Star-Crossed in the Outfield (All About the Diamond #4)

by Naomi Springthorp

  First pitch: Low strike on the inside corner.

  Second pitch: Swinging strike, low below the strike zone.

  Third pitch: Ball inside.

  Fourth pitch: He hits the ball foul.

  Fifth pitch: Ball high and inside.

  I watch his lean back like the 90 mile per hour fast ball didn’t just miss his chest by an inch. I could see his jersey move from the force of the ball and I’m sitting up in the booth. Chase doesn’t even step out of the batter’s box, he simply waits for the next pitch. He has a calmness about him when he’s at bat that I can’t understand. How can you be calm when somebody is lobbing fastballs at you? The count is 2 and 2.

  Sixth pitch: The ball is low on the outside corner and he smacks it, grounding it up the center. Base hit.

  He’s safe on first base, I don’t have to worry about him getting hit by the ball anymore. I realize I haven’t been breathing when I announce the next hitter, Jones Mason, and I sound like an out of breath frog. Chase has a large lead off first and he’s leaning toward second when I see him communicating with Mason at bat. I hear Michelle chanting, “Mason, Mason, Mason, Mason.” Mason turns his foot in the clay, digging in, and Chase takes off for second on the pitch. Mason chopper’s the ball through the center of the diamond and over the second baseman’s head. Mason’s safe on first and Chase is running to third, diving in to reach the base before the throw from right center field. He’s safe. He stands up and dusts off, shaking his pants to get the dirt out or rearrange his jockstrap. I’ve always wondered what they’re actually doing and I’ve never asked. I assume they get dirt in their pants and that can’t be comfortable. That could lead to dirty peen. Why am I thinking about his peen? Focus! I announce Kris Martin as he walks up to the plate and I hear “Lights Out” by Royal Blood rock the stadium. He’s swinging the bat as he steps into the batter’s box and the first pitch is wild, slamming against the wall behind home plate and caroming toward the dug out. Chase steals home, scoring the first run of the game and gets high fives from his teammates as he walks through the dugout. He turns and looks up at me, grinning. I don’t know why he’s looking at me. I wish he wouldn’t. I’m trying to work. I simply smile, annoyed, and he blows me another kiss. Damn it, if I don’t want to catch it! My mind wanders. Maybe he’s right. Maybe if I was with him, it would be better. He wouldn’t be a distraction, he’d be my—my what? Boyfriend? Fuck buddy? Booty call? Baseball player. He’s always going to be a baseball player and I’m not interested in baseball players! Unless, maybe I am. No. No, I’m not interested in baseball players. I wonder if he has a brother who does advertising or sales or something other than being a baseball player. That’s stupid, he wouldn’t be hot then. I might as well give in, so I can get to the part where he breaks my heart and I can move on.

  I get my mind back on my job and hitting my marks for the announcements. I’m doing a great job until the end of the second inning when I announce Cross is at bat again. The pitcher, Rhett Clay, is on first and Lucky Lucine is on third, with two out. Chase is first pitch hunting and not his normal ground ball to get on base. I could hear it off the bat. It was clean with a ring to it and I watched it land in the visitors bullpen, easily 415 feet on his home run hit. I want to jump out of my chair and scream out his name, but I maintain myself. He looks up at me when he steps on home plate and gives me a thumbs up. I smile and give him a thumbs up back. I don’t know why. I shouldn’t be encouraging him like that.

  The rest of the game goes quick. Easy plays and nobody getting on base. Chase came up to bat in the fifth inning, but struck out. When he was at bat in the eighth he walked, but nobody brought him home to score. Then in the top of the ninth inning when the Seals were ahead 5-4 with two outs and ready to win this game, the pinch hitter for the opposing team hits one far into the outfield. Chase runs for it and flies through the air, doing everything he can to reach that ball and keep it from touching the ground. He catches it in mid-air, bounces as he lands on the ground, and slides across the grass in the outfield holding the ball up in his glove like a snow cone. Game over. Seals win.

