“Spencer,” I tap his arm. “I have to get up.”
He mumbles something, but let’s me go.
I scoot off the bed and send a quick text to Claire to make sure she brings everything I ask for Spencer this morning. I take a hot shower and get ready for my day. It’s going to be a long one, but I feel different for some reason.
Maybe it’s the sleep?
When I walk out of my bathroom, Spencer is facing me, but still asleep. I softly sit on the edge of the bed and study him. His coal black hair is a little longer and falls onto his forehead. His long thick lashes make me jealous, but make his steel-gray eyes stand out more. The sheet is low on his waist, and his hard chest and abs of steel make me want to wake him up and have sex, but instead, I kiss his forehead and head downstairs.
I’m gathering up my files and laptop when Claire comes in.
“Oh my God,” she gasps.
“What?” I furrow my brow at her.
“You look…radiant.”
“So, I normally look like shit?” I deepen my frown at her.
“Oh no, I mean you look rested. The past couple weeks you have seemed more tired than usual.”
“Well,” the frown disappears and the smile forms. “I’m good now.” It’s because of Spencer.
My boyfriend,
Yes, I’m taking a massive leap off the cliff of relationships, but it feels right. Telling him I love him last night was the best and scariest decision I’ve ever made.
“I brought everything you asked for.” My assistant heads to the kitchen, and I follow her. Claire goes over my schedule for today and I nod along with her. “And the contracts for Heidi Johnson went out this morning.”
“What are you doing with Heidi?”
Claire and I turn to see Spencer walking over to us at the counter.
“I’m now a silent partner for Above a Dream Salons,” I answer, handing him his coffee and bear claw. “She wanted to expand but the bank didn’t believe in her, and I did.”
Spencer nods. “Good morning, Claire.”
“Hi.” She beams and continues to stare at him.
I stifle a laugh as I lean down to her. “Claire, why don’t you wait in the car with Larry? I’ll be there in a few moments.” I hand her my bag and laptop before she finally nods and heads off.
“Are you freaking out about spending the night?” Easing into a question isn’t what I want to do right now.
“I’m okay, right now.” He tells me the truth. I remember the last time he spent the night. Panic was all over his face.
“I have a lot to do today, but would you like to have a date tonight? We can do it here if you don’t want to go out in public.” He may have some sort of break down if I take him in public. Then again, he’s been out to events with me before, but those were different.
“We can go out in public. I have practice and then I need to work out. Then of course, my contract is being signed today. Are you going to be there?”
I shake my head. “No. I’ve seen it though, if that makes a difference.”
He smiles. “Do I have you to thank for the pay increase?”
“Nope, I left it up to my GMs.” I peck his cheek. “I need to go. Text me when you’re done working out, and I’ll make sure we can work out a time to grab dinner.”
He kisses me fully on my lips. “Okay. I promise.”
The entire day runs smoothly and my cheeks hurt from the smile that still hasn’t left my face. Spencer sent me a text saying six would be a perfect time to get together. I suggested the steakhouse and he agreed, although, I don’t know what we’ll do after. I’m hoping sex for sure and I know he’s a sure thing.
Claire tells me about my schedule for tomorrow, and I make sure I’m ready for it all. But right now, I want to go home and get ready for my date. I tell Larry that Spencer is going to pick me up tonight. He doesn’t seem to like it very much, but he nods.
I walk into my house and hit the shower first. I put my hair up instead of keeping it down. I find a short, but not too short, white skirt, and a red halter-top. I grab my red heels, the ones I know makes my legs look fabulous. I keep my makeup light, the way Spencer likes it, and the doorbell rings.
“Well, hello, Spencer.” He stands there in dark jeans, dark gray button down, with his sleeves rolled up and a blue tie. “You’re a hot piece of ass.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think it’s proper to say such things on a first date.”
“Ha, then you better get ready for a lot of wrong things tonight.” I slide my hands up his chest and tug on his tie, bringing his lips to mine. “Maybe I should be punished before we go out?”
