Xavier returned to his seat, handing his mother a steaming mug. “What’s up, Mom? You just stop by to say hi? Or were you hoping to see if the gossip was true?” he teased.
Ava could tell he had a wonderful relationship with her, unlike the one he had with his father.
“Partially, I’ll admit. But unfortunately, I’ve also heard from your father.”
Xavier groaned, slouching in his chair. “I don’t want to hear about it. Whatever that man told you, keep it to yourself.”
Lucita ignored her son. “Frankly, I was shocked he called me this morning. I haven’t heard from him in ages. When I saw his number, I assumed Eliza was in labor.”
Xavier groaned louder. “Two subjects I’m not interested in.”
Lucita flattened her hand on the table, extending it toward Xavier, though she was too far away to touch him. “I just wanted you to know that I don’t agree with him. He’s lost his last marble if he thinks he can bully you into his harebrained idea this time.”
“Super clear on that, Mom.” Xavier tapped the table idly with his fork.
“You’ve done nothing but be supportive of Juan for years. And you owed him nothing in the first place. It’s his own fault that he refused to go to rehab and clean himself up, and it’s not your problem. You offered.”
Xavier pushed his chair back and grabbed several plates, heading for the sink. “Mom, I know all that. I suffer no guilt.”
Her voice softened. “I know, honey. But I wanted you to know where I stood.” She turned to face Ava. “And I wanted to meet the woman who’s captured your attention.” She set a hand on Ava’s arm.
Xavier leaned against the counter, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Thanks, Mom. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I never worried about your opinion. Not concerning Juan or Ava.” He smiled in her direction, making her heart beat faster. “Now, I’ve got to get to the field.” He tossed the towel on the counter.
“Would you like to go to the game?” Ava asked Lucita.
Lucita smiled. “I’d love to.” She waved at Xavier. “You go on. Ava and I will catch up. I’ll drive.”
Xavier sighed. He strolled toward Ava, his gaze intent. Or perhaps stalked was the correct word. When he reached her, he set his hands on her shoulders, leaned down, and kissed her thoroughly on the lips.
Her face was so heated by the time he pulled away she thought she might die of embarrassment. He stroked her cheek, totally ignoring his mother two inches to the left. “I’ll see you there.” His voice was husky.
Ava’s panties were wet once again. Or maybe they had been constantly wet since she put them on. Either way, a new wave of arousal filled her body, making her want to slap him as he sauntered toward the stairs to gather his gym bag.
Lucita was fanning her face with a hand and grinning when Ava turned in her direction. “Okay, then. Wow. It’s hot in here.” She jumped up and headed to the sink with her mug.
Ava watched her scurry toward the sink, knowing with certainty she would like this woman and have an enjoyable morning with her. Besides, no way in hell would Xavier leave her with his mother if he had a doubt about the outcome.
When Ava finally managed to find her legs and stand, Xavier strolled back into the room. He wrapped his enormous hand around the base of her neck and hauled her body against his. With his face inches away, he examined her eyes. His voice was low, audible only to her. “Remember, even if all you wear to the field are these skimpy tank tops, you’re mine.”
She swallowed, her pulse picking up. Why did that possessive declaration reach all the way to her sex?
He kissed her lips, squeezed her neck again, and repeated the words. “You’re mine, Ava.”
She nodded, thinking he needed acknowledgement.
“Don’t let anything or anyone convince you otherwise today. For the love of God.”
“I won’t.”
“Stay with my mom. If you see my dad, turn away. Don’t let him taint you with his shit.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her soundly again and slowly released her. “Mom…”
She turned around from where she was loading his dishwasher and waved a dismissive hand. “I know. I know. Trust me. I won’t let Carlos get to her. Go on. We’ll just get to know each other. Maybe do a little shopping. Have some lunch—”
“Mom,” he interrupted with a sharp tone, “bring her to the game.”
His mom chuckled. “Of course. But there’s plenty of time.”