  I watch as the team walks off the field and Hannah grabs Chase for her on-field interview. She puts her arm around him, bringing him in closer for the interview and batting her eyes at him. What the hell? She never does that! She’s all business. “Chase, that was an amazing catch out there to end the game tonight. You must be superman, flying through the air like that to get the ball.”

  He chuckles, “I’m no superman, just an outfielder. That’s my job and I never want to let my team down.”

  “Well, you didn’t let your team down tonight. Not only did you make that spectacular catch to end the game, but you smacked a ball into the bullpen for a 3-run home run. Not to mention stealing home on that wild pitch early in the game. You brought in 4 of the 5 runs tonight. This game was truly all you!”

  “Thanks, but this is a team sport. I rarely get the opportunity to push my teammates home being lead off, so it felt good to hit the homer. But, the guys had to get on base for me to bring them in. Honestly, the wild pitch was an error I took advantage of. Part of this game is knowing when to take advantage of errors.”

  “It’s nice to be reminded of what you’re capable of. Great job tonight. We’ll be watching for more tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.” He gave her a hug and she lingered, saying something in his ear before he walked off.

  What the hell? Is Hannah hitting on him? And he smiled. He liked it! Jerk! I gaze down onto the field and he’s standing there looking up at me. I’m supposed to be announcing the final numbers for the game and I’m off my mark. Shit! I quickly get the announcements done and he’s gone.

  Chase

  Mason gets my attention as I walk into the clubhouse, “Nice grab. What was that with Hannah?”

  “She noticed Kristina had been watching me and thought it might be helpful if she saw that I was in demand.”

  I check my messages and there’s no response from Kristina. It’s a late night, so the team won’t be coming over. But, I’m not ready to go home. I turn back to Mason, “What are you doing to tonight?”

  “Hanging out and playing video games.”

  Fun, that’ll do. “Are the guys going to your place or what? I want to go.”

  He smiles at me deviously, “They aren’t coming over, but you’re welcome to join us. Bring your headphones.”

  “What?”

  “I have a date with Michelle. We’re playing video games at her place. She has better gaming equipment.”

  “Did you just invite me over to Kristina’s apartment?”

  “Yup.” He smiles, knowing exactly what he did.

  “Dude, is that going to get you in trouble with Michelle? I don’t want to cramp your style.”

  “Nope. We’re still in the getting to know you phase. I’m taking it slow. She’ll think it’s funny that you’re playing video games with us and that it drives Kristina crazy will be a bonus.”

  “Drives Kristina crazy?”

  “Yea man, seriously. That girl wants you, she just won’t admit it.”

  It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks so. “I’m in. Should I bring anything?”

  “Pick up snacks and you’ll be golden with Michelle.”

  “Done.” I’m not sending her another message. I’ll show up at her place and I won’t be looking for her.

  Kristina

  I check my phone as I'm leaving the stadium, expecting my twitter to be blown up by Chase, but all I have is texts from Michelle.

  Text from GamerGirlM - This is me giving you notice that Mase will be over tonight.

  Text from GamerGirlM - We have a video game date.

  Text from GamerGirlM - No “romp” in the plan. Perv.

  Text from GamerGirlM - Hope that’s acceptable, mother.

  I shake my head at myself, unconcerned with Michelle’s antics and wondering if he has already forgotten about me. Should I message him? He better not be off somewh
ere with Hannah! The way she was pulling him close and hugging him, that’s not her style. I bet she was propositioning him on the field when she was whispering in his ear! What does she think she’s doing? He’s mine! Except for one minor thing. He’s not mine. I keep telling him to go away. Mason and Michelle both told me he wouldn’t wait forever. I should message him. I don’t want him with anyone else. I guess I can’t have it both ways. No. I need to let him go. It’s better this way. No distractions.

