Waste of Handsome (Carolina Waves #2)

by Tina Gallagher

  “Jack.” My name came out on a throaty sigh.

  “Come here.” I let go of her nipples and, with her fingers still wrapped around my wrists, pulled my arms down, taking her with them. Her tight nipples dragged against my chest when she rested her hands just above my shoulders. “You’re killing me,” I moaned, just before I lifted my head to press my lips against hers. I’d meant to just give her a quick peck, but as usual, I lost control and ended up kissing the everloving fuck out of her.

  Hannah’s hips pulsed and I cupped her ass, angling her so her clit dragged against me with every thrust. With her pussy squeezing me tight and her sexy sounds, I know I won’t last much longer. I pulled my lips from hers and leaned up onto my elbows and licked and sucked at her right nipple until her movements become more frantic. I moved onto the left, giving it the same treatment.

  Hannah shifted back and dug her fingers into my scalp, holding me in place. Her inner muscles quivered and I knew she was close. Thank God.

  I rested my head back onto the pillow and thumbed both of her nipples at the same time, dragging them along the underside, just how she likes it.

  “Jack!” she screamed just before she clamped down on my dick and milked me dry.

  I held her tight as she rested against my chest, our heartbeats settling into a matching rhythm.

  Before Hannah, the only thing I ever felt after sex was a physical release. But with her it’s so much more than that. Yes, it’s physically satisfying, but it’s also so damn emotional, sometimes I feel like my chest will burst. I’ve avoided putting a name to what I feel for her, even though deep down inside I know. Someday I’ll nut up and tell her.

  My heartbeat sped up and slowed down with my thoughts. Under normal circumstances I’d be worried I have an arrhythmia, but these aren’t normal circumstances. Nothing with Hannah is normal.

  She tilted her head back and looked me in the eye.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  Leaning up on her elbow, she rubbed the center of my chest.

  “Your heart is beating funny.”

  “I’m fine. I—” Those three little words were on the tip of my tongue, but I pussied out and said, “I’m just trying to figure out how you make my heart beat faster and slower at the same time.”

  My heartrate kicked up again at her answering smile.

  “You do the same thing to me,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, but her eyes said so much more.

  And I like that more. I like it a lot.

  Chapter 33

  Hannah

  I walked through the concourse and settled against the railing just as Sam Cherry threw the first pitch across the outside corner of the plate for a called strike one. The batter fouled the next pitch back, putting him behind in the count. The crowd chanted and cheered as Sam went into his wind up. My view of the field was blocked as the fans jumped to their feet when strike three was called on the batter.

  The stadium is extra loud tonight. It’s always a bit crazy when we play New York, but there’s extra energy for this game because if we win, we’ll be tied with them for first place.

  Batter number two popped out to shallow right field for the second out.

  “Sam looks good tonight,” Kenny said as he leaned on the railing next to me. “Hopefully he finally has his head together.”

  The strike zone has evaded our phenom pitcher the past couple weeks, and it doesn’t matter how hard you throw if you can’t put the ball over the plate. Sam has been a real Wild Thing for more starts than I want to think about, but tonight he looks good.

  I smiled at my mental Major League reference. I’d seen the movie years ago but have watched it at least three times in my months with Jack. Then again, I’ve introduced him to Baby Boom and he’s willingly watched Diane Keaton acclimate to life in a small Vermont town just as often.

  Sam mixed it up and tossed in a breaking ball, throwing the batter off balance. He managed to get his bat on the ball, but ended up hitting a weak line drive toward Cal, who snagged it for the third out of the inning. He and Jack bumped gloves and jogged toward the dugout.

  “Cal seems to have made a full recovery.” Kenny phrased it as a sentence, but it came out more like a question. I nodded in agreement. “What do you think?”

  I chuckled. “You’d know better than me.”

  Cal’s neck injury after chasing a foul ball into the stands took him out of the game for a few weeks, but he seems to have made a full recovery. He looked amazing during his rehab games and this is his first series back with the Waves.

  “Not necessarily.” He turned to face me, resting his right arm on the railing. “You’re part of their inner circle now.”

  As if I’d ever share any information my status as Jack’s girlfriend makes me privy to with Kenny, or anyone else for that matter. Instead of commenting, I let Kenny’s words hang in the air as the Waves came up to bat. Eventually he turned back to the field and we watched the game in silence through four full innings.

  Both pitchers are on tonight and neither team has managed to reach first base, so the game is moving fast. Kenny’s phone buzzed just as Sam took the mound for the fifth time. He checked it, then put it back in his pocket.

  “My father wants to see both of us in his office,” he said.

  “Now?”

  “That’s what the text said.”

  Mr. Hanover usually watches home games from his suite so the fact that he’s in his office is a bit strange. That he wants to see both of us there is even more odd.

  We left the concourse and headed toward the owner’s suite.

  “Any idea what this is about?” I asked.

  “Not a clue.”

