MVP

by Laramie Briscoe

  “You’re thinking so hard, I can hear you over here.” His sleep-deepened voice washes over me.

  This is the first road trip I’ve been on with him this year, and I’m not accustomed to the way he sleeps, his routine, or how he handles any of this. Not to mention, I’m a little nervous one of the coaches will find out about our room swap. I have to be with him though, want to be here to help him. Which means I need to help him get to sleep. “Sorry,” I answer. “Just have a lot on my mind. I can go in the other room and let you sleep.”

  “No.” He reaches out, grabbing my wrist with his hand. “Even if you can’t sleep, I’d rather you be here.” And that right there is the sweet husband I’ve come to know and depend on. “Was kind of hoping I could return the favor to you for yesterday morning.”

  My body comes alive at his words, but a truth slips from between my lips. “I didn’t do it so you would reciprocate, Slade.”

  “I know, but it gives me something else to focus on, ya know?”

  Oh I do know. His laser focus is something I’ve become well-acquainted with in the time we’ve been married. It’s something I’ve learned to enjoy and I damn well enjoy often. “Then by all means, Mr. Harlow, please allow me to be the thing you put all your focus into. I’ll be glad to be your distraction.”

  The smile he gives me is enough to melt panties as he scoots closer, pulling the edge of my tank top down to expose my bare nipple to his gaze. It feels like ages that he stares at it, without making a move, and I’m dying. Dying for him to do something, take it between his lips, his teeth, move his flat tongue over the distended tip - anything to ease the suffering. When I thrust my chest at him, he chuckles. The fucker laughs, deep in his throat.

  “Do I need to give you step-by-step instructions?” I grab hold of his hair, pushing him toward where I want him the most.

  “No.” His chuckle is deep, that tone of his I love. “I think I know what to do.”

  That’s when he lies flat on his back, lifts me over his body, and spreads my thighs before he scoots down so that I sit on his face. Surprised, I shriek, grabbing hold of the headboard. This right here, is something we’ve never done before, and I’m completely and totally all on board with whatever he wants to give me.

  “Hang on, sweetness, it might be a bumpy ride.”

  Long minutes later, I’m panting as I lay against him, trying to figure out how he can make me into a quivery mess with just one touch. “You’re so gonna win tonight. If you’re that focused on making me come, you’re gonna kill the pitches when they come across the plate at you.”

  “From your lips, sweetness.” He kisses my forehead, wrapping his arms around me.

  “Extra innings?” Felicity groans. “Really? We gotta send this out with a bang huh?”

  I know how she feels. This is only game two, but I’m exhausted, especially after the late night/early morning Savage and I had. “I just knew with the focus Slade had today they would win this game easily.” I cross my arms over my chest, ready for this to be over.

  “Did he exhibit his prowess?” She raises her eye brows, causing me to laugh.

  “He did, but more than anything, I just want out of this hostile crowd,” I whisper.

  Tonight, people have again been eyeing us, we were booed when we came to our seats, and I honestly just don’t feel safe. “When we win this one, I have a feeling we’re gonna have to book it out of here.”

  “Listen to you, sounding like a player’s wife. When we win, not if we win. I’ve taught you well.”

  I realize she’s right. “You have taught me well, you’ve taught me everything this season, and I’m incredibly lucky that you’ve had my back this entire process. Thanks for being the person I didn’t know I needed at the beginning of the season.”

  “Aww, Malone.” She reaches over, giving me a hug. “You’ve kept me sane too. I’ve never had a best friend before, but I can honestly say you’ve become that for me. Thank you for being my side the last few months.”

  As our guys take the field, and the home team has one more chance to score a run, the two of us hold hands, sending up prayers for this to be over quickly. When JD makes an amazing play at short stop, executing a double-play to end the night and give us the win, I glance at Slade, coming in from Center Field. As I watch his strong profile jogging for the dugout, I think back to telling him they were going to win, and I know without a doubt, my feelings aren’t wrong.

  They’re gonna take this whole thing.

  Savage

  Game Three of the World Series

  “It’s good to be home,” I grunt as I throw my luggage down in the living room and plop down on the couch, wanting nothing more than to lie there and sleep for three full days. But I can’t. After the shitshow of a game last night that went into extra innings, I have a few hours to sleep and then I’ll have to be at the stadium to start getting prepared for tonight’s game.

  “It’s really good to be home.” Malone yawns next to me. She’s tired, probably even more tired than I am, because she’s not used to this. Not used to the pace we’re keeping, the long night, a flight here, a bus ride there. Hell, she and Felicity have been sucking back the Red Bull more than any of the players have been. It’s obvious they’re exhausted.

  “You’re not going to work today, are you?” I ask, as I lift my arm up, letting her get situated around me on the couch. In a few minutes I’ll make us get up and take this to the bedroom, but right now it feels amazing and I can’t seem to make my body move.

  “I told them I may be in, but Slade, I’m so tired.” She snuggles in next to me. “I don’t want them to think I’m special and that I get preferential treatment, but seriously? How do you do this for so many months out of the year? I never understood. Now I have such a respect for you and I’m sorry as fuck I gave you such a hard time back in August.”