  The only problem is that I want him and I don’t want to let him go. Maybe I want more than I’m willing to admit even to myself.

  Tears stream down my face on my drive home. I keep imagining him with Hannah or some other girl. Giving up on me and agreeing to spend time with another girl who’s after him because all I did was push him away. I kept telling him no and wanting him to get me out of his system. He shouldn’t be with them. He should be with me. He should be kissing me and wrapping his arms around me. He should be spending the night with me. He should be naked with me. I want him. Why does he have to be a player? There’s no way.

  I sit in my car until I can get myself together enough to hide my tear-stained face. Times like these I’m glad to find an old bottle of water in my car, so I can wash my face and freshen up without anyone knowing the truth. I’m a grown woman and I can control my emotions, I just can’t figure out how to have the job I want and the man I want at the same time.

  Chapter Twelve

  Chase

  I walk up to Kristina’s door with a pizza, a pack of energy drinks, and a bag of snacks. I knock on the door and Michelle answers, “Hey, Mase said you might come by. Come on in.”

  “Thanks.” I hand her the pizza and snacks.

  She turns to Mason, “I like this guy. He can stay.”

  “I hope I’m not interrupting anything between you and your boyfriend.”

  “Who said I have a boyfriend?”

  “I shouldn’t have to, but me,” Mason affirms.

  “Interesting.” She turns back to me, “Are you here to play with us or are you looking for my roommate, because she’s not home yet.”

  “I’m here for the video games, but if your roommate wants to take my attention I won’t fight it.” The grin on my face tells her everything she needs to know.

  “Works for me.”

  I play video games with the couple and they’re serious gamers. It’s work to keep up with them.

  Kristina walks through the door, talking to Michelle as she walks through the room to her bedroom and doesn’t acknowledge my existence. Just as she’s about to step into her room, “I brought pizza. It’s in the kitchen if you want some.”

  She hears my voice and stops in her tracks, turning to look at me. “Why are you here?”

  “It’s nice to see you, too. I’m here to play video games.”

  Michelle adds in, “He’s not very good at it, but what he lacks in skills he makes up for with enthusiasm. You want to join us? We could team up girls against the boys and beat them worse than they’ve ever been beat.”

  “Maybe. Can we play the old school Mortal Combat? I want to see how many times I can chop his head off.”

  “Sounds good, but I’m committed to Wii bowling sometime tonight. Mase thinks it’s more of a date game or something,” she says making air quotes.

  Kristina disappears into her room and comes back in my favorite PJs with the sunglasses on them. She sits down on the floor between Michelle and I, and leans against me comfortably while we play round after round of Mortal Combat. Each round ending with her brutally chopping off my head and sending it rolling across the floor. Kristina is relaxed and happy. Giggling and actually touching me willingly without being mad at me. I put my arm around her to support her better while she sits leaning against me and she accepts it, snuggling into my body. I kiss her cheek and she turns to me smiling, responding with a peck on my lips before she goes back to chopping my head off and watching the blood splatter everywhere.

  She puts her hand on my leg and leans in to kiss me, blinking with her big eyes as she presses her lips to mine sweetly and then pulls back away. We communicate silently and I take her in my arms, pulling her across my body and lean down to kiss her. She meets me halfway with her willing lips and wraps her arms around my neck. Where did this come from? This is what I want. I want her and I want her to want me. She tastes so sweet. I’m beginning to wonder if she really tastes like cookies and it’s not lip balm. I press my lips to hers open-mouthed, repeatedly. Wanting more of her and trying not to push or be inappropriate in front of her roommate and Mason. She nibbles on my lower lip and sucks on it, releasing a quiet whimper. She pushes me with her fingers exploring my back and shoulders, and her tongue sliding into my mouth for more. She twirls her tongue around mine until I meet her need with mine and she sucks on my tongue. Oh, fuck. This chick. I hold her close to me, not wanting to let her go and she moves her hands to my hair, holding my lips to hers.

