by Skye Turner
Adam laughs and sits back against the seat next to me. “Aw, most people love my face. Careful, you’ll hurt my feelings, Stevens.”
I smirk. “Yeah well, I’m not really cool with you being so close to my face you could kiss me. I know I’m sexy and all, but you’re not really my type.”
We both laugh and he nods at my phone where it’s sitting in my lap. “That’s been buzzing.”
I open my eyes in mock outrage. “Ok. How long?”
He chortles and says, “A while. It’s why I slid in over here. It’s literally been going off for like an hour.” He shrugs. “Figured it might be important.”
Nodding, I flip it over and smile as I see the first name on the screen. It’s Cally. I texted her this morning to let her know I was heading home today and that I was looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. I hadn’t heard back before I nodded off, so I figured she was busy at the center.
Under Cally’s name is Jeff’s. Jeff is my manager.
Does he have news for me?
Swiping my finger across the screen, I punch in my unlock code and open my texts.
Adam wasn’t lying. I have twenty-three texts from Jeff and one from Cally.
My finger hits “Cally” and her text opens up.
“Cally
Hey. Sorry, things are a bit crazy here. Someone dropped off a Pit Bull sometime last night and she’s just given birth. They didn’t put her in the kennel out front. It appears like they just dumped her. When I got here, she was in active labor on the welcome mat.
Poor baby was terrified. She also shows signs of trauma.
But, she’s now resting in the medical center and all six of her babies are out and healthy. One was breached and it was a bit of a rough morning.
Momma and babies are expected to have a full recovery though.
You’ll get to see them tomorrow if you make it by.
I gotta get back. Just came into my office for a new file and saw your text.
Congrats on winning last night.”
Wow… someone just abandoned their pet while she was about to give birth? And signs of trauma?! What does that mean? Did someone beat a pregnant animal?! What the hell is wrong with people?
Seems like she’s had a busy day. I’ll check in on the momma and her babies tomorrow. No animal should be treated that way.
It burns my blood.
I shoot her a quick response before opening all of the texts from Jeff.
“Jase
Damn, that sounds like a crazy day.
I’m planning on being there tomorrow after practice. I’d love to spend some time with the momma and babies. No animal should be treated that way.
I’ll be back later today but we have team meetings. I’ll probably be home around eight or so.
Call you then?”
I wait just a minute for a response. None come through, but then again, she said she was heading back to work, so I really didn’t expect her to.
I’ll call her tonight and we can chat and catch up on the past few days. We talked once or twice while I’ve been away, but they’ve been short conversations and we didn’t really say much more than “Hi and Bye.”
We’ve texted a few more times, but I was busy with games and team stuff and she was buried at the center, so it wasn’t as much as I’d hoped.
With another sigh, I open the last text from Jeff.
“Jeff
Next weeks. Atlanta. Tryout. They are so incredibly interested.
I think this is finally it, Jase.
Call me back so I can give you details!”
I exhale and clutch my phone tightly as my heart races.
A tryout with the Atlanta Braves.
FINALLY.
This is all I’ve ever dreamed of. And now… it’s happening.
My dreams are finally on their way to reality.
This is it… what you’ve always wanted is within your grasp.
Yet, the knot in my stomach is kind of dimming some of the glow.
Cally…
Cally
The next day
I’m in the medical center, checking on Whisper. That’s what Drew named the pit bull from yesterday. She’s being such a good momma. So attentive to her babies but she flinches over any loud noise and when Drew, the vet on call, comes near her.
Some man abused this sweet girl. Drew’s been talking quietly to her all morning and showing her that he can be trusted. So far, she’s very cautious, not that I can blame her.
Drew showed me her x-rays and I saw red. Three of her ribs were cracked as if she had been kicked or something was thrown at her. She also has three of her permanent teeth missing and her paw is deformed as if it was crushed and not treated so it healed improperly.
No wonder this baby is traumatized.
