“Hannah,” I whispered. She shifted and snuggled into the seat. “Time to wake up.”
She slowly opened her eyes and blinked me into focus. Looking a bit dazed, she sat forward, but the seatbelt engaged and she fell back. Unbuckling, she turned to face me, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“I can’t believe I fell asleep. I’m so sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. You obviously needed the rest.”
“But I wasn’t very good company.”
I unbuckled and leaned over the console to kiss her.
“You’re always the best company.” Her cheeks reddened as a shy smile crossed her face. “Come on, let’s get your stuff inside.”
I stepped out of the truck and twisted from side to side, stretching my back. After touching my toes and loosening my hips, I met Hannah at the back of the truck and opened the hatchback. I stopped when she started to reach inside for her bags.
“I got it.” I grabbed two suitcases and her duffle and set them on the ground then closed the hatchback and picked them up again. “Lead the way.”
We walked up the sidewalk and Hannah opened the front door and stepped to the side, gesturing for me to enter. I walked inside and set the bags down and turned around, expecting Hannah to be right behind me, but she wasn’t. I heard her talking to someone outside and peeked my head out.
“Well hello, Jack. Fancy meeting you here.”
Hannah’s neighbor, Kate Button, hopped up the last two steps and breezed right by me through the door. She and her book club are semi-regulars at the stadium and I always enjoy talking to them.
“Mrs. Button.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you,” she said, looking very prim and proper for a woman whose hand was practically cupping my ass. “And you? Are you ready for the season?”
I pulled out of her reach. “I am.”
Hannah closed the door and took a few steps closer until she stood between Mrs. Button and me.
“Would you like a drink before heading out?” Hannah asked. “The refrigerator is bare, but I can manage a glass of water.”
“No, I’m good,” I said. “I should get going, though. I want to get in a run and go to bed early. Thanks for riding with me. It was fun.”
Hannah nodded. “It was. Thank you for having me along.”
Mrs. Button looked like she was watching a tennis match as her gaze bounced between us. As much as I’d love to kiss Hannah goodbye, I’m not into PDAs and Mrs. Button would probably enjoy watching a little too much. Instead, I squeezed her hand and smiled.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” I said to Hannah. “Mrs. Button, will I see you opening day?”
“The ladies and I will be there,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing you all.”
Hannah walked me to the door and opened it.
“Be careful,” she said and I stepped over the threshold.
It’s been a long time since anyone’s said that to me. My mother is probably the last person who cared enough about me to say those simple words that basically mean I love you. That’s what I read somewhere anyway and I’m choosing to believe it, especially now, with this woman.
“Will do.”
Chapter 29
Hannah
I watched Jack get into his car before closing the door. Mrs. Button stood right behind me and I almost bumped into her as I turned around.
“I don’t know if that man looks better coming or going,” she said. “What’s your opinion?”
“Hmm, that’s a tough one.” I walked past Mrs. Button and over to the kitchen island, where she’d stacked my mail into neat piles. Picking up a stack of envelopes, I dismissed the junk mail one by one. “All junk mail, just like you told me.”
Mrs. Button had hiked herself onto a stool on the other side of the island and leaned back, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Yes, during our many phone conversations, I was very honest with you about what’s been happening,” she said. “It seems the same can’t be said for you.”
I could act like I don’t know what she’s talking about, but I’d never hear the end of it.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Jack and me, but when it started, I wasn’t sure it was going to continue. Then when it did, I kind of treated it like a perfect game. I didn’t talk about it for fear I’d jinx it.”
“So no one knows about you two?”
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the granite.
“Jack’s close friends know and we ran into my dad in the Keys, so now he knows.”
“I’m going to tuck that dad comment away and we can talk about it later. For now, I want to hear all about you and Jack. And please don’t leave out any details. Remember, I’m living vicariously through you,” she said, resting her chin on her hand and waited for me to start.
I settled into bed and turned on the television. Mrs. Button had stayed for hours and while I enjoyed catching up with her, I’m exhausted. She’d seriously wanted to hear every detail about Jack and me and had managed to slip in a few I told you so’s without actually saying those exact words.
She’s always been a huge fan of Jack’s and did tell me more than once that I should go after him. That seemed ridiculous at the time because Jack saw me as nothing more than a fixture at the stadium and despite my crazy crush, I thought he was an arrogant ass.
My phone rang and the arrogant ass’s name popped up on the screen.
“Hey,” I said.
“Are you alone or is Mrs. Button still grilling you?”
I chuckled. “She left a few minutes ago, but you’re right about the grilling. How did you know?”
“The rabid look in her eyes. It was obvious she was just waiting for me to leave so she could pounce,” he said. “So what did Mrs. Button have to say about us?”
“She’s thrilled. You know she’s your biggest fan,” I said. “Plus, I think she’s hoping you’ll spend time here and she’ll get to ogle you.”
His sexy laugh sounded in my ear, making all my lady parts tingle.
