“Need some help?” I asked.
“I’m good,” he said, although you would never know that from the tone of his voice
After a few seconds, he repeated the same motion on the other side. His foot didn’t quite meet his hand this time, but it still looked like a pretty good stretch.
I spread my legs wide and moved from side to side, before walking my hands forward as far as I could go in a straddle pancake. My hamstrings and hip flexors protested, but I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out settling into the stretch. After a minute, I walked my hands back, pulled my legs together, and took a short break.
“Anything going on later?” Cal asked.
“Nothing major. Just dinner, I guess.”
“When do your Hannah events start?”
“Based on the tentative calendar she gave me, there’s something Saturday night,” I said. “She said she’d confirm, but I haven’t heard from her yet.”
I stood with my legs shoulder width apart, then folded at the waist, being sure to keep my back flat. When my hands touched the ground, I bent my elbows and let gravity do its job. Once the hurt stopped, I walked my hands back further, deepening the stretch.
“Do you think it’s gonna help?” he asked.
“Hannah seems to think it will, and she’s the expert,” I said.
“If nothing else, maybe she’ll dress like she did for the last event and you’ll get to enjoy the view.”
I stood and grunted. That’s the last thing I need. Between the book shit and the lack of someone to blow off steam with, this season is going to be hard enough. I don’t need an unwanted attraction to a Waves staff member muddying the waters even more.
After twisting from side to side and arching my back in a counter stretch, I folded forward and repeated the back stretch.
“I had fun at the last event. If they’re all like that, it won’t be bad.”
“If you need an extra for anything, count me in. It’s not like I have anything else to do,” he said. “I’m laying low for a while. This divorce is knocking me on my ass.”
“Things getting any better?”
I don’t ask Cal about his divorce unless he brings it up. For one, we’re guys. Second, if he’s having a good day, why bring it up and ruin his mood?
“Everything is going through the lawyers now.” He chuckled. “It’s pathetic. Marsha and I were married for six years and now we can’t even talk.”
I sat back on the ground and stretched my legs out in front of me, crossing them at the ankle.
“The thing is, I don’t know what she’s so pissed about. We met when I was already playing for the Waves, so she can’t say the schedule was a surprise. I never cheated on her and she’s the one who surprised the hell out of me by asking for a divorce. Even though I wanted to work on it and she didn’t, I offered a pretty generous settlement beyond the prenup, which apparently isn’t good enough.” He stretched his right leg out and bent the left over it, then twisted at the waist, bracing his left elbow against his knee to deepen the stretch. “And it’s not that I can’t afford to give her more, but why the hell should I?”
He doesn’t have to convince me of anything, but I nodded anyway. Right now, I’m sure he just needs someone to listen.
“I’m just trying to get through it and move on. You know I’m not a casual guy when it comes to relationships and anyone I get involved with right now wouldn’t be more than a distraction from my misery.”
Even though we have two totally different approaches to women, Cal’s never judged me and he’s been nothing but supportive through the whole book thing. And I appreciate that. It’s nice to have friends who have your back no matter what.
Cal stretched his other side, then we just both sat there, taking in the scenery.
I love my job. There are definitely worse ways to make a living than playing baseball. It’s February, and instead of wasting away in an office under fluorescent lights, I’m soaking up Vitamin D on a field in St. Pete.
“Someone’s coming your way,” he said, nudging his chin toward the stands.
Sure enough, Hannah walked in my direction, switching her gaze between me and the steps she navigated. Dressed in her usual work attire of pants and a blouse, she should look like her usual business self, but for some reason that’s not the case. She looks softer, sexier. Maybe it’s just my imagination filling in the blanks since I’ve seen the curves that lurk beneath the boxy clothes.
She opened the low gate and stepped onto the field, pushing her glasses back into place with her index finger. As she got closer, I saw that what had looked like plain brown frames shimmered when the sun hit them.
Cal and I both stood and faced her.
“Cal, I want to thank you again for attending the event the other night. The coordinator emailed and said you guys were the hit of the evening.”
“It was fun,” he said. “I just told Jack I’m available if he ever needs me.”
“We just might take you up on that,” she said then turned to face me. “Jack, I wanted to confirm the event this Saturday night. It’s only about fifteen minutes up the beach.”
“It’s a beach party, right?”
“Yes, from what I understand, they’re having an inflatable slide and games right on the beach, so it’s super casual.”
“What are you wearing?” I asked.
“I, uh, I’m not sure yet,” she said. A breeze floated through the stadium, blowing her hair across her face. She reached up and tucked it behind her ear. “Probably capris and a T-shirt.”
I nodded. “Do I need to bring anything?”
“No, just yourself.”
“It starts at seven, right?” She nodded. “I’ll swing by the hotel to get you around six thirty.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I can drive myself.”
“Your hotel is on my way. There’s no reason to take two cars.” I smiled and added, “Help avoid global warming and all that.”