  The office door stood open as we approached. Kenny stepped aside and gestured for me to enter ahead of him. Mr. Hanover sat behind his big desk flipping through papers. We settled into the chairs across from him and waited. The fact that he didn’t look up when we entered didn’t make me think for one minute he was unaware of our presence.

  “Thank you for coming,” he said. Resting his elbows on the desk, he glanced between us. “I got word of something you both need to know.”

  Kenny and I shared a clueless look before returning our attention back to his father, who was now totally focused on me.

  “Word is out about you and Jack,” he said.

  I sat back in the chair and crossed my legs. Considering the fact that Mr. Hanover is missing the game to hold this meeting, I thought he’d have something worse to share. Jack and I knew that eventually people would find out about us. We haven’t announced our relationship but we haven’t exactly been hiding it either. Jack might have to field some questions about us, but I’m sure he’ll handle it like the pro he is. I don’t imagine anyone is going to bother me.

  “I appreciate the head’s up,” I said.

  “That’s not all.” Mr. Hanover’s grim face and wrinkled brow warned me he was about to say something big, but I never imagined what a colossal turn the conversation was about to take. “I’m not sure how to say this so I’m just gonna put it out there. The media know you’re Aaran Diskin’s daughter and that he just married a woman your age.”

  “What?” Kenny practically shouted, then looked from me to his father and back again. “Aaran Diskin is your father?”

  I slowly nodded. My fingers and toes turned to ice as my ears buzzed. Taking in deep breaths through my nose and letting them out through my mouth, I struggled to ward off the panic attack that was fighting to take over. I haven’t had one since high school and I certainly don’t want one now.

  I’ve managed to live my life out of the limelight attached to my father for over half my life and I don’t want to step into it now. Especially not when his marriage to Mel will be fresh news. The fact that she’s my best friend and having his baby will only add fuel to the fire.

  “How the hell have you managed to keep that quiet all these years?” Kenny asked.

  I gave him an abbr
eviated version of the story I told Jack a few months ago.

  “Still, it seems impossible to fly under the radar nowadays,” Kenny added. “How does no one know about you?”

  “There are obviously people who knew me as Hannah Diskin, but I left her behind a long time ago. And the people who knew me are too absorbed in themselves to worry about where I disappeared to.”

  Kenny opened his mouth to speak again, but Mr. Hanover interrupted.

  “The details of this aren’t our business.” He directed that comment at Kenny, then turned to me. “I know you like to stay behind the scenes, but you’re going to be up front and center with this. Security will keep the media away from you here at the stadium, but you have to be prepared. You and Jack dating is small news compared to this.”

  Mr. Hanover seems pretty calm about this. Then again, it really doesn’t affect him or the team. It does, however, affect my entire life. And Jack’s by default.

  Shit, Jack.

  “Does Jack know about this yet?”

  “Not yet,” Mr. Hanover said. “The team journalists know at this point, but have been warned not to bring it up in the post-game interviews, but it’s probably gonna be on those gossip shows.”

  “Thank you for letting me know this,” I said. “Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?”

  Despite the turmoil churning within me, I managed to sound professional.

  Mr. Hanover shook his head. “Just hang in there. It won’t take long for another story to bump yours out of the spotlight.”

  Those words of wisdom from the man who freaked out because of a book. But since I value my job, I didn’t call him on that fact. Instead, I excused myself to retreat to my office so I could have a nervous breakdown in private.

  Jack

  I followed Dan down the tunnel.

  “Sucks to admit they outplayed us today,” he said. “But they did.”

  “Can’t argue with that.”

  After seven nearly perfect innings for both teams, New York’s clean-up hitter smashed a hanging curve over the right field fence giving them a one run lead. And we never managed to get that run back.

  Thankfully Cal’s return is the story of the night. The reporters will all want to talk to him and I should be able to shower and sneak out without much fuss.

  Echoing my thoughts, Dan said, “If we keep our heads down, we might get out of here in record time.”

  Neither Dan nor I had done anything newsworthy in the game so we managed to remain invisible in the crowded locker room. After showering and dressing in record time, we practically tip-toed out the door.

  He checked his phone and smiled. “I’m meeting Sabrina and Lexi at the ice cream shop. Want to come along?”

  “Thanks, but I’m meeting Hannah at my place.”

  “You sure about that?” he asked.

  “Yeah, why?”

  Instead of answering me, he said, “Hey Hannah.”

  She stood at the end of the hallway, next to the stairs leading to the players’ parking garage.

  “Hi Dan—"

  “I thought we were meeting at my place,” I said, cutting off whatever else she was going to say.

  Something must be wrong. Hannah never comes down here and behind her bright blue glasses, her eyes look red and puffy, like she might have been crying.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” She looked down and shook her head. I took her hand in mine and squeezed. “Hannah?”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dan smile. The guys love the fact that I’m with a woman I actually care about. I’m glad they think it’s funny because sometimes it freaks me the fuck out.

  “I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Dan said. “Gonna go meet my girls.”

  Hannah used her knuckle to push her glasses into place and stood taller, like she was trying to pull herself together.

  “See you tomorrow,” she said.

