The pitcher nods at his catcher and I tighten my grip on the bat. He throws one fast. The resounding crack of the ball connecting with my bat causes my heart to beat twice as fast with adrenaline. I take off for first, seeing the white blur of the ball still high in the air, and round for second. The fans cheer like crazy, so I know Colby made it home. The ball gets thrown in just as I halt on third.
God, that felt good. I know my grin speaks for itself on how I’m feeling right now. Trent, our second baseman, strikes out, but Roman, our left fielder, gets me home. Oh, yeah. Today’s game is going to be good.
Hector slaps on me the shoulder as I enter the dugout. “You’re hopeless, Grumpy.” I tilt my head at him, unsure of what he means. “You’re going to turn into a love sick puppy like Felix if you keep making googly eyes at your girlfriend every time you walk onto the field. You’re Grumpy, for God’s sake. You keep right on and I’ll have to think of a new nickname for you.”
For a moment, I don’t say anything because I’m a little distracted at his use of the word girlfriend. I hadn’t really given much thought about a label for Sofia and me, only that she’s mine and I’m hers. Snapping out of it because I’m not really bothered by it, I chuckle.
“Don’t worry, I’m still Grumpy at my core.”
He shakes his head at me and our focus shifts back to the game. We do really well, everyone being able to connect with a pitch, but the heat is sweltering. We’re down to the last inning and we’re ahead. There’s a runner on first and second. All we need is one more out and we win. Felix is standing on the mound, not agreeing with any of my signals. The runner on second keeps itching farther and farther away from the base, so I lift my chin slightly to alert Felix.
He glances at him before focusing on me as I flex my fingers for a fastball. Finally. Felix rears his arm back and throws. The ball is practically in my glove by the time the batter is halfway through his swing. The umpire shouts strike and I breathe out with relief at the game being over. We won and some cool air-conditioned air is waiting for us in the locker room.
The cold air doesn’t seem to help much and I already know a cold shower is what I’ll need for me to wash off all the heat and sweat. Hector slaps Felix on the shoulder and teases, “About time you learned how to pitch a decent game.”
Before Felix can reply, I chuckle. “He doesn’t deserve the credit. His lucky charm showed up. Give her our thanks,” I tell him.
He just smiles. I’m eager to get out of here, see Sofia, and have dinner with my mom. She hasn’t talked to me today and I want to make sure she’s still doing well. Before my shower, I text Sofia to see if she’s going to wait and just ride with me or if she’s meeting me there.
My answer is me finding her standing outside the locker room. I can’t help but grin.
“You played well and you’re smiling. I almost don’t know what to do with you,” she says.
“I’m sure we can come up with something later,” I reply, taking her hand and leading her outside to my truck. “Did you and your father enjoy the game?”
“Yeah, we did. It’s good to see y’all more in sync than you have been lately. You didn’t look as if your ribs were bothering much either.”
I laugh softly to myself.
“What?” she asks.
“I just knew you’d bring it up.”
The small talk continues until I reach Mom’s new home. She smiles as she opens the door and sees us. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a smile like that on my mom’s face before. I hug her and kiss her cheek before letting her hug Sofia. With one look, I know she’s feeling as relieved as I am to be away from Jack.
It doesn’t matter what’s coming down the road when he does find her. We’re enjoying the fact that she’s free right now. Mom laughs more than she has in years and if she wasn’t already smitten with Sofia, tonight seals it for her. I know because when she hugs me before we leave, she whispers, “Don’t let her go, Blake. She’s good for you.”
“I know. Call me if you need me, okay?” I tell her as I pull away.
“You know I will. Go on and get some rest.” She turns to Sofia. “Maybe we can have lunch soon?”
“Absolutely,” Sofia replies.
With that, Mom shoos us away. I worried about how she might do on her own without someone around, even if it was Jack, but she seems fine. Once we’re in the truck, I look at Sofia.
“Am I taking you home?”
