“Yeah, we have problems. What are you doing, barging in here like that? She could’ve been naked,” I protest.
“I didn’t hear any funny noises coming from in here last night, so I knew it was safe,” he defends himself.
“What’s the problem?” Carissa repeats to get us back on track.
Spencer looks to me. “You know how we have that fundraiser coming up?”
“Yeah. You weren’t going because you can’t find a date.”
He narrows his eyes. All of us Angels are going to that fundraiser except for him. He doesn’t want to admit it’s because he can’t find a date, but that’s why. He’s fucked enough women that you’d think he’d be able to find someone to be arm candy at an event. I even tried telling him that he doesn’t need a date, but with Tanner having someone, he isn’t going to show up without one.
“And now,” Spence says, “Blake and Sofia are trying to convince me to take Harmony as my date. Why does that woman insist on setting me up on dates?”
“She’s been setting you up?” He hasn’t told me this.
“Somewhat. She’s failing, too. I don’t even want to go on these dates, but you know how Sofia can be. She’s a persuasive little thing, and it doesn’t help to have Grumpy on my back about it too. Harmony is hot and all, but I don’t want to take her out. How do I get out of this?”
I open my mouth to answer, but Carissa beats me to it. “You should do it.”
“What?” we both say.
Carissa glances at me. “You’re dating a teammate’s sister; why can’t he? Plus, Sofia has said that she thinks Spencer would be perfect for Harmony. You should go for it, Spencer.”
“The problem is Spencer doesn’t do relationships. You and me are different because we wanted the same thing,” I tell her.
“Who’s to say that he and Harmony don’t want the same thing, too? Besides, y’all are freaking out over nothing. They are just suggesting you take her to the fundraiser as your date; not that you start a relationship with her,” she points out.
“This is why we don’t ask women for their opinions,” he grumbles, causing her to laugh.
“Yeah, because we say what you don’t want to hear. I’m not wrong.”
He seems to consider what she’s said before speaking. “I’ll consider it.”
“Consider it elsewhere,” I tell him.
He playfully rolls his eyes, but gets up and heads for the door. Before leaving, he turns and looks at Carissa. “Glad you’re okay.”
She gives him a small smile. “Me too.”
With that, he leaves.
“He’s kind of sweet.”
This time, it’s me rolling my eyes. “He just busted up in here and got in our bed. That is not sweet. He’s a good guy, but sweet is a bit of a stretch.”
She shakes her head at me and we sink back down in the bed. I hold her close. She looks troubled, and I’d bet my last dollar that it’s something Dane-related.
“What is it?” I ask softly.
“Maybe I’m overreacting or something, but I think I’m going to move back in with Hector; I don’t want to stay alone anymore. Or, at least, for a while.”
I hate that she doesn’t feel safe there anymore, not that I can blame her. I don’t want her living with Hector though. She didn’t like when she did because she felt in the way, like she was intruding, even though I’m sure Hector and Zoey didn’t see it that way.
Then, the figurative light bulb goes off over my head.
“Stay with me,” I blurt out.
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Well…” I wait as she tries to find a good reason. “What if Spencer doesn’t want me to?”
“I don’t mind,” he shouts from his room across the hall. Eavesdropping bastard. “I like people who think I’m sweet,” he adds.
“See? He doesn’t care. Wouldn’t you rather stay with me than your brother and his wife, who will soon have a baby in the house, too?” After I say it, I realize that could be a perk for her. Carissa is so excited about being an aunt; that could be another reason to want to go back.
“Can you cook, Carissa?” Spence shouts.
“Yes,” she yells back.
“You’re moving in!”
“She’s not cooking for you all the damn time. Stay out of it, Spence!” I shake my head, but she’s smiling, which is a good sign. “Think about it, okay? You don’t have to decide right now.” I don’t want to push her into something so soon after what happened either.
“No, I’ll do it. If I had to pick who to intrude on, I’d pick you and Spencer over Hector and Zoey.”
“Gee, thanks!” Spencer hollers. “Let me know when you want us to help move you in.”
“Go away!” I yell.
