Strike (Completion Series)

by Holly S. Roberts

  ***

  It was our first airplane flight. I had to ask Maggie what to wear because I really had no idea. Bitsy was ecstatic and even Jon couldn’t hide his excitement. As we walked through the airport, I noticed some of the odd looks he received and I was actually proud. Proud he would be the person he wanted to be and not what society demanded. I could only imagine what he would do to his body after he was eighteen. I could picture the tats and piercings that would add to his uniqueness. To each their own; I would never stop loving him.

  Bitsy chatted non-stop. “How fast do planes go?”

  “I have no idea.” I answered her one hundredth question with just about the same words I’d used since question twenty. I was saved when my name was called to the boarding desk, which surprised me.

  “I’m Jaycee Shumway,” I said to the woman behind the desk.

  “We have a request for your party to meet the captain and see the cockpit of the aircraft you’ll be flying, Ms. Shumway. If you will follow Beverly, she’ll take you aboard.” She smiled at my startled look.

  I waved over Bitsy and Jon and then we followed Beverly down the long ramp to the plane.

  “You can place your bags in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of where you’ll be sitting and then I’ll introduce you to the captain.”

  We quickly stored our bags and I noticed the wider seats and more luxurious accommodations in the front of the large plane. Reed continued to take care of us.

  Beverly knocked on the open cockpit door and the captain turned. “Welcome to my plane. I’m Captain Montague. Reed told me this is your first airplane flight and a certain young lady might want to see the controls and ask a few questions.”

  Oh God, how could I not love Reed Tyler? Bitsy’s questions started up again, but this time almost every one was answered. Jon and I got situated in our seats, him across from Bitsy and me. The captain finally explained to Bitsy that the cockpit door had to remain locked and closed during the flight and it was time for her to find her seat. With a shiny set of captain’s wings on her shirt, she took the inside seat so she could look out the window.

  Maybe if I’d traveled by air earlier in life, I wouldn’t be so scared, but facts were facts: I was terrified. Jon nudged my shoulder and put his fist out. Mine went on top, Bitsy scrambled on my lap and added hers and we finished our ritual. If the Shumways were going down, we’d go down together. I didn’t relax, but I felt better.

  Takeoff was rough for me because of the roar of the engines. Once we were in the air, I settled down, unclenched my fingers, and went back to answering Bitsy’s questions. Thirty minutes later, she nodded off and I followed her into a surprisingly heavy sleep. The descent of the airplane woke me and I placed a death grip on the side arms of my chair again. Jon laughed and Bitsy oohed and ahhed over how fast we were going when the wheels hit the runway. I finally took a deep breath when we landed.

  We grabbed our carryon bags, which Maggie loaned us, and were the first to exit the plane. Reed was waiting outside the security clearance area. He sprinted to us and I was in his arms being kissed in front of my sister and brother before I could stop him. Two seconds into the kiss, I didn’t want to. He pulled away much too soon, shook Jon’s hand, and picked up Bitsy into his arms and asked her about the plane ride.

  “I met Captain Monnag, Mona…”

  “Montague,” Reed answered for her.

  “Yep, him, and he let me touch his controls and told me how he flies the plane. I’m going to be a pilot when I grow up and he said he would help me.” Without taking a breath, she embarrassed me to the tips of my toes. “Are you going to marry my sister?”

  Reed looked at me and winked. “Your sister’s a little on the stubborn side, but maybe someday.”

  Bitsy giggled and went on with talking about the rest of her adventure. I looked everywhere but at Reed; my heart had fallen into my stomach.

  A driver waited out front and delivered us to the hotel. The suite was more of an apartment with three bedrooms and a split-level floor plan. The master bedroom, where Reed took my bag without asking, wasn’t nicer than his house, but it was close. Bitsy’s and Jon’s rooms on the other side of the living area were delightful. Bitsy had several outfits waiting. She was now a Texas Bandits fan, according to her jersey. To make it all come together, the number eight with Tyler above it on the back displayed whom she supported.

  “I got you one too,” Reed whispered in my ear.

