by Lisa Sommers
“I will, boss. Thank you.” I finally look up into the old man’s eyes. “Anyone else left in the box beside you and . . . Chelsea, is it?” I ask.
“No, just us. Chelsea had a friend here, but she just left. Nice girl. You would have liked her,” Bob says, and I want nothing more than to put my fist through a wall.
Instead, I walk over to Derek and Chelsea, who seem to be chatting it up quite a bit. I hate to sound like a dick, but I ask anyway. “You got a friend here?” I interrupt.
“Dude, what’s your problem?” Huntington growls at me.
“I did, but she left.” Chelsea doesn’t seem phased by my rude behavior.
“What’s her name?” I need to know.
The pretty blonde scrunches her eyebrows and takes me in long and hard before finally answering, “Alli.”
Fuck me. I retreat to take a seat. I feel like my legs are about to give. I found her. What are the odds of me meeting the love of my life in a different state, not to be seen again, but to reappear at one of my games?
“Are you okay?” Huntington comes to stand next to me.
“Yeah. Yeah,” I murmur. I was so close to seeing her again. But, she’s gone, again. “Where is she now?”
“She left with Cal. Why, do you know her?” Bob chimes in.
She left with Cal? No. No. I shake my head in disbelief. This isn’t happening. I lower my head into the palms of my hands and close my eyes. Fucking Cal. He better not lay a finger on her.
Party. It dawns on me that Cal might take her to the celebratory after party. I push up from the chair and say, “No, I don’t know her. I need to talk to Cal. Is he taking her to the after party?”
“I don’t think so,” Bob says. “Well, at least it didn’t sound like it.”
“What do you mean? Cal always goes to the after party. It’s his fucking team.” I trudge past Bob to Derek. Think. Fuck, think. I’ll be damned if I lose her again. “I need to talk to him.”
The look on Bob’s face is concerning. “If you need him that bad, I’ll call him.”
Chelsea speaks up. “Let me call my friend. I pushed her to leave with him. But, you’re right, Cal should be at the after party,” Chelsea says, suddenly making the blood in my veins start to pump again.
I whip my head around to look at her. “Thank you,” I silently whisper. “Just as long as the both of you join us.”
“Of course she is,” Huntington says as he snakes his arm around Chelsea’s waist and pulls her against his side. I smile at the turn of events.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” the blonde says as she peers wide-eyed up at Derek.
I weave my way through the private room looking for Alli. I see coach talking to a few of the players off to the side, but no Alli.
“Shane, my man.”
Fuck. Rob slaps my back. I don’t want to carry on a conversation with him right now. He’s a good guy, but he can talk my fuckin’ ear off. I don’t have time for that. Not tonight.
“Hey, Rob. I’m sorry, but I have something pressing at the moment.” I want nothing more than to find Alli.
“No problem. I just wanted a minute to speak to you.” Shit. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to you much since you returned. I’m sorry about your dad. He was a good man.”
I exhale a deep breath, nod my head, and take a good look at him. He’s a nice guy. I shouldn’t blow him off.
“Remember that time when we got busted for hittin’ on those two married women. Man, the look on their husband’s faces when they walked over and were about to pound our faces into the ground. Like they could, right?” He chuckles as he reminisces. I’m in no laughing mood at the moment though so I just stare at him. “Your dad stepped in and said, ‘excuse me gentlemen, but I accidently hit a couple of motorcycles in the parking lot, I hope there aren’t yours.’” Leave it to my dad to, once again, save our asses.
The memory brings a welcome smile to my face. “Thanks, Rob. I needed that.” It’s so soon after my dad’s passing, but I love the fact that the guys can share my stories.
“Oh, by the way, did you see that chick coach brought with him tonight?” he asks.
He has my attention now. “No, where?”
“Hmm, well, I don’t see her at the moment, but I’ll tell you, she’s fucking hot,” Rob says, and it takes everything in me to not pound my fist into his face.
