that what this is?”
“I want us both to be happy,” I said, though she’d been right. My team worked well together and moving across country didn’t mean I’d be happier.
She shook her head. “I love your house. A few modifications to make it friendlier to Jeremy, or any other child we might one day have, would be great. But only if you want Oklahoma because you want it.”
I took the pen and said, “We can get you a new home entirely if you want that.”
She laughed, and I knew she’d finally agreed when she said, “Your house could hold my entire family in one spot and that’s saying something. I need space but it’s already a lot.”
I put my initials on the first page and said, “Oklahoma it is.”
She saw me flip the page and said, “New York gets you fame and the exact money you wanted. We’ll be happy there because we’ll be together.”
I initialed the second page and said, “But I get to wear my cowboy hat when I drive to the grocery store.”
“Well you could do that in Texas, too,” she said.
I stilled. Did she want the other? I’d lose even more. I asked her, “Is that what you want? For my parents to live close by?”
“No,” she said, and her face went a little white. She then placed her hand on mine and said, “I want us to be happy and you want to be loyal to your team.”
“Exactly,” I said and then flipped to the last page with the signature section as I said, “Let’s sign, Phil.”
“No changing your mind?” Phil asked. “Last chance to change your mind.”
I winked at my beautiful, brunette wife and said, “Georgie and I agreed. It’s all I need.”
“Then let’s sign,” she said.
I wrote out my first name and Georgie squeezed my hand. “Last chance, Michael. I’m sure there are great
schools in New York.”
“We’ll all be happy here,” I said and finished with my name.
“You’re sure?” she asked like she was stealing from me.
I handed the paper to Phil and massaged her leg. “Money isn’t everything. Making my wife my partner, and our family, is important.”
Tears formed in her eyes. “I love you.”
“Good. I love you, too,” I said and wiped her cheeks.
Phil tapped his fingers on the papers then leaned forward when he said, “I’m going to hold this, but see if I can get you everything you want from Oklahoma. Do you trust me for a few more days?”
Being alone with her was all I wanted. I jumped out of my seat and held out my hand for her. As she joined me, I said, “I trust you. For now, Phil, my wife and I are taking off.”
“Have fun,” he said and checked the contract. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
I gave him a thumbs-up and we rushed out. We needed to be alone now.
She stayed beside me as we headed out to the parking lot, but she shook her head when she saw the flight of stairs. She pointed to the stadium loop, and I shook my head. She’d have ten years to learn the tricks of stadium life.
However, I slowed down when we made it to the parking lot. The only extra car was a Toyota Caprice. I pointed to it and asked, “Did you drive in this?”
“It was all they had left.” She pushed a button to get her bag out.
I grabbed it for her but then pushed it down as I said, “Doubtful. I’ll have it shipped back to the airport today.”
I held her door for her and she said, “I saw your team at the hotel.”
“Good,” I said and joined her. The car turned on from my light press of a button and we headed out of the parking lot. “We need to catch them at the lunch table to tell them my news.”
She asked, “We?”
Jeremy and Georgie were my everything. I headed toward the hotel. “Do you need to get back to the airport?”
“No, my sister Olivia is watching Jeremy for the week.”
I drove, pressed the gas a little more and said, “Yeehaw.” And then winked at her and said, “So we get a honeymoon now?”
Her face had a cute blush on it. “If you want me to tag along.”
I roared the car into the hotel. “Sweetheart, let’s tell the team and get back to our room."
She laughed as I grabbed her bag from behind us and carried it into the hotel.
We passed the front desk, and I held her hand the whole way.
On the other end of the long circular rotunda of the lobby was the dining area where my friends sat. I walked toward them with Georgie, and we stood next to the table. “Guys, just came from meeting with the business suits.”
“So you're ditching us for New York?” Rodriguez asked.
There it was. I held my hand out to shake his as I said, “Seems y’all fall apart without me here, so I’ll stick around some more.”
Now that smile of his made me teary a little as he asked, “How long?”
“Ten fucking years, baby,” I said and man-hugged Rodgers.
Rodriquez nodded and showed off his dimples when he said, “Then you'd better bring your A-Game to tomorrow’s double-header.”
“I always play to win,” I said and then walked with Georgie out of the restaurant.
Winning included her, always. I’d almost lost her again, and I’d never do that a third time.
Ever.
She was my everything.
Chapter 19
Georgie
The week passed quickly, but flying first-class made the end of the week sweeter.
And the massage options at the hotels were divine. Seriously, when he was working, and I rested when I didn’t watch the games live, it was like a second part of heaven was in my life.
I don’t remember ever being happy by myself.
Not since we'd met. Now when he returned, he made the day complete.
It was like we were in the Bahamas and young again.
I’d been living in a bubble, but as we drove up to my driveway, the reverie of the past week was gone.
Inside, our son waited for us and the missing part of my life returned. I jumped out of the rental car and didn’t wait for Michael as I tossed the door open.
Michael followed with the bags. My son was wearing his headphones and sitting on the couch with his tablet. Michael joined me inside and Jeremy took them off his head and said, “Mom, Dad. You’re back.”
I glanced at Michael and his smile could light up a city street as he asked, “What did you just say?”
