Saving Drew

by Lara Van Hulzen

  He searched the cases and decided on a large sugar cookie and a cup of coffee. He paid and took his items to an empty table. As he looked around he noticed a few couples, a small child with his mother and grandmother, and recognized how odd he must appear. A grow man by himself sitting in a bakery eating a cookie. Fantastic. He’d resorted to looking like a stalker over a woman he’d danced with once.

  He shook his head and took a sip of coffee. He considered leaving, but man, that cookie looked good. Eat the cookie and get going. That was a good plan. If only Baylee saw him now. Wouldn’t that be the strikeout moment of the day? Hopefully she was in the back baking with no intention of coming out front, or taking the day off. That would be even better.

  “Drew?”

  Her voice was smooth as honey and just as sweet. He set down his coffee mug and swallowed. The hot liquid burned his throat and made his eyes water. This was really not turning out to be his day. What the hell was he thinking?

  She stood next to the table, wiping her hands on a yellow apron with the bakery logo on it. Her blonde curls were held back from her face by a large, cloth headband and flour dotted her nose and cheeks. He blinked. Man, she was beautiful. Sure, she was something at the wedding, but now? In her own element? He zoned in on her green eyes and couldn’t look away. Or speak.

  “Are you okay?”

  Her smile was like a ray of sunshine. For a moment he forgot everything. All the crud, the pain, the fear. He saw only her.

  She sat in the chair across from him and put her hand on his that was resting on the table. Warmth flooded his system and brought him back to earth.

  He pulled his hand away, not because he didn’t want to touch her, but because he was afraid of what would happen if he continued to do so. No woman had ever rattled him like this. Sure, he’d danced with her, knew how great that felt, but this? This was something else.

  “Yeah. Yeah. I’m fine.” His attempt at a smile fell flat. “Sorry.” He shook his head a little, if only to knock his brain back into place.

  “Don’t be sorry.” She placed her hands in her lap, unaffected by him pulling away. “It’s nice to see you.”

  Her smile lit up the room.

  Who was this woman?

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret though.” She leaned toward him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “That cookie you chose is not my best work.”

  “Oh, it’s not?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. The batch of coffee cake I made this morning is by far your best bet today. The cupcakes are a close second, but you’ve already tried those.”

  The words coffee cake and cupcakes resonated in his mind and yet all he could think was how much he wanted to hold her close and kiss the flour from her cheeks. Her rosy, plump lips were even more tempting.

  “You stay right here. I’ll go get you a slice.” She touched his hand and was gone, leaving him to stare like a fool after her jean-clad backside, complete with a flour hand print on the left cheek, which only added to the adorable and sexy package that was Baylee. Man, he didn’t even know her last name and he was already drooling over her.

  Psssh, he was more than drooling over her. He hardly ever ate sweets, especially while in training for baseball, and yet, here he sat in a bakery about to down coffee cake and a cookie. He’d eat the whole damn case if it meant Baylee would sit with him some more.

  But of course, he wasn’t in training. Not now anyway. He should be. He should be getting ready for Spring Training. The sense of dread that had hung over him like a cloud for months appeared again. Drew took another sip of coffee, the bitterness of it matched his mood.

  But before he could get comfortable under his cloud of doom, it vanished as Baylee set a plate in front of him and resumed her seat across the table.

  “There you go. I warmed it up for you too.”

  Man, her emerald eyes could bring a man to his knees. Combined with the smile and he was done for.

  Drew took the fork she’d provided and cut off a piece. It was soft with a line of something gooey along the center. He placed a piece in his mouth and groaned. The cinnamon and sugar danced on his tongue, the cake all but melting in his mouth. It wasn’t just food, it was an experience.

  The proud look on Baylee’s face said his reaction was precisely what she was looking for. And he was more than happy to deliver.

  “You like it.” It wasn’t a question.

  Liked it? He was making noises loud enough for the next table to hear and didn’t feel one iota of embarrassment. “It’s spectacular.”

