Eight Years Ago

A sense of awe settles my nerves as I slide my aviators back in place and take in the ballpark’s beauty. Tall oak trees line the backdrop of Renald Field. The giant green scoreboard—the latest argument between Cessna’s baseball historical society and the new administration—stands in all its nostalgic glory behind center field. The guy manually in charge of scoring leans through the extra inning’s score box opening and waits to replace the painted placard.

Sitting in the bleachers behind first base, I can appreciate the significance of the magnificent sight. “Save the Scoreboard” is a cause I could get behind. But I won’t. In fact, I shouldn’t even be here.

“I can’t believe you talked me into coming.” My gaze strays to the on-deck circle where a certain ballplayer stands cockily waiting. It’s a tied game in the bottom of the eighth with one out. His cockiness will be tested for sure.

“You told me your brother plays ball. It’s not like you’re unfamiliar with the game.” My roommate makes a valid point.

Smack. The ball grounds past the second baseman into center field, and the batter ends up on first with a single. A moment later, AJ steps to home plate, and I wait for it… Yes! He turns his back toward us, giving me another peek. Damn, his ass looks great. I have no shame, or willpower for that matter. I can’t stop staring.

My roommate cocks her head and follows my line of sight. “Besides, you know you like the view. You’re enjoying every minute.”

“I didn’t say the view was bad.” I giggle when her shoulder nudges me.

AJ waits for the pitch and then swings. The ball pops into the section beside us. Not wasting time, he steps back to home plate, and my peep show continues.

We both sigh.

“Now you know why I like coming to watch Blain play.”

“I thought it was to support him. You know, good girlfriend and all that.” My tone is playful, but I keep my eyes trained on AJ as he waits for his pitch.

“Uh-huh. That too.”

“Sure.” I laugh, but I know she’s speaking the truth. I’ve spent plenty of nights watching my younger brother play baseball. Drake’s every bit as talented as these guys. He’s a junior in high school, and scouts have already been in touch with him. He’ll be on the same path of success if he gets his head out of his ass.

The pitcher stares at the catcher for the signs. He nods and then pitches out of the stretch. The ball sails up and inside, backing AJ off the plate. Without pause, AJ steps back into position, and I swear he leans closer to the zone as he crouches. I guess he won’t be intimidated.

“He’s all wrong for me.” The words are meant more for me than her—a reminder to stay away. Who knows if he even wants to get involved? It’s not like he’s tried contacting me or anything since seeing me last. “And no matter what you say, he’s not interested in me. Not really.”

My roommate gives me a side-eye stare, and I throw my hands up.

“I mean for anything more than one night.”

AJ swings and misses. His backside twists and gives us a great view of his entire body. Damn.

“Would one night be so bad?” Sadie asks.

I don’t even have to think about that question to know one night with AJ would be incredible. “No, but I’m not looking to be with anyone right now. Quick lay or not.”

Crack. The ball flies into the far-right corner and lands fair. The runner on first rounds second and is halfway to third before the outfielder scoops the ball.

Sadie stands, her popcorn spilling to the ground, and hollers for the lead runner to keep going. He rounds third as the right fielder throws the ball back in, but he misses the cut-off man. The runner slides as the ball drops two feet in front of home plate.

“Safe,” the umpire yells.

My yelp is unstoppable, and I turn to see where AJ reaches. He’s standing on third base. After signaling to the ump, he points to the sky, and then pounds his chest. I smile at the stadium’s sounds. The cheers. The excitement. Closing my eyes, I take it all in. There’s a certain feel to being at the ballpark. I have so many good memories watching Drake play, but they’re marred by Dad’s many absences.

I tamp down the ill feelings and refocus on the game with renewed determination to stop watching AJ. I vowed never to get involved with any man whose job takes him away from family. Even if it was for a quick hookup, there isn’t any use trying. I’ll stay clear of him. It shouldn’t be too hard.

Continued cheers and loud conversations echo down the long corridor outside the team’s locker room—the high from winning still in the air. My plan to stay away from AJ lasted half an inning. I wanted to head back to the dorm as soon as we made the final out, but Sadie insisted we wait for her boyfriend. I’m not sure why I agreed.

