by Lyssa Layne
I close my eyes and can see Jace’s long, narrow cheeks, those tantalizing blue eyes, and his button nose. Looking back at the table, those old feelings for Jace that never went away all rush over me again. The only thing that’s different is that his hair’s grown out. Right now it’s slicked back. Typically, it’s buzzed on the sides with an almost-mohawk thing going on up top. I sigh as I notice he still sports that sexy day-old beard that always drove me insane.
Ducking into the bathroom, I finally unlock my phone and text Meg, who sends me reassuring words of confidence. A quick application of lip gloss, a breath mint, and I’m ready to face whatever might be waiting for me. I cautiously open the door and step into the hallway.
When I look at our table, it’s empty. I take a timid step closer and my eyes search around, still not seeing any of the men. I’m about to text Benny when I feel a strong hand grasp my waist. My breath catches in my throat when I feel someone’s warm breath on my neck.
“Everything okay?”
I turn around, slightly disappointed to see Grant standing beside me in his khaki Chinos and white button up shirt only halfway buttoned. I force a smile and nod. “Yeah, I’m fine… who was at the table?”
Grant’s hand still lingers on my waist and I relax with him nearby. I don’t even realize when I take a step closer to him.
“Jace Richards from the Diplomats.”
I have to decide whether to act impressed or play dumb. Apparently, I don’t decide quickly enough as Grant goes on. “He was asking about you.”
My heart sprints and sinks at the same time, if that’s even possible. I haven’t talked to Jace in five years yet in the two minutes I saw him, it’s obvious my feelings for him haven’t changed. At the same time, I stand before another amazing man… and I have no idea how he feels for me. I’m getting ahead of myself, I could be worked up over both of them for no reason.
“Oh? What’d he say?” I ask, trying to play it cool.
Grant’s lips turn into a small smile as he answers, “He wanted to know who was with the pretty blonde.”
My stomach drops. Did Jace not even recognize me? Wait—
“What’d you say?” I demand a little more strongly than I wanted.
Grant laughs and takes my hand, leading us back to the table. “Our food’s here. Benny says we have to try the garlic soup.”
Grant pulls my chair out for me as I frantically look around the restaurant trying to spot Jace. I’m about to give myself whiplash when Grant hands me my wine glass refilled. “Drink,” he says. “I think you need it.”
***
“It’s amazing how many stars you can see in the sky,” I remark as I lean over the balcony of the beachfront condo.
Grant sits in a lounge chair behind me. “Not like in New York,” he comments.
I turn around and face him. “Exactly.”
We just got home from dinner and it’s a little after midnight. Jace never made another appearance and my nerves finally settled down. Benny always makes for great entertainment and ever since Grant’s comment about my presence being peaceful, I’ve felt the same way around him.
“Colie… tell me what you want out of life. Your dreams, your goals…” Grant says.
I turn back around and look up at the stars, thinking about how to answer. I shrug. “I don’t care where I am, I just want to be successful. I love sports, I love what I do… so I want to be the best at it.”
He hesitates before he asks, “What else, Colie? There’s got to be more to life than work.”
I turn around and scoff at him. “You’re one to talk,” I tease.
He nods as he stands up and walks up to me, leaning against the railing. “Fair enough. How do you know Richards?”
My jaw drops at his question but I quickly close my mouth. “I don’t.” I lie.
Grant rests his arms on the balcony beside mine. His right hand reaches for my charm bracelet. “Colie, you’re a horrible liar.”
I watch his fingers move on my jewelry. “Tell me about your ex and I’ll tell you about Jace.”
He sighs and his fingers stop. Turning to face me, he answers, “High school sweethearts. She loved the fame, I hated it. She took it too far and I ended it.”
I make the same move and turn toward him. “Best friends in college. He left without saying goodbye. Haven’t seen him since.”
We look into each other’s eyes, both knowing that there’s more behind each of our stories. Grant speaks first, “So you never dated?”
