Chapter Twenty-Five

Josie

“You all right over there?”

I glanced over at Trey and forced a smile. “Yeah.” I was all right, considering my pussy was still throbbing, I was wet, boneless, and spent.

He arched an eyebrow at me but returned his eyes to the road without another question. Which was a good thing. At least, at the moment. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling and I sure didn’t want him asking questions. If I couldn’t explain it to myself, there was no way in hell I could try and make him understand. He was a man after all.

After my initiation into the mile-high club, we landed at the Dallas Fort-Worth Airport and then rented a car and hit the road. My parents’ ranch was outside the city, about an hour away, and I was glad for the extra time.

At the airport, I’d left Trey to use the restroom and called my parents. I didn’t want my—our—arrival to be a complete surprise. I’d mentioned I was bringing a guest, but had chickened out when it came to actually telling them the full story. How was I supposed to explain that I was bringing home the infamous Trey Delgado? If Daddy had seen the news—and I was sure he had—he’d know all about Trey’s indiscretions, and I wasn’t about to explain in the corner of a crowded ladies room. It wasn’t the right time—or place.

As we drove out of Dallas, dusk was falling and my stomach twisted up a little tighter with each passing highway sign. In polar opposition, was Trey. He was relaxed and calm behind the wheel, navigating like a pro with the help of the GPS system. He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Or, maybe he was still thinking about our scandalous sexcapades in the airplane bathroom.

Shivers went along my arms and legs at the memory. I hated to admit it, but airplane sex was the best I’d ever had. Unfortunately, that was definitely the last time we’d hook up. I had to be strong. I needed to focus on that damn senator and what scandal he was up to. I still wasn’t even sure why I’d agreed to let Trey tag along on my trip. When I talked to him after he got arrested, he sounded different, and something about his pitiful tone made me let down my guard and inhibitions—and probably my better judgment.

However it had happened—it was my new reality for the next four days. I’d traded in the media and the hustle and bustle of the city, to be under the spotlight of bad boy Trey Delgado and my parents’ attention. I didn’t know which one was worse.

I sighed and flopped back against the passenger seat. Only once I relaxed, I realized how tense my muscles were. No wonder Trey thought I was on the verge of a breakdown.

He glanced over again. “What’s on your mind?”

I shrugged. “I don’t even know where I’d begin.”

He chuckled and turned his eyes back to the road. “You want different music? I don’t normally do this, but for you, I’ll give you free rein over the radio. But please, no country. Just ’cause we’re in Texas doesn’t mean I’m ready to Boot Scoot and Boogey.”

I laughed at the visual image of Trey in a pair of cowboy boots, shuffling around doing the two-step with a Stetson on his head. Damn, he’d look hot in a cowboy hat. I winced, blinking away the thought. “All right, that’s fair. Let’s see…” I started flicking through the stations and we both agreed on one that was in the middle of a Matchbox Twenty song. “That’s safe.”

Trey chuckled. “You a country fan? Or the boots just a fashion statement?”

I grinned over at him. “You’re still thinking about those boots?”

Trey laughed and I smiled at the lines that formed at the edges of his eyes. He was a beautiful man. Strong and sexy. He could look intimidating as hell on the field, but off the diamond, he was almost always cracking a joke or laughing along with someone else’s. Sure, he was cocky and liked to be the center of attention, but there was more to him than that, and I had a feeling that I’d only started to learn who Trey really was.

“Damn straight, baby, I’m always thinking about those damn boots. Thinking about your beautiful legs wrapped around my waist…”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. I loved driving him crazy. There were thousands—if not millions—of women who would throw themselves at Trey’s feet. No matter where we went, I caught women staring at him, checking out his ass, and whispering with their friends. But in all the time we’d spent together, I’d never caught him so much as give them a second glance. He was aware of the attention but didn’t let it sway his own.

“I might have some good news for you then…when I’m at the ranch, all I wear are boots.”

“Jackpot!”

I giggled but it caught in my throat as his large hand dropped to my thigh. It was an absent minded gesture, something couples did without even thinking. Trey touching me, holding onto me, and kissing me was as natural to him as playing baseball. My eyes flicked from his hand up to his face and found him watching me. “Trey…just so you know, my parents don’t know you’re coming.”

“Oh?” He paused, turning the piece of information over in his mind. A surge of guilt swept through me, wondering what conclusions he was jumping to. “Why’s that?”

I sucked in a long, slow breath. “Well, I wasn’t sure how to explain…us. This.”

“What’s there to explain?”

I arched an eyebrow at him. “Trey. Come on. You know what I mean.”

He sighed. “I guess. I mean, I’m not really a label kind of guy. We just are.”

“Right.” I turned away and stared out my window. I don’t know what I’d been hoping for, but his non-answer left a deflated feeling in my chest.

“Josie?”

“Yeah?”

“What do you want this to be?”

I laughed softly. “I have no freakin’ clue.”

The GPS signaled for Trey to take the next exit and my heart rate started to kick up. We were less than ten minutes away from the ranch. The window of time to figure things out was shrinking fast. We should’ve had this conversation on the plane instead of hooking up in the bathroom. Then again, if we hadn’t hooked up, I probably wouldn’t feel so confused in the first place.

Damn it. Why did this have to be so damn complicated? Was this what the Facebook status was referring to?