I look around the room and, just as I am about to walk out to the patio that overlooks the ocean to see if she is out there, I see her.
Alli saunters in from the dark hallway. She must have been in the ladies’ room. She’s wearing tight-ass blue jeans that look freaking amazing on her. Her blue high-heels and the team jersey complete the package. She is just as gorgeous as I remember. I lean against the wall and just watch.
I watch her stand still looking about the room. I wonder what she’ll do when she notices me. I take a long swig of my beer, keeping my gaze glued to her.
Now that I have her in my sights, I want nothing more than to just watch her. Well, maybe bend her over my leather couch and fuck her, but that can wait. I’ve wanted her from the moment her eyes pierced mine. She was so sad. Lonely. I could instantly tell there was something the matter with her. I saw a few tears stream down her cheek, but she quickly swiped them away, hoping nobody would notice. But I did. Later on that evening at the airport she told me her story. The first thing that ran through my mind was, how could someone hurt her like that? I don’t know what’s come over me. It’s not like me to want more from a woman. There was just something about her. I couldn’t get enough of her. Then, when I left . . . fuck. I was doomed.
Alli seems to look lost. I take one last pull of my beer, then set it down on a nearby table. Coach has the whole room rented out just for the team. He doesn’t usually drink with us. As a matter-of-fact, he doesn’t encourage us to drink at all. But tonight was our final game of the season and we won. We’re off for at least the next month before getting back on track again. There are some random women here, but I have no interest in them. This time. Not anymore. There’s one girl I’m interested in, and I am about to get reacquainted with her.
“Alli!”
I jerk my head at Cal’s holler to my girl.
My body tenses, and my blood is boiling beyond comprehension at the look on Alli’s beautiful face. Her face contorts into a magnificent smile. I watch as Cal reaches his arm out for her to walk into his embrace.
And she does.
I retreat a few steps back to lean against a wall that has me partially hidden from Alli. The back of her jersey has my name on it, which brings a smile to my face. I wonder if she knows it’s me.
“Alli, I’d like to introduce you to Joe, Mark, and Dan.” I can overhear everything coach is saying.
“Hey, bro.”
I jolt from Derek’s slap on my back. I am so engrossed in watching Alli and Cal that I didn’t notice him come up to me.
My eyes remain on Alli. “Hey man,”
“Dude, what’s wrong with you tonight? Why the hell are you over here in the corner by yourself?”
“No reason.”
“Hmm, it’s definitely something and whatever it is, you better snap out of it. Why don’t you snatch up one of those hotties over there?” Derek motions over to a few women that are chatting it up with some of the players. “Speaking of hotties, did you see coach’s girl?”
I whip my head to glare at Derek, blood piercing through my veins. “When did they meet?” I ask.
“Tonight, in the box. She’s a friend of Chelsea’s.” Who is now standing next to Alli.
Coach appears to be introducing her to the players as well.
“Coach may be introducing Chelsea to those guys, but I guarantee you she is coming home with me. I already got her number, too. I’m not going to let what happened to you, happen to me.”
I may have mentioned to Derek about a girl I met during a layover in Texas. A little lie, but more-or-less the truth.
“I
’m sure it’s a fake number,” I joke. I need a little sense of humor at the moment, before I completely lose my shit.
“Fuck that. I already called it so she could program my number in her phone. Dude, look at her. She’s insanely hot. And a freaking fireball, too.” I take my eyes off Alli for only a second, to notice Chelsea talking animatedly to the group of people around her.
Not wasting another second, I whip my gaze back to Alli, but apparently I took a little too long. Cal has Alli pulled into his side as he whispers something in her ear. I see her cheeks turn a bright shade of red, and it makes me want to go up to him and rip his fucking lips off. Derek knocks the side of my arm with another beer. I take it and down it instantly. I need to get the fuck out of here before I do something I’ll regret.
“My only problem is,” Derek continues, even though I have no fucking clue what the hell was even talking about, “she’s roommates with that Alli chick. Normally, I’d be all over that, but shit. I don’t mind hanging out with coach and all, but fuck, if things don’t work out between him and Alli, I’ll be screwed,” he mutters.
