Stealing Home

by Tara Wyatt

  “No, never.” But Bill shook his head, and Maggie’s hopeful heart sank.

  “You’re lying.”

  Dylan twisted to look at Bill and then froze. “Oh. Oh, yeah. There was one other time. It was recent too.”

  “What?”

  He grinned, and she had no idea what to make of that. “Your rules. I broke them on purpose because I wanted a second chance with you. You were using them to keep me at arm’s length, and I needed to get closer to show you what we could have.”

  Maggie drummed her fingers on the table. Given how things had turned out—at first, at least—she couldn’t be too mad about that one. “Any other times?”

  “No. And I won’t do it again. Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson. I think it comes naturally, given the man I grew up with, but I know I can do better.” He met her eyes again. “You make me want to be better than all of that. When I’m with you, I feel like the man I could be, instead of the man I hate.” Bill nodded. Even if Maggie wasn’t so sure she made Dylan a better man, he certainly felt that way.

  “Did you know anything about your father getting me fired?”

  “No, not a damn thing. And he and I are through now. He’s out of my life for what he did to you.” Bill nodded.

  Her eyes went wide, and she leaned forward, laying her hand over Dylan’s. “Seriously? Are you okay?”

  He gave her fingers a squeeze. “I’m good. It was a long time coming. And he deserved it for hurting you.”

  The room felt like it was spinning around her, and sweat gathered between her breasts. “If y’all will excuse me for a moment, I need to use the ladies’ room.” Without waiting for an answer, she pushed up out of her seat and scurried for the safety of the restroom, away from Dylan’s remorseful eyes and his truth and what it all meant.

  It was all so messy and complicated. Dylan couldn’t help who he was or how he’d been raised, and he seemed genuine in his determination to do better. His remorse and regret for everything were sincere. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t pull the same shit in the future. She knew she was at a crossroads, where she could either choose to forgive him now that she knew the truth, or she could leave him in the past. She leaned on the counter, bracing herself against the tiled surface. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and listened, really, really hard, for the small voice inside her, the one she tried to tune into whenever she felt lost or confused or hopeless. Sometimes, it sounded like Mama’s voice, but today, it sounded like her own.

  I miss him.

  Three simple words. A tiny problem with the world’s easiest solution. It was messy, yes, but also straightforward at the same time.

  She checked her appearance in the mirror and then made her way back to their table, sinking back down into her seat. “I’ve got a few more questions for you while you’re still hooked up to that thing.”

  Dylan smiled. “Shoot.”

  “If we…and that’s still an if…but if we did get back together, what happens when our careers are in conflict?”

  He cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, my career’s important to me. What happens if you get traded?”

  “Let’s not borrow trouble, Mags. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But I can promise you that while baseball will be a big part of our lives, it won’t be the center.” He inched forward in his chair and took her hands. “Us. We’re the center. Everything else is details. More than anything, I want you to be happy, so we’ll figure it all out. I promise. Okay?” Bill nodded.

  We’re the center. It was the truest thing he’d ever said. Ten years ago, he’d been her center, and he’d easily resumed that role in the present. Her world made so much more sense with him in it. Because together, they were the center. Of everything. She twined her fingers with his, letting his warmth seep into her, all the way down to her bones. But she had one last question for him.

  “Do you love me?” She’d heard him say it to his father, but now, with her heart in her throat and hope filling her up, she needed to hear him say it.

  He smiled softly, his eyes bright. “Magnolia Jennings, I’ve loved you since I was eighteen, and I never stopped loving you. Yeah, babe, I love you. More than anything.” Hearing those words from Dylan sucked the air out of her lungs, and she pulled in a shuddering breath, inching closer to him.

  “Say it again.”

  “I love you, Maggie. Always have, always will.”

  She closed the distance between them and kissed him. It didn’t matter if Bill had nodded or not, because she believed him. His lips on hers, soft and gentle, felt like coming home. Felt like finding something she’d thought was forever lost. His kiss tasted like promise and hope and new beginnings.