He rolled his eyes, turned to narrow them at Ava, and then headed for the door to the garage, leaving her melting in her spot.
Jesus. How did he affect her like that? As soon as the door shut behind him, she muttered, “He’s intense.”
“That he is.”
* * *
By the time they arrived at the game, the players were already running into the dugout to get started.
As Ava took her seat next to Lily, with Lucita on her other side, she met Xavier’s subtle nod in her direction. He looked relieved.
“I think you gave him a heart attack,” Lily stated, leaning around to lift a hand. “Hi. I’m Lily, Ava’s sister. You must be Xavier’s mom?”
“I am.” Lucita shook Lily’s hand and smiled. “Ava told me all about you. You must be so proud of her. I can’t imagine what it was like for you to raise your own sister at such a young age.”
Lily smiled back. “She was always a sweet child.” She shrugged. “But I’m glad I was there for her.”
“Where’s Zia?” Ava asked.
“She went to Miami to visit the family she used to nanny for,” Lily replied.
Ava nodded. “Ah, right. I know she was always close with them.”
“Yeah, they’re like family to her.”
Ava continued to chat with Lucita throughout the game. The woman was amazing. Full of life. Happy. Funny. And she loved her son. She also loved her other son, even though she was extremely disappointed in him and in no way condoned his behavior or the antics of her ex-husband.
Ava learned she was remarried. Had been for several years. Her husband was with his friends playing golf for the day. She invited Ava and Xavier to join them for dinner after the game.
Ava wasn’t sure Xavier would be willing to share her after he finished playing, and she secretly hoped he wasn’t, but she would leave the decision to him.
Luckily, in spite of the fact that Ava had arrived almost late, they hadn’t slept much, and Xavier was under a lot of stress, he played a great game. At least as far as she could tell.
With two at-bats, he had a hit and a walk. Nothing got by him in the field, and he caught every throw that came his way too.
For once, she stayed to watch the rest of the game after Xavier headed for the clubhouse.
By the time she wandered in that direction with Lily and Lucita, Xavier was already outside signing autographs. There were far more people than usual since the game had ended.
Xavier adjusted his bag on his shoulder as he finally worked his way toward the women. He ignored everyone else, coming straight for Ava. Grabbing her around the waist with one hand, he pulled her body against his and kissed her.
“Good game,” she murmured when he released her. Already she was flustered from contact with him.
He winked. “You made me nervous when you weren’t there during warmups.”
“My fault,” Lucita proclaimed. “Got caught up waiting for the lunch check.”
It was true. Though realistically, planning to eat lunch somewhere before a one o’clock game was a bad idea in the first place.
“Your mom invited us to dinner.”
Xavier scrunched up his nose, turning to face Lucita. “You’ve had her all day.”
Lucita cocked her head. “She’s not a toy.”
“Never said she was. But you met her. You got to know her. I’m sure you mentally picked out china patterns. Can I have her for the evening?”
Ava nearly swallowed her tongue. China patterns? Holy
shit.
Lucita laughed again. “Doug didn’t get to meet her. And I can tell she’s important to you. Come to the house. Or we can go out if you want? I can call Doug and have him meet us. I’m sure he’s done golfing for the day.”
Ava could feel the tension in Xavier’s body. She set her hand on his chest and patted him, lifting her face to his. “It won’t kill you to have dinner with your mom. We have to eat.”
He narrowed his gaze, a wry smile forming as he lowered his lips to her ear. “I totally intend to eat. But I don’t think you want my mother to watch.”
She shivered in his embrace and slapped her hand against his chest. “Be good.” When he wiggled his eyebrows, she continued. “Dinner first.”
“What if I’m full afterward?” He lifted a brow.
She grinned. “When have you ever been full?”
He sighed. “Good point.” Looking over his shoulder, he spoke to Lily. “You and Dominic want to join us?”
She waved him off. “No. We have other plans. You guys have fun, though.” Then she squeezed Ava’s arm and moved toward her man as he extricated himself from the fans.