I shake my head no and I see him relax ever so slightly. His hand moves to my waist and he steps toward me. “Colie, I think it’s obvious that there’s something here between us.”
He tugs me to him and I move my hand to his chest. Yes, there’s definitely something between us, I note, as I feel his erection pressing against my stomach. Who am I kidding though? I’m just as excited as he is. His free hand moves to my cheek and he brushes my hair back with a sigh.
“What?” I barely whisper. My body is already in hyperactive mode and now his sigh has me worried he’s regretting something that we haven’t even done.
In a low, husky voice, he says, “I’m going to kiss you now.”
All I can do is swallow and nod. I close my eyes and feel his full lips that I’ve stared at one too many times press against mine. Mmm, they’re everything I expected and more. Both his hands tighten on me as he pulls me in for a deeper kiss, his tongue parting my lips. I barely realize I’m gripping his shirt, pulling him closer to me. When his tongue touches mine, I moan and he kisses me harder. Suddenly all the energy and electricity I normally feel just from his looks are now exploding, sending sensations throughout my body, especially between my legs.
We stay in our lip lock for what seems like an eternity, but ending much too soon. He leans his forehead against mine, both of us struggling to catch our breath. My mind races, trying to figure out what happens next. Then I feel his lips on my forehead.
“Get some rest, Colie.”
I frown. Did he not feel the same way as me after that kiss? He smiles as he runs his fingers over my lips. “Don’t worry, I enjoyed that as much as you did, but we’re going to take this slow,” Grant answers my unspoken question.
Of course, I smirk, he has to be in control. Nodding, I turn around and say, “Right.” I lift my hair up over my neck. “Can you unzip me?”
I glance over my shoulder and see his smile disappear. His masculine hands fumble with my zipper as he lowers it down my back. Slightly turning to face him, I lean up and give him one more gentle kiss, whispering, “Thanks.”
I watch him shift as I head to my bedroom. Grinning, I wonder who’s in control now.
CHAPTER 7
Grant’s hand rests on my thigh and despite my to-do list I’ve been memorizing and reciting in my head, I can’t think of anything other than where I’d like for his hand to be. I close my eyes and lean my head against the seat. Van Halen fills the car along with all the sexual tension inside the SUV. The steamy kiss Grant and I shared opened the door for light touches and stolen kisses, but nothing more than that. If I thought I was sexually frustrated before, it’s nothing compared to just a couple days after the world’s most thrilling kiss.
The engine stops as we park, but I keep my eyes closed. I hear Grant let out a low chuckle and squeeze my thigh. I open one eye and look at him. “I don’t want to hear it.”
He laughs and slides higher on my thigh. I quickly move his hand. I might spontaneously combust if his hand gets any closer to my girl parts. They’re already throbbing, and it’s only a matter of time before I have to take matters into my own hands… literally.
His lips stick out into a pout when I move his hand and I shake my head. “No, put those pouty lips away unless you want me to jump over the console and have my way with you.”
His sexy, scarred eyebrow rises and he says, “Is that a promise or a threat?”
I frown. “Grant Adamson, I’m not joking. You teased me with that ki
ss the other night! It’s not fair.” Now I’m the one pouting like a little kid.
He leans forward, our foreheads touching. “So you want another kiss?”
I bite my bottom lip, barely nodding. Grant’s hand moves to my neck as he pulls me closer. Our lips touch and I immediately feel myself melt with his mouth on mine. My tongue licks his lips and it doesn’t take long for his to find mine. Our tongues roll together, our lips grazing over each other’s. God, I want more, but I know this isn’t the place or the time. I might have to break out the big guns tonight—lingerie I packed on a whim before we left.
I break the kiss, knowing if I don’t, there’s no way I’ll be able to function. Grant’s finger trails down my cheek. His eyes looking into mine and asks, “Will that tide you over?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Not for long!”
