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

by Naomi Springthorp

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chase

  We wake up when the early alarm goes off, forehead to forehead with arms wrapped around each other and her feet between my legs. “Good morning, Sweetness,” I say quietly and realize that even though the day is starting out better than almost every other day I’ve had in my life, I have to leave her to go on the road in a few hours and I’ll be gone for ten days without her lips, her body, her. She rubs against me and snuggles in, not wanting to get up. “Sweetness, if we get up now we have time to get ready and go to breakfast before we go to the stadium.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “You don’t want to what?”

  “Get out of bed.”

  “I’ll get up and get ready, you can stay in bed while I shower.”

  “No. I don’t want you to get up.”

  “We can’t stay in bed all day. I’d love to stay here with you, but it’s not an option. You have work this morning, right?”

  “Yes.” She mumbles something to herself, almost like she’s cursing herself out.

  “You’re going to the stadium with me this morning, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Sweetness, I don’t like that I have to leave you. It’s part of being a baseball player. We travel. But, I’ll come home to you and I’ll think about you while I’m gone. I told you, no other chicks. You’re my girl.” I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I mean it, Sweetness. It’s only you for me.” My voice is raspy and sincere.

  Kristina smiles at me and her eyes light up, “Can we skip breakfast and stay in bed longer?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  She focuses on me and I can see flames reflected back at me, “I know what I want.”

  “Yea? Tell me what you want.” I want to hear her say it.

  She looks around the room, before she finally focuses on me, “I want you to kiss me more, like you did early this morning when I fell back to sleep in your arms.” She blinks a couple of times. “I want you on top of me and in control of me. I want the sex to match the kiss.”

  “You want me to fuck you while I kiss you?”

  “I guess, not really. When you kissed me it was different. I don’t know, like we were connected and I could feel it.” She closes her eyes.

  She felt it too.

  “I’m sorry. I’m being stupid. Forget it.”

  I can’t let her forget it. She needs to know I felt it, too. I have to know it’s the same for her. I have to put it out there. “You mean it felt like electricity was running through your body and we were somewhere alone where nothing else mattered? Just us and we needed each other to breathe?” I’m freaking out inside now that I’ve said it. What if I’m crazy? What if she has no idea what I’m talking about? What if it’s only sex for her? I feel myself start to shake and I sit up, waiting for her response. This is the longest second of my life. Why did I tell her that?

  She smiles at me, “I felt like you were sending sparks through my body. Like you were the only thing keeping my heart beating. Like you had whisked me off to a fantasyland that only we could go to.” I gaze into her eyes and feel my cheeks get warm. “It didn’t feel like something you could do while you were fucking.”

  I lean back against my headboard. I pull her to me, so she’s straddling my legs while I start to kiss her tenderly. Honestly, the way I want to kiss her. The way I can show her how I feel about her. I can feel her melting in my arms. I remember last night and reach for a condom before we have a problem. I get it open and roll it on while I kiss her. I splay my hands on her bare back and hold her while my lips explore hers. I feel her breathing change and ask her, “Do you want more, Sweetness? Do you want me inside you?”

  “Yes, baby,” Slips from her lips on a sigh.

  I lift her up and slide her down on me. She moves slowly, working me into her all the way. She feels crazy good around me. I simply hold her against me and continue kissing her lips gently, tenderly, telling her how I feel without words. I don’t know how to show her how I feel with my dick and the rest of my body. Something I’ve never done. Something I never thought of. It was always chicks that wanted to fuck me. I guess I was a dick to conquer, a notch in their bedpost, a challenge maybe. Another ballplayer to fuck. I don’t even understand how I feel. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel her and place my hands on her hips, guiding her to slow movements with me. Feeling her body and desires with my hands, and making them happen. My body floods with warmth and the electricity is back, but more intense. “Kristina, do you feel the sparks, electricity, whatever it was like last night?”

  “It’s like the sparks have grown to fireworks shooting through my body.” That’s exactly what it’s like and it drives me to give her more, unselfishly. More passionate kisses and more of my feelings, all of me, all in.

  I lean my forehead against hers and smile uncontrollably, “I’m so fuckin’ happy to be in the same place with you, Kristina. Fireworks. High voltage and combustible, my Sweetness.” I hold her tight and need more. I roll her underneath me and stroke into her completely, in and out, in and out, feeling her like never before. I want more. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls herself up to me, kissing me while we fit together in pleasure. I catch her legs and lean down to her to kiss her, taking her legs with me. I push in as deep as I can, wanting to get closer to her and needing to be as close as possible. I hold us together like two perfectly matched puzzle pieces and look at our connection, seeing my hard dick stroke in and out of her perfect little heaven. I see her nerve center, needy and staring back at me, so I touch her softly and she cries out my name.

  “Chase! Oh Chase! More.”