Xavier sighed as he addressed his mother. “Okay, Mom. Fine. Dinner at your house. I’m not in the mood for public appearances today.”
Good point. Ava was learning what it was like to dine out with him or really go anywhere.
Lucita was clearly elated. “Great. I’ll let Doug know. Meet you at the house?”
“Yep.” Xavier growled for only Ava to hear as he led her toward the player’s parking lot. “Did you have a fun morning?”
“I did. Your mother is delightful.”
“I don’t know about that, but she’s better than my dad, right?” he joked.
“Definitely. Wait. Where does she live? I just realized I never asked. Here in Jupiter?”
“No. She and Doug live in West Palm Beach. Since it’s only a half hour from here and an hour from Miami, it’s kind of the perfect spot for them to see my games any time they want.”
“Makes sense. That’s still quite a drive for your regular season games.”
“Yeah, but apparently they love West Palm Beach so much it’s worth it to them.” He hugged her tighter. “You really had a good day?” His brows were furrowed.
She smiled. “Perfect. Loved it.”
* * *
Three hours later, Ava was in stitches with tears running down her face as she listened to Lucita tell tales of Xavier’s childhood antics.
Xavier wasn’t particularly amused. He sat next to Ava at the dining room table, leaning back in the chair, his feet stretched out in front of him and his hand twirling his wine glass against the tablecloth. The slight lift at the corner of his mouth told her he was happy, even though he was pretending to find his mother exasperating.
When he set his hand on Ava’s thigh for the tenth time, she gripped his fingers, also for the tenth time. Anything to keep his palm from trailing up her bare leg to tease the edge of her shorts.
Doug was an outgoing guy who adored his wife and sported a continuous twinkle in his eye. “Do you know how many times we’ve heard that story?” he admonished Lucita playfully.
She swatted his arm. “Ava hasn’t heard it.”
“Ava doesn’t need to hear everything in one night, Mom,” Xavier stated. “No need to chase her away before I get her to sign her name in ink.”
She gasped, shocked again at his reference to something far more permanent than either of them had discussed. After all, they’d known each other two weeks.
Two of the most intense weeks of her life, she admitted.
She would also have to admit she was falling in love with him. Everything about him drew her closer. After an evening talking about their entire lives last night, and now this dinner filled with more revelations, she was totally Team Xavier.
Never far from her mind was the way he’d secured her to the headboard that morning and shattered her world in a way that fiercely bound her to him. They hadn’t specifically discussed it, but she was still reeling from the explosive orgasm. If he could make her come that hard by securing her wrists to the bed, what else could he do?
She shuddered at the thought, causing him to squeeze her thigh again and glance her way with a knowing look. Was he psychic?
The doorbell rang.
“Are we expecting anyone?” Doug asked his wife.
“Not that I’m aware of.” She pushed away from the table. “I’ll get it.”
Doug grabbed her hand. “Sit, hon. I’ll get it.”
She lowered herself back to the chair as Doug walked from the dining room and disappeared. The man was huge. Tall. Well over six feet. And fit for a man who was probably over sixty. He still had a full head of thick gray hair. He was distinguished. Wealthy looking. Confident. Ava liked him.
She wondered for a moment if Doug was as dominant as Xavier. She could picture Xavier doing something similar, tugging Ava back into her seat to take care of an annoyance.
Before anyone had a chance to say another word, loud voices filled the house.
Xavier jumped from his seat, releasing Ava abruptly. “Stay here,” he ordered.
Lucita also slid her chair back with a sigh. She met Ava’s gaze as Xavier disappeared. “That’s probably good advice. I can hear my ex’s voice. Can’t be good.” She stood and nearly ran from the dining room behind Xavier.
Ava took a deep breath and lifted her glass of wine. Her hand was shaking as she finished the rest. She eyed the half-empty bottle on the table, tempted to pour another glass for fortification, but then she decided it was probably better if she wasn’t half drunk.
Somehow she knew this night was about to turn ugly.