“Damn darlin’, I have missed you.” He kisses me and my knees grow weak. “If we keep this up, we’ll never leave this spot.”
I giggle. “Let’s go.” I grab my clutch and lock up the house as I follow Spencer out to his car.
He opens the door for me, and I kiss his cheek before sliding in. After he gets in on his side, I study his face as he drives off toward downtown. I’m not sure if he’s happy, mad, or just baffled about what’s happening.
When don’t talk until we reach the steakhouse. I’m beginning to think this is a horrible idea, and he’s going to run screaming in the other direction at any moment. This is going to be the worst night ever.
He valets the car and holds my hand as we stroll into the restaurant. I greet the hostess, who already knows who I am since Gardner Enterprise owns half of this place. She immediately seats us at a table in the far back corner where there aren’t many people around. I like it because it gives us more privacy.
Spencer holds my chair out for me, and I kiss his cheek before sitting down. When he sits, he glances around us nervously and stares down at the utensils to his left and right.
“Talk to me.” I bring his attention back to me.
“What about?” He doesn’t look at me.
“Anything and everything.”
He finally pulls his gaze away from the table and up to me. “Well, I worked out a lot today, and my contract is officially signed. I’m an Angel for another two years; however, I have to bring up my batting average before the next mid-season or my ass might be traded.”
I take his hand and smile. “I have faith that you can do it.”
“I talked to Blake, and he said he’d help me out.” He sounds hopeful.
“I’m glad and he’s the greatest to take advice from.”
He nods as the waiter comes up and Spencer looks at the wine list. He orders a bottle of red wine and an appetizer for us. I like him taking control a bit. It’s nice.
When the waiter leaves, I catch Spencer rubbing his forehead. “What’s wrong?”
“This is a date, and I’m not sure what to do.”
“Spence, you’re an adult and we’ve been around each other for months now. We know how to talk to each other.”
He rolls his eyes, “That’s different. Most of the time we’re in bed and it’s after sex.”
“Not true.” I scold him. “We’ve talked outside of the bed.” I take his hand. “We can do this.”
“You’re right.” He smiles. “We can do this.”
The waiter comes back, pours the wine for us, and we give him our order. When he leaves, I watch Spencer wipe his hands on his thighs and sits higher in the seat. He takes a large gulp of wine and, when he places it down, he notices me staring at him.
“Why are you nervous? I’m pretty sure your tongue has been on every part of my body.”
“Because something bad is about to happen.”
“What?” Before I can look in the same direction he is, my parents, along with Sofia and Blake seem to appear in front of our table. “Well…fuck,” I mumble as I stand and Spencer does as well. “Mom, Dad, Sofia, and Blake how outstanding to see you.” I hug my parents and sit back down.
“Hello, Spencer.” Mom beams.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, how are you both?”
“We’re well. Thank you
for asking.” My dad answers, but looks at me. I’m not sure what his expression is saying, because I’m staring at my wine.
“Would you all like to join us?” Spencer offers, and I almost get whiplash looking up at him.
“No.” Sofia and Blake quickly rescue him.
“Thank you for the offer, Spencer, but we have a table over here,” Sofia continues more calmly.
He nods, and I tell them goodbye and watch them walk to a table still in our line of sight.
“We can leave,” I whisper.
“No, we’re on a date,” he says more confidently.
Yes, we are, I thought. “Tell me about your day.”
This launches Spencer into a detailed story of practice and working out. Of course, even though I did listen to him, my mind mainly thought about his hot ass body lifting weights.
“What about your day?” he asks as our food comes.
“Oh you know, contracts, people bitching about my decisions, and then I spent most of my day answering email. I can barely contain the fun I had.” I cut into my steak.
“Don’t lie, you love every moment of it.” He calls me out, and I shrug, hiding my smile. “You’re such a workaholic.”
“I might be. A little bit.” I giggle. “Your mother said she was marrying at the end of October. I’m assuming you’re going?”