She bit her bottom lip and looked everywhere but at me for several seconds. I glanced over at Cal and he shrugged. Finally she nodded and looked in my direction.
“Okay, I’ll wait in the lobby, so just pull in that side of the lot.”
That said, she turned and walked back toward the stands. I watched her ascend the stairs with quick efficiency and disappear into the shadows of the concourse.
Cal’s chuckle reminded me he was still standing there. He raised an eyebrow when I looked at him.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He shook his head and laughed again. “Not one damn thing.”
But I know it’s something, no matter how much I don’t want it to be.
Hannah
What the hell did I just agree to?
It’s bad enough being in an open space with Jack, but to sit in a car next to him? Where his scent and all those pheromones he exudes will be trapped in one small area? I may not survive.
And Lord knows what he’ll wear to a casual beach event. Board shorts? Faded cutoffs? A speedo?
I took that last one off the list. Jack Reagan is definitely not the speedo type.
Not that it matters. The man looks amazing in anything, especially baseball pants. I almost fell down the stadium steps when I spotted him stretching. Bent over with his amazing ass on display for my viewing pleasure like that. Rest assured, I had viewed and taken pleasure.
“Hey Hannah.” I looked up and saw Ken Jr. walking toward me. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just mentally checking my to-do list.”
“All settled in?” he asked.
“For the most part,” I said. “I was just confirming Saturday night’s event with Jack.”
“How’s he doing with all this? Is he playing nice?”
“He’s actually been great. We’ve only done the one event so far, but he was amazing.” I didn’t want to sound too gushy about Jack, so I added, “Dan and Cal were, too. It was definitely a positive experience and hopefully set the tone
for all the others.”
“Thanks for setting this stuff up. I know you’re not thrilled being down here, but for some reason, my father thought it was necessary.”
“It’s fine.”
“I can probably talk him into letting you go home and come back down just for events.”
“That’s not necessary. Like I said, I’m mostly settled in. Plus, it’s gorgeous here while we’re having a cold, rainy spell back home. So I’m good.”
“There are definitely worse places to be.”
“I’ll keep you updated on what we’re doing and let you know if we hit any snags along the way.”
“I appreciate it, but I’m sure you have it all under control.”
With those words said, he continued on to wherever he’d been headed and I walked to my office. I have some vendors to call, events to confirm, and copy to write.
Three hours later I’d managed to put a good dent in my never-ending to-do list. Not that I’m complaining about that list. I love my job. It’s not what I imagined I’d end up doing with my life, but it truly is perfect for me and it’s never boring.
Take these events I have planned for Jack. Getting something like this together in such a short time is a challenge. Add in his crazy schedule during the season, and it’s even more difficult. But I did it. I managed to put together a calendar of events that’s comprehensive but not obnoxious. Now I just have to mentally prepare myself to be in constant contact with him.
I honestly don’t understand what my problem is. For whatever reason, I’ve always had a thing for Jack, but I’ve been able to keep it under wraps. Lately, it’s been out of control and I’m afraid that in a moment of weakness I’m going to do something embarrassing like sniff his neck or run my fingers through his hair.
Before when the words “what are you wearing” came out of his mouth, I’d imagined the question in a whole different context. Thankfully I pulled myself together and gave a response that answered the one he’d actually asked.
I don’t know if it’s because I need to get laid or if I’m having some kind of early mid-life crisis, but lately my fascination with Jack Reagan has reached epic proportions. His mere presence makes me feel like a tween girl with her first crush. And I need to get over it right now.
Maybe it’s time I made the effort to start dating again. Just the thought of it is exhausting, but maybe it will help me get over this ridiculous obsession.
Chapter 8
Jack
Per Hannah’s instructions, I pulled into the hotel parking lot near the lobby door. I didn’t even have a chance to put the Range Rover in park before she was opening the passenger door. Dressed in white capri pants and a yellow shirt, she looks shiny and bright.
She settled into the passenger seat and turned to buckle her seatbelt.
“Hi,” she said, then did a double take and chuckled. “Nice shirt.”
I looked down at my Waves-themed Hawaiian shirt, then back at her.
“Are you making fun of my shirt?”
“Not at all.”
“Are you sure? Because if you are, I’ll have to let Mr. Hanover know you don’t approve of the gear he buys for his players.”
“I seriously doubt Mr. Hanover bought that for you.”
“I’m sure he didn’t pick it out, but it was given to me at spring training my rookie year. I found it in the back of my closet and figured I’d dust it off for tonight. It is a beach bash, after all.”
“That it is,” she said as she used her knuckle to push her glasses back into place. Today’s pair have white frames with tiny yellow polka dots. Adorable.
I cringed. When the hell did I start thinking of Hannah Adams as anything but cooly efficient?
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“You looked you were in pain.”
“I’m good, just moved my leg a weird way,” I lied. “Ready to go?”
“Lead the way, Jimmy Buffett.”
A bunch of comments popped into my head, each sounding more flirty than the next, and I don’t want to go there. I kept my mouth shut, shifted the car into drive, and pulled into traffic.
