Out of My League, Part 3

by Sharon Cummin

  “Parker,” she hissed from around my lip. “The kids.”

  I pulled my finger from her, lifted it to my mouth, and sucked it clean. Then I leaned forward a bit, threw her over my shoulder, and bit into her ass cheek, as I turned toward the hall that would lead me to her room.

  “Parker,” she laughed out, as she smacked at my ass.

  As I walked by the front door, I noticed her key ring hanging from a hook. The second my eyes landed on the key to my apartment, I pulled my hand back and let loose. When my hand connected with her ass, I felt her body jump.

  “There might just be hope for you yet, Woman,” I said, with a laugh, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

  Chapter 29

  Cassie

  Parker had been gone, and I hadn't been able to talk to him, so as soon as he called me, I started rambling.

  “I'm putting the house up for sale,” I said, as I walked around my apartment, picking up the mess I'd made with the kids while we were playing.

  “Hello to you too,” he said. “Are you sure? I thought you loved the place, and it sounds like a nice vacation home.”

  “No,” I said. “I'm pretty sure I'll want to be here.”

  “Oh yeah,” he said. “Why is that?”

  “You see, there's this damn baseball player. He's cocky and a total smart ass, but he's really hot, and I kind of love him.”

  “You what?” he asked. “I'm not sure I heard you.”

  “I love you, wannabe,” I said.

  “Really?” he asked in a sarcastic tone.

  “I love you, Pete Parker,” I said.

  “I love you too, princess,” he replied.

  “Hey,” I snapped. “I'm sure about the house. If I'm going to drive that far, it's going to be so I can see my parents and grandma. We're trying to get them to move here.”

  “Oh yeah,” he said. “How's that going?”

  “They said they'll think about it,” I answered, “but I can totally tell it's working. They'll be here in no time.”

  I could hear one of the guys talking to him in the background.

  “I can let you go,” I said.

  “Not going to happen,” he said sternly. “I just got you on the phone. Do you still have stuff at the house?”

  “Yes,” I answered. “There are some things I want to get, and the rest can stay when I sell it. It won't be worth paying a mover to get the furniture here. Not to mention the fact that I don't want any of it anyway. It will be nice for someone else. They'll be able to move right in if they want to. That might help it to sell faster.”

  “I'll go with you,” he said.

  “What?” I asked, sure I had heard him wrong.

  “I'll be home for a few days,” he said. “My ex won't let me see the kids, and I'd like to keep myself busy.”

  “I'm sure there are still other things you could be doing,” I said.

  “Only you,” he said, with a laugh. “I'm going with you.”

  “You're sure?” I asked.

  “I am,” he said. “I'd like to see your dream house before you sell it.”

  Parker was true to his word. As soon as he got home, he was ready to head to Michigan.

  Sammie and James agreed to keep the kids for me. There was no way I wanted to take them back a step in the new life we were creating. When we pulled up the driveway to drop the kids off, I looked over at Parker.

  “You can stay in the car if you want,” I said.

  “Because they don't know I'm going with you?” he asked.

  The next thing I knew, his door flew open. He helped the kids out, grabbed their bags, picked Jake up, and headed for the front door. I hopped out my side, hurried to close all the doors, and hurried to get ahead of him.

  “Parker,” I said in warning.

  “I don't think so, princess,” he said, with a serious look on his face. “It's time. I'll take what I have to, but it is happening right now. You're my woman, and I don't give a shit what any of them think. They'll have to get used to it, or we're going to have a problem.”

  “Parker,” I said again.

  “Nope,” he said, as he reached out and knocked on the door. “Don't even bother.”

  “Shit!” I whispered, as I moved around to stand behind him.

  If he was going to go in with a fire under his ass, ready to blow, then I wasn't walking in in front of him. No way!

  Sammie opened the door, and I heard her gasp. Then I heard her laugh.

  “Sammie,” Parker said, as he walked in and right by her.