  Dan took the steps to the parking garage two at a time, obviously in a rush to meet his wife and daughter. I threaded my fingers through Hannah’s and turned to face her. I have no idea what has her so upset, but I want her to know I’m here, whatever it is.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Mr. Hanover called me to his office earlier to let me know that word of our relationship is out.”

  “Jesus, Hannah, you scared the shit out of me. I thought something awful happened. We knew that was going to happen eventually,” I said. “We’ll handle it.”

  “The media also knows about my dad.”

  “That he got married?”

  “That he’s my dad.”

  Oh fuck.

  Chapter 34

  Hannah

  The ringing doorbell gave me an excuse to put down the book I was trying to immerse myself in. Placing my Kindle on the coffee table, I stood and walked to the door. After looking through the peephole, I pulled the door open wide for Mrs. Button.

  “You’re back,” I said, unnecessarily. “How was your trip?”

  I ushered her inside and closed the door behind her.

  “I had a wonderful time, but it’s good to be home.” She settled into the overstuffed chair and put her feet up on the ottoman. “That’s how I know I’m not ready to move.”

  She and Mr. Button had relocated from the Philadelphia area to Myrtle Beach after he retired and her children have been bugging her to move back since his death.

  “I love my children and adore spending time with my grandchildren, but right now, my life is here. Maybe I’ll go back someday, but not today,” she said. “But enough about me. How are you holding up?”

  “I’d be lying if I said I’m happy it all came out. But it could be much worse.” I shrugged. “For the most part, I’m able to lay low and I ignore the stories.”

  Most people take anonymity for granted, but not me. Having a front row seat to my father’s fame made me appreciate being in the background. Thankfully I left Hollywood in time so I was allowed to live most of my life out of the spotlight. I suppose I was crazy thinking that could last forever.

  “Thankfully Myrtle Beach isn’t a breeding ground for paparazzi.”

  I nodded at her words, then stood. “I’m think I’ll have a glass of wine. Join me?”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  I walked to the kitchen and opened one of the bottles of Pinot Grigio Jack bought at a winery we visited a few weeks ago. Pouring two glasses, I grabbed them in one hand and carried the bottle in the other and returned to the living room. After setting the bottle on the coffee table, I handed Mrs. Button her glass and settled back onto the couch, tucking my feet beneath me.

  “How’s Jack handling all this?”

  I shrugged. “On the surface he’s fine, but he’s boiling underneath. He blames himself.”

  “Why?”

  “He rented a private jet to bring us home from my dad’s wedding and from what we understand, someone from that company talked about our relationship. Once someone had a reason to dig up information about me, it was only a matter of time before they found out the whole story. Obviously it wasn’t his fault, but he doesn’t see it that way.”

  She smiled and took a sip of wine, looking at me over the rim of the glass with twinkling eyes.

  “When I met you however many years ago, I never would have imagined that your father is one of the biggest movie stars in the country, if not the world. And…” She drew out the world dramatically, “you’d hook one of the hottest baseball players that ever played the game.”

  “I’m sorry I never told you about my father,” I said. “I’d thought about it many times, especially in the last few months, but keeping the secret had been second nature for so long, I talked myself out of it.”

  “I understand, dear.” She took another drink, then added, “And don’t think you can ignore the last thing I said.”

  I circled my finger along the rim of the glass, deciding on a response. Have I hooked Jack? I’ve been determined to not name this thing between us and take it as it
comes. So far, I’ve been successful…or at least I convince myself I have.

  “Jack and I are enjoying each other’s company, but that’s it for now.”

  “Hannah, I enjoy that man’s company. What you two have is way beyond that,” she said. “It’s obvious to anyone who sees you together that you’re in love.”

  My face grew hot and I’m sure it’s bright red.

  Damn Irish skin.

  I took a few slow breaths in an attempt to slow my racing heart.

  “I uh, I’m not sure about love. It’s kind of soon for that.”

  “I knew I was in love with my Manny by our third date. We married six months after we met.” She sat forward and patted my knee. “There’s no timeline for love. It will come and tap you on the shoulder when you least expect it. Choosing to turn around and embrace it is up to you.”

  That said, she finished her wine and placed her glass on the coffee table before standing and walking out the front door in dramatic silence.

  Jack

  I turned the water on hot enough to melt my skin and stood under the spray, willing it to pound away the tightness in my shoulders. Despite regular massages and stretches, my muscles feel like one big knot. Normally I’d just deal with it, but it’s starting to affect my bat speed. Not enough that anyone would notice, but I know my swing is slower than usual. Chicago’s pitcher was throwing heat today for sure, but I only managed to foul off a few pitches I’d normally send into a gap.

  Turning off the spray, I grabbed a towel off the rack and dragged it over my head and chest before tying it around my waist and stepping out of the shower.

  My phone dinged as I stepped out of the bathroom, signaling a message. I picked it up and smiled at Hannah’s name on my screen. I touched the voicemail app and her voice filled the room.

  Tag, you’re it. Sorry I missed your call. I was discussing our itinerary with Mr. Hanover. Give me a call when you can.