My eyebrows shoot up at his admission. “She lives with Alli?” This could be good.
“Yeah, sucks, right? Like I got some plans with Chelsea. Fuck, if I hear coach moaning in the other room, I just might lose my mojo. You know what I mean?”
“Shut up, dumbass. Have some respect, will you?” Why the hell did he have to say some shit like that? The last thing I want to hear is Cal having his way with her. “I need to get out of here.” Now that I know where she is staying, I need to blow this place. I can’t stand to see her in his arms.
“What? You just got here?”
Shit, I can’t leave here. The thought of coach leaving with Alli is pissing me off even more. I can’t believe this is happening. I need to do something. Think. Think. Come on, think damn it! I pulled off changing my flight in Texas just to be near her. Why the fuck can’t I think of anything in this restaurant?
I reach into my pocket and call Bob. He wasn’t able to make it to the party, so I’ll have him help me out.
Chapter 7
Alli
I never thought I’d be out on the town with such amazing people after just two weeks of leaving my old life behind. And not just any people, but a freaking professional baseball team! How do I go from living the life of a girl so emotionally torn by leaving her cheating-ass boyfriend, to resting in the crooks of a gorgeous man’s arms in just two weeks? Sadly enough, I still can’t seem to shake off that guy I met on the airplane either. And that was the same day I left Jack. It kind of leaves me feeling not so good about myself. How would this look to someone else looking in? I shake my head at the thought. This isn’t me. Maybe my feelings dissolved for Jack long before I ended it. I know they did, it’s just . . .
“Are you having a good time?” Cal whisper’s in my ear.
I look up into his piercing light brown eyes. His hand is holding me tight against the side of his body. I smile. “Yes, thank you.”
I am having fun. How could I not? I mean, I am among some of the hottest men in San Diego. What’s not to love? Didn’t Chris say he lived in San Diego? I wonder where. How weird would it be if we ever ran into each other? Would he say, “hey, you’re that chick that jumped my bones at the airport.” Just the thought makes my cheeks flush bright red. I honestly think I miss Chris more than Jackass, and I only knew him for less than twenty-four hours. It’s just that I thought we had a connection. Something strong. The passion was there, too. I wanted him that night, and bringing myself to follow through with it came easier than I anticipated. When I gripped his hand and wrapped it around me, it took everything in me not to direct his fingers just a little bit lower. Even though I was emotionally ready, physically, I was not. But then something came over me and I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to wanted and Chris made it very clear that night he wanted me. Having sex with a total stranger, in public, is not something that I would imagine myself doing. I still can’t believe I did it. But, I’m glad I did. I just wish he would have stayed. I should feel ashamed for what I did, but I’m not. It was exhilarating.
I am in a complete daze as I feel Cal release me enough to reach into his pocket for his ringing phone.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Cal pulls me close again as he talks to whoever it is on the other end of the line. “Seriously? Yeah, Bob, I hear ya. Yeah. Yeah, I’ll be over shortly.” Cal runs his hand up and down my arm as he ends the call.
I guess Bob needs him for something. I’m sure I can just hang out with Chelsea after he leaves.
“Darlin’, I’m afraid I have to make this a short night. I’m sorry.” He stares down at me, regret in his eyes, until something dawns on him. “Come with me.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Come with you? I can’t . . .” I start to object, but he cuts me off.
He looks around at all the other guys in the room, before concentrating on me again. “Yeah, you’re coming with me.” Is he jealous?
“I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You won’t.”
“Well, okay. If you’re sure.”
I’m not sure if I should, but Chelsea is nudging my arm hard enough to bruise me. I look up at her sparkling eyes and she whispers, “Go.”
Cal grabs my hand and starts leading me to the restaurant door, then he yells over his shoulder, “Boys, I have to leave. The restaurant has my credit card info. Eat up and have a drink or two. No more than that,” he warns. “You too, Chelsea," he says to my best friend. And we’re gone.