  She continued to laugh, only much louder.

  “You think this shit is funny?” I asked.

  “Oh, I do,” she said. “So damn funny.”

  “You're wrong,” I said, as I walked by her to catch up with Parker. “You do know that, right?”

  “Totally worth it,” she said.

  “You're also going to have to put up with your husband after Parker pisses him off,” I said, with a smile of my own.

  “Again,” she said, as she followed us in, “totally worth it.”

  “You are so not right, Sammie,” I said.

  “Come on,” she said. “I don't want to miss the show.”

  “So funny,” I said.

  “Parker,” I heard James and felt like I was going to be sick.

  “Shit!” I whispered.

  “Now is not the time for that,” Sammie whispered.

  “Shut up!” I whisper snapped at her.

  “Hey,” Parker said, as if it were totally normal for him to be bringing my kids into my brother's house.

  “Do not hey me,” James snapped. “What are you doing?”

  “I'm bringing the kids in so you and Sammie can watch them while I take Cassie to put the house up for sale,” Parker said. “Was this not part of the plan?”

  “Everything except for you was part of the plan,” James said, as he took a step forward.

  I hurried between the two of them and took Jake from Parker's arms. It didn't help that Jake didn't want to let go of Parker.

  “What is this?” James asked sternly, as he motioned between Parker and me.

  “James,” I said, as I looked at my brother. “Don't be mad.”

  “I've got this,” Parker said, as he put his arm around me and pulled me in close to him but back a little.

  “Do not stand there and act like you're protecting my sister from me,” James snapped.

  “I will protect your sister from everyone and everything, even if it's her own family,” Parker snapped back. “This is my woman. I love her, and I will be the one to take care of her.”

  “Parker,” I said, as I looked over at him.

  “Do not Parker me,” he said, never taking his eyes off of James.

  “I thought I told you to leave her alone,” James snapped.

  “When?” I asked. “Was it on the way to or home from Jeff's?”

  “How does she know about that?” James asked, still looking at Parker.

  “Cassie's smart, James,” Parker said, in my defense.

  “Never said she wasn't,” James said. “You're my damn friend, Parker, and you're a ballplayer.”

  “So were you, and Sammie seems fine,” Parker said.

  Sammie let out a laugh but hurried to cover her mouth when James narrowed his eyes at her.

  “We tried,” Parker said. “We both honestly tried to fight it, but there was no use. I love her, James. She's mine. I know you're not happy, but you're going to have to get used to it. I'm not going anywhere. It doesn't matter how much shit you give me, I'll still be here.”

  “Do you love him?” James asked me, as he looked into my eyes, almost as if he were willing me to say no.

  “I do,” I said. “I tried not to. He's not kidding there, James. We did try. He is so good with the kids, and our kids get along great.”

  “Wait!” James snapped, as he turned back to Parker. “She's met your kids?”

  “She has, Man,” Parker answered. “It's the r
eal deal.”

  “Have you been to his apartment?” James asked me, looking as if my answer would definitely be no. I held up my key ring. “I have, and I have the key to prove it.”

  “He gave you a fucking key?” James growled out, looking as if his head was about to explode.

  “He did,” I answered.

  Then I pulled away from Parker and took a step toward James.

  “Please don't be mad,” I said. “I just got you back. It was my fault, but that doesn't matter. I don't know what I'll do if I lose you.

  James stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Jake and me.

  “You won't lose me, Cassie,” He said. “I just don't want you to get hurt. You just got rid of one asshole.”

  I heard a growl escape Parker.

  “He's good to me, James,” I said. “He's nothing like Jeff. He even put his career on the line for me.”

  “At least he waited to hook up with you until the ink dried on the divorce papers,” James said, with a laugh.

  I looked back at Parker, and I heard Sammie gasp.

  “You didn't,” James growled out. “When?”

  “James,” I said.

  Parker reached forward, pulled me away from my brother, and held me close to him.

