Double Play

by Karen Ann Dell

  AJ disposed of the condom and turned on his side to face her. His blue eyes were darker than she’d ever seen them, and he studied her face for a moment in silence. “Stay with me tonight, Sky.”

  She nodded. “All right.”

  Ask me to stay forever, Augie. You and I are so good together. She longed to tell him she loved him, but echoes from her debacle with Handsome Ben held her back. It had only been a week, after all.

  And Augie? How did he really feel? He was rich. Smart. Handsome. Used to the sleek, sophisticated women drawn to men with power. His life would be very different now. Maybe she should back off and give him time to get his bearings.

  That might take more willpower than she possessed.

  “Tell you what. How about I take you home to get your things, bring you back here to dress for tonight’s dinner—which I can only hope will be blessedly short—then we can come back and indulge in that swim we, uh, skipped.” He laughed. Dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Say yes, Sky. I want you all to myself on the best night of my life.”

  How could she argue with that?

  She arched a brow. “I’m beginning to think today’s activities were all a part of a well thought out game plan.”

  “Is it working?” He nibbled the tender spot on her throat where her pulse throbbed against his lips.

  “Oh, honey, you hit a home run.”

  Chapter Ten

  Sky scribbled a note for Kelly, saying she’d meet her at Junonia, and rushed upstairs to put an overnight bag together. Satin boxers and matching tank for sleep. Probably won’t need those … Bikini. Doubt I’ll need that either … Makeup, perfume, sheer panties and the sexiest cocktail dress she owned, a little red number that bared one shoulder, clung to her like a second skin and ended in a flirty ruffle just above her knees. Matching red open-toe pumps with four-inch heels completed her packing.

  Yeah, she planned to knock his socks right off.

  Sky came down the stairs, dropped the small case and all but danced into his embrace. She slid her arms around his neck and toyed with the hair curling above his collar. “I’m ready to go, darling.”

  Not one to ignore such a blatant invitation, AJ captured her mouth in a lingering kiss. “In the car. Now. Or we’ll be here a lot longer than I’d planned on.”

  This is what fairy tales are made of, she thought, on the short drive back to the resort. Casa Blanca is nicer than any royal castle, and Augie is my knight in shining armor. Only instead of the evil queen, we have a wicked grandfather. She giggled at her own foolishness.

  “What’s so amusing, Sky?” he asked as he took her bag and once again gave the car keys to a grateful Brad.

  “I’m just happy. You. Make. Me. Happy.” She punctuated each word with a playful poke to his six-pack abs.

  “Likewise, sweetheart,” AJ whispered against her ear.

  When they got to the villa, a bottle of Dom Perignon sat cooling in a silver bucket on the bar. Sky shot him a questioning look.

  “I called while you packed,” he said as he peeled the foil and popped the cork. “I feel the need to celebrate. I hope you like champagne.”

  “I do. Though it doesn’t take much to get me tipsy.”

  “All part of my evil plan,” AJ said with a wicked gleam in his eyes, and handed her a slim flute filled with golden liquid.

  “I would have thought you’d accomplished that earlier.” Sky nodded toward the bedroom where she’d experienced the best sex ever.

  “The plan requires more than a single night to accomplish. In fact,” he said, suddenly very serious, “it may take the rest of my life.”

  Sky choked on the sip of bubbly. AJ thumped her gently on the back until she caught her breath.

  “What?” Sky had to set her glass on the bar before her shaking hands dropped it.

  “I know it’s been fast, and I don’t blame you if you need more time, but I’m in love with you, Sky.” He caressed her cheek. “I’m happy to wait and do whatever it takes to convince you that we belong together, but I want you to know how I feel.”

  This really is a fairy tale. I’m in love with the handsome prince, and he’s in love with me.

  Sky’s eyes filled. “I love you, too, Augie.”

  A single tear spilled down her cheek, and AJ brushed it away with his thumb, then kissed her tenderly. “I know we both have to make an appearance at tonight’s dinner, but I don’t want to stay any longer than necessary. I’d much rather spend time alone with you.”

