He steps forward and cups my jaw in his palm.
“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.”
His jaw drops and his lips curl up into a grin at my reply. It’s a lesson learned from my father, who loves every kind of sport you can imagine.
“Damn, Sinclair. Gorgeous, sexy as fuck, and can quote Gretzky? Are you sure Dexter didn’t whip you up in his lab?”
I shrug, and can’t help but smile back at him. “Dad’s a sports fan.”
“Well, he’s obviously a smart guy. So yeah, you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. Call me an optimist, but I’m taking a shot here.” He wags his finger back and forth between us. “And I don’t plan to miss.”
I have to admit; his confidence is kind of a turn-on.
“Come on.” He nods his head to the side as he leads me into the hallway.
Cole gives me a behind-the-scenes tour that would turn my dad green with envy. When we get to the case that holds dozens of trophies and awards, I swallow my pride and ask Cole to take a photo of me in front of the two Commissioner’s Trophies from the team’s World Series wins. He snaps a couple with my phone, then steps behind me, draping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me close to take a selfie with me.
Cole looks down at the photos on my phone. “See what I mean? Look at that? We’re perfect together.”
I smile as I send the pics I know will make my dad insanely happy.
After we tour the offices and the players’ area, he takes me by an equipment locker, and pulls out a couple of bats and helmets. We walk over to the practice area, and Cole takes me into the batting cage.
He puts the helmet on my head and hands me a bat.
“Okay, so you’ve done this before?”
“At the batting cages next to the go-kart track, sure. Not in something like this.” I furrow my brow. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
“Don’t worry. I can turn it way down. This thing doesn’t pitch as fast as I do.” He grins and winks. He knows he’s good at what he does for a living. That’s not cockiness. His stats are some of the best in the league.
He drops the other bat on the ground in the corner and returns to where I’m standing.
“Okay, let me see your stance.”
I put the bat up, choke my hands together, and lean forward, jutting my ass out and giving it a little wiggle.
Cole crosses his arms and puts one hand up to his chin. “That’s not bad, actually.”
He steps behind me and I stand upright as he wraps arms around me to show me how to hold the bat. He puts his hands on my hips and pulls them back just a little. A soft growl escapes his throat as he slides one hand up my back, pushing me forward as the other palm rests on the side of my ass.
“Lift the bat.” He commands in a low voice.
I do, and his hands graze up my ribs to the underside of my arms as he positions me.
The heat of his hands disappears as he steps backward. “That’s just fucking beautiful.” He walks over to the controls.
“This feels exactly the same as what I was doing before.” I chuckle.
“It totally is, but I got to feel your ass while I got you into position.” He grins mischievously. “Okay, you ready?”
I nod, and he uses the remote to fire up the pitching machine. The first one whizzes past me.
“Shake it off, Baker!” He yells. “You got this.”
The machine fires another ball and I swing. It makes a satisfying cracking sound as it connects and flies over the machine, hitting the net before falling to the ground.
“I did it!” I yell, dropping the bat. I run over, beaming, and jump into Cole’s arms. He catches me, spinning me around.
“Great job, sweetheart!” He kisses me softly, then more deeply. I push the helmet back off my head and clutch his shoulders as his tongue glides against mine. He backs me up against the fence, pressing his body against mine as his lips explore my jaw, neck, and throat.
I grind against him as he presses against me, his erection hard and eager against my heat.
After several minutes of heated desperation, he releases me and I slide down his body until my feet find firm ground. We turn to leave, and he gives my ass a firm slap. “I knew you could do it, Baker. You’re one helluva batter.”
.-- --- -. -.. . .-.
Back at my place, he walks me inside. “This was a fun night. I’m glad you called.”
“Me too. So, what do you think? Saturday night?”
“Definitely.”