This can’t look good. I mean for me, anyway. I’m sure Cal must look like king at the moment—first one to leave the party with a girl on his arm. “Crap.”
We enter the home of Bob and his wife, who I have yet to meet. “It’s nice to see you again, Alli,” Bob says. “I’d like for you to meet my better half, Judith.”
“Hello, dear. It’s nice to meet you.” Judith holds her arm out for Cal and me to enter their living room. She has a sad look in her eyes. I wonder what’s going on.
“Cal.” Bob exhales a deep breath of air, something clearly on his mind. ”So, Shane called me tonight about something . . . I don’t even know what.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “It’s strange. I mean, I was going to call him anyway, but I decided to talk to you first. “Something’s happened.” The look on Bob’s face mirrors his wife. Something is definitely wrong, and Cal can sense it too.
“Bob, you’re scaring me. Just spit it out,” Cal demands.
“So, you know how Shane’s mom and dad split up years ago, right?”
“Yeah. Shane was a teenager, if I recall. Why?”
Cal is just as puzzled as I am, and I don’t even know these people. I feel kind of awkward being here. Like I’m intruding in someone’s life.
“Well, I got a call about an hour ago from his mother. Well, Judith did.” Bob lowers his head and rubs the tension from his eyes. “Shane’s little sister has cancer. It doesn’t look good.”
I gasp as Cal stands up, leaving me on the couch by myself. “Fuck, he just lost his dad.” He turns his gaze to Judith. “I’m sorry, Judith. I should watch my language.”
“Don’t worry about it, honey. I’ve heard it all before,” she says.
These people are so invested in their players’ lives. It’s nice to see. I just can’t believe this poor guy Shane just lost his dad, and now his sister is sick.
“I’ll talk to him.” Cal runs his hands through his hair. “I’m not sure how much this boy can take. He was so close to his dad, and now his sister? This isn’t right.” He shakes his head.
I’m sure he’s wishing I hadn’t come with him after all. What an awkward position I’m in. But I don’t feel out of place. I lost my younger brother to cancer, so I get it.
I stand up and surprise even myself by saying, “I can help you if you want.” Suddenly, all eyes are on me. “I mean, I know I am an outsider here, but I once lost someone very close to me from cancer. M
aybe I can help.”
I am just about to sit back down after sticking my foot in my mouth, when Cal takes a few steps toward me, then reaches out his arms and takes me in his embrace. You’d think we’ve been dating for months the way he seems to react to me. Maybe I’m leading him on way more than I should. I’m not ready for a man in my life yet.
“You’d do that?” Cal asks.
He pulls me back at arm’s length and examines my eyes. “Yeah, well, I mean, if you need me. I don’t want to impose. I don’t know Shane. Hell, I don’t any of you.” I gasp at my own confession. I can’t believe I just said that out loud. “I’m sorry, Judith. I didn’t mean . . .”
“Like I said, I’ve heard it all before.”
I smile at her friendliness.
Judith probably doesn’t even realize that I just met Cal tonight, so I clarify my statement. “I just met all of you tonight. I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, but I’ve been through this before. Maybe I can offer him some sort of support.”
I look to Cal for any inkling of regret of bringing me with him tonight.
“I’d like that. Thank you.”
I smile at his gratitude. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Maybe I was put here tonight to eventually meet this Shane guy and help him out.
“Bob, Judith, I appreciate you letting me know. I will talk to Shane first thing tomorrow. Let’s just allow him this one last night of bliss with the guys.”
“Let us know if Shane needs anything,” Bob states as he wraps his arm around his wife’s shoulder.
“I’ll do that, thanks.” Cal takes my hand and leads us both to the front door.
Chapter 8
Shane
I can’t believe I fucked that up. I never expected Alli to leave with Cal. I totally fed her to the wolves. I pace the room, imaginary steam protruding from my ears. There’s nothing I can do about it now.