  All I want to do is make her happy. She gets whatever she wants. I increase the pressure on her clit, circling it and teasing it. She arches into me and I feel her get wet at my touch. I stroke into her slowly, but hard and I can see her start to unravel. “You’re amazing, Kristina. The things you do to me. Come for me. Come for me hard. Feel the fireworks. Maybe we can see them together.” I push into her hard and fast, pounding into her while I have her bent in half and rub her clit harder.

  “Tell me, Sweetness. Tell me everything.” I whisper with my eyes closed, on the edge of the world and ready to jump off head-first.

  “You cut through me. Straight to my heart, Chase.” She starts to buck and I lose it completely.

  “Fuck, Kristina. Come for me. Come for me now. Come with me.” I call out to her even though she’s right there with me. I need her to come. I can’t finish before her and I’m out of control. “Please! Oh fuck! Oh fuck!” I can’t help myself, it’s intense and I press down on her hips, holding her in place while I stroke into my paradise found, losing it by the millisecond. I know she’s with me, she’s right there with me and I hear her scream out.

  “Chase! I’m yours!” She squeezes me tight and I come hard as if on queue. She digs her fingers into my back and shoulders, as I push and pull us through knowing I have to leave her for ten days. Knowing we’re in the same place. Knowing I’m falling, just like she is. Maybe I already fell.

  Chase

  We race to get ready and get to the stadium on time. We skipped breakfast and our morning activities still have us running late. I’m not complaining. No, I’m not complaining even a little. Kristina doesn’t have to be at the stadium as early as I do, so she’ll have time to get her day going. I’ll have to settle for whatever is left in the clubhouse, if anything. That’s fine. It was worth it. I’m hoping for a few minutes to say goodbye to my girl properly, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen either—I’d give up food for it. She picks up all of her stuff and tosses it in her bag, so she’s ready to go. I toss my duffle bag over my shoulder and get her bag, ready to load up and get out. I see my hoodie that she’s been wearing left on my bed and drop the bags. I get the hoodie and give it to Kristina, “Take it with you. You might need it to take care of you while I’m gone.” She hugs me tight and I don’t think it has anything to do with the hoo
die. “I know, Sweetness.” I hold her head to my chest and feel it in my heart. “I promise it will be okay and I’ll be back looking for you as soon as I get off the plane next Wednesday. How about I pick you up when I get back next Wednesday? We can go out or order in or whatever you want.” She half smiles at me. “We will text and talk while I’m gone. I’ll call you everyday, Sweetness.” I look at her and she’s upset. “Trust me, I don’t want to leave you. I’m going to miss you.” I speak softly and lean my head against hers. I notice the clock and time issues keep getting worse. “We gotta go, Sweetness.” She pulls the hoodie on and I grab the bags, ushering us both out to my truck.

  We drive to the stadium in silence and she’s staring out the passenger window. I get her talking, “Why don’t we get to know each other better while I’m gone?”

  She turns and glares at me like I’m crazy. “How’s that going to work?”

  “We text each other and ask questions. Not like Truth or Dare, or anything like that. Little things we want to know about each other. Say three or four each day. Could be fun.”

  “Okay.”

  “I was wondering, are you really interested in baking?”

  “Yes, I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Do you have a mixer and baking stuff, tools, whatever to bake?”

  “I have a bowl, a spoon and a little measuring cup.”

  “Well, Sherry has everything and you will be at her place. You should be good.” I laugh, “Remember chocolate chip cookie bars and brownies are my favorite.” At least I’ve got her smiling. We pull into the player’s garage to park and I’ve got no time.

  Text to Seno - Cover me… I’m here in the garage… need 5 minutes… please.

  I get an immediate response of a thumbs up emoji.

  I reach for Kristina’s hand, pulling her closer so I can kiss her and she resists. “I only have a few minutes. I’m already late. I just want to give you a kiss, my Sweetness.”

  “It’s better if I just go.” She says grumpily.

  “No. I’m getting my goodbye kiss. I need to have something to get me through to next week.” She rolls her eyes at me and I realize it’s part of her defense mechanism. I turn her face to look at me, “You don’t need to protect yourself from me. Drop the self-defense. I’ll always protect you.” I get out of my truck and quickly walk around to the passenger side, opening the door and not giving her a choice. I claim her mouth with mine and wrap my arms around her, pulling her out of my truck in the process. “You’re mine. Don’t forget it.”

  “Chase…” I cut her off.

  “Yes, my Sweetness. I’m yours, only yours,” More than you know and more than I ever thought possible.

  “Okay. I like being your girl.” My heart sinks at her words and I kiss her again before running off into the stadium. Bad enough to be gone, I’m not going to be gone and scratched from the game.

  Kristina

  I’m left standing here watching while Chase runs off into stadium. I have a little time before I need to be at work and I don’t want anyone to see me right now. I pull on the big hoodie and take off for a walk in the village. Hiding the tears running down my face more than anything else. He doesn’t want to hurt me, but he is by simply leaving on the road trip. It’s not his fault. It’s work.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chase

  I walk through the stadium thinking to myself about how I can call her and text her. I might even send her dirty pictures and I mean pictures of me at the end of the game when I’m covered in mud and have holes in my uniform… and maybe some abs and happy trail. I want her to be happy while I’m gone and I want to buy her presents.

