by Penny Wylder
“Ryon, are you here?” Moving to the window, I pull back the blinds and see his car is gone.
He left.
I’m surprised to see he’s gone. Scooting my feet across the floor back toward the kitchen, I find a note on the counter, held down by one of the flowers he brought me.
Gillian,
You looked too perfect to wake up, so I decided to let you sleep.
I had a great time. I’d love to do this again, maybe next time I can cook for you.
Call me.
—Ryon
Smiling to myself, I touch the note softly, not able to stop my heart from exploding in my chest. I refuse to say it out loud, to truly admit what it is I’m feeling as my whole body goes warm and my heart pounds like I just ran a marathon.
You’re falling for him, Gil, and you’re falling hard.
Too hard. . . I’m falling in love.
Relaxing back against the counter, the clock on the stove is telling me it’s time to shower, dress, and head to work. I don’t have a therapy session scheduled with Ryon today, but I don’t doubt I’ll see him there.
Walking through the parking lot, I adjust my lip stick in the small mirror I keep in my purse. I want to look good for Ryon. I want to feel him watching me, to see him get excited as I tease him from a distance.
Rounding the corner, I bump into someone else. “Oh, sorry,” I say, looking up to see John.
“No, I’m sorry,” he answers, touching my shoulder as he smiles. “Don’t you look nice today. New color?”
“Excuse me?” I ask.
“The lipstick,” he says, pointing to my face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in that color before.”
“Oh, yeah,” I respond nervously, tucking the lipstick and mirror back into my purse. “I just got it, figured I’d try it out.”
“Well, you look hot as hell.” Biting his knuckles, he takes a step back and runs his eyes from head to toe. “How about you and I go have breakfast before you start your day?”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s a good idea, John. It’s good to maintain professional boundaries. I could lose my job if it gets back to the wrong people, even if it’s innocent.”
You’re a dirty man-whore. . . There’s not a chance in hell I’d go anywhere with you.
And my heat belongs to someone else.
“Innocent? Who ever said it would be innocent?” He licks his lips as he wags his brows.
“John, really, I can’t.” I’m being nice, professional, and trying to not tell him to fuck off.
“Okay, okay, I get it.” He digs around in his bag, pulling out an apple and tossing it to me. “Here, it’s better than nothing.”
“Thanks.”
He starts to turn to leave, then quickly spins back to me. “Oh, congrats by the way. I heard the good news this morning. You must be happy.”
“What good news?” I ask as I twist the apple in my hand.
“Ryon getting some offers for a few big teams. You really did magic on his shoulder. What did you do, sleep with him? Was it sex magic?” John laughs, but I don’t laugh along with him.
What did he just say?
I can’t speak. I’m in shock. I didn’t have a clue he got any offers, and to have John even tease about sex with Ryon makes me worry that our relationship hasn’t been quiet like I thought.
Choking on my own words, I swallow hard as I shake my head. “Sex? Why did someone say something? Did he say something? Who said that to you?” I shoot him multiple questions in a row, and he takes a long step backwards.
“Whoa,” he says, holding up both hands. “I was only joking, no one said anything. . .” He pauses for a moment, his lids lowering as he studies me. “Holy shit, you two did it, didn’t you? You slept with him?”
“No,” I immediately answer, shaking my head. “No we didn’t. He’s a patient, that’s all.”
Smirking, John nods yes as he points at me. “Yes you did, I can see it all over your face. You can’t even look me in the eyes, can you?”
Darting my eyes to his face, I try so fucking hard to be believable. “I didn’t sleep with Ryon.”
“Right,” he says eyeing me like the lying bitch I am. I’m not convincing him, and I know it. “Well, I heard he’s signing with Hartford, that’s pretty amazing. Maybe once he’s gone, I’ll get my chance.”
Hartford? That’s on the other side of the country.
“Go to hell, John.” My eyes start to gloss, but I hold in my tears. Adjusting my bag on my arm, I sniffle, doing my best to stay calm and not lose it right here. “Thanks for the apple.” Giving him a fake smile, I rush into the building and head right for the bathroom.
I’m about to cry, I am literally about to ball my eyes out and I don’t want to do it in the middle of the gym. Closing the door, my eyes burst at the seams, and tears cascade down my cheeks.
I can’t do this today. I can’t fucking do this today.
Wiping my nose, I leave just as quickly as I arrived. No one even caught a glimpse of me. Dialing the receptionist on my phone, I tell her I’m not feeling well, and I won’t be in today. I ask her to reschedule my appointments with other therapists.
Speeding out of the parking lot, I drive home. It irks me that I’m leaving other therapists to pick up my slack for today, but I’ll never be able to focus and give anyone the attention they deserve.
I never call out sick, but today is just too much for me. The last thing I want is my patients having to comfort me while I cry. Because I know Ryon will show up and I’m not going to be able to look at him without tears glassing over my eyes.
Ryon is leaving and moving across the country. John knows what’s going on between us, he can see it, he spotted it so fucking easily, and now he’s probably going to start spreading rumors. The rumors will run, gaining a life of their own, and my heart will break even more. I’ll lose Ryon, I’ll lose my job, and then what?