He plants his hand on the wall behind me and moves his lips to mine. His kiss is a heady mix of sweet and sexy. When he pulls me into his arms, I find myself clutching at his muscular back, and running my fingers through his hair. When he tugs gently on my ponytail, pulling my head back, and kisses my neck, I feel myself starting to lose control, just like I was starting to in the batting cage. In the privacy of my home, though, it feels much more dangerous.
His hand traces down my back, along my ass, and finds the back of my thigh, his thumb grazing along the skin just under the hem of my shorts. This small touch ignites a fire in my belly. My body betrays me as it presses into him of its own accord. I want this man, but I still have a nagging trepidation about moving too fast.
I press my hands to his shoulders. “Cole…we need to slow down.”
He kisses my throat and up my jaw, bringing his lips beside my ear. “Are you sure?” His voice is gravelly and desperate as he presses harder against me, showing me how much he wants me.
“Yeah.” My own voice is a whisper. “I need…a little more time.”
“Okay.” He presses his forehead to mine and grazing my lips with his thumb. “Okay.”
He steps back, brushing my cheek. “I’ll see you Saturday night, then?”
“Saturday.”
“Goodnight, Sinclair.” He deposits a chaste kiss on my lips before he steps out the door.
When I first went out with Cole, I wasn’t sure we’d go out again because we didn’t have any chemistry. The last few times we’ve been out, though, that has definitely changed.
I feel like we’re about to cross a line, and when we do, there’s no going back.
I think about the Gretzky quote. Is this the man I want to take a shot with? I lick my lips and I can taste him still lingering there. I rub my thighs together and feel the slickness he incited.
Well, Sinclair? This is the shot that’s open. Is it one you’re going to take?
I think I just might.
CHAPTER 15
Sinclair
THE GIRLS TEXTED ME about a sips and dips night at a local spa, and I can’t wait to catch up with them. I haven’t really seen or talked to them much this week, between being busy with work and spending time with Cole.
I’ve made the mistake before of letting my friends fade into the background when there’s a new man in my life. I think that’s how I got so far down the path with Rob. I had on relationship blinders. I don’t want to make the same mistake again. I know I’m lucky to be back home where the people I care most about are all together, and I won’t let any of them slip away.
I take a rideshare over to the spa, knowing I’ll probably be imbibing in a few glasses of wine over the course of the evening. The place we’re going to is one of those day spas that does everything from facials to mani-pedis, and is open later in the evening. They crank up the music and serve wine, making it a fun alternative to just another hang at some random bar.
When I walk in, I see Anna and Lily up front, waiting for our pedicure chairs. We exchange hugs, and they catch me up.
“Why do you look so miserable?” I ask Anna.
“We got here early. This one,” she crooks a thumb at Lily, “Convinced me to get a Brazilian for my date this weekend. It itches like a son-of-a-bitch!”
“Easy fix, crybaby, just drink faster!” Lily replies, tapping the bottom of Anna’s wine glass.
“Who’s the date with?”
&
nbsp; “We did speed dating last weekend, and I hit the jackpot.” Anna grins. “He’s a resident over at Mercy General. Really cute and a great body.”
“That’s fantastic, Anna! Why was he doing speed dating if he’s a cute doctor, though?” I’m intrigued, but a little worried for her, too.
“Well, if she hit the jackpot, I got the booby prize,” Lily rolls her eyes. “He was there as moral support for his not-quite-as-cute friend, and I agreed to go out with him. I’m taking one of the team, so my mani-pedi is on Anna tonight.”
“Oh, he’s cute too.” Anna nudges Lily with her shoulder. “You just compare everyone to Sinclair’s hot boyfriend.”
“Hold up—he’s not my boyfriend!” I argue, taking a glass of white wine from a woman who is walking past with a tray. I guzzle down a gulp as I think about our night at the ballpark. His word buzzes around in my brain.
Yet.
“Okay.” Their reply comes in unison.
“He’s not. We haven’t even…ya know,” I lower my voice.
“You haven’t fucked him yet? What the hell, Sinclair? I would’ve jumped on that guy day one!” Anna exclaims, flailing her free hand in the air.