“If having Mrs. Button ogle me is the price I have to pay to spend more time with you, I’ll be sure to dress sexy,” he said, then added, “I miss you.”
“We just spent an entire day trapped in the car together. I figured you’d be sick of me,” I said.
“You figured wrong,” he said. “In fact, if Mrs. Button hadn’t been chomping at the bit to interrogate you, I may have tried to convince you to let me stay.”
“Really?”
“MmmHmm.” That sexy sound vibrated in my ear. “But instead of being curled up next to you, I’m lying here in my big, lonely bed. It’s very sad.” He sighed. “Tragic even.”
Thankfully he’d added the dramatic sigh and those last two words, because when he mentioned being alone in bed, I was ready to run over to his place and remedy that issue. Instead, I decided to match his silliness with my own
“So, what are you wearing?” I said, my voice soft and sexy.
“I think you know what I wear to bed.”
Yes, I do have the good fortune to know that Jack sleeps in boxer briefs. He said he used to sleep nude but he rolled over one night and pinched “the boys” between his thigh and the mattress. So now he’s paranoid.
“What about you?” he asked. “I’ve only seen you sleep in my T-shirts. What do you normally sleep in?”
“A tank top and shorts.”
“Let me see.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m switching the call to FaceTime.”
“I hate the way I look on that.”
“Well you’ll have to get used to it because I plan on seeing you when I’m on the road.”
His voice sounded farther away and a second later, my phone beeped. I pulled it from my ear and accepted his FaceTime request. Jack’s image filled my screen.
“So let me see,” he said.
“See what?” I asked, alth
ough I know exactly what he’s talking about.
“Your jammies,” he said, his sexy purr punctuated by the naughty smile I’ve come to know so well.
Sometimes it still seems surreal to me that we’re together like this. I spent so many years harboring my stupid crush while thinking we were worlds apart. Turns out, we’re a lot alike.
“These jammies?” I tipped my phone slightly, giving him just a glimpse of my cleavage.
“Oh yeah, those are the ones.” He licked his lips. “Keep going.”
I slowly panned down my body, giving him a good look at my baby blue tank top and black Soffe shorts. Just for good measure, I continued all the way down my legs and wiggled my toes at him before tilting the phone back toward my face.
Somewhere during my sensual tour, Jack had bitten his lower lip and now he let it slowly slide from his teeth.
“Remind me why I’m at my place instead of being there with you.”
“Because you were afraid of a sweet, little old lady.” I got a good view of his Adam’s apple as he tossed his head back and laughed. “What’s so funny?”
“That sweet, little old lady was practically cupping my ass a few hours ago.”
A raised right brow punctuated his words. He obviously thought he’d scored a point with that last statement.
“Can’t say I blame her. It’s a mighty fine ass.” I raised my right brow to match his, but have to admit his looks more impressive.
“Ms. Adams, I’m shocked. What happened to that quiet woman I knew? She never talked about my ass.”
I snort-laughed. “Maybe not to your face.”
“What am I gonna do with you?” he asked around a wide smile.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
“I’m sure I will.” He looked at me for several seconds then his smile faded. “I did call you to talk about something.”
“What’s that?”
“This whole Mrs. Button thing made me realize that we have to discuss coming out, for lack of a better term.”
“Coming out?”
“Yeah, letting people know we’re a couple.”
“You really think we should do that?”
Some of the spark left his eyes. “Are you not sure about this, Hannah?” he asked, his voice a mere whisper.
I shrugged and shifted onto my side, resting the phone against the pillow.
“It’s not that I’m not sure, but it’s nice having this be just between us. For the most part anyway. Once the world knows, it’ll get crazy.”
“Hannah, I don’t plan on broadcasting it on the Jumbotron. I just want to tell the powers that be so we can actually interact out in the open.”
The thought of having everyone know about Jack and me gives me palpitations. There’s not a no fraternization rule at work, but I don’t want to be known as one of those girls. You know, the ones who fool around with the players. We’ve had our share of them through the years and their time working for the Waves was usually short-lived.
“What’s going on in that beautiful head?”
I shook my head and smiled. “Nothing.” Meeting his gaze through the screen, I asked, “What’s your plan?”
Chapter 30
Jack
I slipped on my sunglasses and stepped onto the field. The sun hovered low in the cloudless sky and I know it will be right in my eyes until the end of the first inning. At this point I’m used to it and it’s a small price to pay for such a perfect day. I’m of the opinion that any day at the ballpark is a good day, but weather like this is like icing on the cake.
Settling onto the grass just off the first base line, I leaned forward and held onto the sides of my feet, pulling forward for a good stretch.
“Great day for baseball.”
I sat back and looked over at Dan, who sat next to me.
“That it is,” I agreed.
“How was your meet and greet?”
“I was my charming self, Hannah handed out swag, and everyone seemed to have a good time.”
The big wigs of the HVAC company responsible for the climate comfort of the stadium are partying in their private box. Hannah set up a meet and greet with them after I took batting practice. The need to get back onto the field kept it short and sweet. Thankfully I get credit by the meeting not the minute.