Grant gives me a soft smile, his finger now on my lip. Sighing, he says, “Colie, I’ve wanted to kiss you like that for a long time. God, I want so much more from you, too, but…” Oh no, it’s the but. I try to lean away from him, immediately defensive, but he holds me in place. “You know I need this season and I have to focus. Let’s get through spring training and then we’ll figure things out, okay?”
I wouldn’t say I relax, but at least he’s not pushing me away. However, if I was confused before, now I don’t know what the hell to think. But I understand what he’s saying. I need to focus too, prove myself so I can guarantee my spot with the team.
Nodding, I respond, “I get it, no more kisses.” It comes across a little harsher than I want, but after that earth-shattering kiss, I’m more than disappointed I can’t have any more for at least another month.
Laughing, Grant lays another kiss on my lips, one that’s equally Earth-moving. Pulling back, he says, “I didn’t say no more, I said everything else will just have to be on hold.”
I suck my lip in before I start to pout and nod. Colie, be a big girl and let your brain think, not your hormones. We get out of the car and are halfway across the parking lot when he takes his hand in mine. I look up at him, surprised, but he just smiles down at me and plants a kiss on my forehead.
***
The day drags on. I can feel my nose turning red and I wish I’d brought my sunscreen to reapply. I’m working with the rookie players today, showing them how to stretch properly and reminding them that if they have any issues, they mustn’t tough it out. This isn’t why I wanted to come to spring training. I’ve given this speech a million times. I want to work with the pros, fix them, make them better, keep them healthy. I guess I’m just paying my dues, right?
As I show a young infielder how to place his hand over his arm to loosen up his upper shoulder, I see his eyes get big. I turn around and see Grant behind me. It’s still comical to see the new players turn awestruck at the sight of the veterans. Grant nods at the kid behind me and I look at him, concerned. He never goes out of his way to see me at work unless he’s hurt. At practice, we are completely professional. Well, as professional as we can be with a group of men acting like teenagers.
Instinctively, I reach up and touch his right shoulder. In a low voice, I ask, “Are you okay? Is your shoulder bothering you?”
Grant chuckles and holds up a bottle of sunscreen. “I’m fine, don’t worry so much.”
I start to roll my eyes but catch myself as he squeezes lotion on his index finger.
“What are you doing?”
He touches his finger to my nose and rubs it in. Blushing, I glance around. No one knows about our kiss and I’m shocked he’s showing me this affection in public.
Smiling, he says, “Your nose is getting red… much like your cheeks.”
I laugh and push his hand down. “Thank you but I can do that on my own.”
I take the bottle from him and he leans down, kissing my cheek. My face is now on fire and I hear the cameras snapping around us. He whispers, “Relax, Colie.” Then turns and leaves me standing there in awe as the photographers click away. Quickly, I turn back to the rookie and narrow my eyes at him as he starts to speak.
“Don’t ask,” I respond and he quickly closes his mouth. But the questions don’t stop, the reporters are shouting at me.
“Colie, how long have you and Grant been together?”
“Nicole, did you get your job because of your relationship with Adamson?”
“Is there marriage in the future?”
“Will you quit your job once you get married?”
I glance across the field where Grant is working on his slider with the pitching coach, oblivious to the hounding reporters. And like that, spring training turns into a circus.
CHAPTER 8
“Colie, talk to me. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that in front of the press,” Grant apologizes outside my bedroom door.
The afternoon got worse. The reporters were so bad that Michael sent me inside the clubhouse to work for the rest of the day to avoid the chaos. When we went to leave, they were lined up at the door waiting like vultures. I made up some excuse about needing to stay late and caught a ride home with Benny.
As soon as I got to the condo, I snuck into my bedroom and took a shower. While I was trying to wash away the memory of today, the news aired and when I walked into my room, my phone was being inundated with text messages from Meg as well as Grant pounding on the door.