I defend my position. “I wasn’t sure if I liked him. Besides, we’ve only been out a few times now…we’ve hung out maybe four or five times.”
“What are you waiting for?” Lily looks at me as if I’ve grown another head.
“I…I’m just…,” I pause for a moment, and in truth, I don’t know why I’m holding back. “I have no idea, really.”
“Well, you shouldn’t let all that go to waste.” Lily puts a hand on my shoulder. “Besides, we want to hear all the gory details.”
“Hells, yeah!” Anna concurs, clinking Lily’s glass. “I mean, would some naked pics be too much to ask for?”
I look at her under my brows.
“Yes, you lunatic. Far, far too much.” I roll my eyes.
“Just asking! Sheesh!”
We make our way to our pedicure chairs and we catch up on everything else going on in our lives as we get pampered. Cole shoots me a text, asking what I’m up to while my toes are getting a fresh coat of I’m Not Really a Waitress red.
I reply that I’m out with the girls, sending a pic of the three of us, wine glasses raised, all doing our best Insta-worthy pouts and ask what he’s doing. He sends back a pic of himself and Dex each holding a puppy. My heart swells seeing my two favorite guys hanging out together.
ME: Where are you two?
COLE: Dex and I stopped by his girlfriend’s clinic on the way to dinner.
I feel a lump in my throat. Girlfriend? Have things gotten that serious with him and Tabitha already? More importantly, why hasn’t he told me?
I am instantly conflicted. Is Dex making me slow things down with Cole? Maybe I have been subconsciously keeping him at arm’s length because I still have some residual feelings for my best friend. I look down at the screen again.
In the photo, Cole is looking at the camera while he holds up an adorable little fur ball. Cole is smiling, looking straight ahead and it’s like he’s looking right at me. Dex is looking off to the side, smiling. I see a woman’s hand holding the leash of the dog in his arms. Tabitha. He’s smiling adoringly at…his girlfriend.
COLE: Good thing this little guy already has a home or I’d be tempted to take him myself.
He sends me another pic of himself getting puppy kisses from the little guy.
COLE: I mean, just look at that face.
I do, but it’s not the adorable Springer Spaniel puppy that has my attention.
He’s a good guy, Sinclair. Don’t let him slip away because you’re waiting for something else.
ME: I think I’m kinda crazy about that face. I can’t wait to see it.
COLE: The puppy? He’s going home with his adopted family today.
ME: Not the puppy. The man. I can’t wait to see you this weekend.
COLE: Really? Me, too, Sinclair.
“I think I like him.” The words tumble out quietly.
“Cole, you mean?” Anna leans around Lily to catch my eye.
“Yeah, Cole. I think…I’m ready to take things to the next level.”
Anna and Lily high five. “Yes!” Lily exclaims. “Also, if he has any hot ball player friends you can send our way, it seems only fair that you spread the wealth.” She wriggles her eyebrows and we all laugh.
“On a completely unrelated note,” Anna sighs, “Are you done unpacking, finally? Do you need any help? Because you have the biggest place of any of us, and I think it’s been way too long since we’ve had a decent party.”
“Agreed! Let’s do it.” I like the idea of hosting a party in my new, happy little house. “I’ll throw a housewarming party. Maybe…two weeks from Saturday?”
“Yes! We’ll bring the liquor, you bring the ball players.” Lily laughs.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I chuckle.
My mind shifts back to the decision I’ve made. I wonder if we’ll spend the night at his place or mine. I wonder what being with him will be like, and my skin prickles with excitement at the thought.
Cole’s all mine—I just have to reach out and grab him, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
CHAPTER 16
Dexter
“THESE LITTLE GUYS ARE insanely cute,” I say, giving the puppy in my arms one last squeeze and pat on the head before handing him back to Tabitha.