  “I forgive you, D,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Thank God.” And he kissed her again.

  Eighteen

  Maggie would’ve thought she’d be used to heat, having grown up in Texas, but the heat in Miami was a whole new level thanks to the humidity that never seemed to let up. Thank goodness the Marlins played in an enclosed, air-conditioned stadium; otherwise Maggie wasn’t sure she’d survive the entirety of the game unfolding in front of her. From her spot in the player’s family section, she searched out Dylan on the field and found him in his brightly colored American League All-Star uniform, chatting with a player wearing an equally brightly colored National League uniform.

  Miami was hosting this season’s All-Star game, and Dylan was the lone Longhorn to make the roster. Technically, Hunter would’ve qualified too with the number of votes he’d received, but he hadn’t been allowed to play. Both Dylan and Hunter had been suspended for five games each following the brawl in Denver, but because Hunter had already gotten in trouble earlier that season, Javi had extended his suspension to ten games. Maggie had felt bad for Hunter, especially because the first incident hadn’t even been his fault, and the second time he’d merely been backing Dylan up. Trouble seemed to find him wherever he went. She hoped that whatever was eating at him, he’d find some peace, and soon. Granted, last she’d heard was that he was hella pissed about the suspension and had taken off for Vegas for the All-Star break, so she didn’t like the odds of Hunter staying out of trouble.

  Whatever. She didn’t work for the Longhorns anymore, so Hunter and his antics weren’t her problem. Instead, she’d be focused on her brand new job once she and Dylan got back to Dallas later this week. The day she’d gotten back together with Dylan had been a lucky one apparently, because she’d gotten the job she’d interviewed for that morning. Starting the following Monday, she’d be working with Cancer Cooperative of Texas out of Fort Worth as their brand new marketing, communications, and fundraising manager. She’d loved working for the Longhorns, but in this new role, she’d be able to make a difference to people dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The organization offered support for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors by connecting them with helpful resources—social workers, therapists, financial aid for medical expenses, nutritional counseling, and more. She knew first-hand how cancer could upend and rip apart someone’s life, and it felt…special, healing in a way, to be able to help people walking the same path she’d walked with Mama. It felt like more of a calling than working for the Longhorns ever had.

  And as for her and Dylan…well, they’d been in honeymoon mode ever since she’d forgiven him. They’d practically been Velcroed together—usually naked—and Maggie had zero complaints about that. Dylan wasn’t perfect, but he’d owned up to his mistakes, and he’d learned from them. He’d grown and was trying to be a better man, and she couldn’t fault him for that. She felt like maybe she’d grown too. When she’d first heard that he was coming to Dallas, she’d been so determined to prove that he didn’t mean anything to her, but fighting against her emotions and what she truly felt was downright exhausting. She wasn’t going to live like that anymore. She was done with grudges and games and denying her heart.

  The All-Star game progressed at a l
eisurely pace, the players joking with each other and having fun while showing off their skills. Dylan got his chance in the third inning when the batter sent a ball flying in his direction and he leaped against the wall, his glove extended. He hit the wall with a hard thud, the ball smacking into the leather, and the crowd exploded in a mix of cheers and groans.

  In all honesty, she’d been a little anxious about coming with him to the All-Star game, worried she’d feel like she was disappearing into his shadow as she sat in the stands with the other wives and girlfriends, wearing his name on her Longhorns jersey, but it didn’t feel like that. Her presence, knowing what it meant to him, felt important. Because Dylan wasn’t the center, and neither was she. They, together, were the center, a single unit no matter what. It was a heady feeling accepting that, but one that made her feel so incredibly loved and adored. Cherished and safe. Plus, the other women were all so welcoming and friendly that it felt like she was the newest member of some kind of elite, secret club.

  Despite her fears, Maggie was having fun. Because of Dylan. Because she’d let herself love him and hadn’t let fear win.