I turned to face Trey, ignoring the way the seatbelt dug into my chest. “Trey, listen, I don’t know what I want. But I do know that I’m not the friends with benefits no-strings-attached kinda girl. So, if that’s all you’re interested in, let’s just go ahead and put an end to that part of our relationship right here, right now. It’ll make it easier on both of us.”

Trey dragged his eyes to mine. They were wider than ever in the low light as the sun dipped over the horizon. “And if that’s not all I’m looking for?”

I chewed the inside of my cheek. “Then…I don’t know.”

“So, you’re not interested in being fuck buddies—” I cringed at the crude term. “—but you don’t know what else you’d want?”

I turned it over and then nodded. “I think so…”

Trey laughed and looked back at the road. “All right…well…then we say we’re friends until you figure out what you want.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

He hitched the shoulder closest to me and removed his hand from my leg. “I don’t think I have much of a choice.”

* * * *

My parents’ farmhouse was lit up with bright lights that were spaced out every three feet down the wrap around porch. A light was on in their bedroom but the view was blocked by light grey curtains. I imagined my mother was up there, getting ready for my arrival. My dad was likely downstairs in the kitchen, trying to sneak some snacks before supper. It was a little later than they normally ate, but I knew they would’ve held off until we arrived.

Trey pulled up the long, gravel drive and parked in front of the three car detached garage. “Wow, this place is nice.”

I nodded. “Thanks. Daddy did a lot of it himself.”

“He built it?”

“Yeah, he did. Worst time of my life. They couldn’t figure out how big to make the kitchen and what wood to use on the damn cabinets. Night after night, the contractors came with samples and Mama finally agreed to some dark mahogany. Now it’s too pretty to cook in. I’m just glad it’s over.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

“Cabinets?”

“The whole thing. I think it’s cool your mom and dad built their dream house.”

I pushed open the passenger door a few inches and then turned back to Trey. “You good?”

He grinned. “Always.”

Trey proved to be the gentleman and swooped our bags from the trunk, insisting on carting them both to the front door. As he moved, the wheels got stuck in the gravel and he cursed under his breath as he tugged them along. I suppressed a laugh and shot out ahead of him to go to the front door. A surge of excitement took the place of anxiety. It had been too long since I’d seen my parents. I rang the bell and stood back just as Trey managed to get the two rolling suitcases carted up the front steps.

The door flew open and my mom appeared. She was wearing a fitted skirt and a peach colored blouse. Her dark hair was pulled back in a fancy chignon and she’d even put on a pair of hoop earrings. Susan Crawford wasn’t usually a skirt, makeup, and earrings kind of gal. Sure, she could get dolled up if Daddy had a business dinner or they were hosting clients, but if she had it her way, every day would be casual Friday. She was much more at home with a fresh face, worn jeans, and her favorite pair of riding boots.

“Mama!” I said, the sound bubbling with joy. She flung the door open wider and gathered me into her arms. Her hand went to the back of my head and she absently stroked over my hair. “It’s so good to see you.” She smelled like home and I didn’t want to let go.

“Baby girl, your hair is so long! Oh, just look at you!” She pulled back but kept each of her hands on my shoulders so she could take me in. “Honey, you look so happy! You’re positively glowing!”

Her eyes wandered over my shoulder and my stomach flipped over as I watched them go as wide as dinner plates. “And…who is this?” she asked, dropping her hands from my shoulders, still staring open-mouthed at Trey. “Wait. I know you from somewhere…”

Trey smiled and stepped forward, fully immersing himself in the light from the porch lights. “Trey Delgado, ma’am.”

He offered her his hand and she immediately grabbed for it. “The Trey Delgado? Oh my…” Her eyes darted from mine to Trey’s and then back again. “I’m so sorry. Where are my manners? It’s very nice to meet you, Trey. Won’t you please come in. Both of you.”

“Joey girl?” my father’s voice boomed from down the hall. I swiped my sweaty palms against my jeans. Moment of truth. “That you?”

“Daddy!”

My father, Jeffery Crawford, came into the grand, two story foyer but stopped short as Trey stepped inside the house behind me. I swore I could hear my dad’s heart beating out of his chest. “Jo?”

“Um, Daddy, this is Trey. He’s my friend.”

My dad recovered like a true pro and stepped forward to shake Trey’s hand. “Nice to meet you, son. I obviously know who you are.”

“At least by reputation,” Trey said, his voice light, with an edge of humor. “Might as well get the elephant outta the way so we don’t all have to suffer through a really long, uncomfortable dinner, right?”

Beside me, my mother let out a snort.

I drew in a breath and licked my lips. “Um, Trey and I met while I was covering the team. You remember when I told you about that, Daddy?” I paused and waited for my dad to give a slight nod. “Anyway, he’s always wanted to learn to ride and since I was coming home anyway, I thought I’d invite him along…” my tone lost its conviction as I rambled on. My entire story was full of holes and questions. I hadn’t been scheduled to come see my parents for another month and with the last minute nature of the trip, it didn’t line up that it was a just casual vacation. There was also the problem we’d have to explain of why Trey wasn’t with the Warriors in the middle of baseball season.

Unless they’d seen the news lately…then they’d know the reason why he wasn’t with the team, and I wouldn’t have to tell them. Trey’s suspension was all over the headlines. I’d been avoiding all the media, knowing it would only rile me up further.

My father glanced from Trey then back to me, as though he was trying to put a puzzle together. After a long, inquisitive look, he plastered on a polite smile and ushered us into the dining room. “Let’s get dinner on the table and you can tell us all about it.”

Great.