“I’m happy you're home?” Jeremy said it like he had no idea what was happening.
I knew I cried, and I didn’t care as I asked, “Did you just say 'Dad'?”
His eyebrows narrowed as he looked at me and asked, “Is that okay? I thought since we were a family, and you both had your honeymoon, that I’d like to call you Dad.”
Michael had a small tear in his eye as he nodded.
I swallowed and hugged him and then Michael, bringing them all together. Michael kissed his son’s head and as the hug ended, he said, “Yes. So, your mom and I talked.”
Jeremy stared at us with eyes open and unblinking. “And?”
I saw my sister coming down the stairs. She must be wanting to leave, but I stayed with Michael and told my son, “We’re going to wait till Christmas break but then we’re moving to my house in Tulsa.”
Olivia stood with her bag and Michael left my side to help her as Jeremy asked, “Does that mean I get two Christmas trees and double the presents?”
“Jeremy,” I said and crossed my arms.
No way was this move about him getting whatever he wanted.
His face turned red like mine when I blushed and he said, “I’m joking. I’m happy we’re a family. Will my grandparents come and visit again?”
“Yes, and your aunts, hopefully,” I said and stared at Olivia.
Olivia hugged Jeremy goodbye as she said, “Yeah.”
She started to leave but I called out, “One more thing.”
“What?” Olivia asked as she stood next to my son.
I stared more at my little sister as I said, “We’re going to fly to London for the New Year to see Stephanie and all of my sisters are invited.”
This hadn’t been planned, so they could all be busy.
Olivia stopped and said, “Wait. What?”
I took my sister’s hand and said, “I know you don’t get much time off because of school and I’m hoping you and whoever can come, will. We’ll pay your way.”
Olivia hugged me and said, “Thanks. I’ll be there. Happy you’re here, but I have to go. Call soon.”
Michael helped her to the car next to mine in the garage. I heard the doors open, and I waited till he and Jeremy came back. My son immediately picked up his tablet again.
I heard the doors close, and Michael came back, hugged me, and said, “Now it’s just the three of us.”
“Two. I have homework to do, Dad.” Jeremy showed us the audiobook he’d been listening to on phonetics.
Michael called out, “Want to toss the ball later?”
Jeremy’s face was glowing when he stared back into his father’s blue eyes and said, “Sure, Dad. When do you go to your next game?”
Michael’s chin fell as he said, “Tuesday. Baseball season is back and forth, but at least when you’re in Tulsa, I’ll get to come home to you and your mom.”
“Bye, Dad,” Jeremy said and took to the stairs.
Michael kissed my cheek and said, “He called me 'Dad'.”
“You were so good with him.” I squeezed his chin to get him to look at me and not let me go.
“I want to be a good dad.” His phone rang at that moment. He showed me the caller ID and said, “Phil, is the deal final?”
He put the call on speaker, so I heard Phil. “I’ll need you to sign the new contract today.”
“What?” he asked. “We already
told the team and my son that we’re staying.”
“You are. But I got you the thirty million. You need to sign today.”
Michael gave himself a fist pump and beamed at me. “Send—”
The door rang. I opened it and let in a courier with a package of papers. Michael laughed and said, “Wait here, kid.”
He opened the package and pulled out the contract. I went to the kitchen and found a pen in the drawer. He was reading it as I handed it to him, and he pointed to the number.
I patted him on the back as he signed. He put the papers back and said, “Phil, the papers are on their way.”
I walked the young man out and handed him a tip. It was cold outside. As I closed the door, I gave my husband a flirty smile and flexed my shoulder while I pointed to the steps.
“Got to go, Phil,” he said. He hung up and, clearly, understood my drift as he cupped my ass.
I laughed and said, “I didn’t expect for us to be alone.”
“I didn’t either, if I’m being honest.” He said and took full advantage of my neck. “Congrats.”
If I wasn’t careful, I’d have a hickey, but for once I didn’t want to be careful.
My life was pretty awesome now. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he asked me, “So what do you think we should do?”
My clothes were heavy, and I was in a t-shirt. I motioned with my head as I said, “Let’s head to my room. I’ll need your opinion on my drapes.”
“The drapes?” He asked.
Maybe he didn’t remember. He’d had a request earlier. I cocked my finger in the air and motioned for him to follow me as I saucily winked at him and said, “Yes, by the window.”
The light in his eyes wasn’t an imagination as we headed up. We tiptoed past our son’s room, but as we closed the door, he kissed me.
And I knew we finally had our happily-ever-after.
Thank you so much for reading. If you’re interested in reading the epilogue of Georgie and Michael then you can download it at Rocking Player Bonus Scene.
Having your attention this long is an honor and I hope you find time to leave your review for this book. Georgie and Michael were dear to my heart as it was really a book about two people with real issues. Book Two of the series is Ruthless Financier is out and Indigo is about to get a proposition you can’t refuse. Marry a billionaire and get twenty five million dollars. She has impossible dreams that now become possible. But the marriage is starting to feel real and she’s torn. Get Ruthless Financier now.
Rocking Player: Single Mom Second Chance Romance (Steel Series Book 2) Page 14