“Of course. Martin doesn’t seem too bad, but then again, I’m making sure she has a prenup, and I sure as hell am making sure it’s locked-tight.”
“I am in complete agree with that. It’s sweet of you looking out for your mom.”
“Why wouldn’t I? She’s my mom and always been there for me.”
“She told us how much she sacrificed for you and it’s still sweet.” I lean over closer to him. “It’s a turn on to any girl when a guy is nice to his mama.”
He mirrors my pose. “I didn’t think I had any trouble turning you on.”
“Oh, you don’t. Trust me, but I bet you I can still get you off faster.”
There’s a glint in his eyes. “How much?”
“What?” I pull away and fake gasp. “You want me to give you money? For shame, Spencer. For shame.”
He shakes his head with a brilliant smile on his face. “Afraid you might lose a few bucks?”
“Nope. I can guarantee the results.” I slowly lick my lips.
“Really?” The lust in his eyes grows.
“Most definitely.”
Our stare down continues until the waiter comes over; he doesn’t get a chance to even ask anything as Spencer says, “We need the check.”
The waiter nods, and I tell Spencer I’ll say goodbye to my parents. “I’ll come over when I finish paying.”
As I walk over, Sofia and Mom look like snipers and ready to fire off questions. I know they are dying to ask about everything.
“Harmony, it looks like you’re having fun.” Sofia smiles.
“Calm down or you’ll turn into Mom, and she may burst in about two seconds.” I glance over at my beaming mother.
“You’re dating.” Mom’s cheeks have got to hurt.
“If you start wedding planning, I’m never speaking to you again.” I roll my eyes.
“I’m just so proud of you.” Mom leans against my dad. “Isn’t this great, Art? Our princess is dating and at thirty.”
“When did Mom get a sense of humor?” I ask Sofia, who laughs.
Spencer comes up behind me and places his hand low on my back. “It’s been nice see you all.” He nods to my family.
Of course they say the same to him, and we’re off to the car. I think someone wants to see if I can win the bet.
Needless to say, I won the bet.
I take a large bite of the cheesy pizza as Sofia continues asking me questions about my date with Spencer.
“We went to dinner, back to my place, and then fucked until I passed out. Nothing more.”
“You could have left out the last part.”
“About me passing out? I figured you would want to know about my restful night of sleep.” I joke with her and she shakes her head at me.
She’s about to say something else but is interrupted by a knock on her office door. Ramona, the human resources director, walks in with a very attractive older woman. She has dark brown hair and beautiful dark brown eyes.
“Ms. Gardner,” Ramona looks right at me. “I wanted to introduce you to Piper McCay, she’s the new medical receptionist.”
The stunning woman comes up to me, holding out her hand. “Ms. Gardner, it’s a pleasure.”
I stand up and shake her hand. “Please, call me Harmony. It’s great to meet you as well.”
Ramona introduces Piper to Sofia and asks if she can show her to her desk and such since she has a meeting.
“I’d love to.” Sofia smiles and Ramona leaves the three of us alone.
“Piper, have you been a medical receptionist before?” I ask. I’m hoping Ramona took my advice and hired someone with experience.
“I was a medical assistant for many years and then an RN, but I’m forty-five now and need something different before I ended up going through a midlife crisis,” Piper answers me honestly.
“You and I are going to get along just fine.” I smile up at her.
Another knock comes from the locker room side of room and Tanner pops his head in. “I need a godly touch.” He stops in his tracks and stares at Piper.
“Tanner this is Piper McCay. She’s our new receptionist.” Sofia introduces them.
“Hello Tanner.” Piper holds out her hand for Tanner, but he’s still just standing there.
“Yo, Kid,” I yell, and he jumps.
“Sorry,” he blurts out. “I’m just taken aback by your beauty.” He shakes her hand.
“Such a charmer.” Piper drops her hand and steps back.
“You have stolen my heart.” He steps up close to her and she looks at me.
