Double Play

by Karen Ann Dell

  “Okay, calm down. Let’s get a drink and figure this out.”

  “Here. Take mine. I’ve had three glasses already.” Sky pushed her glass into Kelly’s hand.

  “Wow, you’re quick,” Kelly marveled.

  “Not really. Two of them were back at the villa while we were dressing for dinner.”

  Kelly raised a brow and smirked.

  Sky blushed.

  “I can only assume there was a certain amount of undressing first.”

  Sky sighed deeply and looked toward the offices where the men had gone. “Okay. Full disclosure first. AJ and I are together.” She paused, the knowledge of their shared love overcoming her present worries. No matter what happened behind those closed doors, she and Augie could handle it. “As in forever together,” she finished.

  Kelly laughed. “Forget quick. You two are supersonic.”

  “I know. For me it was like driving a race car. Zero to sixty in three seconds. It may not have been love at first sight, but it was darn close.”

  “Congratulations. I’m ecstatically happy for you both.” Kelly hugged Sky. “I like the race car analogy.”

  “Could it be that you’ve been struck by love lightning recently? I felt a lot of electricity at our place a week ago.” Now it was Sky’s turn to smirk.

  Kelly looked pensive. “It’s a possibility. I think I’ll need a bit more exposure, though.”

  “Oh, well, lucky for you, there’s a storm due next weekend.” Sky paced across the lobby, her own worries pushing the idea of Mike and Kelly as a couple out of her mind. She tried the door to the offices. It was unlocked. She looked around. The lobby was deserted except for the man behind reception. She waved Kelly over.

  “What are you doing?” Kelly asked, sotto voce.

  “I can’t stand this suspense!” Sky replied softly. “You distract the guy working at the desk. I’m going to see if I can get close enough to hear anything.”

  Kelly rolled her eyes. “Do not get us fired, Sky.” Taking a deep breath, she plastered on a seductive smile and sauntered over to the counter. “Excuse me. Can you tell me where the dinner is for the Bucks?”

  “Of course, miss.” He eyed her cleavage appreciatively. “The entrance to Junonia is right through that archway.” He pointed, putting his back to Sky for a split second.

  Sky slipped through the doorway and paused, holding her breath. She heard subdued voices and tiptoed down the hall, stopping to listen every few feet.

  Chapter Eleven

  The four men took seats at the small conference table. AJ stood by the window, his back to the group.

  Augustus pointed to a chair. “Come join us, laddie. This is all about you and your foolish ideas.”

  “I’m fine here,” he replied, seething inside. Any closer and I might be tempted to physical violence, old man.

  “Suit yourself.” Augustus turned his attention to the three owners. “Much as I hate to interfere with your plans, I think playing baseball would be a waste of AJ’s talents, gentlemen. He belongs back in New York at Zeke’s firm. That’s where his future lies.”

  Nate, Elliott and Zeke exchanged glances. Zeke took point. “Augustus, AJ is old enough to know his own mind. While I agree that he has great aptitude for the financial markets, it’s obvious that his heart lies on the pitching mound.”

  “Ach.” Augustus waved his hand in dismissal. “He’s just like his father was. Caught up in foolish dreams and too stubborn to listen to reason.”

  AJ felt himself flush as his anger rose. How dare Augustus treat him like a wayward child in front of these men! He tightened his grip on his temper, and turned to confront his grandfather.

  “First of all, this discussion should not be taking place here. I’m twenty-seven. More than old enough to know my own mind.” He set his empty glass on the table, then leaned on both hands to bring himself as close as he dared to the man who wanted to control his life. “Thank you for comparing me to my dad. I am like him, and damn proud of it. You tried to bend him to your will, to no avail. You’ll have the same success with me.”

  “Now just hold on there, you young fool,” Augustus’s temper pinked his ears. “I didn’t spend a fortune on your education just to have you throw it all away on this pipe dream.”

  AJ glanced to the men who had invested millions of their money in a “pipe dream.” Their expressions had hardened from dispassionate to affronted. Good. Let his grandfather dig his own grave.

