I see Hector glance at his dad and sadly, he says, “I think it’ll be just us today, Lanny.”
“Well, she’s more than welcome to join us if she would like. We’ll meet y’all there.”
I tell Hector I’m going to ride with my aunts and even though he’s a little disappointed, he nods in understanding.
When we reach the steakhouse, Hector holds onto me tightly as we walk in.
“I missed you last night,” he whispers in my ear.
“I missed you too.”
Hector and Manuel hold the chairs for all of us and make sure we’re seated. We all talk, joke, and have great food. Mr. Rodriguez tells us all to call him Manuel and he hopes to see us the next time he’s in town.
I think the dinner is a huge success.
I FINISH ANOTHER painting, a watercolor. I haven’t done them in years, but lately, it’s the only thing I’m doing. Since Hector is away on a road trip, I’ve only worked in my studio. I even called out again at the bar.
“You have so much talent.”
I turn to see Aunt Lanny standing in my doorway. “Did you break in?” I tease, putting down the paintbrush.
“No, I still have the spare key. I’m bringing you some dinner.”
I smile at her. “You didn’t have to.”
“Well, I know when Minnie is in the zone, she won’t eat unless I force it down her. Come on and take a break.”
I follow her into my kitchen and smell the lasagna. My stomach growls as she unwraps the plate. We sit at my small table, take a couple of bites, and then Aunt Lanny lays into me.
“I went to the bar and they told me you called out. Care to explain to me why?”
“I was in the zone.” I take another bite of the hot food.
“Zoey, why don’t you quit? You really don’t have to work. Your trust is still open to you and you know Minnie and I will help you.”
I don’t answer her right away. I chew my food slowly and try to figure out what I’m going to say. “I’m fine doing it this way.”
“I know; however, people rely on you. If you call into work all the time, you make it harder on others. Minnie and I both told you a year ago to quit.”
“I know,” I cut her off. “I’m aware of who depends on me. I don’t do it all the time. I want to finish these up before the show.”
Aunt Lanny doesn’t say anything for a moment. “Have you told Hector about the show?”
“No. I want to surprise him. He hasn’t seen any of the new stuff yet.” I’m nervous about what he’ll think about them. He’s my muse and I can finally admit it now. My paintings have turned toward him and my family. A couple are baseball-related, a couple are of flower gardens, and one is the leather chair Aunt Minnie sits in all the time.
I didn’t know about the show until Aunt Minnie showed me how several art dealers were looking for more work from me. I didn’t think anyone cared, but Aunt Minnie has been telling everyone about me. Even though the charcoal tree sold the last time, she still has a picture of it and everyone seems to like it a lot. Then Aunt Minnie told me she wants to do a show and there’s no point in arguing. I didn’t want to argue because I love all the new work that I’m doing. Normally, my work is darker and more serious, but now it’s been light, bright, and fun. I owe it to Hector. He’s changed my life and it’s been for the better.
“He’s going to love it.” She squeezes my hand and I take a deep breath, hoping she’s right.
WE’RE HAVING A team post-game meal, all of us in a good mood after winning. I figured I’d give Grumpy a break since I’ve been annoying the hell out of him our entire road trip. I can’t help it when he makes it so easy. Anyway, I’m sitting all the way at the other end with Trent, Jordan, and Colby.
“How’s the wife and kid?” I ask Trent.
He smiles. “Good. My wife is freaking out already because Kaelyn will be starting kindergarten soon.” He shakes his head good-naturedly.
“They’ll both be alright,” Colby reassures him.
“Oh, I know. Convincing them is another story.” He laughs.
“How do they like Memphis?” I ask.
“No complaints, but I think it helps that my grandmother lives here, so she visits and hangs out with them when we’re on trips,” Trent answers.
“I think it’s too damn hot there,” Colby says. “I guess I lived up north for too long. Plus, I love winter.”
Jordan speaks next. “I like it for the most part.”