“Yes, but only so I can get my car and some clothes. Then, I’ll come over.” We’re comfortably quiet on the way to her house and then she gives me a kiss before promising to see me shortly.
Sofia makes good on her promise, showing up about an hour after I get home. We’re sitting on the couch, some reality show she turned to on the TV, when she breaks our silence.
“What did your mom say to you? You said I know, and I’m nosey.”
I glance down at our hands, which are resting on my leg. “She told me not to let you go and that you’re good for me.” I turn my head to see her reaction.
“Aw, I’m touched. What do you think?”
“You heard me tell her I know, so clearly I agree. You might even be too good for me.”
“Wow, look at this. Blakey is opening up and all of these feelings are pouring out. Soon, we’ll be talking about long walks on a beach and having candlelit dinners.”
I laugh. “That might be a stretch for me. You might want to stop mocking me or I might never open up again.”
“I’ll just have Hector come over here and nag you into opening up.” She winks and I groan.
“Don’t do that.” I pause, thinking about the time I’ve spent with Sofia, how good my life has turned out since I met her. “You are good for me, Sofia.”
“Well, I hate to say it, but I think you’re good for me too. I really like how far we’ve come in the past few months. It means a lot to me that we both care for each other so much.”
I smile and lean over to kiss her cheek. Before I pull away, I whisper, “I love you, Sofia, and I’m happy you’re here with me.”
She tenses and pulls back from me. I can’t read her, which worries me. “Blake, you love me?” I nod. She doesn’t say anything for a moment. “I figured out that I loved you when I was on vacation. I didn’t want to say it because I didn’t want to scare you away. I’d rather you and I remain friends than never speaking to you again. You mean a lot to me, Blake. More than anyone else who’s come through my life. I don’t know what it is about you, but I love you, too.”
My heart soars with relief and happiness. I don’t know what it is about her either. Maybe it isn’t anything specifically. It’s everything. She’s everything. I smile at her, stand, and lead her to the bedroom.
I WAKE UP and I try to move, but I’m in my Blake cocoon. His strong arms are wrapped around me, holding me flush against him. I lift my head and he looks peaceful as he sleeps. His full lips are slightly parted and his long eyelashes sweep onto his cheek. He looks happy. I’m not sure if it’s because his mother is safe, the fact he expressed his feelings to me last night, or all the sex.
I slowly reach up and run my finger along his jaw, feeling the rough stubble along it. I lift a bit and place a soft kiss on the cleft of his chin. He quietly moans and his hazel eyes are bright when he opens them.
“Hi.”
He smirks and tucks me under his chin. “Why are you awake? We don’t have to be up for another hour.”
“I woke up,” I mumble into his chest.
“Go back to sleep.” He softly runs his hand up and down my bare back.
“I’m awake, Blakey. Let me up and I’ll make us some breakfast.”
“Mmm, pancakes.”
I giggle. “If you want pancakes, then you’ll have to let me go.”
“Fine,” he grumbles and releases me.
I roll out of the bed and grab his t-shirt from the floor and head off to the bathroom. I have my items already laid out on the counter and I try to hold back my smile beca
use it looks like it belongs there. Blake loves me, and I softly giggle in the empty bathroom as I think of his words last night.
I quickly get ready and head downstairs to make Blake some pancakes. I’m not the world’s greatest chef, but I can whip up something for him. I’m making the batter when he walks in. His red flannel boxers hang low on his hips as he gives me a quick kiss.
“Coffee is ready for you.” I point over to the coffee maker. “Did you sleep okay? I was trying to give you enough room because your bruises still must be hurting.”
“Stop worrying about it, Sofia. I barely know they’re there anymore. I had too much room, really. That’s why I made sure you were closer this morning.”
“I’m not sure if I can handle all this lovey-doveyness from you. Where’s my tough Blakey?”
“He’s here, and he’s demanding you hurry the hell up with my pancakes.”
“Ah, there he is.”
