I shouldn’t have bothered worrying because, when I get within arm’s reach, Savannah reaches up and places a quick kiss on my cheek. “I missed you,” she whispers, and steps back.
Clearing my throat, I smile at the little girl, and ask Savannah, “Who do we have here?”
“This is Tammy…Tammy, this is a friend of mine, Jace Stone. He’s the man I’ve been telling you about. The softball coach.”
Tammy removes her thumb and says, “You have a nice smile,” so quietly that I’m not sure I’ve heard her correctly, until Savannah agrees.
“Yes, he does.” Then she whispers, “He makes me feel safe.”
Tammy looks thoughtful before passing her gaze back and forth between us. “So he looks after you so the bad things don’t hurt you?”
My heart breaks for this small child. What the fuck has she been through to cause that kind of question?
“Yes, he does. He’s with the police, and he’s a good man.”
Fucking hell. She’s going to be bringing me to my knees.
Before we go any deeper right now, and I ignore the softball to concentrate on what’s hurt Tammy, I step back and inhale to get myself back in control.
After the session though, I’m going to find out what’s going on with her. It’s going to be niggling at the back of my mind until I know, and until I’ve helped her in some way.
“Hey, Mister.”
I glance down as I feel a tug on my T-shirt. I see a ginger haired boy who has the cutest damn face I’ve ever seen staring up at me.
“Is that really your leg?” he asks, his eyes riveted on my prosthesis.
“It is.”
“What’s it called?”
I smile down at him. “It’s a flex-foot cheetah.”
“Wow,” he says in amazement. “Does it hurt?”
“Not anymore.”
He takes that in for a few minutes, but I wait, knowing something else is going to be asked—he has questions written all over his face.
“Good…Can I catch out there?”
Chuckling at his rapid change of subject, I ruffle his hair, and ask, “And what’s your name?”
“Catcher,” he grins.
This boy makes me smile. “Okay, then, Catcher. You know how to play ball?” I toss the ball up in the air and catching it, toss it lightly to Catcher…and he catches it! “You can get into position behind the batter, okay? At some point you’ll have to play in another position, though, to give everyone a turn.”
“Yes!” Catcher shouts and runs off.
I’m not sure he actually heard anything I said after I agreed to him being the catcher today.
“He likes you?” Savannah observes.
I grin, and look toward the bleachers where he’s run off to. “What’s his name?” I ask, distracted.
“Charlie. He’s a great boy, and loves life regardless of being without a family for the past twelve months.”
After a quick glance at Savannah, I turn back and watch Catcher running circles around some of the other boys.
Savannah continues, “At first, everyone thought he was hiding his unhappiness behind the façade of this bubbly child. The thing is, now that time has gone on and he’s been here for a year, they truly believe he is happy…No one really knows his true background and he doesn’t match the description of missing children that have been reported. His DNA is in the system but, so far, nothing. Perhaps this is a better life than the one he was born with.”
I used to see and hear tales like this many times…hell, I’ve been there when kids were picked up when I was a full detective on the force. It used to make me thankful for the parents that I have. Some of the kids would end up back at the station, as they got older, and others would turn out solid, just like I bet Catcher does.
Shaking loose of the thoughts running through my head, I turn to Savannah. “We better get started.”
“Okay. Let me introduce you to Karen. She’s a counselor at Golden Circle.”
Savannah
Watching Jace move around the field has certainly been warming me up this afternoon, although I did have concerns when I realized he’s wearing his prosthesis. He soon showed me that he has recovered as I didn’t see any limp or wince of pain during his coaching.
It’s not just the physical presence of the man, though. It’s the way he is with the children. One or two of them before we arrived at the field, had been adamant that they weren’t going to join in. Now, we’re probably going to have trouble getting them to leave when the game finishes.
Jace has a way of listening to the kids and making each one of them feel special in their own right…and Charlie is the biggest surprise of all because he really can catch. I’ve certainly never seen him run as fast as he has been doing, and he hasn’t missed a ball yet.
And then there is little Tammy, who for the past thirty minutes has been wrapped around Jace. At first she couldn’t take her eyes from him, which I can’t blame her for. As the day went on, she’d gradually been edging closer and closer to him, until he saved her from getting hit in the face with the ball. I think there is some hero-worshipping going on, and Tammy doesn’t appear to be ready to come back to me with the way she’s clinging to Jace. He has her comfortably on his hip while he’s supervising the game and making sure the other kids don’t cheat, and get some of his attention because each one wants Jace’s eyes on them, and his praise.
I wonder what he’s doing now. He has called them all over to him and has them sitting in a horseshoe shape on the field. Before he turns to me, he places Tammy down on the grass with them.
“Savannah, can you help me out over here?”
Silently groaning, I get to my feet and move to where he’s waiting. I feel the eyes of everyone on me and with Jace grinning, my embarrassment grows, and my cheeks flush with what I presume is a lovely shade of pink.
Chuckling, Jace pulls me into him when I get close enough.
I’m now standing in front of him while his hands loosely grip my hips.