Chapter Fourteen
“Wait. What the hell are you saying?” Xavier shouted over his father. “Slow down. Are you drunk?” He glanced outside. No one had bothered to shut the front door yet. There was one car in the circle drive. Which meant Carlos had driven his drunken self to Lucita and Doug’s house. Great.
“She fucking died,” Carlos shouted. “And it’s your fault.” He pointed a finger at Xavier, shaking it. Sweat poured off his brow. It looked more like he’d arrived by foot, running, than in a car.
“Who?” Doug asked. “Everyone calm down.” He lifted both hands in the air in an attempt to silence the room.
Xavier’s mother was talking a mile a minute, shouting over Carlos, and pacing.
Doug had a presence, though. The man was six-four and three hundred solid pounds. He was formidable.
A hush filled the entryway under Doug’s command as the man shut the front door. “Let’s take this to the study.” He turned and led the group to the large room to the right of the front door.
Lucita followed her husband. And then Carlos, swaying. Xavier brought up the rear, glancing toward the dining room and hoping Ava kept her distance.
Doug headed straight for the bar and poured a glass of cognac. He didn’t offer anyone else in the room a drink. It wasn’t rude. It was because the man knew his audience. Lucita never drank hard liquor. Xavier wouldn’t touch such a thing during the season. And Carlos was already drunk.
“Sit,” Doug commanded, pointing at the armchairs and love seat that created a half circle around the fireplace.
Carlos fisted his hands and shook his head. “I’m not fucking sitting, asshole.”
“Carlos,” Lucita admonished, her voice now commanding. “My home. Stop shouting. And don’t speak to my husband that way.”
Xavier was in no mood to sit, either. He set his hands on the back of the love seat and stared at his father. What the hell rampage was he on tonight?
“It’s your fault.” Carlos spun around to scream at Xavier again. “You had to be a stubborn mule. Why couldn’t you put blood before whores? Just this once? Was it necessary for you to be so selfish?”
Lucita gasped.
Xavier stiffened. “Who are you calling a whore, old man?”
“That blond bitch you’ve
been traipsing around with. Was she a good lay? Does she suck cock well?”
“Enough.” Doug’s voice echoed through the room. He slammed his glass down on the bar so hard it should have shattered. “You may be Lucita’s ex-husband and the father of her children, but you will not speak that way in my home. Control yourself or get the hell out.”
It was possible Carlos actually flinched. Barely. The man was much smaller than Doug and not nearly as formidable. How had Xavier never noticed that before? His own father looked like a total weakling compared to his mother’s second husband.
Nevertheless, Carlos continued, practically ignoring Doug. “Are you happy?” he shouted at Xavier. “Because of you, Eliza is dead.”
“What?” Lucita screamed. “What do you mean?”
Xavier froze in his spot, cold racing up his spine.
“Yep. She died giving birth to our grandson this morning. At home. My home. She called a midwife, but there was a complication, and she lost too much blood.” His voice was lower this time, but still menacing. Accusatory. And he shot a glare at Xavier again as if it were his fault. He pointed a finger. “Are you happy now?”
Xavier glared back, gripping the back of the couch so hard it was a wonder it didn’t break. He kept his mouth shut somehow. And thank God because everything that raced through his mind couldn’t be taken back later.
Lucita spoke. “You can’t possibly blame someone’s death during childbirth in Puerto Rico on your own son in Florida, Carlos. What’s the matter with you?”
Carlos jerked his attention to his ex. “It was his responsibility to step up and take care of her. She was under a lot of stress. She shouldn’t have been there alone in the first place.”
“Why the hell weren’t you there?” Xavier shouted. “You could have been there taking care of her instead of here harassing me in Florida.”
Carlos leaned forward. “Don’t try to spin this around, son.”
Xavier straightened his body, pushing off the sofa. “Me? Who are you to accuse me of anything after the vile words you’ve used to describe my woman?”
Catching Ava (Spring Training Book 3) Page 14