“He’s for real?” Raising one eyebrow, Piper looks at me.
“He’s harmless, but does stick his foot in his mouth often. It’s fun to watch.” I giggle.
Before anyone else can make fun of him, Blake, Spencer, and Roman come in, and Sofia lets them all know about Piper. Those three are much more mature in their greeting to her, but I can’t let Tanner’s go.
I pick up another piece of pizza, and Spencer comes over to me, taking it from me. “Hey!”
He takes a large bite and hands it back to me. “Thanks.”
I take it from his hands with a pissed off look, but not really upset at all. “The kid is trying to flirt with Piper and failing at it.”
“I was not failing,” Tanner guffs.
“Well, it wasn’t very good,” Piper chimes in, making everyone laugh. “But maybe next time will be better for you.” She actually pats his back.
“Piper, you’re going to fit in perfectly here.” Roman smiles at her and Blake nods in agreement.
“Come on, Piper, I’ll go ahead and show you around.” Sofia stands and heads around her desk. “Harmony, you have a meeting.”
I sigh. “I know. I know.” I take another bite of the pizza before tossing it back in the box. “Bye guys.” I grab my purse and stand. “Good luck with the flirting, Tanner.” I wink at him and give Spencer a smile before heading out the door and down the hall.
“Harmony.”
I turn as I call for the elevator. “Spencer.”
He doesn’t say anything but grabs my face and give me a big kiss. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Maybe? What do you have planned?”
“Well, I have a game to play, but I thought I’d stay the night again.”
I smile, thinking of waking up in his arms again. “Sure, I think that’ll work.”
He kisses me again and out of the blue says, “I love you, Harmony.”
My heart stops, and I forget to breathe. He said it. He really said it to me. “I love you, Spencer.”
He turns and jogs back to the locker room, and I get on the elevator
with my lips still tingling.
I have my jean shorts on. My Angels jersey has my name and the number one on the back. My hair is high in a ponytail, since the June heat is killing me right now. I sit back in the owner’s box, but I’m not alone this time. I invited all the wives and girlfriends, along with the kids to join me. The box is the biggest of all the boxes, and I thought it would be nice. I even made Claire and Piper come too.
There’s noise, laughter, and joyous fun is keeping the smile on my face.
My Angels family.
Not to mention this is an intense game. All of us are on the edge of our seat as the ninth inning begins. We’re tied with the current number one team of the west. We could potentially face them in the finals. It’s tied at four; Tanner is on second and Spencer is at the plate.
I cover my face with my hands because I can’t watch, but I’m peeking through my fingers. I want him to hit a home run so badly. But we all know he’s still not the strongest batter yet. I know he’s been trying hard to get better, but it’s still a struggle for him.
I take a deep breath and watch the pitcher rev back and release the ball. Spencer holds for a quick beat and then swings. I jump to my feet, yelling as it sails all the way back to the far right field and right over the wall.
“Yes!” I scream, clapping as Tanner and Spencer run the bases; the rest of the Angels team crowd the plate, waiting for him. Pride fills me as my boyfriend’s face glows.
I love him.
He’s mine.
I’m his.
***
About the Authors
LINDSAY PAIGE IS a romance author from North Carolina who has published YA, NA, and Sports romances of her own. She is a huge hockey fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and loves read. When not writing, Lindsay is focused on completing college.
MARY SMITH WAS born in Chicago, Illinois, but currently lives in West Virginia. She is an avid reader, co-founder of Book Nerds Across America, and author of NA, Paranormal, Sports, and other romances. She goes nowhere without her cell phone or Kindle. Mary loves anything to do with Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Sharp, and hockey related!!
DESPITE THEIR LOVE for different teams and players, Lindsay and Mary write sports romances to vicariously live through their characters and their experiences with these hot athletes. Together, they have written The Penalty Kill trilogy, Oh Captain, My Captain series, and The Ninth Inning series.
Spencer (The Ninth Inning: Season Three #8) Page 16