  “When?” James asked, in a deep, loud tone. “I'm not asking again.”

  “Right after she got the papers,” Parker answered honestly. “She came over to talk. I was helping her figure out what she needed to do.”

  “So you did her,” James snapped. “I can't believe this.”

  “It wasn't like that,” Parker said. “It just happened, and it only happened once. We went on as friends. When she went to Michigan, I was a mess. I was so damn worried about Jeff pulling something. I couldn't concentrate on anything. Shit! I could barely get through my games.”

  “I noticed that shit,” Sammie said. “It was pretty bad.”

  “Sam,” James said in warning.

  “It's true,” she said.

  “I couldn't wait to get home. I had to see her. That was when I knew I was putting it all out there. I'm just as scared as she is, James. My ex tortures me on a daily basis. Please know I tried to fight my feelings. I promised myself that I would never let anyone in, but I couldn't help it. Cassie isn't just anyone. She's the one. I won't let her run, and I won't let any of you try to come between us either. She's mine, and she always will be.”

  “You crossed a line, Parker,” James said. “I am not happy about this shit, not one bit. The minute you leave, I'll be on the phone with my dad. When you get to Michigan, you better be ready. I'm calling Lance too.”

  “I'm more than ready,” Parker said. “I get that you're unhappy, but I need you to know that I love her, and I will not give her up. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either get used to the idea of us, or you can punch me in the face and then get used to it. Either way, I'm here to stay. I care about your family, James, every single one of them. We're going to Michigan to put the house up for sale. When we come back, I'd like to revisit this discussion.”

  I watched the look on James' face, and I was pretty sure he was about an inch away from losing his shit.

  I kissed and hugged Jake. Then I handed him to Sammie.

  “Guess it's not so funny now,” I said.

  “He'll calm down,” she said.

  “Either that or his head is going to explode all over the walls,” I said.

  “You deserve to be happy,” she said. “I'm so damn happy for you two.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  I walked into the other room to hug Jenny and Jeff, and when I came back, the two guys were still standing there, with their shoulders back, glaring at each other.

  “Come on, Parker,” I said. “I want to get my stuff out and meet with the realtor today. You two can duke this out later.”

  Parker turned away from James, wrapped his arm around me, and pulled me close.

  “Nothing to duke out, Cassie,” he said, as he kissed the top of my head.

  We'd made it to the door and opened it before Jenny came barreling through the room and wrapped her arms around Parker's waist.

  “I love you, Parker,” she said. “See you tomorrow.”

  He released his hold on me, bent down, and scooped her up.

  “I love you too, Jenny,” he said. “You be good for your aunt and uncle.”

  “I will be,” she said. “Can we go to your apartment tomorrow?”

  “Of course,” he said. “Anytime.”

  “Jenny,” Sammie let out with a laugh. “She was the one you were talking about that night.”

  “On television,” Jenny said, with a huge smile on her face. “That was me.”

  “Sure was,” Parker said. “You actually like to watch me play.”

  “So does mommy,” Jenny said. “She watches every game. She even wears your shirt.”

  “My shirt,” Parker said, as he turned to me. “She wears it while she watches me play?”

  “Yep,” Jenny said. “Every time.”

  Then she squirmed in his arms to get him to let her down. He did. Then he hugged Jeff who was patiently waiting next to him. After that, he leaned in and hugged Jake.

  “We'll see you tomorrow,” he said, as he put his hand on my lower back to move me along. “So, you wear the jersey while you watch the games. She just ratted your ass out, didn't she?”

  “Hurry up,” I said, as I hurried down the walk. “We've got things to do.”

  We talked the whole way to Michigan, and it was definitely a long trip with adding on the time it took to get to the vacation house.

  When we got there, Parker got out and looked around.

  “This really is amazing,” he said. “Are you sure you want to do this, Cassie?”

  “I am,” I answered, and I really was. “I'm going to go in and get the things I want.”