“Okay, I noticed some of you are holding the bat slightly wrong,” he tells his audience. “So, with Savannah’s help, I’m going to show you the best way to grip the bat to get the most powerful hit.”
I smile, and feel Jace chuckle behind me, when the kids all nod in agreement.
Jace passes me a bat, and covering my hand with his, slides my hand into the correct hold…and doesn’t let go. He does the same with his other hand, and pressing in close to my back, as in every inch of him is pressing against me, some parts harder than others.
The goose bumps of pleasure that are skirting along my arms, lead straight to my breasts, causing my nipples to harden in pleasure at the feel of him so close. His scent is musky and I’m sure it should be banned, or rebranded with Jace on the packaging.
“See where our hands are? You need to make sure your grip is firm, but your shoulders and arms are loose. If you’re too tight then the bat won’t swing correctly.” Jace waits for everyone to nod. “We’re just going to concentrate on batting for the next thirty minutes, and then I think you all deserve some refreshments.”
The kids start jumping up, and cheering while my whole body is centered on the man who still has me in his arms.
“You’re driving me crazy,” Jace whispers, and with a quick bite to my earlobe, he smacks my ass before he walks off to arrange the kids.
In the meanwhile, I’m left stunned and so desperate to get him alone that I can’t move.
“I want some of that,” Karen laughs. “I so wish you could see your face right now. I’ve known you for a while, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that look on you before.”
“He’s just…I mean…he’s…um…well, he’s…”
Karen chuckles at my illiterate sentence. “You’ve got it so bad, girl.”
I’m not even going to try and deny her words because I’d be lying. I have got it bad.
“There is so much chemistry between you two that I need cooling down.”
<
br /> I smile. “My attraction to Jace has been there since the minute we met. I tried to ignore what he made me feel, but it didn’t work. My relationship with Richard was based on loss, and although I’m grateful he was there for me, I can’t live my life with him just because I’m grateful.”
“I understand, and if you ever need to talk again, I’m here as a friend or counselor,” she offers.
“Thank you.” And I mean those words. She was there to hear me out yesterday before I met Jace for coffee and I know she’ll be there again if or when I need her.
I watch Karen as she walks toward the kids. The majority of her dark skin hidden by the slacks and long sleeved shirt she always wears, and her face is covered from the sun with a large straw hat. Looking at her now, you’d think she was a lot older than her forty-eight years.
Hearing Jace shouting something, he drags my attention back to him, and I can’t help the sigh that escapes my lips.
You’re driving me crazy…
Hmm, his words have left me hungry for a lot more, and I mean a lot more.
First thing this morning, I’d wondered whether or not this thing with Jace was going too fast, but seeing him today, I’m not sure it’s going fast enough. I mean, neither of us have a choice.
We’ve always been like magnets, only now the pull is stronger than ever.
I only hope I survive.
Chapter Eight
Jace
Cornering Savannah after the softball game has been on my mind since I had her in my arms on the field. Although five minutes is all the time we’ll have, I’ll take whatever I’m able to get because I find that I can’t walk away.
She’s beautiful, inside and out, and she’s like a breath of fresh air. Over the past few days, I’ve not given any thought to my life, all of my thoughts have been for her and I look forward to seeing her every day.
I even managed to get my prosthesis back on today as the swelling had completely gone down. Some of that had to do with Savannah making me promise at the coffee shop that I would head home and rest up for the remainder of the day to heal. For once, I did as I promised and feel good for doing it, both physically and mentally.
I still suffer from PTSD, sometimes more than others. It’s constantly with me and probably always will be, but now I do find it easier to control than I did when I was initially recovering from losing my leg…and, I guess, my job.
Savannah has been in my life now for over twelve months and seeing her makes my day brighter, more so now that we’ve been spending one-on-one time together.
She tempts me, and seeing her now, walking toward me with Tammy in her arms causes a pain in my chest. I’d love to see this woman walking toward me with my own son or daughter in her arms. That image shocks me, but doesn’t leave me in fear.
“Hey, I thought you might like to walk back with us and have some juice and cake with the kids,” Savannah suggests.
Going with instinct, I reach out and place the loose hair behind her ear with a caress of her lobe before pulling back.
“I’d like that… Let me throw everything into the back of the truck and then I’m all yours.”
Savannah grins, and whispers, “I knew that already.”
“Funny.”
“I helped bake the cakes,” Tammy tells me.
“Well in that case, you’ll have to make sure I get one of those.” I smile at the sweet child.
After I prevented her from being hit with the softball, she became attached to me for the rest of the game. It makes me feel good knowing that the shy, sweet child isn’t frightened of me. In the past, some kids have been daunted by my size, and my injury can make them scared as well. The fact that such a small child isn’t afraid of me makes me smile.
Making sure my truck is locked, I turn back to my woman and the sweet child in her arms.
“Jace, will you carry me back?” Tammy holds her arms out to me.
“I certainly can. You want a piggyback ride?”
Her whole face lights up with excitement at the prospect, and hearing Savannah giggle is causing my own excitement to heat my blood, which is so damn inappropriate right now.