  I chuckle tiredly against her hair. “It’s not something you can easily explain to people who don’t live this life. And easy; it’s our job - we have to do this or we don’t get paid. I like the penthouse, I like Susie, and I like to eat, so I make sure I keep my shit together and put on a good performance whenever they need me to.”

  “We can sleep for a little while right, like before you have to report?”

  “Yeah, we can.” I tuck her in next to me, making sure I set my alarm.

  I don’t even remember falling asleep; all I know is my alarm goes off before I’m ready. Malone is sleeping soundly and I refuse to wake her up as I go get ready.

  “I’ll make sure she gets to the stadium on time,” Susie tells me, handing me a sandwich to eat as I’m leaving.

  “Thanks, see y’all there.”

  As I ride the elevator down to the garage, I feel myself getting into the zone I need to in order to go from regular, everyday man, to MVP baseball player.

  “At least we have a hot as hell woman singing the National Anthem tonight.” JD spits out a sunflower seed as we stand at attention.

  Looking down the line, I see Harmony Stewart. “I’m more of a fan of her husband.” I hit his shoulder with mine. “But at least she’s wearing a Bandits Jersey.”

  “Felicity tells me she’s actually a fan of ours. Can’t beat that.” He turns to walk back to the dugout as she finishes singing.

  Glancing up into the stands, I see Malone. I give her a point and blow her a kiss before I duck under the covered space we use to sit. If we can win this game and then lock up tomorrow’s, we’re champions. All the hard work we’ve put into this season will be everything we’ve hoped for it to be.

  We’ve got a two-run lead at the top of the ninth.

  Jax is in the dugout with us, having come in during the eighth to save the game for us. He’s fired up and getting the rest of us fired up. “This is our house! They ain’t gonna take this game in our house, are they?”

  There’s a resounding no as we all get ready to take the field.

  “What’s this place?” he asks again.

  “Our ho
use!”

  That’s when we take the field, me running to center with the same amount of energy I had at the start of the game. My concentration is on point as I stand out there during the first two outs. One more to go. “Let’s go Jax!” I yell from where I stand, almost able to taste this win.

  I know though, that this team isn’t one to just roll over and let us go. Standing out there during the next batter, I hear the crack of the bat, and I see the ball heading in my direction. This one has a chance to go over, and that just won’t do or me.

  Running back toward the padded fence, I stick my hand out to feel for it, but then I realize I’m going to have to get some air. Using my cleat for help, I get up and over the wall partially as I snag the ball out of the air, feeling the weight land in the glove. Holding on for dear life, amazement washes over my body. I can’t fuckin’ believe I did it.

  When I drop down, I hold up my glove, screaming, as I pull the ball out, showing everyone, I got it. “Fuck yeah!” I pump my arms in the air, feeling the adrenaline flowing from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

  The entire place erupts as they realize we’re ahead. Three games to none, game four tomorrow, with the chance of becoming the champions of the world.

  Twenty-Two

  Malone

  Game Four of the World Series

  I thought I had been nervous before all the other games; those nerves are nothing like how I feel right at this moment. In a few short hours, my husband could become a champion, an MVP and champion. Then the bags under his eyes, the sleepless nights, the long stretches of not seeing each other - they will all be worth it. That’s what I keep telling myself. I’m not exactly sure what I’ll tell myself if they don’t win, but I can’t think about that right now. Right now the biggest thing for me is to stay positive and that’s what I’m going to do.

  Felicity and I have just arrived at the stadium and we’re finding a parking spot in the family lot. With the increase in family here for the series, the lot is packed to the gills and assigned spots are only for players. “Are you as nervous as I am?” she asks as she pulls her SUV into an empty slot.

  We’re riding together since Slade picked up JD.

  “I feel like I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown,” I admit, swallowing back the saliva that’s pooling in my throat. “My hands have been shaking since he left, and I’ve been sick to my stomach all morning just because I know what this might mean for all of us.”

  “I know, I’ve felt the same way, but on the same token, I have a really good feeling about this, girl. I think we got this.”

  I wish I was as positive as she was. “The thing I’m gonna miss after this series?” I grin over at her. “Slade with this beard he’s sporting because of his newfound superstition. It’s hot as hell, the way he runs it over my skin. I’m kind of in love with it.”

  “Me too,” she giggles as we get out of her SUV and start our walk to the stadium. “I hope JD decides to keep it. The way it feels on my thighs?” She fans her hands in front of her face. “I’m kind of in love with it too.”

  “I’m gonna miss you too, though.” She and JD are leaving just as soon as they can for a much-needed vacation. As soon as all the interviews are conducted, and they’ve been released, she told them they’re going to airport and hopping the first plane they can find to somewhere tropical for at least the next two weeks. “It’s so romantic though, you guys not even knowing where you’re going, just going at the drop of a hat.”

  “Oh trust me, JD was totally not into it at first, but I convinced him.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

  “We have that way about us, don’t we?”

  Security is tight as we approach the entrance to the stadium and it takes us longer to get in. “I wish Slade’s and my family could be here at least for this game.” I frown, feeling a pang of sadness in my stomach. “There won’t be a game five.” I’ve been telling myself that all day.