  “Oooh, spectacular. I haven’t heard that one yet. That makes my day.”

  Drew was all too happy to make her day. He was up for making more than her day if she’d let him. But caution swept in and waved a little red flag. Sure, he was enamored with this woman for whatever reason, but he wasn’t staying, had no clue where his life was going, and again, knew nothing about her either. Maybe she was married. Nah. She wasn’t wearing a ring and didn’t give off a married vibe. It didn’t matter. He couldn’t start anything with Baylee because he couldn’t finish it.

  Which was just too damn bad.

  And yet he still sat in the middle of her bakery, inhaling her coffee cake and getting way too much enjoyment out of the look on her face as he did so.

  He finished the last bite and sipped coffee to wash it down. “Have you always wanted to own a bakery?” There were so many things he wanted to know about this woman, but that was the first question that came to mind.

  Much to his chagrin, her smile faded a bit. Her fingers toyed with the pocket of her apron. “No. Not really. I mean, I’ve always liked to bake, but never really thought of running a place myself.” She shrugged. “Life just sort of worked things out this way.”

  He of all people could understand life throwing you a curve ball you weren’t ready for. “Is that a bad thing?”

  “Oh, no. Not at all. I’m happy. I enjoy my work. It doesn’t feel like work, really. It’s fun. And a good distraction.”

  She looked past him as if thinking of something she wasn’t ready to share. He had no intention of pushing either. Just listen to her.

  “When I’m baking I go to another place, ya know?”

  He did know. It was exactly how he felt on the pitcher’s mound. People asked him all the time how he blocked out the crowds and the noise. But it wasn’t hard. When he stood there, the only thing that existed was the ball in his hand and the catcher’s glove.

  “Whatever I worry about, whatever is bothering me, simply gets lost in the dough and the process. I’m just... me.”

  “What do you worry about?” The question went from his brain to his mouth before he could stop it.

  The glimmer in her eyes dimmed a bit, making him regret his question.

  The bell above the door jingled causing her to turn her attention that way. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll be back. I need to go say hello to someone.” She stood and patted his hand again, a habit of hers he was beginning to like. A lot.

  She hugged the woman who had just come into the bakery. An elderly woman with short gray hair and a cane. They chatted for a moment then Baylee led her to a chair and table near the window. His heart sank when she took the seat across from the woman but she said she’d be back. He’d wait all day if he had to. Besides, it wasn’t like he had anywhere to go.

  He took a bite of the sugar cookie. Baylee was right. The coffee cake was better, but the cookie was pretty amazing as well. The woman was gifted in the kitchen.

  For the first time in months, Drew didn’t mind a full day ahead of him. And if sitting for hours and eating pastries meant getting to see Baylee, he was more than happy to step up.

  Baylee sat across from Gwen and fought the urge to turn and look at Drew who sat at a table behind her. Gwen was an older woman she’d met through Kate and Maggie. Someone she was happy to call her friend. A widow who lived alone, Gwen spent much of her time volunteering and was involved in their local church. A woman
of faith and wisdom, Baylee looked up to her and appreciated Gwen’s weekly visits into the bakery. They’d sit and chat for a few minutes while Gwen munched on whatever Baylee brought her.

  “You seem distracted this morning,” Gwen said. “I’m guessing it has something to do with that handsome gentleman you were sitting with when I came in.”

  Baylee glanced in Drew’s direction. He held up his coffee mug in a toast then took a sip. Warmth flooded her cheeks. She turned back towards Gwen.

  “Ah, the blush says it all, my dear.”

  “We’re just friends, Gwen. Not even that, really. He’s Kate’s brother. He’s only in town for a short while during his recovery.”

  “Oh, yes. Kate mentioned that to me. Poor guy. Hurt his shoulder, right?”

  “Yes. He’s a professional baseball player.”