  “I’m a number eight fan?”

  “My favorite fan.” He nipped my neck.

  My brother cleared his throat, Reed smiled, and I rolled my eyes.

  “I need to feed you guys and then I’ll show you the pool and other fun stuff the hotel offers.”

  Bitsy also had a Disney princess t-shirt, which she insisted on wearing. I figured it was for Monday, but Reed only smiled and told her she could wear it.

  “While you change clothes, Bitsy, I need to talk to your sister. Will you be okay sleeping in this room alone tonight?”

  Reed never beat around the bush, and I knew my cheeks were red.

  “Where is Jaycee sleeping?”

  “I miss her, so she’s going to stay in my room.”

  Bitsy might be six, but she wasn’t stupid. “You better marry her.”

  “Yeh, I think I better, but remember…stubborn.”

  I actually think he meant it about the marrying part. I’d dwelled on not coming to Florida and ending things while Reed was gone, but changed my mind. I’d already told Bitsy about Disney World and I knew Reed might someday forgive me for leaving him, but he’d never forgive me for breaking Bitsy’s heart. He cared about her, he cared about Jon too. Reed Tyler didn’t run from my baggage.

  He took my hand and walked me into our room, shut the door, and kissed me indecently, his traveling hands finally reaching my breasts. “I missed you way too much, baby, and I know something’s wrong. Tell me.” His lips moved across my jaw to my neck.

  I couldn’t help the stiffening of my body at his words. He moved slightly back, tilting his forehead until it rested against mine. He breathed in deeply, slowly trailed his hands out from under my t-shirt, and released me completely.

  “Talk to me, baby.”

  I wanted to bawl my eyes out, and I couldn’t look at him. “Tonight, Reed, we’ll talk tonight.”

  His palms went to either side of my face and he moved my head until my eyes met his. “You’re not leaving me, Jaycee. We can talk about anything you want, work out any problems, but the end will be the same.”

  My answer came out in a choked whisper, “You don’t know that.”

  “Yes, I do. We’re worth fighting for, and you are going to fight for me. I need you almost as much as Jon and Bitsy need you, maybe in some ways more. We will make this work. Let me feed you and show the kids around, and then we’ll talk. But stop worrying. We are not over.” His lips took mine again.

  How did he know? How could he always decipher my moods and thoughts? His kiss was short but sweet. He took my hand again and we joined Jon and Bitsy.

  “There’s an account set up for you and Jon. You just need to sign the room number and you won’t have a problem. New swimsuits and clothes are a must for everyone. And yes, Jaycee, some of it you can deduct from your pay. Some of it I’m buying because this is a vacation and I invited all of you to join me.”

  I glared. Reed ignored me as he and Jon began discussing the spring training games. I had no idea that some were televised and Jon watched them back at the apartment. Not that I had time to watch ball games, but still, it would have been nice to know. We had Mexican food for dinner it one of the six restaurants at the resort hotel. The place was huge. Reed showed us the pool, a huge game room, and an ice cream and candy shop. We spent an hour in the game room before returning to our suite. Even with her nap on the plane, Bitsy could barely keep her eyes open.

  “I’m heading to bed too,” Jon told us.

  Reed and I went to our room. Before I
could say anything, he hugged me against his warm chest and rocked back and forth. “This is where you belong, baby.”

  It felt so good. I could stay in his arms cuddled against him until I died from lack of sustenance, but it would be a happy death.

  “Come on, let’s get that talk over with.” He pulled me to a loveseat beneath the large window overlooking a huge golf course I’d seen earlier. It was dark now, and small white lights sparkled from all the trees, lighting up the course.

  Avoiding the coming talk wasn’t going to work, but Reed didn’t push. I glanced at him, but had to look away.

  “No,” he said as he took my chin and turned me so I faced him again. “This is eating you alive and you just need to say it.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  I didn’t even breathe, just spoke. “Your mother came to see me.”

  He dropped his hand. “Ah fuck. I’m sorry. I should have known and warned you. I can only picture what she would do and say. Were Jon and Bitsy there?”