  “Funny, those were my thoughts exactly.” Sky picked up her glass and handed the other to AJ. “To us.”

  “To us,” he echoed. And tapped his glass to hers.

  Sky looked at the clock and gasped. “It’s five o’clock. I need to shower and change.” She gulped the last of her champagne and grabbed her bag.

  “I’m sure I can help speed things up by washing your back.” He followed her to their room, undressing as he went.

  She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “I think that would actually slow things down.”

  Sky saw that the bed had fresh linens, and rose petals were scattered atop the duvet. She turned and caught his self-satisfied expression as he glanced around. “I had no idea you were such a romantic.”

  “Only where you’re concerned, sweetheart.” He pulled her in for a kiss.

  Heat shot through her, and she melted into his embrace. His hands roamed across her back, and she felt him harden against her thigh. With her last vestige of common sense, she pushed him away.

  “I don’t want to rush our lovemaking, so let’s postpone this until after dinner. In fact, I think it would be best if we got ready in separate bedrooms.”

  “That won’t be much fun,” he teased.

  “On the other hand, we’ll actually make it to dinner.” She gave him a pat on the cheek and gathered her belongings. “I’ll be right across the hall. Hurry, now, we don’t want to be late. Especially if we show up late together.”

  “All right, if you insist.”

  “I do.”