“Well, Memphis is probably my favorite place on earth,” I say with a grin.
“With a grin like that, it has to be because of a woman,” Trent tells me.
I laugh and nod. One thing is for sure, I got lucky with Zoey. To have someone like her with me, especially after my mother’s nonsense, proves it. I’m so excited to get home. Not just because I’ll get to see her, but also because she has a showing coming up at her aunt’s gallery. Zoey hasn’t told me or let me see any of them yet. You would think that being her muse would grant me more access, but it seems to have the opposite effect. Hell, you’d think that being her boyfriend would help, too.
Pulling my phone out, I decide to take a moment to text Zoey.
Me: I’m thinking about you.
Zoey: I may be thinking about you too.
Me: You are. Don’t you want to know what I’m thinking? I’ll tell you since you do want to know. I’m thinking about you naked. Nude pics are art too, you know.
Zoey: One second. I’ll send you some skin.
My eyes widen as I stare at the screen, holding my breath because I honestly didn’t think she would. I laugh when the picture comes in. She sent some skin all right. In the picture, she lifted her shirt just high enough for me to see her sparrow tattoo on her hipbone.
Me: You’re funny. That was good. Thanks for the pic.
Zoey: Welcome ;)
When I look up, all three guys are looking at me with amused expressions before they start chuckling.
“About time,” Colby says.
“We were wondering how long it would take you to notice we stopped talking,” Jordan adds.
Trent’s phone rings and as he stands to take the call, he says, “You don’t ignore your woman.”
It doesn’t take long after that before we’re all done and ready to head up to our rooms. Texting Zoey isn’t good enough, so I call her. She answers with a hello and a giggle.
“You’re still laughing over the picture?”
“Come on, Hector. You know it’s funny.”
“I did laugh. You were clever; I’ll give you that. What are you doing now?”
“Well,” she pauses with hesitation. “I finished another painting. It’s kind of a big deal, but I have finished a lot this past week. They just keep coming.”
“Wow, that’s great. Are you liking them all or are some crap?”
“I love them all. It’s crazy because I don’t want to stop. I did three watercolors. Three! It’s insane, but I can’t stop.”
“I’m glad you’re on a roll. However, you have to find a stopping point because I’ll be home soon and I’m going to want to see you.” Preferably, as soon as possible.
“I want to see you too. However, I need to ask you something, and it’s really important.”
Her tone makes me think it’s nothing negative, so I easily ask, “What is it?”
“Aunt Minnie is doing a showcase. A full showcase of my recent work and I’m wondering if you would be my date?”
“Hmm. Do I want to be Zoey Reyes’s date?” I pause as if I’m actually thinking it over for a few seconds. “I’d be honored.”
“You know how to keep a girl in suspense.”
I laugh, imagining her rolling her eyes at me. “I have to keep you on your toes somehow. You’re about to be famous. I have to use all the tricks in the book to make sure I keep you interested.”
“You don’t have to worry, Mr. Baseball, I’m interested in you.” She giggles. “But I have a little bit of information for y
ou. You’re going to be able to spend more time with me if you want.”
At this, I perk up. What does she mean? “I always want more time with you,” I tell her honestly. “But how is that going to happen?”
“Tonight is my last night at the bar. I put in my notice. I’m going to focus more on my art and showcasing. This opening might be big, and if I sell a few and make more contacts, it will really help me. So, I’m done at the bar and it will give us more time and you don’t have to come to the bar anymore and nurse a beer for three hours,” she jokes.
“That’s great. I’m happy you’re going to focus more on your art because you’re fantastic and you should.” I’m thrilled for her, but a part of me is sad she’ll no longer be at the bar. It’s where we met. “Is it weird I kind of wish I could be there for your last night? I could’ve been your last customer! And you know I tip well.” I laugh.
“Aw, look at you being all sweet and sentimental. I would like it too, but maybe we can celebrate there after the showing?” Her voice turns soft. “Like we’re starting a new chapter. If you want to.”