“Don’t be mean,” she laughs.
“All right, I’m going to take a shower. You decide what you want us to do today.” Raising my voice, I add, “And that doesn’t include Spencer!”
“Hateful ass!” he shouts back.
Carissa is giggling at us, and I can’t help smiling and kissing her quickly. It’d be awesome to have her live with me. It’ll probably be a bit of an adjustment since I’ve never lived with a girl before. Well, my mom, but that doesn’t count. When I come out of the shower, Spencer and Carissa are laughing over something while she cooks breakfast.
I was hoping to have her all to myself today, but all Carissa wants is a quiet day at home. Which means we spend it with Spencer. Around noon, Hector and Zoey show up to check in and they end up staying. We watch movies mostly. It is a laid back day, but Carissa seems relaxed, and that’s all that matters.
When Carissa tells Hector that she’s moving in with me, I expect some hesitation from him. He surprises the hell out of me when he doesn’t protest at all. He simply accepts her decision and offers to help move her things.
Later, once everyone has left and we’re lying in bed, I cup her face in my hands. “You doing okay?”
“Yeah. I’m okay.”
“And whatever Dane said to you, you’re not thinking about or believe it, are you?”
“No, I’m not. I know who I am, and I’m not those things he said. I’m more bothered by him forcing himself into my apartment and then holding me hostage than what he said.”
“You and me both,” I whisper.
“Let’s go boys,” Coach says at practice the next day just as Colby’s phone blares.
We don’t pay him much attention as he answers while we’re all headed toward the door. We stop when his voice rises.
“What? You are? You sure? Okay. Okay. I’m on my way. You’re with your mom and sister, right? Are they going to take you? Okay. I’ll meet you there. I love you.”
He hangs up and finds us all staring at him. He’s smiling, which is a good sign. “Ariella has gone into labor.”
Hector hoots. “Go get ‘em, Sugar Daddy!”
He grabs his wallet and keys from his locker and races out the door to catch up to Coach. We wish him good luck when he passes us on his way out. We have a game this afternoon, but he’ll most likely miss it. I doubt that her labor will be relatively quick or that he’ll want to come back and play so soon. Management will probably give him the night off. I’m sure everyone will be headed that way once we can, too.
Throughout practice and the afternoon before to the game, the only update we get from Colby is no baby yet, but Ariella is doing well so far. As the game approaches, our focus shifts to that. We’re doing really well so far this season, but we don’t want to enter a game distracted.
Even with Colby out of the line-up, our play is seamless. Our hits are good, earning us some runs, and we do our best when we’re out on the field. Felix gets a lot of strikes, maybe more than normal, and half the time, I wonder why I’m out on the field anyway. A ball is in my hand only a few times throughout the game. It’s as if we’re playing our best, hopefully, to speed things up so we can meet our new family member afterward.
Once we’ve showered, we all seem to leave the locker room at the same time.
“She’s had the baby!” Sofia exclaims as we enter the room where our women are waiting.
“Well, let’s go welcome baby Wilson,” Blake says, taking Grant from her arms.
“Ready?” I ask Carissa.
“Yes! Colby already sent Heidi a photo, so we know she’s cute. Downright adorable.”
I laugh, wrap an arm around her shoulders, and lead her toward the door and parking lot. “Have you offered to babysit yet?”
“Nah. I’m saving that for my own niece or nephew. We thought about leaving for the hospital already, but we figured we’d let them have that time for just family.”
“Now, the second family is coming in.”
“Y’all are like a family. It’s crazy to think about how that happens.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agree. It’s great that it does, though.
***
THE ENTIRE MEMPHIS Angel team, along with wives, girlfriends, and kids are crammed into Ariella and Colby’s hospital room.
“Sugar Baby looks very peaceful,” Hector coos, and the room laughs.
“Please, don’t call our daughter Sugar Baby.” Colby narrows his glare at him.
“She is beautiful.” Zoey leans over. “What did you name her?”
“Well, there seems to be an A-theme on Ariella side, so we named her Alexi.” Colby smiles.