  “Well, he seems to have eyes for you. Which doesn’t surprise me. You’re lovely and you deserve someone special.”

  Baylee shook her head and stifled a laugh. “Gwen. Don’t be silly. You know my life. I have Casey. I have this.” She waved her hand around the bakery. “I don’t have time for a relationship.”

  “Pish-posh. Any man worth his salt could see that you and Casey are an ideal package.”

  “I appreciate the compliment, Gwen. I do.”

  “There’s someone out there for you who is man enough to love both you and Casey as you deserve.”

  Oh, how Baylee wished her friend’s words were true. She stood and put a hand on Gwen’s shoulder. “Let me go get you some coffee cake and some coffee.”

  “Sounds lovely. Thank you.”

  Baylee made her way behind the counter and fixed a plate for Gwen. Drew sipped his coffee and ate his cookie, apparently in no hurry to go anywhere.

  When she came out from the back earlier and saw him sitting there, she’d stopped in her tracks. The blue sweater he had on made his eyes look more blue than grey today. The short beard he had did wonders for the whole sexy look he had going on. Her pulse raced.

  Get a grip, Bay.So you find him attractive. Attraction does not a good choice of relationship make. Her ex was good looking too. Didn’t do her any good. Not that he was a bad guy, just... Ugh. She needed to stop this ongoing conversation with herself.

  She poured Gwen some coffee and took the cake and mug to her friend. “I hope you enjoy this one. I think it’s one of my best.”

  “Everything you make is the best. I have an added five pounds to prove it.”

  Baylee laughed. “Enjoy. I’ll check back with you in a few minutes.”

  She’d told Drew she’d return and she’d meant it. Attraction or not, Drew was hurting. Kate was her friend. The least she could do was be kind while Kate was gone on her honeymoon. She was just being a good friend. That was all. Besides, Drew wasn’t staying. Even if there was a chance he even liked her, he lived in New York. Baylee lived here. Their lives were too different.

  Yes, friendship. That was a good idea.

  She took the seat across from him once more. He smiled, just a slight lift of one side of his mouth.

  Her belly fluttered with butterflies.

  Gracious. She was in trouble.

  Chapter Three

  Baylee gave her friend a plate of coffee cake and a mug of coffee. Something the woman said made Baylee laugh. The sound floated through the air like a song. When it stopped Drew found himself wanting more.

  She sat down across from him once again. Although now she looked more... nervous. About what, he couldn’t tell. Her conversation with her friend appeared to be positive, lighthearted. He cocked his head and smiled at her.

  “You were right.”

  Her eyes brightened a little. “I was? About what?”

  “The coffee cake is better. Although the cookie was a close second.” He pointed to the now empty plate in front of him.

  She giggled. Man, she was cute.

  “Well, thank you.”

  He nodded. “You’re welcome.”

  “How long will you be staying in town?”

  Of course her question was a fair one, one anyone would ask of him since he was visiting mainly for Kate’s wedding. But the thoughts of his life back in New York, his injury, being out of the game he loved so much flooded back and turned the coffee and cookie in his stomach sour. His feelings must have showed on his face because Baylee said, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t pry.”

  “It’s not prying to ask someone how long they’re in town.”

  “I know, but...” She looked down at her lap, her fingers toying with the pocket on her apron again.

  But she knew why he was here. She and Kate were close. Kate must have said something.

  “I’m not sure how long I’m I town.” He looked around. A few people had left, the room now quieter than it was before. “I was only going to stay until after the wedding but now... Now I might stick around for a bit.”

  The small smile she gave him went straight to his heart. Was she glad he was staying?

  “It must be so different here for you from New York.”

  He nodded.

  “Not a man of many words, are ya?” Her accent thickened with the question.

  “And you’re not from around here, are ya?” He teased.

  She laughed at that. “Guilty. Texan through and through.”

  “That’s what I guessed.”

  “Kate said you guys grew up in Boston.”