Of course I do! “Sounds like a plan, Zoey. I’m really excited about you doing this. You’ll be great.”
“Thank you. And Hector, I’m really glad you’re going to be there. It means a lot to me.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I want to be there with you as much as you want me there.”
“Hector, I shouldn’t do this over the phone, but you annoyed the hell out of me at first and now…” She pauses, gathering courage before continuing, “I like you and I’m glad you’re in my life. But don’t let it go to your head.” She rushes that last part, and I smile.
“I’m glad, too.” I decide to lighten the mood, something I’m sure she wants. “I did not annoy you. You enjoyed my company and I was the favorite part of your day. You’re just stubborn.”
“Stubborn?” She laughs. “I don’t think I know what that word means.”
I laugh. “I would say that if you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll see your picture, but I don’t think it would be helpful. I should probably go. You get all that painting out of you before I get home, but don’t forget to take breaks and eat and shower.”
“I will. Let me know when you get back into town and I’ll have more surprises waiting for you.”
“I can’t wait.”
I’M STANDING IN the middle of the main room of the gallery. Aunt Minnie has her workers hanging my paintings and my nerves are on edge. Will this happen every time? Everyone is scurrying around me, and I’m like a mannequin.
There will be ten works displayed in various spots. I couldn’t pick just one to be the center display, so Aunt Minnie took care of it for me. It’s the watercolor of the Angels’ field. She says she loves more than anything else I’ve done. It warms my heart when she says things like that.
When everything is complete and Aunt Minnie takes me around to show me everything, I feel a little better. The lighting is perfect on each display and it shines brightly. I want Hector to be the first one to see these. However, right now, I need to head home and get ready for him. He’s going to be home in an hour. I kiss Aunt Minnie and head back to my apartment.
I rush into my place, stripping as soon as I hit the bedroom. I have sexy lingerie on, which I never do, and I want sex.
Sex with Hector.
The knock on the door comes sooner than I expected.
“You’re early.” I try to play it off that I don’t want to jump him in the hallway.
“I decided I didn’t need to go home first.”
“Wow, someone is impatient.” And it’s me.
“No, I’m excited. And it’s not like you’re actually unhappy I showed up early.” His grin is bright as he walks in and kisses me.
“I’m thrilled, but I want to show you something. Let’s just say, I’m very excited to show you.” I grab his hand and I rush him up to the art room. “I did this the other day. I’m giving it to you.” I’m scared of what he’ll think, but I pick it up off the easel. It’s a simple pencil sketch of Hector sitting at the bar wearing the signature grin he always flashed at me when he was begging me for my name.
He’s quiet for a second. I’m not sure he likes it until he says, “Wow, Zoey. This is amazing. It’s all mine?”
“Yes, it is. Do you really like it?” I hand it to him to take.
“I love it. Thank you so much. I’m pretty much speechless.” He studies it before he sits it back on the easel. He takes me in his arms and kisses me again.
“I’m glad. I’m more nervous about this showing than I thought. You might hate it.” I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Impossible. And the showing will be great. I’ll be there for you and you’re too talented for it to be anything less than fantastic.”
“Well, I’m warning you, I might be a bit of a basket case.”
“I’m fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise.” He glances behind me at the sketch. “Thanks so much again.”
“I have one more surprise,” I whisper against his lips.
“I can’t wait.”
I release him and lead him into the bedroom. “You’ll have to unwrap me,” I flirt with him.
“I love to unwrap you.” Hector kisses my neck and begins to push up my shirt. His warm hands heat my skin up until I am on fire. “I love the way you feel.”
“I’ve missed you.” I push off his suit jacket and begin to unbutton his dress shirt.
Slowly, methodically, Hector removes each piece of my clothing to reveal the black lace corset, garter belt, thong, and silk stockings I have hiding under my clothes.