  Mason comments, “Uh, we’re going to change over to play bowling. Maybe you two want to take what you’re doing into the other room?”

  “We could do what they’re doing instead of bowling. It looks like fun.” Michelle suggests to him.

  Mason continues, “Please go in the other room.”

  I pull back and search her eyes for direction, she giggles and leans her head on my chest. “My bedroom?”

  I stand up with her in my arms and carry her with me to her bedroom. It’s not the first time I’ve been here and I hope it’s not the last. I sit on the small loveseat she has in the corner, not wanting to push this faster. I want her, but I’m not ready to go there yet. I need her to know I want her enough. I want to spend the night with her and I need her to know it’s for her. I want to hold her and kiss her. I want to feel her against me. Mostly, I just want to be with her. This is new territory for me. It’s not hit it and quit it.

  I wait to see what she does next and she climbs off my lap to close her bedroom door. She folds the bedding back on her bed and climbs in, holding it open for me, “Do you want to join me?”

  I’m not telling her no this time. I smile at her and pull my shirt off. I can’t sleep in my jeans. I fight with myself about the level of will power I have and if I can stay with her in my boxer briefs without getting in her. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or where this change in what she wants came from, but I’m not taking a chance on losing it. I can do this, I sit on the edge of her bed and take my jeans off. She reaches for me, touching my bare skin. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not pushing you. There’s no getting you out of my system.” I climb in bed with her and pull her to me. She moves to climb on top of me and I should stop her, but I don’t. I run my hands up and down the length of her arms and pull her mouth down to mine. I want to kiss her. I take her hand in mine and lock our fingers, while our mouths meet. There’s nothing like her sweet soft lips. I roll her off of me and pull her back against me, so I can wrap my arms around her and hold her against my body. As I pull her back to me, she’s silky and smooth and sexy. A little curvy with her ass pushed into my dick. “Sorry, it’s not intentional. I can’t control how much he wants you.” I change to a whisper and my voice gets raspy, “I want you, too. I want to hold you next to me and protect you, so you’ll know you’re mine. I can do that. I want to do that. It’s more important to me than anything else because I want you enough.”

  She’s silent, but I know she’s awake. I hold her and kiss the back of her neck. I explore her curves tenderly, my hands lightly gliding along the surface of her skin. “Goodnight, Sweetness.” Falling asleep, happily holding her in my arms.

  Kristina

  His arms around me, holding me. His warm breath at my ear, traveling down my neck. His fresh manly scent. I’m not ready to sleep. I roll toward him, my body pushed to his, front to front. I run my fingers through his hair at his temple and down around his ear, he releases a soft groan. I do it again and pull my fingers all the way through, exploring the muscles in his
neck and shoulders. His hands on me flex and his fingers spread. I place my hands on his face and pull his mouth to mine, kissing him sweetly. I draw a line of kisses down his neck and he gets hard against me. I move against him.

  I want him, but it can only be sex. I don’t know what I’m doing. Ball players are bad for me. Why am I so attracted to him? Why does it feel so good to have his arms around me? Why did I kiss him and bring him to my bedroom? He’s not an option. I can’t be with him. Can I?

  I kiss my way back to his mouth and stop myself. I push against his hard length and his hands move to my hips, stopping my movement. I kiss him again, playfully I lick his lips and touch my tongue to his. I pull back, sucking on his lower lip. I want more. I roll my hips against him again and his hold on my hips tightens. I press my lips to his and he responds, taking control of the kiss and pushing his tongue into my mouth with need. His kiss is claiming and I feel it travel my body, flooding me with warmth. I meet his urgency, stroking and sucking on his tongue. Suddenly, he stops. He pulls back and gazes into my eyes, his more grey than hazel as they shine back at me. He wraps his arms around me tight with his cheek to my forehead and I can feel him relax. His whole body at ease with me in his arms. His strong heartbeat fading to rest and taking me with it.