“I work an awful lot, and I’m not sure the lab is the best place for a furry little guy, but I’d love to have one.” I lean back against the counter next to Cole, patting the head of the puppy I’m cradling in my arms.
“Agreed. I’d like to have a dog, but with my summer travel schedule, it would be kind of selfish. If I didn’t live alone, I guess it would be different.” He shrugs.
“Speaking of…,” He nods toward the back room where Tabitha has disappeared with the dogs whose attention we’ve been hoarding since we walked in. “How’s that going? She looks like she’s got it bad, man. You slipped it to her yet?” He raises his eyebrows as he backhands me in the chest.
“We haven’t…moved to the next level yet. I like her, though. I think she likes me, so…I don’t know. Maybe soon.”
“Same here, bro. I tried to steal a base with Sinclair the other night, but she kept me at first.” He shrugs.
“I know. I was there, in a matter of speaking, remember?” I say, reminding him that he had the Sana device on.
He shakes his head. “I almost forgot about that. Anyway, if I don’t get some action soon, I’m gonna lose it. I mean, Jesus, dude, how did you stay friends with a girl that hot for so long and never try to make the move?”
“I’ve told you’re we’re just friends. I also warned you before…,” He cuts me off before I can finish.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t hurt her. You worry too much, Dexter. I told you, I like her. She’s more of a long-term play for sure. As a matter of fact, you heard I got her a pass for Frontier Field when we were there.” He raises his chin as he looks at me with an air of satisfaction. “I kind of laid it all out there for her, too, just in case she had any doubts about what I’m thinking.”
“Have you ever done that before…getting a girl you’re dating a gate pass?” I’m still conflicted, but at least he seems to be treating her right, and I’m glad to hear Clair is holding her ground.
“I haven’t. You said I had to show her she could trust me. I thought it would be a big enough gesture to show her I’m serious.” He looks around then back to me. “I’m starved, dude. You want to ask your girl to come to dinner with us?”
“Sure.” I walk to the back of the office where I find Tabitha petting a sleepy-looking kitten on the head.
“He okay?” I point to the tiny kitten she’s so attentively caring for.
“He will be.” She sighs. “The rescue that brought him in found him in a trash can. He’s on the mend now, but…who does such a thing? What kind of monster just
throws away another living being?” She shakes her head as she puts him in his cage.
“This particular charity does good work, but they have limited funding.” She walks over to a sink with pedals on the floor and uses it to scrub her hands.
“What’s the name of the charity?” I ask, pulling out my phone.
“No Friend Left Behind. They rescue neglected and abused animals, get them medical care, and find them homes. I do as much uncharged work for them as I can.”
I quickly text Donna, my assistant, to make a sizeable donation to the group on behalf of Tabitha’s clinic.
“Cole’s about to waste away from hunger. Want to join us?” I ask, sliding an arm around her shoulder.
“Love to. Let me get changed.” She puts one palm on my chest and tiptoes up, planting a kiss on my jaw, which I happily bend forward to accept.
.-- --- -. -.. . .-.
At the bar, we choose a table near the back and order sliders and onion rings. Tabitha and Cole talk about baseball.
“I’m not saying that,” Tabitha leans on the table, twisting the glass of pear cider she ordered around on its coaster. “I’m sure that Viega is the best third baseman playing today. I’m just saying that, pound for pound, I’d take Chipper Jones any day.”
“Your girl is killing me, Dexter.” Cole shakes his head. “What do I have to do to make you a convert? I can’t have my best friend’s girl supporting another team.”
“Sorry, Cole. I’m a Georgia girl. The Braves will always be first in my heart. I tell you what, though, I’ll take on the mantle of a Frontiersmen fan unless you take the American League and face them in the Series. Deal?” She puts her hand out and Cole shakes it.
“Deal!” He gives her a smug smile.
As we’re talking, a couple of girls walk up to the table.
“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you. Aren’t you Colton Bright?” The pretty blonde asks.
“Guilty.” Cole flashes a toothy smile as he turns toward them.
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