Stealing Second

by Alison Packard

  Beyond the canopy, the palm trees rustling in the light breeze and the crystal-blue Pacific Ocean provided a spectacular backdrop to a wedding that had been much anticipated ever since the engagement was first announced.

  After a tempestuous beginning, and then a romantic kiss atop the Blaze dugout that went viral, Matt Scanlon and Kelly Maxwell were finally getting married, and many of their friends and family had flown to the island of Kauai to take part in their special day.

  As it turned out, Katherine hadn’t felt the need to contact her doctor for sleeping pills to get her though the long flight. Who needed medication when she had Tom in the seat beside her, distracting her from her fear of flying and making her feel safe?

  The past three months had been a whirlwind of activity. The Blaze had won the western division by one game over the Dodgers, and after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the divisional series, they beat the Washington Nationals in a thrilling National League Championship Series to make it into the World Series. Their second appearance in three years.

  The Blaze faced the New York Yankees in the fall classic, and all the odds-makers, as well as most of the country, had predicted a Yankees sweep. But, just like the last time the Blaze made it to the World Series, the team had risen to the occasion. In front of a packed crowd at Yankee stadium, Trey Gentry held the Yankees to one run, and Matt Scanlon hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give the Blaze the lead in game seven. Trey was pitching so well that Tom kept him in the game, and in the bottom of the ninth inning he struck out three consecutive Yankee batters to give the Blaze their second World Series Commissioner’s Trophy. In addition, Trey was named the MVP of the series, and he’d accepted the award with a humble thank-you. Although he should have been on top of the world, the effect of Ava’s lies still lingered. Trey was a changed man, and Katherine couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever truly put it behind him.

  At the owners meeting at the end of September, the sale of the Blaze to the Texas investor group had been approved. The sale was almost finalized—just in time for Ava McCandless to face charges in Denver for filing a false police report.

  For Katherine, the past three months had been remarkable. Her friendship with Dorie had deepened, and she and Tom, and Dorie and Seth, who were now in a committed relationship, spent a lot of time together. And although Tom still had his apartment, he stayed at her place several nights a week. She was happier than she’d ever been.

  The only cloud on her horizon was her estrangement from her father. Tom had been able to forge a tentative truce with his mother, but Katherine hadn’t been able to do the same. Her father’s betrayal still hurt her deeply.

  A gentle squeeze on her hand pulled her from her thoughts, and she exchanged a quick smile with Tom, who sat beside her, then focused her attention on the ceremony.

  Kelly looked stunning in her simple white sundress, which was a perfect match for the loose white cotton shirt and sand-colored linen pants Matt had chosen to wear. Both wore traditional Hawaiian leis around their necks, and Kelly had carried a small bouquet of blue orchids and white pinwheels as her father walked her to the altar.

  As was Kelly and Matt’s style, the wedding was unpretentious. There was no procession of bridesmaids and groomsmen; only Kelly’s sister, Kayla, and Kayla’s husband, Sean, stood at the altar with Kelly and Matt, serving as matron of honor and best man.

  The rows of white folding chairs set up on the lawn overlooking the ocean were filled with many familiar faces, and Katherine looked forward to the reception, where she could catch up with J.T. and Angie, and mingle with Kelly’s parents, Seth, Dorie and Lily.

  But now, as she listened to Matt and Kelly’s heartfelt vows and inhaled the fragrant scent of tuberose and ginger floating on the breeze, she scooted closer to Tom, and was surer than ever that she’d made the right decision in turning down Adam’s job offer.

  The first day she’d walked into the Blaze front office, ready to begin her summer internship, she’d fallen under the Blaze spell, and almost fourteen years later, that spell remained unbroken. She loved her job with a passion she wasn’t sure she could find anywhere else. So as long as the team wanted her around, she’d stay.

  An hour later, Katherine sat next to Tom under the covered lanai, lit only by tiki torches, where the reception was being held. Actually, it was more of a laid-back party than a formal reception. There had been two toasts, one from Kelly’s father and a joint toast by Kayla and Sean, but after that, the party officially started, and the majority of the guests were now out on the dance floor, where a local DJ currently had them moving energetically to the “Cupid Shuffle.”

  “Are you okay? You’ve been quiet this evening.” Tom reached for her hand and twined her fingers with his.

  Katherine smiled, not surprised by his question. He’d always been able to read her. “I’m fine. How could I not be? I’m in Hawaii at Christmastime with the man I love, and two of my favorite people just got married.” She pointed to her glass. “My only complaint is I’m out of pineapple juice.”

  “I can fix that for you. But first, I need to discuss something with you. It’s important.”