  Of course he would worry about them too. That was Reed. “No, and I’m glad. Jon could handle her, but she would have scared Bits.”

  “I’ve dealt with her for years, Jaycee, and I can tell you she’ll lie and manipulate to get exactly what she wants.”

  I gave him a slight smile. “You mean you don’t have a fianceé heading into town?”

  He lifted his hand again and smoothed my hair, using his other hand to trace my lower lip with his finger. “I want a fianceé, but that’s a talk for later. What else did she say?”

  My heart rate picked up, but I refused to give into what Reed offered. “It doesn’t matter what she said. I know a little about your family history. I know your mother married your dad for his money.” I reached my hand up and covered Reed’s. “I know your dad died loving your mother.”

  Reed’s face changed. Sadness showed, maybe a little anger, but he didn’t look away. “I don’t know why he loved her. I know there were times he hated her, but I always knew the love was there too. Their relationship has nothing to do with you and me. I can promise you that.”

  I shook my head. “No, you can’t. It has everything to do with you and me. I want the security your money would bring to Jon and Bitsy. It would change our world. It already has changed it. I’m just like her. But I care for you too and I can’t do it. I can’t take a chance that someday you’ll hate me, but even worse that you might still love me no matter what I did.”

  Now anger flashed across his features and his hand tightened against my head. “You are not her. Nowhere close. She had one agenda when she met my father and it’s been her agenda her entire life. She only cares about herself, never my father, and never me. You’re different. You put Jon and Bitsy before yourself. You take nothing and expect nothing. Don’t ever compare yourself to my mother.”

  I managed to hold back my tears. “We’re from different worlds, Reed. I will never fit into yours. I will drag you down and keep you from finding someone suited to your lifestyle. I…”

  He cut me off. “Bullshit. You’re looking for excuses. All that matters here is that you love me. I love you, Jaycee. I fell in love when you waited on my doorstep and gave me back the balls. I knew it then and I know it now.”

  I had no choice. “I don’t know if I love you. I know I want to.”

  He let me go and stood up so fast my head spun. He stalked across the room, turned, and barreled back, stopped, and bent forward so he spoke inches from my face. “You’re a liar. You’re just afraid to trust what we have.” He reached forward and tangled his hands in my hair, holding me so I couldn’t move. “We are not over, Jaycee. I told you that earlier. I will fight for us if you won’t, and I. Will. Win.”

  I drove the nail deep. “You can’t make me love you, Reed.”

  His devastated look about killed me. “Fuck this, Jaycee. I damn well can.” He pulled me up and slammed his mouth down on mine.

  I responded. I could never hold back from this part of him. I was addicted to his taste. He made sure my lips were swollen and used. Then, he released me.

  “I’m going back to my room with Sal. A car will pick you up tomorrow at noon and take you, Jon, and Bitsy to the stadium. We’ll go to Disney on Monday like planned, but then I’ll arrange for you and me to spend a day alone together. Think about what you’re saying and be ready for a fight.” He turned and walked out the door. He closed it quietly and did the same to the front door.

  I sat on the bed completely stunned. I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t expect him to refuse me leaving him. I told him I didn’t think I loved him and he saw right through me. He always had. I still didn’t get what attracted him to my family. He could have anyone, why shackle himself with us?

  For a second night, I didn’t sleep. I somehow avoided tears, but my eyes were puffy the following morning. We ordered room service and ate at a large table in front of another set of windows overlooking the golf course. I could see rolling fields of green with orange trees along the edge of the course.

  Bitsy talked non-stop and Jon was unusually quiet, casting me furtive glances every few minutes. I finally got a chance to talk to him once Bitsy took a shower.

  “Have you spoken to Reed this morning?” I asked.

  He looked away. “No.”

  “Okay, do I need to guess what the problem is?”