  “Practice those words, sweetheart. I love hearing you say them.”

  ~~~

  AJ listened at the door to her room. The shower was running. Good. He slipped in and set a fresh flute of champagne on the counter next to Sky’s cosmetic case.

  After his calls this morning, he’d sent his gray slacks and navy blazer to be steamed and pressed and had his shoes shined by the valet service. As a (former) employee of Zeke’s, he had more reason than the other guys to look presentable.

  Now showered and freshly shaved, he slipped into his silk dress shirt, stepped into his slacks and hung a navy and cream striped tie around his neck. He’d no sooner finished tying the Windsor knot than his cell phone chimed. His Realtor friend’s face showed on the screen.

  “Ed. Have you got something for me?”

  “You must be psychic, AJ. The house went on the market late yesterday. The asking price was a little high compared to some recent sales in that neighborhood. Still, I put in an offer immediately as you instructed.”

  He clenched his jaw, more angry than surprised. Somehow the old man found out where I’ve been. Probably knew before I did that I would be signed this morning, too. Son of a bitch. Well, Grandad, do your worst. I’m not changing my mind, no matter what you threaten me with.

  “No mention of my name anywhere on the deal, right?”

  “Correct, sir.”

  “And?”

  “I have a signed copy of the contract right here. I can fax it to you now if you’d like.”

  “Not necessary, Ed. Thanks for taking care of this for me.”

  “My pleasure, AJ. The commission will pay Allie’s tuition next year.”

  He slipped the phone into his jacket pocket, slid into his loafers and went across the hall. He knocked on Sky’s door.

  “I’m almost ready, Augie. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Okay.”

  He went to the kitchen and took the bottle of Belve
dere out of the fridge. Champagne was for celebrating. His current mood called for vodka, chilled and neat. He poured a shot and tossed it back. The burn down his throat met the one already started in his gut. He poured the second one and stood at the sliders to the pool.

  Damned if he would let that manipulative bastard ruin the best day of his life. He was officially a professional baseball player, and he had the love of the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. That was more than enough to make up for dear old Grandad’s machinations.

  “Okay, honey, I’m ready to go.”

  AJ turned and nearly dropped the glass. “Forget it. We’re not going.”

  “What? Why? What’s wrong?” Concern put a tiny vee between her brows.

  “Nothing’s wrong. But I can’t let you walk in there in that dress.”

  Sky looked down. “Is there a spot, or a tear? It looked fine to me…”

  “Sweetheart, that is a killer dress. You have a killer body to match. If you go in there, the other guys will be falling at your feet in seconds. I’m not spending the next hour fighting them off.”

  She smiled. “So you like the dress?”

  He walked over, took her in his arms and did a Hollywood dip, kissing her passionately. When he returned her to vertical, her eyes were hazy.

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” she murmured, her voice a bit shaky. She straightened his tie a quarter of an inch and smoothed her hand down his chest. “You look extraordinarily handsome tonight, yourself. So, while you’re protecting me from all your buddies, I’ll have to make sure no scheming female tries to win you away from me.”

  “No chance, sweetheart. I’m all yours.” He grinned.

  “Ditto, lover. Now let’s get this party started. The sooner we go, the sooner we can come home.”

  “I do love a woman whose priorities so perfectly mirror my own.” He held out his arm, and she linked hers through it.

  The walk to the main building didn’t take long. The bar had been set up on the terrace outside the restaurant, and most of the players were taking advantage of the free cocktails. AJ had been correct about the impact Sky would make. Quite a few fellow players did double-takes as they passed, and only his proprietary arm around her waist kept a few of the more adventurous ones from making a play for her.

  Zeke Nicholas, Nate Ivory and Elliott Becker held court at one end of the bar while their wives chatted amiably at a nearby table. Clint and Lacey Walker waved them over.

  Before Lacey could introduce them, Zeke clapped a hand on AJ’s shoulder. “Damn, AJ, when I saw your name on the roster yesterday, I was dumbfounded. Why didn’t you tell me you were trying out for the team?”

  AJ shrugged. “I didn’t want any influence from our relationship to weigh in on my chances. Sorry about the short notice, but I figured if I didn’t make the team, no harm, no foul. If I did, I knew you’d understand.”

  Zeke turned to his partners. “AJ is an employee in my New York investment firm and a damn good one, too. I’ll be sorry to see him go.”

  Introductions were made. Nate Ivory arched a brow. “I see you wasted no time in corralling one of our lovely staff members. Good evening, Miss Zeigfeld. You look lovely. I imagine AJ has had to discourage several of his teammates from attempting to hijack you.”

  AJ watched the color deepen on Sky’s cheeks. “I haven’t noticed, sir, but thank you for your compliment.”

  Elliott Becker leaned in to be heard over the increasing noise level. “Please, no “sirs” tonight, Sky. We’re celebrating the birth of the Barefoot Bay Bucks, and we want everyone here to feel like one big, happy family.”

  “In that case, Elliott, thank you and your partners for such a wonderful birthday party. The resort is amazing, and I can’t wait to taste whatever Chef Ian has prepared for us tonight.”

  Lacey leaned toward Sky and spoke softly, “I wondered why AJ rented a second villa today. Now I understand. It’s obvious he’s completely smitten with you, Sky.”

  “Zeke, I’m leaving Sky in your protection while I get her a glass of champagne. Don’t let anyone steal her away while I’m gone.” AJ gave her a wink and headed toward the bar.

  Sky nodded, then returned to her conversation with Lacey. “Second villa? He rented another one?”

  “Well, there are two villas registered to AJ Reed. I just assumed he wanted some privacy with you. He mentioned that his mother was arriving tomorrow morning.”

  “That’s right, she is.”

  Lacey smiled conspiratorially. “Don’t worry. She’s going to love you.” Her husband pulled her over to meet another player, and Sky glanced around, searching for AJ.

  He’d joined the crowd and waited to get the bartender’s attention, while keeping one eye on Sky. There was no doubt she was the most beautiful woman in the room. He couldn’t seem to stop smiling.

  Cal elbowed him a moment later. “Hey, pal, have you seen Kelly? I’m hoping to finally get a chance to make some headway with her tonight.”

  “I haven’t seen her, but Sky and I haven’t been here long. I expected to see you with the beautiful blond who cheered you on at the opening day of tryouts.”

  “Who? Oh, Janie? That was my little sister. Besides, there were no plus-ones allowed tonight. Except for the owners, of course. You’re lucky your lady works for the Bucks, or you’d be stag too. Since Kelly’s on staff, I figured I’d see her here, but so far, no luck.”

  “If I see her, I’ll tell her you’re looking for her,” AJ said, finally accepting two glasses from the bartender. “Catch you inside later, man.”

  Cal nodded, his gaze scanning the crowded terrace.

  AJ returned to Sky’s side and handed her a glass of champagne. He’d stick with vodka until they got home. “Cal’s looking for Kelly. Have you seen her yet?”

  “No. But whether he finds her or not, I’m pretty sure Cal will have to learn to live with disappointment.”

  AJ cocked his head. “Why?”

  “I think Kelly and my brother Mike have the beginnings of a, shall we say, lasting friendship.”

  He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Anything like the lasting friendship we’re building?”

  Sky grinned. “I think so.”

  Before AJ could comment further, he heard a familiar voice behind him. He closed his eyes briefly and sighed.

  Damn. He did not need this tonight.

  “Hello, Zeke.”

  “Augustus, glad you could make it.” Zeke shook hands with the older man.

  “Oh, I wasn’t about to miss this,” the man boomed, his voice tinged with a faint Scottish brogue. He turned toward AJ. “Well, hello there, laddie. Imagine meeting you here.”

  “Hello, Grandad. I had no idea you’d be here, either.” AJ put his arm around Sky’s shoulders and drew her forward. “Let me introduce you to Sky Ziegfeld, director of human resources for the Bucks.”

