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

by Naomi Springthorp

  Text from Mason - Video games at your place?

  Text to Mason - Sure. Bring pizza.

  The pizza is gone and Mason’s phone has been blowing up. I’ve only got two messages, and they’re both unexpected.

  Text from Chip - We miss you.

  Text from Dale - Want to play?

  Mason stretches and stands up, “Well, time for me to go. See you tomorrow.”

  “Dude, we’re in the middle of a game.”

  “I’m tired,” he fake yawns and laughs.

  “Michelle?”

  “Yeah.”

  “At least one of us can have some fun.”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t. Sticking to the good boy plan.”

  “Dude, you gotta do something. At least tell her what you’re waiting for.”

  “I’m thinking about it. Maybe I can sleep in her bed, but on top of the blankets. Bye.” He trots out the door to see his woman and all I've got is an invitation for sex with the twins. I never thought that would be a bad thing.

  I’m going to bed before I make a bad choice.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Goodnight

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chase

  I get to the stadium early, hoping to run into Kristina since she hasn't responded to my messages. I walk into Carter’s office and he never even looks up, “She’s PA Announcer again today. It’s retro day and I already have a cap made for her.”

  “Perfect. Is there anything new and obnoxious in the team store to deliver with the cap?”

  “Are you trying to piss her off?” He asks sarcastically.

  “Yes.”

  “Whatever you want, man. How about a ragdoll Cross?”

  “Are you fucking kidding me right now? They have those?”

  “Oh yeah, they made ragdolls of you, Mason, and Martin.”

  “Take her that, too. The bigger the better.” I grin, happy with myself and knowing I’ll be kissing her at the first base wall before the game. “Thanks.”

  Chase

  Michelle is back behind home plate with Sherry. It looks like Mason has hooked her up with retro gear. I wonder what he did to get back in good graces. No sign of Kristina. There’s only a few minutes left before the announcements start. Where is she?

  Kristina

  What doesn’t he understand? I told him to leave me alone. I’ve told him not to send things to the control booth, but he still does that too! I should throw the doll into the stands! Right out the control booth window! Or, maybe, hang it by a noose and let it dangle there for the whole game. Maybe that would get my point across. The ragdoll really does look like him, it even has muscles in the same places, the same hair. Damn it! I put the cap on backwards and get to announcing.

  I see him look up to the booth and smile as I announce him and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” plays. He’s irritating. I turn to the sound operator, “Would it be possible to change his walk-up for his next at bat?”

  “Yes, but I need a written request.”

  I write a note and hand it to her, “Will that work?”

  “No problem. This should be fun.”

  Chase is walking to first and I keep up with my announcing on queue. I hear Michelle yelling for Mason as he walks up to bat and decide, why not? I write a note requesting to change Mason’s song, too. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m done with the players. Mason hits a double and I try to focus on my task at hand.

  Bottom of the third inning, I announce Cross and “I Don't Like You” by the Wrecks plays as his walk-up song. I watch as he stops halfway to the plate and swings his bat wildly. He hits a home run on the first pitch, knocking in today’s starting pitcher, Corey Grace. I obviously don't affect his game.

  Chase

  Did she really change my walk-up song? She won’t message me. She won’t give me her phone number. She didn’t find me at the wall and kiss me. “I Don’t Like You,” she’s full of shit! I step on home plate and Mason shakes his head at me. She announces him and “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer plays.

  He turns to me and mouths, “What the fuck?” I see him look at Michelle and she shrugs, but likes the idea. She makes kissy lips at him and laughs.

  I yell into the clubhouse, “Carter!”

  He pops his head into the dug out, “What do you need?”

  “Change my walk-up song to,” I stop and think for a minute and write it down. I hand him the note.

  “No problem.”

  “Wait. Change Mason’s, too. Make his,” I add to the note.

  “He’s okay with that?”

  “Um, yeah.” What the fuck? Why not?

  Carter nods and disappears.

  Seno glares at me, “Are you causing trouble?”

  “Just having some fun, I figure it can’t hurt. It’s making her think about me.” I’m surprised to hear the happy tone in my voice and realize it’s because of her. I’m happy simply thinking about her or playing with her.

  Seno shakes his head and I enjoy the game, waiting for the next move.