  Text to Sherry - Hey lovey. Heard my girl is going to be hanging out with you to learn to bake. Thought you might order everything she needs to bake and have it delivered to her. You still have my credit card info. I mean everything. She only has a bowl, a spoon and a measuring cup. You can use my card for ingredients or whatever she needs. Make sure she learns how to make your brownies and your chocolate chip cookie bars. :) Don’t overdo it, relax and make Kristina do everything. Don’t worry about Seno, I’ve got him and we’re rooming together this trip. Most important please take care of yourself and Baby Seno.

  Text from Sherry - I’ll order stuff later today. Love shopping therapy. What color does she like or what color is her kitchen?

  Text from Sherry - And it’s Baby Girl Seno :)

  Text to Sherry - I bet she’ll be just like you :) and drive Seno crazy!

  Text from Sherry - I think she already has him wrapped around her little finger :)

  Text to Sherry - I’ll let you know about color later today.

  Next on the list…

  Text to Carter - Dude, can you get a jersey made up for the intern Kristina for me? My name and number. And an oversized hoodie the same way. Please.

  Text to Carter - Can I have something left for her everyday of the road trip? Different jerseys, caps, shirts, hoodies, whatever I can get for her with my name and number on it.

  Text from Carter - I can arrange that. Are you sure you want to do that? She was pissed about the things you’ve had delivered to the control booth.

  Text to Carter - Does she have an employee locker or something you can leave it in for her to find?

  Text from Carter - She has a small cubicle in the media offices. I can leave things for her there.

  Text to Carter - She has a cubicle? Where pictures and stuff can get put on the walls?

  Text from Carter - Yea, I guess.

  Text to Carter - Leave stuff for her at her cubicle. Thanks.

  I hope I don’t get in trouble for having gifts left for her everyday, but I think it’ll be okay. She’s not going to be PA Announcer during that time because there are no home games. She’ll get a gift and a reminder of me everyday that I’m gone. Perfect.

  Text to Kristina - Waiting on the plane. Thinking about you, my Sweetness. <3

  Text to Kristina - What’s your favorite color?

  Text to Kristina - What’s your favorite candy?

  Text from Kristina - You didn’t forget me yet? :)

  Text to Kristina - I’m not going to forget you, beautiful.

  Text from Kristina - 10 days is a long time… you’ll forget me

  Text to Kristina - Stop. No, I won’t forget you. I haven’t forgotten you since Arizona.

  Text from Kristina - Chocolate

  Text from Kristina - Tiffany Blue

  Text to Sherry - Tiffany Blue… Thank you

  Text to Kristina - What kind of chocolate?

  Text from Kristina - Milk chocolate… white chocolate is good, but not really chocolate.

  Text from Kristina - Chocolate with caramel is good, but not chocolate with anything fruity…that just ruins it.

  Text to Kristina - Will you be watching the game tonight?

  Text from Kristina - Yes. Not sure if I’ll be working or not yet. Michelle and I are planning to go to Sherry’s.

  Text to Kristina - Cool. Getting ready to take off. Talk to you soon, Sweetness.

  My chest feels heavy. I miss her and I haven’t even gotten to San Francisco yet.

  Seno looks over at me, “Texting the girl?”

  “Yea. Dude, I’m lost with her and I think she’s right there with me. It’s never been like this. I miss her already.”

  “It’s just a new girl. Give it time.”

  I turn to Seno, irritated and quietly, “Then why does it feel like I have sparks and electricity running through my body when I’m with her? Why was I happy when she was still there in the morning? Why does her touch feel different than all the rest? Why can’t I stop thinking about her?”

  “Man, you’re screwed.” Seno chuckles. “Do you keep thinking things and not saying them? Have a hard time putting words together when she touches you? Can’t keep your hands off of her? Want to tell her that you love her, but know it sounds crazy?”

  “Fuck me! I really am screwed.”

  “No, you
’re fine. If it’s real, you’re lucky.” Seno smiles and his eyes shine. “Thank you for telling me to ask Sherry out and getting me to go out.” He takes a deep breath, obviously thinking about her. “When it’s right, it’s right and sometimes you just know. Do what makes you happy. Don’t rush it. Get to know her. If that means you have her over every night, so be it. My Dad told me to do whatever I needed to do to make sure my happy didn’t get away, that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”

  “So, I’m not crazy and she didn’t drug me or something?”

  “I don’t think so, but we can have you tested.” Seno smiles at me and laughs. “Don’t tell her you love her too soon. Might freak her out.”

  “I don’t love her.”

  “Whatever you say. I’ll be here when you need me.”

  “You think I love her?”

  “Give it some time it could be lust.” Seno stops and thinks, before continuing, “You miss her, what do you miss?”

  “I just want to be close to her. I want to protect her.”