I should have never left the house this morning. I made the mistake of waking up. I wish I could reverse time and wake up weeks before ever meeting Ryon.
Because I can’t take this kind of pain.
What the hell was I thinking getting involved with that man?
I should have known it was too good to be true.
Nothing good ever lasts.
12
Ryon
The ground pops and crackles as my tires pull into her driveway. The house is dark, curtains drawn, and it doesn’t look like any lights are on.
My car is full of the scent of Chinese food, and my stomach is grumbling. I’m starving, but I’m not sure if she’s hungry or not.
After learning that she called out sick today, I tried to call her a few of times, but she wouldn’t answer. It took two text messages and four calls before she finally let me know she was fine, she’s just really tired today.
The message made me laugh. Knowing that I knocked her on her ass after a night of hot sex made me feel good. I’d really like to repeat it tonight, and every night if she’ll let me.
Grabbing the plastic bag with the takeout dinner I brought, I head to her door and ring the bell. Standing outside, I look around, waiting for her to answer. Except, she doesn’t.
Maybe she’s sleeping.
Pressing my face to the window by the door, I can’t see through the curtains. Walking around to the backyard, I head up to the deck, hoping the skidding back door is open. Pulling on the handle, it’s locked, and the curtains are drawn here too.
Knocking, I try to look through the small divide between the doors, but I can’t see shit. With my face on the glass, I knock again, this time harder so I know she hears me.
“Gillian!” I call out. “It’s me, let me in.”
Nothing.
Pounding on the glass, I say, “I brought dinner. Hello?” My knuckles rap against the door over and over. “Gillian!”
The curtains fly open, and I’m met with a red eyed, wild haired woman, who looks like she’s either got the flu or has been crying
hours. Her mouth folds into a scowl as her eyes turn to slits.
“Go away!” she yells back, leaving the door as a barrier between us.
“What’s going on? Are you all right?” She doesn’t answer, simply cupping her hands on her hips as her lips frown deeper. Holding up the bag, I smile. “I brought dinner.”
“And you can take it home with you. Go home, Ryon.” She starts to pull the curtains closed again, but I press my hand against the glass.
“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s gotten into you. Just let me in so we can talk. Please, tell me what’s wrong.”
Gil’s nostrils flare wide as she grips the handle and tears the door open. “Not going anywhere? Not going anywhere?” she yells, her voice teetering between tears and anger. “Do you think I’m stupid? You know what, I don’t care what you think or what you do. Do what you want, Ryon, just forget about me. How’s that?”
“I don’t know what’s going on here. I don’t want to forget about you, I’d never want to forget about you. Why are you talking like this?”
What the hell has gotten into her? What did I do wrong?
“Right, like I’m supposed to believe that. I’m just another notch on your belt, aren’t I?”
“What? Another notch?” Shaking my head, I try to reach for her hand, but she snaps it away so I can’t. “I’m really not sure what to say right now.”
“Just do what you do best, don’t say anything and go.”
“I came here because I wanted to, and because I have good news to share with you.”
“I know your news, and maybe I’d be happier if I wasn’t the last one to hear about it.” Crooking her jaw, her brows drop sharply. “I guess I thought. . .”
Her eyes cloud over and I can see the mirrored edge of tears as they bubble over her eyes. I’m still trying to figure out what she’s talking about. Have I been reading her all wrong this whole time?
I thought there was something more growing between us, but maybe I’ve been seeing something that isn’t really here. Or maybe I’ve been trying to create something that will never truly be.
“Do you really want me to go? Is that what you actually want?”
Tears start to fall down her cheeks as she stares up at me. Reaching my hand out, I run my thumb across one of her cheeks and wipe away the tears. She’s silent, and I can’t stand this quiet between us.
I’d rather have her yelling at me, screaming at me at the top of her lungs than stand here in this nothingness. No words. No voice. It’s torture.
“Well? Do you really want me to leave?”
Her tears turn into rushing streams as she lunges forward and throws her arms around my waist, burying her face in my chest.
“No,” she says between hiccups of air. “I don’t ever want you to leave. The thought of you leaving kills me inside. I want you here, I want you with me, I want to be with you.” Pushing herself away, she peers up at me, her cheeks glistening from fresh tears. “Is that crazy?”
Her eyes move from my face to my shirt, causing her lips to twitch into a light smile.
“What do you think? Does it look good on me?”
“Are you serious?”
“Yup, accepted the position today.” Plucking at my Solum logo t-shirt, I grin. “I really like it here. And this gives me an excuse to boss around young pitchers.” Winking at her, my smile widens.
“So you’re not going to play with Hartford?”
“Is that what this is all about?” She nods, wiping at her face. “Well I’m not, I’m not going anywhere.”
“But John said—”
“John is an idiot,” I say, cutting her off. “Yes, Hartford made me an offer, but the thought of being away from you is too much to bear. I love you, Gillian. There’s no place in the world that would ever make me as happy as being with you.”
“Really?” she asks, her eyes now welling with happy tears. “You love me?”
“I do. Don’t get me wrong, I love baseball, but I don’t need to play to leave a legacy. I can also teach and train and get to see my work on the field in the guys I help. You taught me that, you showed me that helping can be as much a gift as actually playing. But you, I love you like I’ve never loved anything else in my life.”
