Team Mom: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (Finding Love Book 1)

by Delaney Cameron

  “Aunt Julie!” Jordan screeched.

  She ran out of the bedroom. “Jordan, remember what I told you about yelling. This is an apartment. We have to be careful how loud we talk.”

  “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting. Can you read my book report?”

  “Sure.” She took the paper from him. “I hope you didn’t rush through it just so you can go help Coach Gibson.”

  “I didn’t. He told me that doing well in school is more important than baseball.”

  “Hmm.” Eric was a fount of wisdom on any subject other than love and marriage. “You misspelled ‘acknowledge’. Fix that and then put on some old clothes.”

  “I will,” he called back to her as he ran to his room.

  Grabbing the notebook Eric had given her, Julie went to sit down in the living room. She planned to contact the team parents while Jordan was gone. At a few minutes to four, the doorbell rang.

  “Jordan, Coach Gibson is here.”

  She glanced through the peephole. Eric was brushing dust from his shirt; it only seemed to be making things worse. Even through the distortion of the glass, she could see the fatigue on his face. Why was he pushing himself so hard?

  Before she could start to feel sorry for him, she opened the door. “Hey, there.”

  “Hey,” he said with a crooked smile. “I didn’t hear from you so I assume Jordan got his book report done.”

  “Yes, he did.” She waved him inside. “Come on in. He’s almost ready.”

  “I’ll wait out here. I’m covered in grass, and I’m sure my shoes have dirt on them.”

  Julie surprised both of them by taking his arm and pulling him inside. His skin was warm, not surprising given that he’d been outside all day. “You can’t be any worse than Jordan when he comes home from practice.”

  He laughed as he followed her into the living room. “If you say so.”

  “I’ll be right back.” She stepped into the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle and a damp towel. “Here,” she said, handing the items to him. “Wipe your face and drink this.”

  Eric took them from her with a boyish grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

  She wagged a finger at him. “You don’t have to say it. I know I’m bossy. Devon gets on me all the time.”

  Jordan came out in his socks. “I can’t find my old shoes, Aunt Julie. I’ve looked everywhere.”

  “Did you check the laundry room?”

  He looked sheepish. “No.”

  “Well, get going. Coach Gibson doesn’t have all day.” As soon as Jordan left, she turned back to Eric. The water bottle was empty. “Do you want another one?”

  “No, thanks. Do you mind if I keep the towel? I’ll give it back to you at the next practice.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got plenty. Jordan will need something to drink.”

  “I’ve got water and snacks in the truck. I was in a hurry and didn’t stop to get something out of the cooler before I came over.”

  Julie’s eyes were drawn to a lock of hair hanging over his forehead. It was all she could do not to push it back. “I shouldn’t have to tell you about dehydration.”

  “I’ve spent too much time outside not to know about that. I’ll make sure Jordan takes breaks and gets a drink.”

  “I’m not worried about him,” she murmured as Jordan ran back into the room.

  “Found them!” he announced.

  Julie glanced at Eric. “How long do you think you’ll be?”

  “Two hours or so.” He handed Jordan his keys. “Go get the truck open; I’ll be right behind you.” When the door closed and they were alone again, he asked, “Did you mean it?”

  “Mean what?”

  “That it’s me you’re worried about.”

  Julie’s eyes dropped to the floor. “Well, you seem to be burning the candle at both ends. That’s not good for anyone.”

  He reached out and lightly touched her cheek. “I haven’t had anyone worry about me in a long time. I’ve forgotten how nice it is.”

  Before she could think of anything to say, he was gone.

  Chapter Four

  Eric was only half-listening to Jordan’s nonstop chatter. He was remembering the softness of Julie’s face. It was like touching a rose petal. When he became aware of a sudden silence, he looked up from securing the netting for the batting cage. “What did you say?”

  “I was asking if you think Aunt Julie is pretty.”

  There was a good chance that anything he said to this was going to reach Julie’s ears. “How did we get on that subject?”

  “I was telling you about the guy that lives in the apartment next door. Frank is his name. He’s always coming over to borrow things. I think it’s because he likes Aunt Julie. He looks at her funny and says silly things.”

  Eric chuckled. “Well, he either likes her or she makes him nervous.”

  Jordan picked up a stick and started swinging it like a bat. “I wish he’d stay away. I don’t like him. You look at her, too, but not like he does. I wouldn’t mind you liking her.”

  Eric wondered exactly how he’d been looking at Julie. “It would be hard not to like her. She’s a nice person.”

  “Do you think she’s pretty?” Jordan persisted.

  “Yes, but I think we should keep that between the two of us. We don’t want to make her uncomfortable.”

  “I won’t say anything.” There was silence for a few minutes and then, “Do you have a girlfriend, Coach Gibson?”

  Eric hid a smile. “No, I don’t.”

  “I think Aunt Julie would make a nice girlfriend.”

  She probably would, but not for guys who appear on reality shows. “Girlfriends take time, and I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

  Jordan was now drawing lines in the dirt with the stick. “Maybe after baseball is over you’ll have more time.”

  “It’s possible. We need to think about what we’re going to eat after we’re done.”

