by Jean Joachim
“Nah. They got him and two of his posse locked up. The only other guy took off. Last they knew, he had hopped a plane to South America.” Dan sipped his drink.
“She’s safe, then?” Matt asked.
“Yep. None of them’ll even be up for parole for fifty years.”
“What a relief!”
“You can say that again.”
“Glad you’ve got the right one, Dan.” Matt smiled at his friend.
“Thanks.”
Matt ate his last piece of bacon. “I’m still gonna kick your butt on the field.”
“I’m counting on it,” Dan said, grinning.
Matt finished then headed for Barker Garland’s office. He knocked.
“Come in.”
After explaining about his offer to Dusty, Matt sat back and listened.
“You want to bring that girl who you saw nude to spring training?”
“It’s not like that. And she wasn’t nude. It was just a misunderstanding.”
“Every guy here knows about that. Do you think it’s fair to her?”
“She’s already planning on it. She’s got her plane ticket.”
“Shit. Matt, I don’t know.” Bark shook his head.
“I mean, why can’t we all just forget that and treat her like any other person, any baseball player? She’s coming to learn how we train.”
“As the team chauvinist, you have to ask? You know the men.” Barker stroked his chin.
“Yeah, yeah. Doesn’t make it right though, does it?”
“Nope.”
“So, you’re saying she can’t come?”
“I’m not saying that at all. I’d never say that. Just want you to think about what she’s walking into here.”
“It’s too late to cancel it now. Unless you forbid it, of course.”
“Sorry, Matt. I’m not going to bail you out of this one. I’d land in a P.R. nightmare. Can you imagine the women’s groups? If the media got a hold of it—and they would—I’d be roasted on a stick. No, you made this mess. Now, you’ll have to deal with it alone.” Bark pushed to his feet.
“I was counting on you.”
“Next time, be more careful.”
“It was an accident,” Matt whined.
“Accidents happen. Find a way to cancel her visit.”
“But if she comes, she’s entitled to watch us practice?”
“Yep.”
“Okay.” Matt stood and headed for the door. “Shit,” he said, under his breath. What the hell had he done? He’d only meant it to be a good thing for her. He’d never set her up to be humiliated. Shit, fuck, he was in it up to his neck, with no way out.
* * * *
Dusty had told her teammates about her trip to Paradise to watch the Nighthawks get ready for the season. Adrenaline flowed through her veins at the idea of being the only outsider to be privy to their secrets. She’d promised Matt not to talk about anything she saw there.
Wednesday before the weekend, her nerves kicked up. She ate a frozen dinner with Nicki in their apartment. Her friend had a thousand questions.
“You gonna sleep with Jackson?” Nicki raised her gaze to Dusty.
“Nope.”
“Why not? This is the perfect time!”
“No, it isn’t. First, I don’t know him very well. Second, I’m staying in his house with four other guys.”
“Oh my God! You could go from bed to bed.” Nicki’s face lit up.
“You are one crazy little slut, Nicki.” Dusty shook her head.
“Can I help it if I like sex? How come that makes me a slut? If I were a guy, I’d be a player.”
“True. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called you that.”
“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it bad. I don’t understand what you’re waiting for.”
“We’re friends. Sort of.”
“Because you did the camp together?”
“I gave him a lot of grief about being a chauvinist. Can’t very well hop into bed with him first chance I get, can I?”
“I would.”
“You do lots of things I’d never do.”
“Correction. I’ve done lots of things you’d never do.” Nicki snickered.
The girls chatted about work while they ate. When they finished, Dusty took the plates to the sink and turned on the faucet.
“What are you gonna wear?” Nicki asked.
“My uniform.”
“What? You have to bring something sexy.”
“No, I don’t. The uniform is the perfect thing to wear at practice.”
“What about after?”
“Hmm. I don’t know.”
“Let me help you.”
They headed for the bedroom. Dusty flopped down on her bed while Nicki opened the closet.
“You have some cool stuff in here.”
“I need to be conservative.”
“You’re too damn conservative. You need to break out!” Nicki turned on her phone and danced to her favorite music. “Let’s see, two nights, right? He’s going to take you to dinner both of them.” Nicki shuffled through the clothes.
Nicki rummaged through the dresses, pulling out several that Dusty rejected.
“Look, you’re not a nun. Don’t be ridiculous. Look good. Be sexy.”
“This is about baseball. Friendship. He’s volunteered to catch me when he’s not on the road or playing. Geez. I don’t want to blow it. He’s a professional baseball player, not some guy in a bar.”
“He’s a man, isn’t he? And didn’t he already get a good look at the goods?”
Heat rushed into Dusty’s face. “Yeah, so what?”
“Give him a little tease of what had him drooling before.”
“Isn’t there something in there that isn’t so revealing?”
Nicki shook her head. “That’s the style, girlfriend.”
Dusty shrugged and picked one black dress and one in dark purple. Together, they fished through dozens of pairs of heels until they found the right ones. The ballplayer pulled out her suitcase and plopped it on the bed. Nicki folded the dresses neatly in the valise. They added the uniform, a nightgown and robe, a spare pair of jeans, and two more tops.