“I love you too.” Her voice softens as a bright smile takes over her face.
Dropping the bag of food, I grip her face, and kiss her. Her lips parts, and as she kisses me back, it feels different. This isn’t just lust, it isn’t just about sex, this is a feeling that burns into my bones, leaving me breathless.
Walking her backwards into the house, my hands stay cupped around her face. Her skin is warm, her cheeks flush and dewy. She’s breathing heavily into our kiss as her hands wrap my wrists and she pushes her chest into mine.
Grabbing her under her ass, I lift her onto the island counter in the center of her kitchen. Her legs spread, curling around my hips, and she moans as I push my erection against her pussy.
I devour her. I kiss and nibble on her neck, trying to chase away the fear I had of losing her moments before. She floods my senses until I feel like I’m losing control. I smell the lavender shampoo in her hair, her heartbeat flutters against my chest, and the heat coming from between her legs is searing. I dig my fingers into the waistband of her pants, I peel her leggings off in one fast swipe. Unbuckling my belt, Gil slides her hand inside and pulls my cock out. I’m so fucking hard, that initial touch is enough to make my entire body go up in flames.
And when she touches me, everything else disappears. The outside world melts away, and the only thing that matters is her. She’s the one, she’s the only one and there’s no denying it.
Wrapping herself tightly around my body, I slide my cock into her heat. Her pussy is soaking wet, and her walls clench around my shaft as I sink in deep. Her back arches as I grip her ass and pull her as close to my body as I can. I want her against me, I never want to let her go.
Thrusting in and out, I make love to her. I make love to the only woman to ever make my heart beat louder than my own thoughts.
I could never leave Gillian. Not for baseball, not for money, not for anyone else.
Because what we have is real, it’s true. . . And it can never be replaced by a game or fame.
She taught me that, she taught me that love is a better healer than anything else.
Epilogue
Gillian
Nine months later
Slowly, I sit in the chair and relax back, stretching out my legs. My ankles are swollen and my lower back has been killing me all day.
This kid is already trying to kill me.
Rubbing my belly, my very, very large belly, I feel a little thump against my palm. We didn’t plan this pregnancy, but it’s the best thing that has happened in our lives since finding each other.
I’m due any day, and to be honest, I can’t wait to see my feet again. I have no idea if the baby is a boy or a girl. Ryon and I decided we wanted to be surprised. Another kick causes me to arch my back and sit up straight.
That was definitely a straight shot to my kidney. Foul! Rubbing my lower back, I massage the area.
“Come on little one, settle down in there,” I say out loud as I draw wide circles across my stomach. “You’re killing me here.”
I hear women’s voices getting closer, and I look over my shoulder to see who’s coming by. Three women come into the box seats, laughing and chatting together. One woman, with short brown hair and a sleek blue dress, sees me and smiles.
“Look at you,” she says with a friendly tone. “You look like you’re about to pop.”
Laughing, I look down at my belly and cup it with both hands. “Any day now, and it can’t come soon enough.”
“I hear that,” she says with a chuckle. “I’m Kim.” Holding out her hand, I shake it.
“Gil,” I answer.
She sits beside me, setting her purse down. Looking out onto the field. Today is the first spring training day of the season,
and Tigers trot out onto the field bursting with excitement. I recognize a few faces of my patients and feel pride that I played a part in helping get them out there. Even though it’s hard to get out of the house these days, I’m actually excited to see this game.
“So,” she says, leaning over closer to me so I can hear her over the crowd’s cheers, “which one is yours down there?”
“Hers is right here,” Ryon says as he grips my shoulder from behind. Handing me a water and a hot dog, he takes the empty seat beside me and smiles. “How are my wife and baby doing?” Rubbing my belly, he kisses my cheek.
“Oh, you’re not with one of the players?” she asks, genuinely surprised.
Another woman on the left of Kim laughs. “You don’t recognize them? That’s Gillian and Ryon Daniels. The best rehab team in the state. The same ones that saved your husband’s career.”
“Oh my God, I feel like such an idiot. I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you.” She covers her eyes and looks up. “I had no idea.”
“No, don’t apologize. It’s fine. I think we met once, and I wasn’t nearly this big. Your husband is Roger Berstein, right?” I ask.
“Yeah. He’s been doing great since he started seeing you two, thank you for helping him.”
“That’s what we do,” Ryon says with a nod as he takes my hand and braids our fingers together. Kissing the back of my palm, he looks at me with nothing but love in his eyes. “This woman works miracles, and I’m one of them.”
Suddenly, a sharp pain zips across my lower belly and my muscles clench. It wraps around my back and claws up my spine.
“Ooh,” I say, cringing as I grab my stomach.
What the hell was that?
“What’s wrong? Are you all right? Is it the baby?” Ryon’s eyes pop open wide, his brows jumping up to his hair line.
“I. . . I don’t know. I just cramped up really bad. It could be Braxton Hicks, the doctor said that happens sometimes.”
Ryon starts to rub my back as I let out a deep breath. “You’re okay, though?”