  “I know, JD’s family couldn’t make it either, but they’re watching at home. You have guests tonight, don’t you?”

  “Yeah.” I grin as I see the guests walking toward me. It’s the entire Harrison clan. “I’m so glad you all could make it.” I dole out hugs and make introductions to Felicity.

  “Trust me; I wasn’t missing this for anything.” Mason rocks back on his feet. “Particularly since Caleb got to come last time without me.”

  “He’s still bitter.” Caleb grins as he knocks shoulders with his dad.

  “Either way, we’ll take all the fans we can get. Let’s go to our seats.”

  As the opening festivities begin, I know this is going to be the biggest nail biter of the season.

  Savage

  The crack of the bat against the ball as the San Antonio hitter pops it up, gives me a fucking tingle in my stomach. Jax is waving everyone off as he gets under it, catching it with a final smack of the leather as he closes his glove. It’s the final out, and we’re World Series Champions. The roar of the crowd is deafening as the fans celebrate in the stands. I can feel it reverberating in my chest as I run from the outfield. The hardest game of our lives has come to an end. JD and Jax stop me, both hugging me tightly as we make our way toward the seats where our families and the fans are sitting. This has been the hardest, most rewarding season of my life. I’m exhausted, completely spent, but I feel an excitement I’ve never had before, a fulfillment I’ve been searching for my entire life. Right here, in this moment, I have it.

  “We did it!” JD holds his hand up for me to high-five. “I’m so happy you were here with us, you deserve this, Slater.”

  I hug him tightly; thankful for his friendship this year, thankful that Felicity has taken Malone and helped her become the baseball wife she is now. And speaking of my wife, I can’t wait to see her. Searching for her is like searching for a needle in a haystack with all the people who have come onto the field to celebrate with us.

  As I hear the crowd screaming, it hits me what this is. What this means to the city of Birmingham. How long I’ve fought for this to happen – from the moment I signed my first contract to when I took my first batting practice on this field.

  “Slade!” I hear the voice of the woman I’ve wanted to have with me since my teenage years. Calling me the name that only she’s called me since then. Immediately, I’m working to get to her.

  I’m doing my best to hold back my emotions as Malone sprints to me across the field. I’ve been looking for her for the past few minutes, and as soon as we made eye contact, she took off running towards me. I plant my feet when she gets close enough, hold out my hands, and catch her as she jumps into my arms. I cradle her against me, lifting my face up to hers. We try to kiss, but the damn bill of my hat gets in the way. She laughs, takes it off, turns it around, plops it on my head, and then gives me one of the most passionate kisses of my life.

  “You did it!” She pulls back, holding my face in her hands. Tears are streaming down her face, but I know they’re happy tears, proud tears, and everything in between. “I’m so proud of you!”

  I hold her up, loving the feel of her wrapped around me. “We did it, babe. We’re a team; you’re a member of this team as much as I am. You deserve this trophy and ring as much as I do.”

  “C’mon man, you’re the MVP!” Jax claps me on the back. “You’ve gotta go get your trophy.”

  I set Malone down, grabbing her hand as we make our way to the podium. Pulling her up with me, I wait for the ceremony to start, holding her in my arms. Her makeup is smeared, so I wipe my thumbs under her eyes.

  “Happy tears.” She smiles up at me. “I’m so excited for you.”

  “I know they are.” Holding her next to me, we’re told we’re going live in a few seconds, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

  “Savage,” the announcer, this is one I don’t recognize, starts. “Has this been a long time coming?”

  With those words, emotion hits me harder than I expect it to. I have to clear my throat, Malone gra
bs my hand in hers, giving me the support I need to continue. “This has been a very long time coming, and after last year, I wasn’t sure if it would,” I admit, the enormity of what we’ve accomplished clogging my throat.

  This is the first time I’ve admitted those words out loud, and it feels funny to do it on a public stage, but it also feels good to be honest about what I went through last year.

  “Talk us through that.”

  I laugh, adjusting the Championship hat someone’s put on my head. “There’s not a lot to talk through. I got hurt, and I knew I had to rehab. Some of that rehab was the scariest stuff of my life, because I wasn’t confident in doing the movements I’ve always done. There were times when I wondered if I’d be the same player after as I was before. That’s terrifying for someone like me, who loves the game so much.”

  “Obviously you pushed through it.”

  Looking down at Malone, I kiss her on the temple. “I had help. It wasn’t easy going back to my hometown and figuring out where I wanted to go from there. I had a lot of demons, a lot of things I wished I had done differently as soon as I stepped foot in Willow’s Gap, but there was a reason I was there. It took me a while to see what that reason was, but she’s standing right here next to me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have pushed through, wouldn’t have persevered, and I probably wouldn’t be standing right here now. She’s given me focus I’ve never had before, grounded me in a way I never knew was even possible. She deserves this award as much, if not more, than I do.”

  “For those of you who don’t know, this is Savage’s wife, Malone. Although she has just as many Instagram followers as he does, so I’m pretty sure you all know who she is. Do you have anything you want to say?”