Wrapped in my towel, I lay on my bed trying to block everything out. Ten hours ago, my life was somewhat normal. Sure, majority of the country thought I was dating Grant Adamson but now it was confirmed. Well, I’m not even sure what we’re doing is dating, but whatever it is, the world now knows because of a kiss on the cheek. To top it off, my boss thinks my relationship might be interfering with my job, which is the last thing I want.
The pounding doesn’t stop, which doesn’t help my already-throbbing head. I get up from the bed and march to the door, flinging it open while Grant is in mid-knock. He stops in mid-air and glances down at me. Taking a step toward me, he pulls me into his arms. “God, Colie, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
I lean against him for a few seconds then quickly pull away. He frowns when I do this, but I turn my back to him, walking into my room. “Grant, I don’t need this and neither do you.”
He grasps my arms and it feels like he’s holding on to me for dear life. Still, I feel comforted with his hands on me, which is a break from how I’ve felt all day. I lean back against him as I let out a sigh. His mouth is right next to my ear. I feel him nod against me as he says, “You’re right. I shouldn’t have kissed you like that and I should never have left you alone with them. I won’t do it again.”
My stomach drops as he says this. I want him to do it again, I want him to do it all the time. Hell, I want him to pull my towel off right now and throw me on the bed. No, Colie, get those thoughts out of your head!
As I turn around to face him, he leans down and his mouth claims mine. My hands go to his neck and I pull him to me, kissing him hard. His hand slides down my neck to my chest and I feel him moving my towel. God, yes, I want this, but NO! I grab his hand and stop him.
Breathing hard, I hold his hands in mine. He easily moves out of my grip and takes my hand in his instead. His thumb rubs over the back of my hand, sending tingles throughout my body. Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall.
“Tell me what you want, Colie,” Grant whispers softly into my ear which doesn’t help the crying situation. Tears roll down my cheeks but he quickly wipes them away for me.
Taking a deep breath, I say, “I think we should stop… this. The timing isn’t right. Maybe down the road, but… not now.”
Even as I say it, my stomach churns and I think I might be sick. Grant stiffens beside me. It isn’t until I look up at him that he finally moves, taking a step away from me.
Nodding, he says, “You’re probably right.”
***
I’ve survived the halfway mark of spring training. And I’ve also survived living with Grant after… whateve
r happened between us. Men are so odd. Something can happen one night and the next morning, it’s as if everything is normal. We picked up our morning runs and our shared dinners, and dropped the kissing, never mentioning it again. Michael let me back on the field. I’ve been promoted from babysitting the rookies back to working with Grant, Benny, and a few other starters. Life is actually pretty good.
The Grapefruit League games have started. Today we’re playing the Bears and tomorrow we face the Diplomats. I plan to hide in the dugout as long as possible, since Jace will be on the mound. That means I need to concentrate and make sure my boys are healthy and prepared today so they’re ready for tomorrow.
The days keep getting hotter and I’ve purchased enough sunscreen to last the entire team the whole season. I never leave home without it. In my Aces tank top and khaki shorts, I watch through my sunglasses, noticing that Grant’s dropping his shoulder when he throws his curveball, which is not a good sign.
“Nicole Adger, it really is you,” a voice behind me says and I don’t move. My heart thumps in my chest and I wait a full minute before I slowly turn around. When I do, I see Jace Richards standing less than ten feet from me.
Plastering on the biggest smile I can muster, I walk toward him and say, “Well, well, well, it’s the one and only Jace Richards.”
He closes the gap between us and lifts me off the ground in his infamous bear hug. As my arms wrap around his neck, I smile, remembering how at home I felt when he held me. He squeezes me tightly and I take in his sandalwood and vanilla scent, which sends my hormones into a frenzy. He sets me down and holds me at an arm’s length.
“Damn, girl, I didn’t think you could get any hotter, but you did,” he says, his eyes sliding all over my body. He doesn’t even try to hide it, which is typical Jace.
Flipping my braid over my shoulder and narrowing my eyebrows, I comment, “I thought you left school because you were done with baseball.”