  The American League won, 7-5, and Maggie waited for Dylan in the designated area after the game. Thankfully, the players had done all of their media and fan stuff in the days leading up to the game, so once the game was over, they were free from any obligation and Maggie could have him all to herself. She smiled when she saw him emerge from the clubhouse, his hair still damp from his shower, wearing a simple blue T-shirt and jeans. Wiggling her fingers in a wave, she let out a little giggle when he wrapped one arm around her waist and lifted her, pressing his lips to hers.

  “Nice job out there, champ,” she said, dropping her hand to his ass and giving the firm muscle there a light smack. His eyes darkened at that in a way that promised so many good things and heat unfurled inside her, starting up a tiny throb right between her legs.

  “I’ve got a surprise for you.” He set her down and wove his fingers through hers, leading her to the area where Ubers were waiting to take the players back to their hotels.

  Maggie arched a brow, feeling a little drunk even though she’d only had a diet Coke during the game. She was drunk on him. On them. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  “You’ll see.” He led her to one of the cars, but instead of telling the driver to take them to the Hyatt where they’d been staying, he instead told the driver to take them to the Ritz-Carlton. He leaned over and tucked her against his side as much as their seat belts would allow. “I got us a suite overlooking Biscayne Bay for the next two nights.”

  “Mmm. Sounds romantic.”

  He nuzzled his nose into her neck, inhaling deeply. “That’s the idea.”

  She laid a hand on his muscled thigh, and she could feel the tension, the need, the barely controlled lust all coiled there, and she skated her hand higher, deliberately teasing him, wanting him to unleash all of it on her. Lifting her head, she brushed her lips over his, soft and gentle, excitement bursting inside her at the little growl rumbling in his throat. She loved knowing that he wanted her just as much as she wanted him.

  When they arrived at the hotel, Dylan checked them in and retrieved their bags, which he’d had sent over from the Hyatt, and they made their way up to their suite. Maggie let out a soft little gasp when he pushed open the door. A large living room stretched out before them with a plush, cream-colored sofa sitting on a gorgeously ornate blue and white rug. A glass-topped coffee table was placed in front of it, a vase of roses right in the center. Along the far left wall and the wall directly in front of her, there were nothing but windows, covered only with expensive-looking sheers so as to make the most of the waterfront view. A table and chairs were nestled together at the far end of the living room, and to the right was an open set of double doors that led to the bedroom. She gave Dylan’s hand a tug as she led him there, anticipation humming through her and heating her blood. A massive king-size bed sat in the center of the room, and she guided Dylan to it, urging him to sit down with her hands on his shoulders. Without a word, she stood before him and slowly began undoing the buttons on her jersey, stopping when she’d undone enough to reveal her breasts. Then she undid her jeans and shimmied out of them, kicking off her socks and converse sneakers as she went. Her eyes on his, she hooked her thumbs into her panties and slid them down her legs, leaving her naked save for his jersey. A sexy grin turned up the corner of his mouth and he crooked a finger at her.

  “Come here,” he said, moving back on the bed until he was propped against the headboard. It was reminiscent of their first night together, and yet it felt so completely different this time around. He pulled his T-shirt off over his head and opened his jeans, stroking himself through his boxer briefs. Her mouth watered, her stomach swirling with need, and she climbed onto his lap, working herself against him, loving the tease of the fabric separating them. His mouth found hers and he claimed her in a hard, hungry kiss, a searing brand of his lips on hers that she’d never get enough of. She started to unbutton the rest of the jersey, but his hands landed on hers, stilling her movements. “Leave it on. It’s hot seeing my name on you.”

  She melted into nothing but nerves and want and lust and happiness at that, her entire body singing, vibrating with it. With this big, messy, amazing emotion he made her feel.