At least we’re not alone, and I’m hoping if AJ makes it out of the locker room before Blain the crowd will gather around and hide me. He has no clue I’m here, and it’s not like he’ll be looking for me. There are enough cleat chasers standing around to cause a distraction. I know they’re not members of the girlfriend club because they stand out. Both groups of girls are beautiful—makeup perfectly polished, not a hair out of place, but the difference? A relaxed, almost bored look coats the girlfriends’ faces, while anticipation is almost palpable through the cleat chasers’ endless chatter.

God, hurry up. I don’t want to be standing here when AJ walks out.

The thought no more enters my mind when the metal door flings open, and AJ struts past the security guard. The shrill sound of his name pierces my ears as two baseball groupies latch to his side and stake claim faster than a miner during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Hair wet and disheveled, he looks good. His Dri-fit shirt stretches across his broad chest, the neckline dipping low enough to offer a glimpse of his tattoo. I take a deep breath and absorb every inch of pure ecstasy.

It’s a good thing I can control my lust-induced desires.

His gaze wanders past the two girls and lands on me. My mouth dries as his curves into a lopsided grin. I get a feeling he’s going to test every ounce of willpower I just bragged about.

“Cupcake.” He pries the brunette’s hands off his stomach, and the politeness in his voice catches me off guard. “Ladies, excuse me for a minute.”

He steps toward me and doesn’t stop until he’s inches away. Fresh cleanliness like an early spring rain invades my senses. I stop myself from standing on my tiptoes and nestling against his neck to take a deeper whiff. I’m wrong. My self-control is weak. Very weak.

“You watched the game.” The statement holds surprise; no doubt he is remembering our last encounter. The one where I had refused to come.

“Don’t read too much into it. Sadie wanted company while watching Blain.”

“Whatever it takes to get you here.” He turns to Sadie and says, “Hi.”

She shifts her gaze from me to AJ and tries to hold back a smile, failing epically. “Good game today.”

“Thanks. The team played well.” He directs his attention back to me. “If I knew you were watching, I would’ve hit one out of the park for you.”

And the magnetic trance he holds over me breaks.

“Do most people believe that bullcrap?” I ask. He doesn’t need to answer. The half-smirk sliding into place suggests yes.

“Usually, but I would’ve tried showing off for you.”

“I think you did just fine without the theatrics. Going three for four with two RBIs isn’t bad. Not to mention your defensive performance.”

His mouth parts and his eyes darken as his stare steals my breath. My knees wobble at my sudden dizziness.

He grabs my arms, his large fingers wrapping around my flesh. The gentleness of his touch, the sureness in his strength, only serves to intensify our connection. It’s as if we’re in our own bubble and no one else exists. “Easy does it.”

My eyes flick back to his, and I feel my resolve to stay away slip.

After a beat, his raspy voice breaks the moment. “Go out with me.”

I open my mouth to agree, but a frustrated gasp steals my attention. One of the girls still waiting for AJ stands there and scowls at us. Even though he ditched her to come talk to me, she’s still waiting for him. What am I doing?

“Mia, go out with me.”

I shake loose from his grip and find my balance. “No.”

“A simple dinner. No expectations.”

Damn, this would be easier if I didn’t feel the intensity of his stare clear to my toes. He’s looking at me as if I’m the only one who matters.

“No,” I say and walk away.

“Mia.” When I don’t stop, he repeats my name. “Mia, I’m going to get you to cave.”

Damn, he’s persistent. I pivot to face him, and his long strides erase the distance I created.

“Go out with me.”

“No.”

“Come on. You want to. I can see it in your eyes.”

“The only thing you see is my baby blues.”

“Nope. You’re trying to suppress your desire, but it still shines through.”

There may be some truth to his statement, but I’ll never admit that to him.

“Tell you what. You think of a unique, creative way to ask me out, and I’ll agree.”

“Promise?” His grin turns devilish.

I blow out a slow, steady stream of air, wondering how I got roped into agreeing. “Yes.”

“Challenge accepted.”

“AJ.” His groupies’ voices carry across the hallway. Right, we’re not alone. I turn to leave again, but his voice stops me in place.

“Be outside your dorm at one o’clock Sunday.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“That’s our date.”

“Pretty sure of yourself.” My flat tone causes him to smile.

“I know exactly what to do.”

Why am I not surprised?