Leaning down, I hold out my hand and allow her to smell it. “Hey, sweet girl. Those are some beautiful babies. No one is going to hurt you anymore. You’re safe, pretty girl.” She warily leans forward after a few minutes of my staying still and cooing to her. Her tongue tentatively comes out and she lightly licks the tip of my finger.
I smile and rub under her jaw. “There’s a sweet girl. You just rest and love those babies.”
Whisper appears to sigh and then lays her head down. Her puppies wriggle unsteadily to get close to her and latch on. One of them is so tiny. He’s the runt. I’ve named him Patches because he’s white, like his momma, but has black spots that look like patches.
He’s crying and just so damn adorable. Reaching down, I pick him up and he cries in surprise. Whisper’s head raises in alarm, but I coo to her, “It’s ok, Whisper. I’m just helping this little guy out,” and lay Patches on an empty nipple. He quickly latches on and the sounds they make as they eat warm my heart.
Whisper watches me for a brief minute and then lays her head back down as her babies nurse.
I feel someone next to me and glance over. Drew is there with a clipboard, making notes. He smiles down at the dogs. “Someone really did a number on her, but she’s already less fearful than when she got here. She just needs some affection and love. To know that people care.” He looks at me and smiles wide. “She’ll get all of that here and soon enough she and her babies will be in amazing forever homes.”
I smile back at him and nod. “Yeah. When we get cases like this, it breaks my heart, but I’m also happy. At least she’s here now. God knows what would have happened if she’d had those babies with whomever abused her.” Reaching out, I run my fingertips over the squirming puppies as they feed. “They’re so sweet. So innocent. I don’t understand how anyone can harm animals like these. They’re such treasures. They just need affection and love. They’re no different from anyone else…”
I can see the look on Drew’s face and it makes me nervous. I don’t want to deal with it… the coward in me knows that it’s not going to just go away and that eventually I’m going to have to talk to him… just not today.
Last week, I might have reacted differently than now… And that settles like a lead weight in my stomach.
Looking away quickly, I stand and lean on the table to steady myself. Drew reaches down to help me and his palm is warm as he gently cups my elbow. He opens his mouth and I quickly say, “Ok, well I’m going to head back up front for a bit. Today is a gorgeous day and I’m going to go see if I can help with the adoptions. Hopefully people are taking advantage of the spectacular weather and will come out to see the animals. Last week was great for adoptions and after all my posts this week on social media… I hope we can beat last week’s numbers.” Stepping back, I wipe my hands on my jeans and smile at him. “I’ll be back to check on them later, ok.”
Before he can answer or even blink, I’m heading to the door.
Jesus, Cally. You’ve never been that uncomfortable with Drew before.
Yeah, well I know he’s interested and I slept with Jase a few days ago…
Jase…
Who is supposed to come out here today.
> How the hell am I supposed to act when I see him? Shit! The last time I saw him was the day I met him and I slept with him that night after giving him shit all damn day.
The fact that I’m so torn up about seeing him at all scares the shit out of me.
I’m not that weird, clingy girl who waits for a man but damned if my heart is not racing and my palms aren’t sweating at the knowledge that I’m going to see Jase today.
I look at the Fitbit on my wrist and see the time…
His practice just ended.
He could be here anytime within the next couple of hours.
I’m so ready to see him…
Son of a bitch… this is not good…
Chapter Twelve
Jase
Practice ended an hour ago, but coach wanted to talk to me, so I’m just able to leave the field. I opted to shower at home so I can change and make sure I’m totally presentable before heading to Love & Paws. I didn’t give Cally a time since I didn’t know one, but she knows I’m coming today.
Last night, I did call her when I got home, but it was later than expected since Micah, my brother, called me as I was pulling into my house. We talked for a minute and I told him about the tryouts with the Twins and the Braves. He also let it slip that Bradi had been by the center and Cally had mentioned that I was “volunteering” there. He asked me about it, but I changed the subject.