I serve him the pancakes, smothered in butter and maple syrup. We eat in silence, but it’s not uncomfortable. I enjoy being in Blake’s house. It feels like home to me. I push thoughts of our relationship moving any further out of my mind. I don’t want to rush anything with Blake.
“I’m going to meet your mother for lunch today. Do you want to meet up for dinner?” I ask as we clear up the dishes and mess I made.
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
I give him a quick kiss and then head upstairs to get ready. Apparently, Blake thinks he’s being cute and joins me in the shower. I giggle and squirm as he kisses and teases me, but eventually, we clean up and head out.
I follow his truck all the way to the stadium. When we park, Blake slips me a quick kiss and we head off in two different directions. My smile stays on my face through Colby’s and Trent’s appointments. I’m even ahead on my paperwork and emails, which is a rarity for me lately.
I glance at the clock and realize that it’s time for me to head to Caroline’s house. I hear the laughter and crude jokes from the other side of the door from the players’ locker room. It’s a nice sound to hear.
There’s not much traffic on the road, which surprises me since it’s a pretty day. I hit the buzzer and tell Caroline I’m here. She opens the gates and I drive the rest of the way to her house.
“Sofia, I’m so glad you made it.” She greets me at the door.
“Of course, Caroline.” I smile and hug her as I walk into her house.
“It’s been forever since I’ve entertained in my home. Well, I mean, Jack didn’t allow for my friends to come over. All this is so new.” She looks nervous.
I touch her hand. “It’s only me. We’re going to have a grand time, okay?” I smile at her.
“Yes, of course, you’re right. Here, let’s sit.” We walk over to the small kitchen table. “I know that you need to get back to work soon. I hope soup and salad is okay?”
“Sounds delicious and don’t rush on my account. I scheduled Blake as my first appointment back, so if I’m a little late, he’ll understand.” I laugh it off.
“Well, I don’t want to get you into trouble.” She places a basket of bread on the table and a large bowl of salad with a couple of empty bowls. She goes back to the stove and ladles out some soup and carries it over to me.
“You don’t have to do all of this, Caroline. A simple sandwich would have been fine. I usually have peanut butter and jelly when I pack my lunch.”
She waves her hand. “It’s no trouble. I’m happy to be cooking something simple. Jack always had to have such lavish meals,” she pauses. “When he was on the road, Blake and I would order out or make something together. I don’t think my teaching skills worked a lot. He orders out more than anyone I know.” She shakes her head.
“Oh, he does okay. It’s mainly because he’s on the road so much,” I defend him.
“True.”
We eat for a few moments in silence. “Caroline, this soup is really good.”
“It’s one of Blake’s favorites. I would always make it for him when he was sick. I haven’t made it in a long time because Jack doesn’t like tomato soup, but I’m glad you are enjoying it.” She seems pleased.
“If you don’t mind, may I ask a personal question?” It’s none of my business, but I’m curious about her life.
“You can ask anything you want.”
“Why did you stay?”
Caroline sits her spoon down and looks out the window that shows off her small backyard. “I loved him and I thought I could change him. Then after Blake came, I tried to leave, but it was always worse when I did, so I stayed. Blake grew up, and he tried so hard to protect me, but I didn’t want him to get hurt. I wanted him to go far away to college, but my son stayed near me.” She stops talking and I know how hard this is for her.
“He’s a great man. You raised an amazing son, Caroline.”
“Blake loves you. You have opened his eyes to a whole new world. He’s kept people at arm's length all his life, but you broke him down.” She smiles at me. “Thank you for that.”
I blush at her words. “I wanted to help and just be his friend, but it grew from there.”
“His eyes light up when he talks about you. The first time we talked about you, after he dropped the bomb at that lunch, I could tell then. You’re different and different is what he needs.”
“Thank you, Caroline. It means a lot to me that we have your blessing.”