  “Second, every cent you spent on my education—and I know the exact amount, since you sent my mother quarterly statements documenting every dime—was transferred into your account at Zeke’s firm yesterday afternoon.”

  Augustus’ eyes flickered. “I didn’t know that—”

  “Don’t give me that!” AJ slammed his hand on the table. “There is not a day that you don’t know down to the penny how much money is in each of your accounts, what the net worth of your real estate holdings is, as well as the value of every single stock and bond that you own.”

  He pointed a finger at his grandfather. “You’ll use anything you can to manipulate people, but money usually does the trick, doesn’t it, Pops.” He took some pleasure using the nickname he knew his grandfather hated. “It’s obviously worked well for you in business. The only time your methods failed you was with my dad. Well, get ready to chalk up loss number two. You want to disown me? Fine. Do it. You think selling my mother’s house out from under her will bring me to heel, Pops?” AJ took pleasure in using the nickname he knew his grandfather hated.

  Surprise showed on the old man’s face.

  AJ scoffed at him. “Oh, yes, I know it went on the market yesterday, you despicable bastard. How could you do that to a woman who’s never done a single thing to harm you?”

  The older man’s arrogant attitude crumbled as rage took over. “She did harm me. She took away my son! He was made for better things than marriage to a, a maid.”

  At this pronouncement, Zeke stood up. “Augustus, I believe the three of us are unnecessary to this discussion. I’m not sure why you wanted us here at all, but—”

  “I wanted you here because, if you don’t agree to release my grandson from his contract, I’ll withdraw the money I invested in this deal.” Although he spoke to Zeke, he kept angry eyes trained on his grandson.

  “I don’t want to be released from my contract,” AJ snapped.

  “I’m not speaking to you, boy. I’m speaking to the men who own you, now.”

  Nate Ivory pushed his chair back and stood. “This meeting is over. I’ve heard all I care to from you, Mr. Reed. Feel free to pull your investment in the Bucks. In fact, I urge you to do so.”

  Elliott also stood. “I agree. And under no circumstances will we be releasing AJ from his contract.” He looked at AJ with a certain amount of sympathy. “Unless, of course, you’ve changed your mind.”

  “Not a chance, sir. I’ve worked too hard to get here. I’ll stick.”

  In a final effort, Augustus growled, “Maybe you’ll change your tune when your mother is out on the street.”

  Looking daggers at the man who would stoop to any means to get his way, AJ said, “She won’t be. I bought that property an hour ago.”

  “You don’t have the money to buy it, boy.”

  “So, you do know my bank balance, Pops. I’m not surprised, since you own the bank the account is in. That will change by Monday morning, when the sale of my Lamborghini will more than cover the down payment on my mother’s home.”

  AJ faced the other three men. “My apologies, gentlemen, that you had to witness what should have been a private matter.” He forced his shame and anger down and locked it away. He’d deal with the emotional fallout later. He checked his watch and said, calmly, “I believe they’re waiting for you gentlemen to speak before we start dinner.” He gestured toward the door.

  Completely ignoring Augustus Reed’s scowl, Elliott slung an arm across AJ’s shoulders. “Damn, man, if you can pitch as good as you can fi
ght, we’re gonna have us a winning season.”

  Zeke stopped next to Augustus’ chair. “We have served on several boards over the years, Augustus, yet I never realized how flawed your character is. I’m sorry I ever offered you the opportunity to invest in our venture.”

  “Now don’t get your knickers in a twist over this, Zeke. Give the boy a chance to reconsider his options. He may yet change his mind.”