He doesn’t know I was arrested and I don’t want him to. Instead I told him that I’d always loved animals, as he knew, and that I was spending whatever free time I have there for the next little while.
I didn’t lie… I just left out some of the truth. But, I made certain not to lie.
Lying isn’t something I do. In fact, it’s one of the things I hate most in the world so I’ll be damned if I’m going to lie to my own family.
He also invited me to brunch at their house tomorrow. Mom and Dad will be there, too. I said I’d be there and I’m thinking of asking Cally to come with me.
When I mentioned that I might bring someone, that completely changed the subject off why I’m helping at Love & Paws and swung it around to “it’s about time that I date someone.”
We talked for another few minutes and by the time I called Cally, I was completely exhausted so we only talked for a minute but said we’d catch up today.
I want to tell her about the tryouts, but at the same time, I don’t want her to throw the brakes on whatever this is, so I’m not sure that I’ll tell her today.
I just need to tell her within the next four days… because that’s when I’m flying to Atlanta to try out.
An hour later, I’m pulling up to Love & Paws. The parking lot is packed, so I park next to Cally’s truck way off to the side. I’m not leaving until she does anyway, so this is perfect.
Whistling as I get out, I head to the front doors. They open as I reach them and I take the handle from the couple walking out. They’re hands are full of a squirming puppy and the woman is laughing as the puppy licks her face enthusiastically. The man chuckles and looks over to thank me. “Hey, thank you. This little one is a bundle of energy and my girlfriend is scared to put him down just yet.” He shrugs and shows me his own arms, that are full of puppy chow and two large bags that are practically overflowing. I laugh as the puppy barks and once again tries to lick the lady’s face. “No problem. Happy to help. And thank you for adopting this little one.”
The man looks up and then squints. His eyes widen. “Hey, you’re Jase Stevens. Aren’t you?!”
I nod and smile. “I am.”
The lady stops walking and looks at me. “We love you! We go to all of the Gris Gris games! In fact, we named this little guy, Gris Gris!” She laughs as the puppy squirms around and she tightens her grip on it. “This is so cool! What are you doing here? Are you in the market for an animal?”
“I’m actually helping out here some. I love animals, but with practice, games, and travel, I don’t really have the time to dedicate to an animal of my own. So, this is the next best thing. I get to spend time with these babies and I don’t have to worry about leaving them all alone when I’m not home. I think it’s a pretty good compromise.”
The man nods. “That’s great that you do that. You’re a good guy, Jase! And a fantastic baseball player! Word is that you just had some major interest and have some tryouts soon. It was all over the news this morning! But after the way you pitched Thursday, no one is surprised! Hell, I’m just shocked that it’s taken them this long to try to get you!”
I smile and nod. It was on the local news this morning, but it’s not “big news” by any means. Now, if I actually tryout and then make the team… that will be “big news”.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. We’ll see how the try-outs go. I have to really impress them to have a shot.”
He nods and shuffles both bags to one arm while he tosses the bag over his shoulder and holds out his free hand.
Reaching out, I shake it. He smiles at me again and says, “Wherever you go, I’ll watch and support you. Talent like yours is a gift and you’re going places, man. Good luck. We’re rooting for you!”
People are starting to take notice of me and I’m trying not to hit Cally with the news of my tryouts just yet, so I ask them if I can help them load up their vehicle. They say no and that they’ve got it and then they take off.
I walk into the coolness of the lobby. Evie is grinning at me from behind the desk. She calls out. “Hey, Jase. Looking good today!”
Winking at her, I shake my head and call back. “Thanks, Evie. You look busy.”
She waves her hands around the desk and the lobby and says, “You bet! Today is a great day for adoptions. So far, we’ve had seventeen and we have three more hours!”
Seventeen adoptions in one day? Since eleven? Damn, I think that’s pretty good!
I have no idea what normal is, but I’m thinking seventeen is a good number. Maybe I can help drum up a bit more.