  Kristina

  Bottom of the 6th, I announce Chase again and his walk-up song changed to “My Favorite Liar” by The Wrecks. Are you kidding me! He doesn’t believe me. Cocky bastard! Of course, all the women like him. He’s not giving up on me and I’m trying to push him away. I almost miss my mark to announce Mason because I’m in my head. I look up and see that Chase got a double while I hear “The Last of the Real Ones” by Fall Out Boy play. I wonder which of them changed the song. I do like the sentiment, they are real. I immediately write a note and hand it to the sound operator.

  She laughs, “You all are keeping me busy tonight.”

  Chase

  Sitting with Mason in the dug out, “Did she change it again? How’d it get to Fall Out Boy?”

  “I did it that time. Why not, right?”

  “Good choice.” He shakes his head in a way that tells me it’s okay this time, but don’t do it again. I’m cool with that.

  It’s a low scoring game and we aren’t getting many at bats. Mason and I will both get an at bat in the 9th if the other team scores, possibly the eighth if we score.

  The score is 3-0 Seals in the bottom of the eighth and we’re up at bat. I’m anxious to see if my walk-up song changes again. Swinging the bat in the on deck circle and she announces me, her voice sounding clear and almost chuckling. “Sunglasses at Night” blares through the sound system and I can’t help but smile at the imagery it conjures in my head. All I can do is see her in those PJs. Fuck! I get hard walking to the plate. I bend over at the plate and rub dirt on my hands to buy me a minute and glance up at her, wondering if she knows what she’s done. I do my best to concentrate on the ball, even asking for a time out and stepping out of the box to focus.

  Seno yells from the dug out, “Get your head on straight!”

  I see the ball in the pitcher's hand and try to slow everything down. It’s straight up the pipe in the middle of the strike zone and doesn’t look like it has any wiggle to it. Hoping for a walk, but I have to hit this. There’s a crack off my bat and the ball is flying to Left Field. I drop my bat in pieces and run, hoping the ball won't get caught. The fielder couldn’t get to it in time and on any other at bat I would’ve made this a double, tonight I’m happy to be safe at first and not sliding into the base.

  Kristina announces Mason and “1950” by King Princess plays. She’s on a roll! Mason looks irritated, but Michelle yells out that she loves that song and he’s happy again. She’ll get everything she wants from him. I can see it now. But, it’s on his time schedule. I kind of respect that. I’d still be hitting it.

  I hope for a walk or a home run, anything that keeps me from having to run fast. He choppers it up the diamond and I need full speed. Middle infielders miss the ball and the Centerfielder is running in to back them up. I’m already on my way to third and need my speed. I don't want to slide. I have to slide. I make it to third base safely, even keeping all my good bits intact. Mason’s safe at first. Martin hits a hom
e run and I run across home straight to the dug out.

  Seno’s laughing at me, “Hard problem to have. I think she won that battle.” She absolutely did, but I’ll never admit it out loud.

  Top of the ninth, Seals are ahead 6-1 and Skip pulls me for the double switch. Thank you for small favors because this hard-on won’t go away. I head into the clubhouse, showering at attention and lean my forehead on my arm against the wall allowing the water to fall over me. I close my eyes and imagine us in the rain together naked, pushing into her heat with her lips at my neck. It’s all it takes to relieve the pressure. I need this chick.

  Kristina

  Home games are better. I have access and verified he isn’t hurt in seconds. Not that I care. Fuck. I care.

  Chase

  She still hasn't messaged me. I don't want to message her too much, but…

  To @Kristeeeeena - I’m home for the night. You’re always welcome to join me. Your terms.

  From @Kristeeeeena - Okay

  To @Kristeeeeena - Goodnight, Sweetness.

  None of this changes the way I feel about her. I want her with me. I want her in my bed. I want my lips on hers. I know she wants me, too. I don't know why she keeps fighting it.

  Kristina

  I’m tossing and turning. In my bed. Alone. I don’t have to be. I could be with Chase. I sleep when I’m with him. Maybe I should call him and have him over? I need sleep. Or, I could go to his place. He did invite me. He keeps inviting me. I love his arms around me. He gives me the protection I’m missing. It’s more than comfort and feeling safe. It’s not fair to use him like that. I can’t keep him. I haven’t cried and worried this much, well, ever. It’s too much for me. I need to focus on my goal and get the gig I’m working for. No, there will be no baseball players for me.