“Damn,” Abigail snaps her fingers. “I thought for a second you were going to say Abigail.” Giggling, she leans into Felix while he rubs her back.
Roman holds my hand tighter, and I can feel his love and warmth wash over me. I hope, in the not so near future, I will be holding our baby. Yes, I’m jumping way ahead in my mind, but all my girly hormones have been running wild seeing all the love, babies, and marriage.
“People. People. People.” A nurse comes pushing through the door and looks around the room. “Mama and baby need some alone time, and it’s time to feed.” She raises her eyes at all of us.
“Ariella, I can help you with this. I’m great with breasts.” Tanner reaches out to her, Blake slaps him upside the head, and Colby pushes him away.
“Get out, Kid.” Colby points to the door, and Spencer grips his neck, leading him out.
We all say our goodbyes and head out to the hallway. As we all shuffle around, Sofia calls my name.
“Listen, the girls and I were talking, and we wanted to have a girl’s night before Ariella had her baby, but that’s a bust. However, we can all do it tonight. An Angels’ Girls Night.” She smiles.
“Oh my God that sounds perfect.” It really does. After everything that happened with Dane, a night full of laughter and fun is exactly what I need.
“And since the girls are going to be busy, all us guys will head out and hang,” Blake suggests.
Everyone agrees and Zoey tells me it’s going to be at her house in an hour or so, and we all agree to meet there.
Roman holds my hand tightly as we walk out to his car. We don’t talk about anything in particular, mainly the weather and his upcoming games. When we reach the apartment, I take a deep breath and push number five.
“You want to go to your place?”
“I have to get some things. I know realistically Dane isn’t here and he can’t hurt me, but my brain won’t stop replaying it over and over in my head.”
He pulls me into his arms. “I’m right here.”
I nod as we step off on my floor and go to my door. I dig the keys out of my pocket and open the door. My purse is still on the floor and the contents scattered around everywhere. Immediately, I drop down and begin to pick up the items, and Roman helps me as well.
When we finish, he takes my hand again, leading me to the couch. He wipes the fallen tears from my cheeks. “Don’t cry.” He soothes me. “I’m right here.”
“Are you sure you want to live with me?” I mumble. “I’m currently a basket-case.”
He chuckles. “I’m absolutely sure I want you living me.”
“I just need to figure out what I’m going to do. I’m under a lease here.” I sigh. I just moved in not that long ago and now I’m moving again. However, this time it’s different. I want to do this. Yes, I’m a basket case, but Roman loves me, and I love him.
“We’ll figure it out. Let’s grab some clothes for you and get head back to our place. This way I can get ready for my big guys night out.” He looks up at the ceiling. “Wonder what strip club we’ll go to?” He rubs his chin and uses his teasing tone.
“Well, do you need some fives?” I wink at him.
“Maybe.” He pokes my side, and I laugh. He gives me a quick kiss, and we stand and stroll into my bedroom.
He helps me pack a couple bags and some personal items before we head down to our place. Even though the term is new to me, I love it already. Yes, Spencer is there, but he seems to be perfect with the idea.
When we get downstairs, Roman moves some clothes around in his drawers and closet for my clothes. In the bathroom, he even clears all the counter space for me and doesn’t even complain one bit.
“So,” I hear Spencer coming into the bedroom. “I think I got Sofia and Blake to leave me the hell away about this Harmony issue.”
I step out of the bathroom. “Why is this an issue? I’ve met Harmony, and she’s great, funny, very hot.”
“How is it girls can call each other hot, and when a guy does it, he’s a pig?” Spencer crosses his arms and stares at me.
“Really? This is your question?” I stifle a laugh. “It’s one fundraiser. I’m pretty sure that doesn’t mean wedding bells.” I sit down on the bed.
“Either way, I got the two of them off my back. Now, let’s go, Roman. It’s time for guy night.” Spencer claps his hands one time.
“We’re dropping Carissa off at Hector’s.” Roman pulls on a new shirt and buckles his belt.
“I can—”
“Okay, let’s go, roomie.” Spencer waves me to follow him. I can see he’s going to be protective as Roman.