“Matt texted me a picture of the house. There’s a swimming pool.”
Nicki’s eyes lit up. “Bikini time!”
After the girls finished packing, Dusty cracked two beers open and handed one to her friend. They sat at the table drinking and munching on cheese and crackers.
“You don’t think Matt told anyone about walking in on me, do you?” Dusty’s brows knitted.
“Men talk.”
“Not about women, though. Right?”
Nicki spit out some beer laughing. “Are you kidding? They’re worse gossips than we are! Men are always bragging about getting laid, even when they didn't.”
“But Matt wouldn’t. I mean, it’s so unprofessional. And it was an accident.”
“Don’t count on it.” Nicki took a swig from the bottle.
“So, you think they all know?”
Nicki nodded. “Probably.”
“Oh, shit! I’m not going.” Dusty picked up her phone.
Nicki grabbed her friend’s arm. “Don’t you dare! This is the chance of a lifetime.”
“To have sex with a pro ball player?”
“Nah. To see training camp. Get some great pointers from professionals. It’ll put you way ahead this season,” Nicki said.
“But you said…”
“Don’t listen to me.” She put her hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Go for it. If they know, so what? So, he saw your chest. Big fuckin’ deal. The other guys didn’t. They’ll be jealous.”
“But I’ll die. I’ll just die.”
“No, you won’t. Tits are tits. Grow up. If you act like a baby, you’ll lose this. You’ve worked all your life to make it big in the league. And now, you have a chance for an edge, and you’re going to give it up because some guy was an asshole and saw your tits.”
/> “When you put it like that…”
“Haven’t you been waiting for a chance like this?”
Dusty nodded.
“So, go for it. And don’t let any scum wad who makes something out of it get in your way.” Nicki patted the pitcher’s hand.
“You’re right.”
“I knew you’d agree.” Nicki smiled before finishing her drink.
“But if anyone so much as opens his mouth…”
“No one’s gonna say anything. But they’re gonna stare at your chest, chickie. So be prepared.”
Dusty covered her face with her hands. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“You can, and you will. You have to!”
Her lips drawn into a thin line, Dusty faced her friend. “You’re right. I have to.”
“Hell, you didn’t leave home to make a name in softball for nothing.”
“Nope. It hasn’t been easy.”
“But look at you. You got a job that lets you play ball. You’re good. You’ll make starting lineup.”
“I hope.”
“You will. And this is just the help you need to do it.”
Dusty hugged her friend. “You’re my very best friend.”
“You’re a star. Go for it. Don’t let anyone get in your way.”
“I won’t. Thanks. You said it. Tits are just tits.”
“Come on. One more for the road,” Nicki said, heading for the fridge.
* * * *
Matt paced at the airport. The police had let him park in an illegal spot because he was Matt Jackson. They appreciated how much income came into their city because of Nighthawks’ stadium and preseason games. He checked his watch for the third time in ten minutes. Maybe she’s not coming. Probably changed her mind. After all, I’m nothing but a chauvinist to her. A few beads of sweat broke out on his brow. Then, he saw her.
Dark, auburn hair swaying from side to side behind her, huge smile, and curves to die for headed his way. His heart lurched. She pushed through the door, and he jogged to meet her, opening his arms. As he closed them around her, she snugged into his embrace.
She smelled good—fresh, with a hint of lavender. Remembering this was professional and not personal, he kissed the top of her head. She pushed away from him.
“Tan already?” she remarked.
“Weather’s been great. Sunny and cool. Of course, down here, they think it’s cold,” he said, with a chuckle.
Matt took the suitcase she was wheeling and led her to his car. He popped the valise into the trunk then opened the passenger door for her.
Once they were on the highway, he relaxed against the seat. “You look great.”
“Thanks. You too,” she responded.
“Since it’s kinda late, I thought we could grab dinner first, then head for the house. Hungry?”
“Starving! Just had a yogurt on the flight,” she said, gazing out the window.
“Good. The Mariner okay?”
“Great!” She grinned.
“Might be a slight change of plans. I mean, about where you’re staying,” he said, turning right.
“Oh?”
“In case things don’t work out at my house, I’ve reserved a hotel room for you. I want you to be comfortable. So, just in case. The guys said they’d behave, but it’s guys. You know?”
She nodded. “I get it. Thank you.”
Matt parked in the lot, and they entered the restaurant. It was eight o’clock, but they had held his earlier reservation. They had a quiet table in the corner. Matt ordered a ginger ale and a steak. Dusty ordered wine and red snapper.
While they waited for the food, they nibbled on fresh baked French bread and butter.
“Do you practice on the weekend?” she asked.
“This is baseball. We practice and play games every day of the week,” he said.
“Good.”
“Bark Garland, our G.M., gave me clearance to bring you with me this weekend. That means you get to eat with the team. Breakfast tomorrow at seven thirty.”
“You start early.”
“Yep. Some days. Sundays, we don’t have to be there until nine.”
Matt had had a sandwich earlier, but he tucked into his steak with energy. He was always hungry, ravenous, when he was around her. He wondered if that appetite had to do with wanting more than food. She looked gorgeous and happy to see him. The cautious side of Matt fought with his lonely side. He tried not to read anything into her enthusiasm, but hope grew anyway. There was simply something about Dusty he couldn’t resist.