  “I seriously doubt that, Augustus. What you’ve failed to realize is that AJ is every bit as stubborn as you are. And a damn sight more ethical.” He stopped at the door and turned back. “You may not be aware that my wife, Amanda, was a maid right here at Casa Blanca when I fell in love with her.” He flashed a satisfied smile at the other man’s stunned countenance. “Feel free to see yourself out.”

  ~~~

  Sky remained hidden in the office next to the conference room until AJ and the owners left. She’d heard most of the conversation, and whatever small sympathy she’d originally had for the older Augustus Jedidiah Reed had fled.

  She waited until she heard no more footsteps, then went to the room next door. The elder Mr. Reed had his cell phone to his ear, anger written large across his face. When Sky stepped through the door, he eyed her warily. “Miss Zeigfeld, isn’t it? What do you want?”

  Augie’s response to this man’s threats had been magnificent, but Sky had one more thing to add.

  “Mr. Reed, I know we’ve only just met, and you don’t know me well. I wanted to give you my condolences, though. Your foolish need to dominate both AJ and his father has left you with nothing of value. Oh, you have money, true. But it won’t buy you the laughter and joy of a family dinner at Christmas, or a backyard barbecue on the Fourth of July. Or even the simple pleasure of reading your great-grandchildren a bedtime story.” She smiled with false sweetness, but her eyes remained cold. “I’m going to marry AJ, Mr. Reed, and I can promise you this, there will be no more Augustus Jedidiah Reeds in this family.”

  She left him, speechless and maybe a little stunned, and hurried down the hall to catch up to her future husband.

  Sky couldn’t wait to tell him how proud she was of him. She opened the door to the lobby just wide enough to slip through unnoticed. AJ and her roommate stood chatting at the entrance to Junonia until Kelly pointed a finger in her direction.

  AJ looked relieved as he strode to her side. “I was afraid you’d left.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Never. You’re my hero.”

  He frowned. “Hero, huh? Where did that come from?”

  Sky bit her lip. “I, uh, eavesdropped on your conversation in there.” He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, his expression a weird combination of steel and regret. She winced. “I know that was rude and crass but I, I couldn’t help myself. I was afraid that terrible man would force them to kick you off the team.”

  AJ nodded in understanding. “Well, at least I won’t have to break the news that the Lambo is history, then.” He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “We’re going to be on a fairly tight budget for a while, too.”

  She laughed. “I couldn’t care less about the finances, darling. As long as I have you, I’ll be happy.” She kissed him in return.

  “Guys, guys, come on.” Kelly grabbed them each by the arm. “I think they’re waiting until all the players are seated before the Big Three say their speeches. Besides, I’m famished.”

  ~~~

  Sky sat next to AJ’s mom, their seats right behind the dugout. The sun was bright, the air was mild, and cotton-candy clouds sailed overhead. Her heart was so full of joy, she was afraid she might just float away on one of them.

  Last night’s dinner had been delicious. Chef Ian had outdone himself. The Chilean Sea Bass with white wine sauce melted in her mouth, and the prime rib was tender enough to cut with a fork. She knew the seasoning that made everything taste so wonderful was her newfound love for a certain baseball player.

  True to their plan, she and AJ had slipped away as soon as possible, walking the beach back to their villa and stopping several times to kiss in the moonlight. Once inside Winter Iris, they’d opted not to swim, too anxious to make love on the rose-petal-strewn bed.

  Augie had rocked her world multiple times before they had both fallen into an exhausted sleep.

  This morning, Sky had awakened to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pulled on one of the luxurious robes provided by the resort. She found AJ in the kitchen, phone in hand, dressed only in a pair of soft sleep pants, with his blond locks tousled and a faint shadow of beard along his jaw.

  “I wasn’t sure what to order for breakfast from room service … ”

  His dimpled smile was all it took to bring Sky to a simmering bundle of desire. She loosened the belt and parted her robe.

  His eyes heated. “Who needs breakfast?” He tossed his phone onto the counter and swept her into his arms, heading for the bedroom.

  “Not I,” Sky agreed, planting kisses along his neck and jaw. “Food is often vastly overrated.” She giggled as he dropped her on the bed and snatched a foil packet from the dwindling supply on the nightstand.

  “Remind me to stop at the Super Min and get more of these.”

  “That will pretty much seal the deal on our relationship. Once Charity Grambling knows about us, the whole island will know.”

  “My intentions exactly.” He trailed kisses from her neck to her breasts.

  “You know Coach Betz wouldn’t want you using up all your energy before the game today.” Sky moaned as AJ licked and suckled each breast in turn.