I rattle Grant’s toy in front of him; his wide hazel eyes follow the little monkey around. I love holding babies. “Zoey, please hurry up and have yours,” I whine at her, kissing Grant’s chubby cheeks.
“I’ll get right on it in about seven months.” She smirks.
“So that leaves Abigail, Scarlett, and Carissa who are left to have babies.” Sofia points at each of us.
“I think Trent and I are enjoying each other. Kaeleigh is amazing and keeps us on our toes, not to mention all my kids.” She smiles.
“I can promise you Felix and I are enjoying each other too. I’m not ready for babies yet.” Abigail sips her wine. “Carissa?”
“I agree. Roman and I are moving in together, and I want to spend time with him. We still have a lot to learn about each other.”
“Wait.” Heidi looks at me. “You and Roman are moving in together? With Spencer too?”
I nod.
“What about your place?”
I groan. “I don’t know. I’m still in a lease.”
Abigail snaps her fingers. “Sub-lease it then. There’s always kids around campus looking for places.”
“That’s brilliant!” I gasp. “I can list it until my lease is up.” I know it’s not going to be simple as saying it, but I can cover the rent for a month or two until I find someone. Shit! I need to see how Roman and Spencer want to split the bills. Why didn’t I think of this before?
As Heidi, Sofia, and Zoey begin talking about babies, I pass Grant over to his mama, and Scarlett, Abigail, and I talk about teaching, kids in our systems, and books.
Somehow, the conversation returns to the guys and sex. I might have to agree with Abigail when she says we all are turning into Tanner. I do cover my ears when Zoey talks about her and Hector’s romps in bed. Of course, she does the same when I mention Roman and the chocolate and strawberries.
Sofia is rocking Grant to sleep while we’re still talking and laughing
about our guys when Abigail asks her about Harmony. “Did you set up Spencer and Harmony yet?”
Sofia shakes her head. “No, I didn’t tell Harmony about it. I really was messing with Spencer even though I know they’d be perfect together.”
“Spencer seems pretty set on not being in a relationship,” I say.
“Neither does Harmony. It’s why they’re perfect for each other.” Sofia shakes her head before saying, “I don’t know why she’s that way. Our parents have the picture perfect marriage and she sees how Blake and I are together.” She shrugs instead of finishing her thought. “I hope she finds someone to treat her right.”
“I’m sure she will.” Heidi smiles.
Just then we hear the front door open and the guys come in. Each guy goes to his girl. Since Abigail and I are on the floor, Roman and Felix come and sit behind us. I watch Blake, who is the biggest player on the team, softly kiss Sofia and pick his son up in his massive arms. His eyes seem to light up as his son rests his head in the crook of his neck.
“Did you guys have fun?” Scarlett asks as Trent pulls her close to him.
“Yes, but it’s hard to pick up chicks when everyone is talking about marriage and babies,” Tanner whines.
Spencer slaps his back. “You and I will go out soon.”
“We’re losing them one-by-one,” Tanner sniffs. “Soon, I’ll be the last man standing. But I will hold firm.” He puts his fist in the air as we laugh.
Finally, we gather our stuff and head out. Roman, Spencer, and I head back to our apartment. The guys talk about the next day.
When we walk into the apartment, Spencer heads to his room and we go to ours. After changing and crawling into bed, I feel safe in his arms.
He kisses my cheek. “I love you, Carissa.”
I smile. “I love you, Roman.” Now, my life has begun.
***
About the Authors
LINDSAY PAIGE IS a romance author from North Carolina who has published YA, NA, and Sports romances of her own. She is a huge hockey fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and loves read. When not writing, Lindsay is focused on completing college.
MARY SMITH WAS born in Chicago, Illinois, but currently lives in West Virginia. She is an avid reader, co-founder of Book Nerds Across America, and author of NA, Paranormal, Sports, and other romances. She goes nowhere without her cell phone or Kindle. Mary loves anything to do with Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Sharp, and hockey related!!
Roman (Season Three: The Ninth Inning #7) Page 15