  What if I can have a baseball player? What if, hypothetically, I want one? What if I eliminate the whole ball player boycott? Is it a possibility? If not, I want a night with him. I want to know what it could’ve been like. If I regret it later, I want to know I did it and have the memory.

  I pick up my phone, hoping there might be a new message from him. Of course there’s not. It’s 2am. I need to let it go.

  Chapter Twenty

  Chase

  Saturday’s game was a total blow out. Seals lost 9-0. Skip instituted a new rule: No changing your walk-up song mid-game. I changed it to “Head Games” by Foreigner before the game started. I may not have won the game, but I made the final play.

  Sunday’s game is early and Monday is an off day. We all need it. We need a few off days, but that’s not an option in the life of a professional baseball player. No BP and if we win, party at my place. I already restocked the party supplies. We always win on Sunday. Sunday is Run Day.

  Fielding isn’t looking good today, but the Sunday Run Day rule is holding true. Everyone on the starting lineup has a hit in the first two innings. I want the game over. I need a break and a couple days at my beach bungalow will be perfect.

  Top of the 6th inning and the score is already 10-1 Seals. Skip pulls the key players and puts in the second stringers, they need playing time and we need a break. Final score 12- 5 Seals.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Team will be celebrating at my house.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Hope you can join us.

  To @Kristeeeeena - I’m going surfing in the morning if you want to stay over.

  To @Kristeeeeena - No pressure. Whatever you want.

  To @Kristeeeeena - I wish you'd talk to me or at least respond.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Please, Sweetness.

  I look and realize I've messaged her like a stalker again. I shove my phone in my pocket and go home.

  Kristina

  I’ve tried to stay away. He’s my weakness. Sweetness. Every time he calls me that it goes straight to my heart and flutters down to my belly. He doesn't know that. Nobody does.

  I’ve been hiding out a bit, trying to get my head straight and not do anything stupid. The problem is that quiet time can reveal the truth. It’s not my head that’s the problem, it’s my heart. My head knows what I want to do and focuses on the goal, but it has nothing to do with what my heart wants. This time, my heart might be winning.

  I worked as long as I could after the game, an intentional distraction. I leave the stadium on auto-pilot and go home. I can't get him out of my head, and maybe I don't want to. I walk into my empty apartment and texts pop through.

  Text from GamerGirlM - I’m with Mase at Chase’s.

  Text from GamerGirlM - You should be here, too.

  Text from GamerGirlM - No response required.

  Text from GameGirlM - You know you want to.

  Text from GamerGirlM - Do it already!

  I toss my PJs, swimsuit, and clothes in my overnight bag. I’m going surfing with Chase in the morning.

  I get to Chase’s and walk in without being noticed. The team and guests are all outside on the beach, and who can blame them? It’s the perfect day for it. Nerves hit me and I’m exhausted. I place my bag in the corner of his bedroom with intentions of going to find Michelle, but his bed is so inviting. It’s a cloud of soft fluffy blankets. I run my fingers along his bed and imagine him sleeping there. His masculine scent overtakes my senses. I sit on the edge of his bed and lean back on his pillows. It’s perfect. I sink in and it’s so comfortable. I'm so tired. Maybe, just a quick nap…

  Chase

  The team is over to celebrate again, but my bungalow has turned more into a space that everyone can use. The permanent team bonfire. I’m okay with that, the team is family and I like having them around. It seems I’d be here alone without them.

  The waves are coming in larger than normal and nobody here needs me, time to surf.