  “Oh, no,” she said, lifting a hand. “If you’re going to try to talk your way out of being the emcee at the Blaze charity auction on New Year’s Eve, forget about it.” She grinned. “You’re lucky you’re not one of the Blaze bachelors being auctioned off.”

  “I have you to thank for that, don’t I?”

  “I thought about putting you in the lineup, but then I’d have to bid on you, and I don’t have anywhere near the amount of cash those San Francisco society women have.”

  “Well, all I can say is, I’m thankful I don’t have to stand up there like a piece of meat and be sold off to the highest bidder.”

  Katherine tilted her head and let her gaze roam over him. He looked delicious in his camel linen suit and white shirt. “On second thought, with your obvious physical attributes, I bet we’d net a large chunk of change. Maybe I should put you in the lineup. The money is for charity, you know.”

  “Charity begins at home, or in our case, in our hotel room. And once we leave this shindig, I’ll be more than happy to show you my obvious physical attributes.” He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss on her mouth. “Free of charge.”

  She let out a delighted laugh. “Now there’s a bargain I can’t refuse.”

  As the “Cupid Shuffle” faded away, the DJ changed the tempo and segued into a slower song. Several unattached guests returned to their table or headed for the open bar on the far side of the tiled lanai, while the rest stayed on the dance floor and paired up.

  “So what did you want to discuss with me?” she asked, wondering what was so important it couldn’t wait until they got back to San Francisco, or at least their hotel room.

  “My lease is up at the end of January. Before I renew it, I thought I would ask you how you’d feel about us living together.” He paused, perhaps taking her silence for uncertainty. “I know I’m at your place ninety percent of the time now, but if I give up my apartment, it would make it official, and I wasn’t sure if you’re ready for that.”

  “I’m ready.” Her heart fluttered with happiness. “I miss you on the nights you stay at your apartment, but I thought you needed a place where you could be alone.”

  “I was alone for seventeen years. I don’t need any more alone time.” His eyes grew tender as he gazed into her eyes. “All I need is you. I love you, darlin’.”

  Overcome with emotion, she leaned forward and kissed him. “I love you too,” she whispered against his lips. “So much.”

  When she pulled back, the tenderness in his eyes had turned into concern. He couldn’t be having second thoughts that quickly. Something else was on his mind.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked.

  “I’m thinking about your father,” he said slowly, as if choosing his words carefully. “I know you’re still angry at him, but don’t you think
it’s time you at least talk to him?”

  “Just because you can forgive your mom, doesn’t mean I can forgive my dad.”

  “I’m a ways from forgiveness, but despite everything she’s done, she’s still my mother, and I love her. I can’t cut her out of my life completely.”

  “Then I guess you’re a better person than I am.” She lifted her chin. “He cost us years, Tom. Years.”

  “Trust me. I know what he cost us. But we’re together now, and other than a few distant cousins, your father is all the family you have left. What if something happened to him? Or what if you lost him and things still weren’t resolved between you? I know you, Katie. You’d be devastated.”

  “I do miss him.” Moisture welled in her eyes. “And even though I hate what he did, a part of me understands that he thought that what he was doing was the best thing for me.”

  “That’s what I focus on when I talk to my mother. Neither my mother nor your father are horrible people. They made a bad decision, and they both regret it.” He squeezed her hand. “I can see this is upsetting you. I’ll drop it, and let you decide how you want to handle it.” He glanced at her glass. “Would you like a refill on that pineapple juice?”

  “Yes,” she said, wiping at the corners of her eyes.

  “Be right back.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek, then stood and made his way toward the bar.

  Katherine stared out at the last vestiges of the sunset and sighed. Kauai was breathtaking, the perfect place for a wedding. Her gaze strayed to the dance floor, and her heart clenched at the love and affection so clearly etched on Kelly’s father’s face as he danced to “What a Wonderful World” with his eldest daughter.

  Tom was right. Her father wouldn’t be around forever. Despite what he’d done, she still loved him. She always would. He was the man who’d loved her unconditionally, who had taught her to ride a bike, and to love baseball. He was the man who had loved her mother with every fiber of his being, and who grieved just as deeply as Katherine had when Aurora Whitton died. He was the man who encouraged her to be whatever she wanted to be, and the man who never failed to tell her how much he loved her. He wasn’t perfect, but then, neither was she.

  Opening her small purse, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found his name. She hit the button and put the phone to her ear. He answered it on the third ring, and hearing his surprised but hopeful voice brought fresh moisture to her eyes.

  “Hi, Dad.” She smiled through her tears. “It’s me. Katie.”

  * * * * *

  Now available from Carina Press and Alison Packard

  THE WINNING SEASON

  the second book in the FEELING THE HEAT series

  When betrayal shatters their trust, winning it all seems more impossible than ever.