  “I like tacos.”

  “Me, too. There’s a Mexican place not far from here.”

  While Jordan was picking up tools, Eric pulled his phone out of his pocket. Julie answered on the second ring.

  “We’re almost finished here. Jordan and I were thinking about getting tacos. Can we bring you anything?”

  “No, thanks. I already made something.”

  “I’ll have him home in less than an hour.”

  “Sounds good. I talked to most of the parents. I got the concession stand and the snacks taken care of. Everyone is thrilled with the idea of pool party.”

  “Thanks for doing that.”

  Julie laughed. “It’s my job. Don’t let Jordan drink too much caffeine, or I’ll never get him to bed.”

  “Got it. We’ll see you soon.”

  As he ended the call, Eric remembered her handing him the towel and water bottle. It had been unconsciously done; a reaction to her noticing that he was tired and thirsty. It told him what he already knew; Julie possessed a caring, giving nature that extended even to those she didn’t particularly like – him, for instance. Eric probably valued those qualities more than most men because he’d lived with someone who was exactly the opposite. Someone who had manipulated him at every opportunity.

  ******

  A week later, Julie dropped off Jordan at a friend’s house and drove to Watson Sporting Goods. She had several hours to herself; plenty of time to get a few errands done and possibly sneak in a trip to the library. She was always on the lookout for books to read to her class.

  Since it was just past the noon hour, the parking lot was fairly crowded. Julie was waiting to cross the street when she noticed Eric walking in her direction.

  “Where’s your shadow?” he asked with a teasing grin.

  She returned his smile. “At a birthday party.”

  They entered the sliding doors together.

  “So instead of going to the mall, you came here. Should I nominate you for ‘Aunt of the Year’?”

  Julie laughed
. “No, because I may go to the mall later. Right now, I need some practice pants for Jordan. He’s got holes in both knees of the one pair he owns. I tried to sew them up, but they look awful.”

  “All the youth stuff is in the back. I’ll show you.”

  As she followed him through the narrow aisles, she realized this was the first time she’d seen Eric in anything other than shorts. The faded jeans and collared shirt did little to hide his tall, muscular build. Julie hid a grin at the way every female head in the store turned to watch his progress. What kind of person would interest someone like him? There couldn’t be a lack of available ladies willing to fill the role of his girlfriend or whatever. Had he felt anything for the woman who shared his name and everything else except love?

  “Here they are,” he said as he stopped in front of a display table. “What size do you need?”

  Julie dragged her thoughts back to the present. “Um, medium.”

  He began sifting through the stack of pants in front of him. Somewhat surprised that he seemed in no hurry to leave, she did the same. At one point, they reached for the same pile. Eric apologized and drew back immediately, but not before Julie caught the hint of sandalwood and citrus clinging to him. Her mind automatically compared this with the overpowering, musky cologne favored by her last boyfriend. There were times when she’d had to put the window down in the car just to breathe.

  A slight cough from her companion reminded her that she should finish this mental exercise another time. She hurriedly grabbed the pair of pants off the top and checked the size. After a slight hesitation, she picked up a second pair. “I should probably get two, shouldn’t I? It will save me doing laundry after every practice.”

  “I suggest extra socks, too.”

  “That’s a good idea. Where are they?”

  Eric pointed to the large rack behind her. “A pair of navy blue socks will come with Jordan’s uniform. But if he’s anything like I was, he’ll have holes in them in no time.”

  Two pairs of socks joined the pants. “Thanks for your help.”

  “No problem. I’m here to pick up another glove.”

  Julie smiled widely. “Who’s this one for?”

  “Liam. I started something with Jordan’s glove. All the outfielders want one like that.”

  “Well, I won’t keep you. I know you’ve probably got things to do.”

  Eric glanced over his shoulder and then back at her. “This is going to sound weird, but do you mind sticking around so we can leave together? I’d like to avoid someone.”

  She sent him a suspicious glance. “Someone in the store?”

  “Yes. She’s one of my customers from the lawn service. I also dated her in high school. If Myra finds me alone, I’ll never get rid of her. It wouldn’t be such a problem if she was still single, but I don’t need a jealous husband breathing down my neck.”

  The idea of Eric being intimidated by anyone, let alone a woman, struck her as funny. “So you want protection? Is this part of my team mom duties?”

  He darted another quick glance over his shoulder. “Call it whatever you want. Will you do it?”

  “I guess so, but you owe me for this. Big time.”

  “How much more will it cost me for a few adoring glances? If she thinks I have a girlfriend, she might accept the fact that I’m not interested and leave me alone.”

  “Sorry, I’m fresh out of those.”

  He grinned at her tone. “Especially for me, right? I’ll just have to be content with sending a few your way.”

  “Where is Myra now?”

  “Over by the women’s running shoes.”

  Julie took in the short red hair, skin-tight tank top and very short shorts. “She looks too young to have been in high school with you.”

  “How should I take that? Never mind; I’m better off not knowing. Let’s go see Coach Watson. His office is in the back corner.”

  Julie halted outside the half open door, intending to wait for Eric. To her surprise, he drew her inside a room the size of a shoebox.