Smiling, I take out my phone and stroll over to Evie. Handing it to her, I ask. “Care to take my pic with these babies so I can Tweet it?”
She grins and nods. “Genius! You’re just genius.” She mutters as she takes the phone and I head over to some of the cats in the corner, “And freaking gorgeous. Lord have mercy.”
I smirk and she calls out. “Ok, look alive over there. Let’s get more of these animals adopted today! We need to beat the twenty-six adoptions we had last weekend!”
Lifting up a purring fluff ball, I pet its head as it stares up at me and Evie snaps the photo.
Still carrying the cat, I walk over to her and she smiles as she hands me the phone. “That photo is gold. Seriously, you post that photo with where you are and that cat is walking out of here within the hour. Hell, we should just walk around and take a picture of you with every animal. We’d have an empty center tonight!”
I grunt as I feel my cheeks flush at her blatant flirtation. “You’re overestimating my appeal, Evie.”
She winks and asks the woman standing next to the desk, who’s staring after me, “Am I?”
The woman sighs and shakes her head. “No, not even close.” She reaches out for the cat and I hand it to her.
Chuckling uncomfortably, I thank her and call over my shoulder as I walk down the hall. “Is Cally in her office or out back?”
Cally
I walked up front at the tail end of that interaction. Jase is striding off in the direction of my office with a very harried pace.
Overestimating his appeal?!
Not from where I’m standing…
Lord, watching that man walk away…
Have mercy.
Shaking my head, I step into the lobby from the file room. Evie looks over at me and waggles her brows with a devious little smirk. I chuckle and mutter, “Stop it! Behave!” as I follow after Jase.
He’s outside my office door. I call out, “Hey.”
His head whips around and he smiles as he sees me. “Hey, I was coming to find
you. I just got here.”
Chuckling, I nod. “I know. I saw.” And you just got that cat adopted by picking it up and snuggling with it.
“See, my idea of using,” I point at his face and let my gaze travel down his physique. “all that to save animals was brilliant.” I smirk and pop my lips as I point at myself. “I’m kind of brilliant.”
His eyes light up as he looks me over like I just looked at him. He smirks as I take a step back from him and quickly look around.
No one is down here, but that doesn’t mean anything. Someone could walk in from outside or try to go outside through here at any moment.
I shake my head as he stalks me across the hall. Slipping past him, I bolt into my office. His arms reach out and snake around my waist as I pass. He pulls me into his body. His hard, firm, amazing smelling body.
My bones liquefy as I look up at him. He leans down and whispers, “Hi.”
I whisper “Hi” back and his mouth covers mine. My hands immediately smooth over his chest and link behind his head as I pull it down farther. His tongue slips between my lips and my own slides against his. We both moan and the kiss deepens. His hands are kneading my hips as my fingers weave through his hair.
We kiss for an indeterminate length of time and then I pull back and look up at him. A sound in my doorway has me looking around Jase.
Drew is standing there slack jawed as he looks from me to Jase and back again. His fists clench at his sides and I gasp and step back. “Drew…”
His eyes pin Jase as he asks, “What is this? You two–– you two are together?” He looks at me and I can see the disbelief in his eyes. “When? How did this happen? He only walked in here last week…
“You’re with the baseball player?”
I open my mouth to reply, but Jase beats me to it. He reaches for me and takes my hand. Drew watches it and swallows as his eyes widen behind his lenses.
Jase answers his question. “We’re not together per say.” I look at him in stupification and try to yank my hand free. He holds firm.
What now? We’re not? I mean, I know we’re not. But, what the hell?
Drew blinks and stares at Jase. “What the hell do you mean you’re not together ‘per say’?” His hands flop by his sides before he clenches them again. “You had better not be toying with her. I don’t know what the hell you’re used to, but you are not going to come in here and play with Cally like she’s one of your field groupies or something.” He points at Jase. “Jock or not, I will beat your ass.”