She pats my hand and changes the subject to my shoes. Soon, we begin talking about new fashion trends and why we hate skinny jeans on guys. I laugh, as does she, and it’s sweet seeing the same smile that Blake has. I have a feeling there hasn’t been much laughter in the Foster home with Jack there.
I help her clean up, even though she tells me not to. She tells me stories of Blake and his love for baseball. Caroline even tells me a few embarrassing stories of Blake, even though they aren’t as bad as my parents could tell about me.
We both jump when the pounding on the door begins. All the color fades from Caroline’s face as Jack begins yelling from the other side.
“Caroline, I know you’re in there! You open this door right now!”
“Oh, no.” Caroline’s eyes fill with tears and she’s shaking like leaf in the wind.
“I’m going to call the police.” I grab my cell.
“No.” She stops me. “Call Blake first.”
The pounding continues. “I’m not leaving until I have you in the car and back home!”
“How did he find me?” She sniffles and I quickly dial Blake’s number.
“Hey, Sof—”
“Blake, I’m at your mother’s house. Jack’s outside. He’s found her,” I cut him off and rush out my words.
“Fuck!” His shout causes me to move my ear back. “I’m on my way. Don’t let him in the house.” He hangs up as Jack begins to kick at the door, trying to knock it open.
“Sofia, go upstairs and hide in the spare room closet. I’ll keep him down here.”
“No,” I tell her firmly. “I’m not leaving your side. I will not let you get hurt.”
“Sofia.” She tries to push me toward the stairs, but Jack gains access to the house by kicking the door in.
“Caroline.” He looks like a wreck and I can smell the alcohol from over here. His shirt is wrinkled as are his pants. The shirt is untucked and his belt is loosened. “You need to get your ass into the car and fucking get home.”
Caroline pulls me behind her and stares at Jack. “I’m not coming with you, Jack, and you need to leave. You’re drunk and causing a scene in front of company.”
“Oh, looky here. Sofia Gardner. I do believe you owe me a date.”
My stomach turns as he staggers closer to us. “Mr. Foster, why don’t you have a seat? I can get you some coffee.” I’m trying to keep him away from Caroline until Blake shows up. Shit, I didn’t get a chance to call the police. I hope Blake did it for us.
“Do I look like I need to take orders from a fucking bitch like you? Do I?” he sc
reams louder.
“Jack, stop it. You’re drunk and you need to leave. This is Blake’s house,” Caroline says louder.
“Blake? That bastard son of mine bought you a fucking house?”
“Yes. I’m staying here and you’re not welcome.” Caroline lifts her chin and I feel a small sense of pride that she’s standing up to him.
“Not welcome? You’re my wife. You’re mine, and don’t think for one second that I’m going anywhere. Now, get in the car.” Jack takes a step toward us, but we step back. “Did you think I wouldn’t find you? Did you really think I wouldn’t come and collect what was mine? Did you?”
“Jack, you need to leave. I’m sure the neighbors have already contacted the police. You don’t want your name in the paper for this,” she continues to reason with him.
“I am Jack Foster! My name isn’t going to be in any paper because I’m fucking Jack Foster. I control everything in this town!” His voice is growing more hoarse as he yells louder at us.
“Jack.” Before Caroline can say anything else, he lunges for her. She quickly moves me out of his way, but he’s able to grab her wrist.
I gasp as he tugs on her arm and she screams out in pain. I can’t let anything happen to her. I yell Jack’s name and push hard on his chest. He stops for one second, but lifts his hand in the air. It’s as if I’m seeing it in slow motion as the swing comes down toward Caroline’s face. I jump in between them and he connects with my jaw. I scream out in pain and fall to the floor.
I clutch the side of my face and try to rise back to my feet. When I look up, Jack has Caroline up against the wall, still yelling at her. My vision is blurry and I can’t keep my balance and fall back to the floor. I blink several times and I think I hear sirens. I definitely can hear Caroline’s screams.
Blake (Season One: The Ninth Inning #2) Page 15