We continued stretching and watched the stadium fill. I’ve been playing ball for nearly three decades and the thrill of opening day hasn’t dimmed. There’s just an energy that’s different from every other game. Back when I was a kid, the parade and free nachos ranked right up there with playing, but since teener league, I’ve only focused on the game. Baseball has been the only constant in my life since my mother died.
“So does your relationship with Hannah give you immunity from more events or get some tacked on?” Dan asked. “How did the coming out meeting go?”
I shrugged and twisted toward him.
“It seemed to go well. Mr. Hanover didn’t freak out, just told us to keep it off the field and away from team business.”
“Do you think that’s possible?”
“We’ve done it so far.” I stood and leaned down to touch my toes. Wrapping my arms around my calves, I deepened the stretch and held it. “We’re not making a formal announcement or anything. The only reason we told Mr. Hanover is because of the whole book thing.” I let go of my legs and slowly straightened. “He’s finally not up my ass and I don’t want to do anything to put him up there again.”
Hannah
I stood against the concourse railing and watched the teams pre-game. As interviews and historical footage showed on the Jumbotron, the players worked through their various routines. It’s a beautiful night for a game and the stadium is quickly filling, the fans eager for the start of another season after a long winter.
Jack and Dan stood on the first base line stretching. As Jack bent to touch his toes, I’ll admit my eyes strayed to his amazing ass. And I now know for a fact that it looks even better naked. Good enough to bite…which I may have done once or twice.
The man in question stood and twisted from side to side. After watching him for years, I know he’s done warming up. True to form, he walked toward the dugout, Dan at his side. He looked across the stands and right at me. I’d like to say he sensed me there, but I’m a creature of habit too. I tend to stand in this same place before every game.
His gaze didn’t leave mine as he crossed the field. Dan disappeared into the dugout, but Jack paused just long enough to smile up at me before stepping inside. Like a schoolgirl with her first crush, my heart pounded and I’m sure my face is bright red.
What can I say? He just does it for me.
“Ready for another season?”
I’d been so wrapped up in Jack, I didn’t notice that Kenny had leaned on the railing alongside me.
“Absolutely.” I chuckled. “At least I’d better be.”
“My father said Jack’s meet and greet went well earlier.”
“It did. He’s so good with fans, he makes my work easy.”
“That’s good to hear.”
As the noise from the Jumbotron ceased, Warren Tucker’s voice filled the air, welcoming everyone to First Allegiant Bank Park and the start of a new season. The longtime voice of Waves celebrated his seventy-eighth birthday last season and has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
The crowd yelled out its usual taunts and boos as Warren announced the visiting team. The insults got especially harsh when the starting pitcher for Chicago, who started his career as a Wave, was introduced.
A hush fell over the stadium as Warren took a pause, building the anticipation before segueing into the Waves’ starting lineup. The crowd went wild as each player was announced and took his position. I split my attention between shortstop and Jack’s picture on the Jumbotron, enjoying both views. Once the field was filled, Warren asked everyone to rise for the playing of the national anthem.
Chris Russell aka Rusty took the mound and Chicago’s leado
ff batter stepped up to the plate. After two well-placed fastballs, it was a pitcher’s count. A wasted slider set the stage for another fastball, high and tight this time, that struck out the batter looking.
“Rusty looks amazing,” I said.
“For what we’re paying him, he’d better.”
Kenny isn’t usually what you’d call jovial, but he seems especially grumpy today.
“Everything okay?”
He leaned his elbows against the railing and let out a long sigh. “Holly decided not to move here after all. She told me this morning.”
Kenny’s been dating a woman who lives in Manhattan for a few years now, and at the end of last season, he told me she planned on moving to Myrtle Beach after the holidays.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
He nodded. “Thanks.”
“Are you going to keep doing the long distance thing?”
“We’ve done that for five years now. And for the last two, we’ve talked about taking the next step. Obviously I can’t move. The team is here. Unless I tell my father I don’t want it, I have to be here, too. She understands that.” Shaking his head he said, “At this point, it’s time to either move forward or end it.” He chuckled. “I thought we were moving forward. I guess I was wrong.”
During our conversation, the number two hitter had popped out to center field and the third batter just grounded out to third base. Three up, three down on six pitches. Nice way for a pitcher to start a game.
“Maybe she’ll change her mind.”
“Deciding not to come was her changing her mind,” he said. “She had a great job lined up and had most of her apartment packed.”
“So what happened?”
“I’m not sure. She said she doesn’t want to leave the life she’s built in the city, her friends…”
He trailed off and I focused my attention on the field as the Waves’ second baseman, Oskar Marquez stepped up to the plate. The crowd went wild as he lined the first pitch to left-center field and ended up with a double. The stadium got even louder as John Kasprzyk slipped a ground ball between third and short, putting men on the corners.
Waste of Handsome (Carolina Waves #2) Page 25