  “Screw what Coach Betz wants. If he had a woman as gorgeous as you in his bed, he’d change his tune in a hurry.”

  “Speaking of being in a hurry—” Sky tore open the packet and took him in hand. “We don’t want to be late meeting your mom at the airport.”

  “Oh God, you’re good,” he groaned, as she stroked him. He flipped her over and settled her on top.

  “We’re good. Together.” Sky took control and rocked forward, filled with the hot, rigid length of him. Her head dropped back and her eyes fluttered closed as AJ’s hands molded her breasts and teased her nipples. Heat spiraled through her, and her tempo became more urgent.

  “Ahh, sweetheart, come for me, now,” AJ ordered and slid a finger between them to circle her sensitive nub.

  Sky’s climax pulsed around him as she collapsed on his chest, and she felt his own release fill her.

  Kelly poked her in the ribs. “Earth to Sky. Come back.” She leaned in and whispered, “You’ve got that silly grin on your face again, roomie. Remember, AJ’s mom is sitting right next to you, and the game’s about to start.”

  Sky snapped back to the present, a blush heating her from throat to hairline. Trying to collect herself, she stood for the national anthem.

  Seated again, she watched with pride as AJ strode to the mound. Coach Betz had gone with him as the starting pitcher. She glanced at Julia and saw the same pride on AJ’s mom’s face. They shared a smile, and Julia gave her arm a pat. “I’m so glad he found you, Sky. I’ve never seen him so happy.”

  “That goes double for me,” Sky said.

  AJ pitched for six innings and gave up only two hits. It was a spectacular opening performance. Cal relieved him on the mound, and AJ winked at her as he walked down into the dugout.

  “The reporters are going to have a field day with Augie after the game,” Julia said. “By the time he’s iced down his arm, given a few interviews and showered, it will be almost time for dinner. I know you and Augie will want to spend time together tonight, and I’m a bit zapped from getting up so early for my flight this morning. Maybe we could have a drink on the terrace at the resort while we wait for him? Then the two of you can have the rest of the evening to yourselves.” Julia’s glance included both Sky and Kelly.

  “I’d love to, Julia,” Sky said. They had already become friends on the drive from the airport. At the villa before the game, AJ had broken the
news of their relationship to his mom and Sky breathed a sigh of relief as Julia welcomed her to the family with open arms.

  “I’m going to have to beg off,” Kelly said. “I promised Cal I’d meet him after the game.” At Sky’s surprised expression, she explained, “I have to do the gentle brush-off so he stops watching me with those puppy dog eyes.”

  Sky smirked. “You’re right. It’s not nice to give one guy hope when you’ve already found someone else.”

  Kelly pulled her sunglasses down and narrowed her eyes at Sky over the rims. “I don’t want to hear any comments from you about how quickly a girl can fall for someone, roomie. Especially with your speed record.”

  Sky made a twisting motion over her lips to lock them shut.

  Sunday afternoon on the terrace outside of Junonia was a delightful experience. A fresh breeze off the gulf carried the cries of seagulls circling just offshore, and a number of sailboats dotted the horizon.

  Apparently a wedding was scheduled for that evening, as rows of white slipcovered folding chairs were being set up in front of a double archway draped with garlands of fresh flowers. A frisson of envy skittered up Sky’s spine. It would be wonderful to be married in such a magical spot, but weddings here must cost a fortune. And with such a large family, the cost of a destination wedding would be a serious burden on everyone’s finances. It would be much easier for Julia to fly down to Philly than for both families to make the trip to Florida.

  The sun was sliding toward the west when AJ finally joined them. He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek and brushed a tender one on Sky’s lips. He ordered a drink. “How are my two favorite women?”

  Before either could answer, a couple left their seats and converged on the table.

  “Congratulations, AJ,” drawled a sunburned man with a ci in his hand. “Y’all pitched a hell of an opener today.” He looked at Sky and Julia. “Oops, sorry about the profanity, ladies.” His accent came straight out of Dallas. “The wife and I are here for the weddin’, but that baseball game of yours was an unexpected bonus.” He put his arm around her. “Mind if Caroline takes a picture of the two of us?”