The house was a short ride from the restaurant. When they finished eating, Matt steered them to the beautiful residence he shared with his teammates. He got out and offered her his hand.
Dusty gawked at the place. It was huge and beautiful. “This is amazing. Where’s the pool?”
“In the back. Come on. I’ll show you,” he said, popping the trunk and retrieving her bag. They walked around to the rear of the house.
Skip and Bobby were in the pool—naked!
“Oops. Let’s go around front,” Matt said, turning Dusty around before she got a good look at the guy’s junk. He could hear his teammates laughing in the background.
“Are those men skinny dipping?” she asked.
“Uh, yeah. Guess they forgot you were coming today.”
“This pool is right out where the neighbors can see it. Do you all swim naked?”
“Mostly at night. No one can see.”
“Unless they have a flashlight,” she muttered.
Matt stopped, staring at her, his expression quizzical, eyebrows raised. “A flashlight?”
Even in the dark, he saw her blush. “What I meant was, it’s not pitch black, and if someone turned on a light… Aw, forget it.” She shifted from foot to foot.
“Let’s go inside,” he said, chuckling. Sweat started on his forehead. That wasn’t supposed to happen. I’ll kill them. Strike one. “Maybe you’d be happier at a hotel?” Matt asked, opening the front door.
“I’m here already. It’s late.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.” He cocked an eyebrow.
“I’m sure. Don’t worry.” She squeezed his forearm.
Matt felt her touch all the way to his groin. He took her straight to her room. It was decorated in a cheerful blue and white. The windows overlooked the street. He blew out a breath when he noticed the view was not of the swimming pool.
“This is lovely,” she said, putting her purse down on the double bed.
“You have your own bathroom too.” Matt showed her the bath and the closet.
“Thank you so much.” She got on tiptoes and kissed his cheek, making his skin tingle.
“Come on. There’s more.” He led the way to the other rooms, which were done up in Florida beach colors of beige, light orange, and aqua. The kitchen had granite countertops and a table big enough for six. He was about to ask her if she wanted anything when he spied his teammates, towels around their waists, heading in their direction.
“It’s late. You probably want to go to bed. I get up early. Six most days,” he said, as he grasped her shoulders, spinning her a half circle, and heading for the hall.
Dusty yawned and let him direct her. “You’re right. It’s almost eleven.”
He said an awkward goodnight at her door and turned toward the kitchen. He’d never ended a date at a bedroom in his house that he didn’t occupy. Shaking his head, he interrupted his buddies as they grabbed water bottles from the fridge.
“I oughta bust your faces, assholes!” Anger heated Matt’s face.
“Sorry about that. I waited. When she didn’t show, I figured plans had changed,” Skip said, opening his beverage.
“Yeah. It’s warm. We needed a swim,” Bobby added.
“You’re gonna need a nursemaid if you ever do that in front of Dusty again.” Matt slammed the fridge shut.
“It was dark. She didn’t see anything,” Bobby said.
“She knew you were skinny
dipping. Don’t do it again. I mean it.”
“When is she leaving?” Bobby asked.
“Sunday night. Think you can keep your trunks on ’til then?”
“Sure, sure, Matt. Sorry. Really. It won’t happen again,” Skip said.
Matt muttered something under his breath then headed for his room. Alone between the sheets, he laced his fingers behind his head. Too keyed up to sleep, all he could do was think about Dusty. The picture of her topless in the locker room returned, bringing a grin with it.
Maybe it was time to relax and let a woman into his life. He’d been fending off chicks for a long time. After the desertion of his mother, the death of his sister, and his high school sweetheart moving away, Matt had decided women were bad luck. They only brought heartache, and he was better off traveling life solo.
Being a jerk in bars kept them away. After a while, it came easy, saying stupid things and coming on too strong. He’d breathe a sigh of relief at the end of the evening and trot off to his room alone. He took a lot of heat from his teammates, who chalked it up to him being a complete asshole. They teased him, but no one caught on it was an act. Warring with himself, pretending he was an insensitive idiot, and being alone had grown old.
Was it time to give that up? Was it time to let a woman into his life again and trust that she wouldn’t break his heart? If it was, Dusty sure seemed to be the right one. He chuckled to himself. Who’d a thought he’d end up with a girl pitcher? As he drifted off to sleep, Matt decided that he’d take a step forward with Dusty, if she was interested.
* * * *
In the morning, Dusty’s cell alarm woke her at six. She jumped into the shower, grinning like an idiot. She pinched herself to see if she was awake. Staying in a beautiful house with five top pro baseball players didn’t seem real. Training with them in their stadium and being coached by the leading catcher in the league went beyond her wildest dreams. Life didn’t get any better than this.
And then there was Matt Jackson, with his cool blue eyes, wide shoulders, and strong arms. He was gorgeous. So hot, she needed a fan whenever he was around. His chauvinist behavior had confused her at first, until she’d seen under his façade. Right now, all they had in common was baseball, but she hoped to change that.