“C’mon then.” I turn my back to Savannah, and feel the slight weight of Tammy as she wraps her arms around my neck with the bunny ears sticking in my mouth.
Savannah moves to stand in front of me, and smiles when she sees my predicament. “One minute.” After snapping a picture with her cell, she removes Tammy’s hands. “Here, baby girl. You don’t want to choke Jace, right?”
I feel her head shake against mine.
“You ready?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Savannah, lead the way.”
Instead of leading the way, Savannah steps into line with me. This feels good. So very good.
Neither of us talk as we walk the short distance to Golden Circle, but I don’t think I’ve taken more than thirty steps when I realize the bundle on my back has fallen asleep.
With Savannah’s help, I turn her around and cradle her in my arms. Tammy snuggles down and doesn’t even crack an eyelid.
“Poor thing, she must be exhausted,” Savannah soothes her with a caress along her arm.
At Golden Circle, I follow Savannah upstairs and place Tammy down in her bed before tucking the blanket around her. Stepping back, I frown when I see the other beds in the room. The room is neat and tidy, but this is the first time Tammy’s situation has been slapped in my face. I’ve only just met her, but I’ve never given thought to how the kids sleep. No privacy.
Feeling arms going around my waist, I realize Savannah has tuned in to my mood and is offering comfort.
I wrap my arms around her, and know this feels right.
“I want to get legal guardianship of her,” Savannah whispers. “Let’s go outside the room in case she wakes, and I’ll tell you.”
Savannah leads me outside the room after she switches the listening device on. Moving a bit away so our voices don’t get picked up, I pull her back into my arms because I love holding her and I feel as though she needs support right now.
“Talk to me.” I kiss her on top of her head.
“Tammy has only been here a short while, but she’s gotten under my skin from day one. She doesn’t have any parents. Her father died before she was born and her mother OD’d just before Tammy was brought here. I need to know she’s safe, Jace.” She looks at me, her eyes pleading. “She is so sweet, and has so much love to give…and so do I. I’ve talked with Karen about trying to get guardianship at first before I go for adoption. Apparently, there are so many kids in the system, guardianship is easier to get. I’m just terrified that the judge will look at me and say that I’m either too young, or that I don’t have anyone to fall back on. I know my uncle will support me and even stand with me. I guess I’m just terrified of being rejected by them because it will crush me.”
I can understand why she’d be worried because she is young to take on a huge responsibility, but women have children a lot younger than Savannah and they cope amazingly well. Savannah would make a good mama for Tammy, and little does she know that I’ll be around to help support her. It’s too soon to talk about that yet. Just the thought makes my stomach twitch with nerves, so I don’t want to scare Savannah away. I certainly don’t want her to stay with me just for the support with Tammy either, although I can’t imagine her doing that.
“You need to do what’s in your heart, and hopefully the family court will see how much you have to offer her,” I say as I hold her close.
“Jace, I’m going to have a talk with Richard tomorrow. I need to be free, so then I don’t feel guilty for wanting you as much as I do, or for spending time with you.”
I frown because I’m worried that he isn’t going to walk away from her easily. I wouldn’t. I’d fight for her, and I’m afraid he will as well.
“Don’t worry,” she rubs my brow. “Everything will turn out as it’s meant to.”
“I hear you, but you call me if you
need me, okay? I don’t want you to think that you’re alone.” I kiss her on the forehead. “I need to leave. I’ve been called in for a meeting.”
“You didn’t get any cake or juice,” she smiles. “I better make sure you take one of the cupcakes that Tammy baked so I can tell her when she wakes up.”
“Lead the way.”
Savannah takes hold of my hand and leads me into the dining room, which has been set up with the juice and snacks for the exhausted kids.
Looking at the kids now, I think everyone will probably have a good night’s sleep tonight.
“Here.” Savannah hands me a napkin with two cupcakes inside, each one full of pink sprinkles.
I grin.
“Looks good.”
Savannah looks sad, but pats me on the stomach. “They’re good…C’mon, I’ll walk you out.”
Once outside, I find I’m having trouble leaving her. I don’t want to go, or rather I do, I just want to take Savannah with me, and back to my place instead of the office.
Sighing heavily, I take her hand and pull her into the shelter of the porch so we can’t be seen. I put down the napkin with treats inside and move up against Savannah.
Her hands touch my sides as mine cup her face, and my forehead drops to hers. I watch the movement of her tongue as she moistens her lips, which makes me hard-as-fuck. I want her so badly that waiting is driving me totally insane.
“Have you got any idea about what you do to me?” I ask, my voice husky with arousal.
“You make me wet, Jace,” she whispers, and arches into me.
I hiss, and should move away, but instead I push her against the wall and rub against her as I let the feeling of her heighten my arousal.
Her hands tighten in my T-shirt as she tugs me closer. She keeps her hips tightly against mine and wraps her arms around my waist. When she buries her face into my chest, I feel her mouth on a nipple as she uses her teeth.
My dick surges with arousal, and I know if she doesn’t stop I’m going to be embarrassing myself, but as she moves her hips sensuously against me, it’s all I can do to not strip her naked and pound into her pussy.
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