  “Coach, this is Miss Evans. Her nephew Jordan is on my team.”

  A man who couldn’t have been more than ten years older than Eric stood up and shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Evans.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too. Coach Gibson told me you were his high school coach.”

  “He played for me for three years. You’d never know it to see him today, but he was a scrawny little kid when I first met him. Hot-headed, too. But he turned out pretty good.”

  Eric smiled faintly. “That’s debatable. You got that glove ready?”

  “It’s in the back on my work table.”

  “I’ll get it.”

  After Eric disappeared behind a curtain, Coach Watson said to Julie, “Your nephew couldn’t be in better hands. There isn’t anything that man doesn’t know about baseball.”

  “I’m coming to realize that. I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t know who he was.”

  “You’re gonna hear things if you haven’t already. Don’t listen to the gossip. They don’t make them any better than him.”

  “That’s nice to know, but I’m not…what I mean is…our only association is baseball.”

  A grin split the man’s face. “Everything has to start somewhere.”

  She was saved having to reply to this extraordinary statement by Eric’s return. “It looks great, Coach. I appreciate you prepping it for me.”

  “You’re welcome. The uniforms should be in next week. I’ll give you a call.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Eric steered Julie out the door and over to the register. She noticed that Myra was still hanging around. Such persistence was admirable if not a little frightening. When she reached to get her wallet, Eric’s hand moved across her back and settled at her waist, sending a not unpleasant jolt through her.

  “Is that really necessary?” she hissed under her breath.

  “Smile, Miss Evans, you’re supposed to like me,” he whispered in her ear.

  Sending him a speaking glance, she handed the clerk a credit card. Behind her, she heard an attractive voice say, “Eric, how are you? I missed you last time you came by the house.”

  “I’m doing great, Myra. Is Damon not with you today?”

  “He’s in the Keys scuba diving. I’ll be all alone until next weekend.”

  Julie took the bag from the clerk and wondered what she was supposed to do now. Turning around, she looked inquiringly at Eric. The warm smile he sent her momentarily stopped her thought processes. No wonder he was such a success on Find Your Mate. That smile was capable of making a woman forget her own name.

  “Myra, this is Julie Evans. Julie, this is Myra Sinclair. She and I went to high school together.”

  “We did more than that, Eric.”

  He laughed at this, but to Julie’s ears it sounded forced.

  “Matt and I will be over on Thursday as usual. I’ll see you then.”

  As Julie preceded him out of the store, he whispered, “Don’t go to your car. Come with me to the truck.”

  She did as he asked, waiting while he opened the door and obligingly getting inside. When he joined her, he said, “Just a few more minutes. She’s walking to her car now.”

  “Does she do this often?”

  Eric sighed heavily. “Unfortunately, yes. I’m starting to think she’s either managed to bug my phone or paid someone to tail me. I run into her two or three times a week. It’s too often to be coincidence.”

  “She’s married, right? What does she want?”

  He met her eyes and then looked away. “To have a fling with an old flame who happens to be somewhat famous.”

  Julie couldn’t keep the shock from showing on her face. “That’s awful.”

  “I agree. I’m not into fooling around with another man’s wife.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  He drummed his fingers on the top of the dashboard. “Believe it or not, even people like me have
standards. Thanks for your help. I hope I haven’t delayed you too much. You still have time to go to the mall, don’t you?”

  Julie decided not to comment on his first remark. “You haven’t delayed me at all. I don’t really need to go shopping. My time would be better spent looking for a new car. The one I have is almost eight years old. My dad thinks no woman can be trusted to buy a car on her own. He was planning to come a few weeks ago to shop with me, but he ended up having emergency heart surgery.”

  “How’s he doing?”

  “He should make a full recovery, but right now, he’s limited on what he can do. My mom says he’s the worst patient ever.”

  Eric laughed. “I think all men are bad patients. I know I was when I had my arm surgery. Do your parents live in Columbus?”

  “Yes. They still haven’t forgiven me for not coming back there after college. I love where I grew up, but I wanted to try something new. When I was little, we vacationed on Tybee Island. I fell in love with that area. I really wanted to live there, but besides being too expensive, I couldn’t find a job that suited me. A friend of mine suggested St. Marys, and the rest is history.”

  “I’m totally biased, but I think St. Marys is much nicer than Tybee Island.”

  Julie nodded. “Oh, I do, too, now.”

  “Going back to your car situation, my dad used to own the only dealership in town. That has since changed, but I know most of the guys who work there. I’ll be glad to go with you today or some other time. I don’t doubt you can handle the purchase yourself, but it helps to have someone else along to ask questions.”

  She fidgeted with the bag in her lap. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

  “You didn’t ask me; I volunteered. Do you want to go now?”

  Why was he doing this? Was this his way of thanking her for what she did in Watson’s? She wasn’t above admitting it would be nice to have his assistance. Having a man along had its advantages. Julie glanced at her watch. “I’d like to. I don’t have to pick up Jordan for two hours.”

  “Plenty of time. Are you planning to trade in your car? If so, they’ll want to see it.”

  “My dad always donates his old cars. I’m going to do that, too.”

  “In that case, let’s leave yours here and take mine.”