  “Yep. That accent didn’t stick. Not with me anyway. Our older brother, David, still has his though. So, what brought you here from Texas?”

  Her smiled faded at that. “After my divorce I wanted a new start.”

  Ah. Divorced. Not married.

  “What’s making you want to stay here a while longer?”

  He searched her eyes for... for what? Flirting, teasing? No, he only saw the desire for an honest answer. Maybe it was about time he gave one.

  He took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sure Kate’s told you about my injury.”

  “Just a little. I firmly believe in hearing things from the horse’s mouth, though, myself.”

  He laughed at that. “Fair enough. I tore my rotator cuff. Not exactly the injury you want as a pitcher. My surgery went well, but only time will tell if I can throw the same again, keep my spot on the team. I’ve been working with my trainer at a facility in San Jose while I’m here. He says I’m throwing well, but...” He let his sentence trail off with a shrug. He wasn’t about to bore her with details of how his arm might be fine, but he couldn’t get his head screwed on straight enough to throw like he used to.

  She nodded but didn’t push him to continue.

  “To answer your question, it’s quiet here. No one bugs me. People ask for an autograph from time to time but, for the most part, they leave me be.” He lifted one side of his mouth in a smile. “It’s a nice change.”

  “I can only imagine what it’s like for you.”

  Drew sat back and waited. But the pat responses didn’t come. No, “You’ll be fine! You’ll be back in no time.” Or “But you’re famous and everyone loves you. Why would you want to be away from that?” Some of the guys on the team soaked in the attention, but not Drew. He wasn’t about to complain. He got to throw a baseball and play in the dirt for a living, and for a lot of money too. But the fame did come at a price. And, over time, it could take its toll.

  With his injury, he wanted even more privacy than normal. Be out of the spotlight. Everyone wanted info, the scoop on his injury. His recovery. When or if he’d return to the Empires.

  Hell, he didn’t know half of it himself. What was he supposed to say to the press? His agent had kept most of it at bay, for now, but soon enough, reporters would come calling. He’d stayed off social media. He didn’t even know where his phone was at the moment.

  No, at the moment, his attention was on a doe-eyed beauty sitting across from him, who didn’t look at him with pity or try to boost his spirits with empty words. She merely said she could only imagine, a
few small words that did wonders beyond any other attempt at making him feel better.

  “Are you working all day or can I take you to lunch?” The question flew from his mouth before his brain registered what he was saying. All he was aware of was wanting to see her again. Talk to her more. Just being near her made him forget his trouble. She was the first one in a while he’d even talked to about his injury. His family, sure, but that was more of answering questions they hounded him with. This was different.

  “I would love to but I’m here until three this afternoon.”

  “Right.” He nodded.

  “I could maybe do it tomorrow but I’d have to find a babysitter for my son.”

  “Why don’t you bring him with you? We’ll do a picnic or something?”

  She blinked as if surprised by his answer.

  “Um. Well. Okay. Why don’t you come by the bakery around one? I’m here at five in the morning baking and leave at three when we close. I think I can get someone to cover for me for a few hours so I can leave early.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He stood and helped carry his dirty plates to the counter, then headed out the door, his heart a lot lighter than it had been in weeks.

  With a wave and a smile, he was gone.

  Just like that, she had a date. Well, sort of. Casey would be with them. But still. And Drew hadn’t even batted an eye when she said she had a son. She tried to be up front with guys she went out with, which weren’t many since her divorce, let them know she had a kid. If they didn’t cancel on her, they were gone after the first date. Her life simply came with too much baggage. She, of course, never thought of Casey as baggage, but others did.

  She was also careful to not introduce Casey to too many new people. He wasn’t comfortable with that and, well, she was a mom with protective instincts. She had to trust those. And Drew wasn’t staying so there wasn’t much of a chance for Casey to get attached anyway.

  It was a harmless, friendly picnic lunch. Maybe she could cheer Drew up some before he went back to New York. Right. Friends.