  ~~~

  Sky could feel the tension pouring off AJ as she shifted her glass and held out her hand. There was not a lot of facial resemblance between AJ and his grandfather, but they were both tall and had the same blue eyes. The older man had a shock of white hair and a few extra pounds on his frame. His eyes traveled down her torso and then up again as he grasped her hand in a firm grip. There was no sexual innuendo in his gaze, just a calculated assessment and zero warmth.

  Sky suppressed a shiver. Familiar with the same attitude from former clients, she said coolly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. AJ has spoken often of you.”

  “I’ll just bet he has,” Augustus replied.

  AJ’s expression was wary. “What brings you here tonight, Grandad?”

  Zeke spoke up. “Your grandfather is one of our investors. As soon as I saw that we were signing you, I called him to give him the good news. I was sure he’d want to be here tonight.”

  From the look on Augustus Reed’s face, Sky doubted that he had viewed the news in a such a positive light.

  “As a matter of fact, Zeke, I’d like to have
a little chat with you, and Nate, and Elliott. You too, my boy,” he added, clamping a heavy grip on AJ’s shoulder. “Is there somewhere we could talk a bit more privately?”

  “Tonight is a special occasion, Augustus. Couldn’t this wait until tomorrow?” Elliott Becker said.

  “I’m afraid not. It won’t take long. You gentlemen will be back at the party in a few minutes.”

  Alarm bells rang in Sky’s head. What was so important that he had to speak to the owners at a social gathering? She’d bet nothing good. She glanced at AJ. His mouth was compressed into a thin line, and the knuckles on the hand holding his glass were white.

  Nate and Elliott shared a look as Zeke nodded. “Certainly, I’m sure we can use one of the conference rooms.” He led the way out of the restaurant, past the entrance to Eucalyptus and through a door labeled “Private.”

  Sky had a sinking feeling in her stomach. She looked around the terrace. Where the heck was Kelly? She needed to talk to someone. She shouldn’t have left her cell phone at the villa, but she’d never expected something like this to happen. She followed the group of men at a safe distance, pretending to look for a ladies’ room. Just as she passed the registration desk, she spotted Kelly coming through the front doors. Sky rushed over and grabbed her arm. “Thank God you’re here,” she whispered.

  “What’s going on?” Kelly asked in surprise. “You look amazing, by the way. I bet AJ fainted when he saw you in this dress.”

  “Yes, yes, he was suitably impressed. But that’s not what I need you for. AJ’s grandfather showed up a little while ago. Turns out he’s one of the investors in the Bucks. And he did not look happy to hear that AJ had made the team.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s not good.”

  “Tell me. From everything that AJ has said about the man, he can be quite vindictive when he doesn’t get his way. I’m afraid he’ll try to force the owners to drop AJ from the team.”

  “Well, crap. That’s terrible. What can we do?”

  “Nothing. That’s what’s making me crazy.”