  I go in my bedroom to change and hit the waves. I find an overnight bag in the corner of my room and look around. Someone’s in my bed, sunk down into the mattress and buried under my comforter. I can only see their outline as they sleep in my bed and it’s defined as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. I hear a sweet little noise and my body goes on high alert. Kristina’s in my bed and she brought her overnight bag. I didn’t even know she was here. I need to recap this. The woman I want is in my bed and brought what she needs to stay the night, but I can’t have her because she won’t date me. So, I can’t have her phone number and she refuses to date me, but she’s sleeping in my bed and seems to like to kiss me. At least she used to like to kiss me. And, she’s planning on staying the night with me? How’s this going to work? I guess I can sleep in the same bed with her and hold her again. It does sound nice to have her in my bed with me all night. Spending the night with her was, I don’t know—special. She made it challenging to keep it in my pants. We both wanted more. Or, I could sleep on the couch, but it may be occupied again. Seems like one of the rookies is on my couch most nights. Feels like I’m set up for failure. I can’t pick up where we left off. I need her to know that I still want her enough. Besides, I’m leaving for a road trip in two days. I can’t be with her and then leave. I want to spend more time with her. What are the Las Vegas odds on me sleeping with her and not sleeping with her? Sounds like something I’d put money on and I know which way I’d bet. I don’t think those odds are in my favor. I hope she’s not still trying to get me to fuck her out of my system. I need Sherry.

  I go to the bonfire to find Sherry cuddled up with Seno, and sit next to them. “What do you want?” Fairly rude reception from Seno, especially considering they’re at my house. No idea what I interrupted.

  Quietly, I share my situation and wait for advice.

  “What do you want to do?” Sherry asks.

  “That’s not a fair question. I’ve wanted her for months. It’s the first time she’s been in my bed and she’s there alone, she chose to sleep in my bed and didn’t even say anything. I’m supposed to take her to my bed, not find her there sleeping. She still won’t give me her fucking phone number, but she’ll walk into my place and make herself at home in my room? She brought he
r stuff, she’s planning on staying over.”

  “Do you want her here?” Sherry questions.

  “Yes.”

  “You need to find out what she wants.”

  “Fine. But, what if she wants me to fuck her out of my system? That’s what she wanted when she tried to get me into her bed the first time. I don’t want her to feel like that. I’m not using her. It could be awkward if she thinks I’m turning her down again. What she wants seems to change.”

  “Are you ready to have sex with her? Really?”

  “Not until she goes out with me. I need her to know she’s special and that I want her enough.”

  “So, tell her you really want her, but you aren’t ready yet. She should respect that.”

  “Are we talking about the same confusing chick? She doesn’t always make sense or do the logical thing.”

  Seno adds, “Sometimes rules are meant to be broken,” as he holds Sherry tighter. “You have to do what’s right for you. Everybody’s different. Maybe she doesn’t like to go out. Fuck, maybe she has a boyfriend.”

  “Do I leave her alone in my bed until later or let her know I know she’s here or climb in bed with her? Never mind. I know what to do.”

  “Good luck,” I get from both of them as I walk back in the house and into my room.

  Chase

  I carefully sit on the edge of my bed and roll over on top of the comforter, trying to find exactly where she’s buried. I pull the blankets down to reveal her face and I’m driven to snuggle up against her. I put my arm around where I think she is and kiss her cheek sweetly. She’s not fighting me, pushing me away, or trying to get me to fuck her. I want to climb in under the blankets with her and kiss her. I want to feel her warm body next to mine. I want to push my dick into her and feel her tight around me. I think the blanket barrier is a good idea for now and I probably shouldn’t drink tonight. She looks so sweet and beautiful. Something about her being in my bed makes her feel like she’s mine and gives me permission to kiss her. I press my lips to hers softly and feel a magnetic pull between us, pushing me to take more than one soft, innocent kiss. I want her badly, but I can’t go there. Kissing her, well I have to—I need to. I press my lips to hers repeatedly with her between my arms and she kisses me back without opening her eyes. I nibble at her lower lip and she opens her mouth for me on a sweet moan. I slide my tongue across her lips and against her tongue, needing her kiss, needing to taste her and wanting more. She moves, pulling her arms out from under the blankets and pushes me away. She opens her eyes and looks at me differently. Without saying a word, she reaches her arms around me and pulls me back to her, kissing me senseless. Fuck me. I want to know why she’s in my bed. I want to know what she wants. I want to know if she’s really staying with me tonight. And damn Seno, now I want to know if she has a boyfriend and if she does, he has to go. Kristina’s mine now. All I can do is feel her lips on mine and her arms holding me to her. She drags her teeth over my lower lip and sucks on it lightly while she pulls away from me.