“You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” His words cause my body to tingle in all the right places. I moan as he nips at my thighs. He kisses back up my body until he reaches my mouth.
Hector picks me up and places me gently on the bed. I’ve never had a man take such good care of me. And not only in bed. His loving touches, sweet kisses, and amazing lovemaking send me into a whirlwind.
It’s a whirlwind called Hector and I love it.
“I CAN’T REMEMBER the last time I ate in bed and naked on top of that.” Hector takes a chip from the bag and feeds it to me.
“I figured you would enjoy a night in unless you have something else planned?” I feed him a piece of the sandwich.
“Nope,” he answers. “My plans involve only you.”
I snuggle deeper next to him as a buffet of food is spread out in front of us. After a sex-a-thon, I grabbed a ton of food and came back to the bedroom because this is where I want to be right now. We spend the rest of the evening joking, teasing, and telling stories of our lives. I tell Hector about all of my travels and he tells me all about his baseball career.
After we clean up the bed, it’s completely dark outside, and I lay on his chest. I run my fingers up and down his chest, listening to the soft thump of his heart under my ear. The outside world doesn’t exist to me right now. Only Hector. Only his tender touch on my hip and his soft breath blowing in my hair.
Here is where I want to remain.
“Hector, why did you pester me for my name so much? What was the real reason?” I ask him seriously because I truly want to know.
“I wanted to know you, and that started with your name. You didn’t want to at first, which made me want it all the more.”
“So, because I played hard-to-get, it made you want me more?” I shift my body to look up at him.
“Well, yeah. But that wasn’t all. You, in a way, made being turned down fun. I could never guess what you would say the next time. You know how sometimes you’ll see someone and you watch them interact with someone else for a moment? You kind of wonder what they’re like all the time and what else they do and just more about their life? That’s how it was with you. Every time I saw you, I wanted to know more.”
“Wow, you make playing hard-to-get sound sexy. How is that possible?” I tease him. “
So, what do you think about me now?” I gaze down at his chest, not wanting to look in his eyes.
“I think you’re more amazing than I could’ve imagined.”
“See,” I glance back up. “I thought you were going to say I was a bad ass with tattoos,” I giggle softly.
Hector laughs. “That too. Why did you keep turning me down for two of the longest months of my life?”
“I thought you were a creep who wanted to get laid. You wouldn’t believe some of the characters who came in there hounding me for a date or…whatever. I figured you would give up, but you’re a tad stubborn.” I shrug my one shoulder as if it isn’t a big deal.
“I don’t think any guy would come again and again for that long just for sex. I figured you would give in sooner than you did, but you’re a tad stubborn.”
“What? Me? Stubborn? Ha!” I scoff. “However, I’m glad you tricked me into giving you my name.”
“I didn’t trick you. I was just sneaky in making you tell someone else while I was close enough to hear it.” Hector flashes me his grin.
“I think it’s called trickery, Hector. But,” I pause. “What do you think now? Are you happy?”
“Happier than ever. Are you? You keep asking about me, but you haven’t said anything about yourself.”
“Oh, Hector.” Here it comes. I pull the sheet up as I lift up onto my knees and face him. He needs to hear me. I need to say the words. I can’t hide behind my nervousness. “I’ve had a lot of crappy relationships and have known some shitty guys in my life. I thought I would never find a good guy. I thought there were no good guys left really. But you proved me wrong. I see a lot of greatness in you, Hector, and it makes me wonder if it’s a dream and not real at all.” I pause to compose myself. “Because I can see myself falling really hard for you and I don’t know if I can handle another heartbreak.”
“If we can survive my mother, we can survive anything. Besides, do you really think someone as stubborn as me is going to give up on you?” He strokes my cheek.
“It’s my fear.” There I said it and he heard it. “She’s your mother and even though your sister and father are amazing, mothers still have special places in children’s lives. If I admit my feelings to you and myself, what will happen if she pulls her rank and I’m out?
Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Page 12