  He faced me, his lips tight, hands clenched. “I heard part of your fight with Reed last night. I didn’t mean to, but once I knew what you were doing, I kept listening. You do love him, but you’re going to ruin your life and I don’t fucking know why. Do you think he doesn’t want us? Is there something you aren’t telling me because you think it’ll hurt my feelings? If we aren’t part of Reed’s package deal, I’ll understand why you can’t just accept what you feel for him. But I don’t think that’s it. I think you’re scared. And hell, Jaycee…Shumways don’t do scared. We don’t run away and we don’t lie.”

  Jon was angry and I didn’t blame him. I was confused and yes, I could admit it…scared shitless. The tears I’d held back rushed to the surface and I covered my eyes and just cried.

  Jon waited me out. He didn’t try to soothe me; he didn’t try to stop my tears. When I finally looked at him, his anger was all but gone.

  “You can’t always do it all, sis. Breaking into Reed’s house was because you were desperate. If you would have talked to me, leaned on me, we would have figured out a way.”

  I laughed through my tears. “It was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done, but it brought me Reed. I can’t regret it.”

  “Then why are you fighting this? You love him. Hell, I’m only fifteen but I can see how much he loves you.”

  Not even Jon could understand my fear. “I don’t want to take advantage of him, use him. He deserves better than what I have to offer.”

  Jon’s mouth tightened. “Thanks, sis, that makes me feel wonderful, and I’m sorry but I don’t think anyone on earth that spent time with Bitsy wouldn’t love her. But go ahead, let us hold you back. We would hate to shackle Reed Tyler with the best family on this earth. We’re Shumways and don’t need anyone for any reason.”

  “You know that’s not what I meant.”

  “But it is what you meant, and now we’re back to you being stupid.” He threw his hands up. “I give up. Maybe Reed can talk some sense into you.” Jon stormed out of the room, but he wasn’t nice like Reed, he slammed his bedroom door as loud as he could.

  Men, you can’t love them and you can’t throw them out of a twenty-second floor window.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  We left the hotel at noon and found ourselves at a medium-sized ballpark, with Bitsy and I dressed in our number eight jerseys. Jon didn’t wear a jersey, but he wore a t-shirt with the team colors, blue and white. He still did the whole dark-eyed sinister thing, but he managed to carry it off and not look ridiculous. I couldn’t remember the last time he wasn’t wearing black outside of the swimming pool. He gave me the cold shoulder and answered wit
h one word whenever he could get away with it, but he’d made his point. I know he didn’t think I would listen or take advice from him, but he had managed to break through the wall I’d put up since Reed’s mother’s visit.

  Tickets were waiting and our seats were above the Bandits’ dugout.

  Chi Chi ran toward us when she saw us approach. “Hey, girlfriend. Long time no see. I figured you didn’t make your flight because of the bad mood your man’s in.” Something must have shown on my face because she followed her statement up with, “Ah, ooh.” She turned to Jon and Bitsy and said hello before dragging us to our seats. “This is so much more laid back than home stadium. I think you’ll like it and it’s a good introduction to the game. We’re closer and can ogle the muscle more from here.”

  I managed a smile. “You’re hopeless.”

  “No, I’m just not dead, and your boy toy is damn hot in his uniform.”

  I wanted to place my hands over Bitsy’s ears, but she seemed wrapped up in the crowd and wasn’t paying attention. I searched the field and found Reed. I had to do a double take. His tight uniform pants hugged every inch of his legs and ass, though I only had a side view. He looked just as mouthwatering as usual, but totally different in other ways. This was Reed in his element. He took his ball cap off, wiped his brow, and adjusted the hat back on his head. The entire time his arm muscles rippled with power. A ball came his way and he scooped it into his glove and threw it across the outfield before turning our way and checking out the stands where we sat. I know he saw us, but he turned back to his warm up without acknowledging we were here.

  “Boy, oh boy, you have that man on edge. He’s usually waving at fans and having a good time. My heart is palpitating just imagining the makeup sex.”

  I nudged her arm. “You’re incorrigible,” I said, not taking my eyes off Reed. Oh God, she was right, he was hot.

  “Come on, Bitsy, let’s hit the snack bar.” Jon took her hand and they left the stands. I’d given him money so he didn’t need to worry about asking.