Hannah
I focused on letting shallow breaths in and out through slightly parted lips. Jack’s spicy sweet scent combined with the earthy smell of the leather seats is more than I can handle. Add that to his sexy dad look of a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts and I’m in danger of losing it.
Needing something else to focus on, I pulled the tote I’d brought onto my lap. Digging through the items inside, I did another quick count to make sure I have enough. Again, this isn’t a formal meet-and-greet, but it’s good PR for Jack to have something to sign if the occasion arises.
“What did you bring this time?” he asked.
“A lot of cards, a few balls, some shirts, and a stack of hats. And I found these cups abandoned in the closet of the office I’m using so I grabbed them.”
I held up a sleeve of white plastic cups with the Waves logo across the front, and he took his eyes off the road just long enough to check them out. I’m actually surprised at what a conscientious driver he is. Other than checking his rear view and side mirrors, his eyes have remained glued to the road since we left the hotel parking lot. I guess I’d expected him to be a casual, possibly reckless driver. The fact that he isn’t makes him even more attractive. Ugh!
“I’m gonna take a wild guess and say that’s the place,” he said.
I glanced up and spotted an event banner hanging across the road just ahead. A large arrow at the bottom pointed to the parking lot up on the left. Jack turned into the lot and backed into a spot near the entrance. He shifted the car into park and turned off the engine. After looking over at the makeshift entrance to the event at the other end of the lot, he glanced over at me.
“Sorry, it’s a force of habit to park as close to the entrance as possible. Makes for an easy getaway,” he said. “I can move closer or drop you off.”
“I’m fine walking,” I said. “But thank you.”
“You sure?” he asked. “It’s no problem.”
His sweet smile had my stomach turning somersaults.
“I’m sure.”
“Then let’s go. Hold on, I’ll come over and help you with that bag.”
Before I could protest, I heard his door slam and watched him round the hood then open my door. He pulled the tote from my lap and extended his hand to help me out. I hesitated for a second, then realized it would be rude to ignore it.
As soon as my hand touched his, the zing that traveled from my fingertips to every erogenous zone in my body kept me frozen in place.
“Are you okay?” he asked. His hazel eyes looked down then back up my body, searching for a reason for my mannequin act. When he found none, his brow wrinkled, making him look even more adorable. Before I could get lost counting the gold flecks in his eyes, I got hold of myself and smiled.
“Sorry, I felt myself slipping and froze before I fell and looked like a total idiot.”
“Don’t worry,” he said as he led me off the running board. “I’ve won’t let you fall.”
If only that were true.
Chapter 9
Hannah
“What a great setup,” he said.
His eyes lit up as they scanned the beach. From the parking lot, I saw a huge inflatable slide, a bouncy house, and a dunk tank. A real Shangri-La for children, and apparently thirty-four-year-old baseball players as well.
We approached the check-in table and immediately the women manning it fussed all over us. Well, over Jack. They pulled him to the side and a crowd quickly circled around. I watched as he handled the situation with ease.
“You must be Hannah Adams.” I tore my gaze from Jack and his adoring fans and looked at the woman who now stood in front of me. “I’m Rose Garrett.”
When I’d spoken to her on the phone, her youthful voice and energy had me picturing someone closer to my age. I was definitely wrong about tha
t. Rose is most likely in Mrs. Button’s generation.
“Looks like you have great weather for this,” I said.
She held up her right hand with the index and middle fingers crossed. “So far, so good. Weather usually isn’t an issue here, but last year it poured and we had to move everything inside. One of our board members has an empty warehouse we were able to use, but it wasn’t nearly as successful as the previous years we’ve held it on the beach.”
“The beach is definitely a draw.”
She nodded, then nudged her chin in Jack’s direction. “Although we could have held it outside in a monsoon this year and we’d probably still have a full crowd with our celebrity guest in attendance,” she said. “Thank you for reaching out. Once word got around that Jack Reagan would be here, tickets sales went crazy. I’ve been involved with the organization for twenty years and this is the first time we’ve sold out prior to the event.”
She just gave me some very good information. I’d hate to make any promises, but the PR person in me can’t help thinking how great it would be to make some of these events annual things.
“You’re welcome, I know Jack is very happy to be here.”
“You said you were attending an event near you prior to this. How did that work? Is it going to be like that all night?” She pointed toward Jack holding court with his ever-growing crowd. They’d moved further onto the beach, clearing up the entrance. “Eventually we’ll have to save him.”
I watched Jack sign a card and hand it to a boy wearing a Waves T-shirt.
“He’s handing out goodies. Once everyone has something, they’ll move on.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Jack is great with fans. He’ll be fine.” And while I absolutely believe those words, I’m still keeping a close eye on things to make sure nothing gets out of hand. “Besides, he was eyeing that slide. I’m sure he’s going to want to try it out at some point.”
Waste of Handsome (Carolina Waves #2) Page 6