  Parker followed me in, and before long, I'd boxed up six boxes of things I was taking with me. By the time we loaded them into the Escalade, the realtor had pulled in. We got right to work, and he let me know he'd have it listed before he left for the day. I thanked him for putting in the extra time and for coming out later in the day for me. He assured me that his job was to make me happy and sell my house. I knew his commission was going to be pretty good on the sale, but I was still happy that he'd gone above and beyond.

  We headed to my parents' house for the night and planned to head out the next morning to get back home. When we got to their house, I totally expected my dad to be ready to go round for round with Parker. My grandma was the only one I'd told that he was coming with me. I didn't want to tell my parents and then have him change his mind and not end up going, but he did, he'd gone just like he'd said he would. I knew my grandma wouldn't tell them, but I was pretty sure James had stood true to his word as well. He'd called my dad. There was no doubt in my mind.

  We walked to the door, and I lifted my hand to knock, but I didn't do it, and I pulled my hand away.

  “It will be fine, Cassie,” Parker said, as he came closer and hugged me. “Even if they're not happy now, they'll see that I'm sincere. Just give them time.”

  “I didn't like the things James said,” I said. “The worst part was that I'd had some of those same thoughts before myself. I'm so sorry I judged you, Parker. That was wrong of me.”

  “I'm sorry I judged you too, princess,” he said. “I was just as wrong as you were, only I wasn't seeing it at the time.”

  “Can I please get a name that's not princess?” I asked.

  “You going to give me one that's not wannabe?” he asked. “I'll try out a few new ones while we're here.”

  “No,” I snapped. “Do not do that. I'll keep princess. I love princess.”

  “Do not,” he said, with a laugh.

  When the door in front of us opened, I jumped.

  “You two going to stand out there all day?” my dad asked.

  “No,” I answered.

  “You're safe,
” he said. “I'm not going to start shit with Parker.”

  “You're not?” I asked. “Did James call you?”

  “Of course he did,” I heard my grandma say from behind my dad. “That shit was hilarious too. I should have recorded him. He was just as bad as Lance was with him. Can't imagine what's going to happen when Jillian gets a boyfriend.”

  “Thank you for bringing her, Parker,” my dad said. “I wasn't happy about her making the drive alone.”

  “Neither was I,” Parker said. “I love your daughter, Scott.”

  “I know you do,” my dad said. “You don't have to give me the whole speech. I already heard what you said from Sammie. She had Carrie and mom oohing and aahing over here. I'll pass on the sweet stuff. I've had mad respect for you since the day you busted Jeff's nose. You're good for her. I can see it. As long as you treat her good, we won't have a problem. If you hurt her or one of the babies, we'll have huge problems, and Lance hitting James in the nose will be old news. All I ask is that you take care of them.”

  “I can,” I began, but Parker cut me off.

  “You can take care of yourself,” he said. “I got that already, but it won't be that way forever. I will take care of you, and you will let me. You're my woman.”

  “Awww,” my grandma whispered.

  “Don't awww me,” I said. “I know you were talking to him, but I also let him know that you're my grandma, and you'll always have my back first.”

  “He's one of us now,” she said. “I'll have both of your backs, and you know it.”

  “That's not fair,” I said, with a laugh.

  “Get in here and eat,” my dad said. “Mom made enough food to feed all the Pirates.”

  “I can't wait,” Parker said, as he reached out to shake my dad's hand.

  “Welcome to the family,” my dad said. “Not sure you know what you're getting into.”

  “Oh, I know,” Parker said, with a laugh.

  Then he pulled my grandma in for a hug.

  “Thank you for everything,” he said.

  “Just want my kids to be happy,” she said.

  “So, you're moving to Pennsylvania,” I said, and she just smiled, as she turned and walked toward the kitchen.

  My mom walked up next to my dad and looked up at Parker.

  “He's convinced you two are good for each other,” she said. “I'm going to side with him instead of James on this one. Don't make me regret it. I can be just as scary as the rest of them.”