  Read chapter one of THE WINNING SEASON:

  About the Author

  Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in every grocery store.

  When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

  Website: http://alisonpackard.com/

  Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1xLdP8f

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alleyfics

  Queue up your eReader with Alison Packard’s Feeling the Heat series!

  LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON

  Feeling the Heat, book one

  “My favorite debut novel of 2012.”—The Book Pushes

  Kayla Maxwell is eager to shed her slasher-flick bimbo image—and she plans to do just that in her new role on daytime’s most popular soap. With a chance to showcase her dramatic range, Kayla will be able to wash away the lingering betrayal and public humiliation left by her controlling, philandering ex-boyfriend.

  THE WINNING SEASON

  Feeling the Heat, book two

  “This was a trifecta for me—a great heroine, a realistic courtship, and the added benefit of a well-integrated backdrop.”—Dear Author, Recommend Read

  Kelly Maxwell has finally landed her dream job as publicist for the San Francisco Blaze. But the team’s newest member, handsome bad boy catcher Matt Scanlon, is refusing every interview. She’s got to get him to open up before the season ends, or she may not be back next year. And after everything she overcame to achieve her dream, Kelly’s not about to let that happen.

  CATCHING HEAT

  Feeling the Heat, book three

  “[CATCHING HEAT] shows great love that is real.”—Harlequin Junkie

  Life has taught Angie DeMarco that all baseball players are womanizers, and her incredible one-night stand with sexy San Francisco Blaze back-up catcher J.T. Sawyer seemed to prove it. Determined not to give in to their sizzling chemistry a second time, she’s kept her distance ever since, focusing on her accounting job with the team. But now she’s laid off…and pregnant.

  BREAKING HIS RULES

  Feeling the Heat, book four

  Losing fifty pounds is an incredible achievement. But for Melissa Atherton, progress doesn’t come with praise—a scathing comment from an evil cousin at a bridal shower threatens to crush her new self-esteem. Who will she bring to the upcoming wedding? Showing up without a date would be humiliating. It just isn’t an option.

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  Cover all of your reading bases with baseball romances from Rhonda Shaw!

  THE CHANGEUP

  Men of the Show, book one

  After nine years of striking out in the dating department, Maddie Hamlin is throwing in the towel. But just as this mom resolves to remain single, she meets sweet and sexy pitching phenom Chase Patton at a family dinner. He’s perfect for her—aside from the fact he’s only twenty-two. An incredible date leads to an incredible night of passion and neither wants to let go of the other. Dating in the media spotlight is a whole new ballgame, but this time she’s playing for keeps.

  THE ACE

  Men of the Show, book two

  “Love ’em and leave ‘em” has been real estate agent Karen Bently’s motto for as long as she can remember. She doesn’t need a man, except to make her toes curl. Or so she thought, until her longtime crush, Ace pitcher Jerry Smutton, sets his sights on her.

  After signing one of the largest baseball contracts in history with the Detroit Rockets, Jerry enlists Karen to help him find the house of his dreams. Their connection is instant and electric, but neither of them is the relationship type. When Jerry proposes a friends-with-benefits arrangement, that suits Karen just fine.

  Passionate sleepovers soon turn into long, romantic evenings… Still, Karen and Jerry refuse to acknowledge they’re a couple. Karen insists that she’s immune to Jerry’s heart-melting charm. Jerry’s not ready to settle down. Denial is the name of the game, until one pitch changes everything…

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  Do you write in the below genres? Harlequin’s Carina Press wants to see your manuscript.

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  The Winning Season

  by Alison Packard

  Chapter One

  “Hey, Maxwell, rumor has it you like it hard and fast.”

  Kelly Maxwell tightened her batting glove around her wrist and gave the opposing team’s smart-ass catcher a smirk. “Actually, I like it slow and delivered with finesse. Something you know nothing about.” She pulled her favorite bat out from under her arm and stepped up to home plate. “Rumor has it,” she added with a grin.

  “Come on, Kel. Get a hit.” The feminine voice belonged to her roommate, Stacia Lindstrom, who, while not on Kelly’s coed softball team, occasionally tagged along to—in her words—supply moral support to the team. In reality, though, the only reason Stacia bothered to show up was to meet hot guys.

  “Who’s your friend?” the catcher, Kevin, an investment banker who worked in the financial district, asked after casting a lingering glance at Stacia, who, despite the cool San Francisco summer evening, wore a skimpy top that left little to the imagination.

  “Out of your league,” she said, getting into her batting stance as Kevin crouched down behind home plate.

  “Ouch. Seriously, can you introduce us?”