  His hands found her breasts, and he tormented her nipples, pinching and plucking just the way she liked until she was writhing against him, slick heat gathering between her thighs. “Put me inside you, Mags. Take me home.” She reached into his boxer briefs and pulled his cock out, stroking him once before lowering herself onto him. With her forehead pressed to his, she worked herself all the way down, taking him in, inch by inch, welcoming the burning stretch that always happened when he first pushed into her. His hands fell to her hips, and he guided her movements, a slow grind of her pelvis against his that worked her clit against him with deliciously hot friction.

  “I like seeing your name on me, too,” she admitted breathlessly, clinging to him as everything inside her started to wind tighter and tighter, the slide of his cock against her hungry nerves stoking the fire at her core.

  “Maybe we should talk about making that a permanent arrangement someday.” He pumped up into her, hitting a spot deep inside her that had her crying out. She waited for the fear, for the instinct to run to hit, but it didn’t happen. All she felt was the open happiness of possibility, and she swiveled her hips against him.

  “Maybe we should.”

  Her words seemed to send him over the edge, as his grip tightened and he pumped up into her hard and fast, taking her ruthlessly and just the way she liked. Her orgasm burst from within, starting deep in her belly and then spreading over her entire body, pleasure throbbing through her as she called out Dylan’s name. His movements faltered, and she felt his cock pulse inside her several times before his muscles relaxed and his breathing returned to normal.

  “Goddamn,” he whispered against her neck, trailing soft kisses over the damp skin there. He lifted his face and trailed his fingers over her cheek. “I love you, Mags. Love every inch of you. Every part of you. And I want everything with you. The good days and the bad days and everything in between. I want to celebrate every victory with you and commiserate every loss. I want to watch your career take off and grow. I want every single second of however much time I have left on this planet with you. I want to spend every single day trying to be worthy of you. I want it all.”

  Her throat tightened and tears filled her eyes at his words. “I love you too, D, and I want everything with you. I want to wrap my life around yours until we can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. But there’s no rush, you know? We have so much time in front of us.”

  “Well, you’d better move in with me, then.” She laughed, and he shook his head. “I’m serious. I’m a heartbeat away from going ring shopping, so you moving in is my not rushing compromise.” His cock flexed, still hard and buried inside her.

  Excitement w
hirled through her, making her slightly dizzy at the idea of Dylan shopping for a ring and she tightened her grip on his shoulders. “Well, yeah, since ring shopping is maybe a little premature, I guess I’ll just have to move in with you.”

  Dylan kissed her, and everything in Maggie’s life was right.

  So, what’s next in the world of the Dallas Longhorns? Hunter’s book!

  What happens in Vegas…

  Dallas Longhorns slugger Hunter Blake is wild. He gambles, he parties, and lives in the fast lane. Impulse control isn’t his strong suit, and while he’d originally set out to distance himself from his All-Star father’s pristine reputation, walking on the wild side has become a habit. So when he’s suspended and loses his spot on the All-Star team, he heads to Vegas for a few days of fun with country singer Marlowe Story, his casual fling—who he has more than casual feelings for. When they wake up married after a night of fun, all bets are off.

  …isn’t staying there…

  Marlowe Story might sing about love and fairy tales, but she doesn’t believe in them, and she especially doesn’t believe in happily ever after when it comes to someone as wild as Hunter. She knows better than to give him her heart. But when they decide to stay married for the good publicity it’s bringing both of their careers, she can’t help but fall for Hunter, who has a passionate, sensitive side he keeps hidden from the world.

  But old habits die hard, and when the past resurfaces, Hunter and Marlowe will need more than luck on their side. They’ll need love.

  CLICK HERE TO START READING WILD CARD NOW!

  And keep reading for a teaser…

  Marlowe groaned and peeled her eyes open, instantly regretting it as soon as she did. Shards of light shone through the edges of the sloppily closed curtains, making her brain feel like it was being stabbed with hot needles. She swallowed thickly, trying to get the taste of roasted sawdust out of her mouth. Her pulse throbbed sluggishly in her temples and her stomach simmered with a nausea that made her not want to move.