JAMES ROUNDED ONE of the hiking paths at Foothills Park, his feet pounding on the rough terrain. He collapsed onto a nearby bench, laying his head back until his breathing eased. It wasn’t the smartest idea to run the trails since the ground was so uneven, but the nature preserve was his refuge, much more so in the past several months.

He closed his eyes, feeling the hot sun beat down on his already-bronzed skin. It was warm that morning, not typical for northern California. Water would be great right about now. Too bad the bottle in his car would be anything but refreshing by the time he got there.

James sighed, remembering how he and his dad hiked to this park every Saturday morning when he was younger. “Mom works hard all week. Let’s give her a break,” Dad would tell James. They were so close, he and his dad. Such a good man, he was taken from them way too soon. He’ll never know how much I loved him. I didn’t do a good enough job of telling him. And I blew my last chance because of that stupid meeting.

He ran his hands through his hair, wishing he had more time with his dad, wishing that he hadn’t stayed away for so long. Beating myself up over that decision isn’t going to bring him back. I’ve got to come to terms with it otherwise I’ll never move on. And I finally have something to look forward to, something I don’t want to mess up.

Slouching forward, he thought about his upcoming date with Jessica. Telling her to wear comfortable clothes was kind of a test. He was curious to see how well she could go with the flow. Today was important for him; taking her out this afternoon would let her in.

I don’t know if we’re on the same page, but I really want to see where this can go. No games. I’m going to be as open and honest as possible with her. He wanted to find out if that spark between them would ignite if given the chance. Something about her made him feel alive and alert again. He hadn’t felt that way in a long time; he was ready to move on with his life. If I can’t be myself with her right up front, what’s the point?

He pulled out his phone and dialed Jessica’s number, surprised at how anxious he was to hear her voice.

“Hello?”

“Jessica. Hey, it’s James.” He wiped his face with the sleeve of his t-shirt. “How’s it going?”

“Great! I’m really looking forward to seeing you this afternoon.”

She sounds excited, cool.

“So where can I find you later on? Can I pick you up around two?”

“I’m staying at the W on El Camino. Two would be perfect. I’m just finishing up some work here at the office and then I’ll be headed back.” Jessica cleared her throat. “So, um, about that text yesterday.”

James smiled and sat back on the bench, letting her take the lead. Here it comes.

“When you said comfortable clothes, what exactly did you mean? Are we talking like yoga pants and sneakers, jeans, shorts, flip-flops? I kind of need a little more direction.”

He tried hard to mask the laughter as he replied. “Well, I’ve got an outdoor activity planned so it means that you might want to table those heels of yours for another time.”

“You mean, if there is another time, right?” He detected a hint of amusement in her voice. “I don’t normally go out on dates where I’m instructed to dress down. Just saying.”

“So then maybe you really are as high maintenance as I thought,” James mused.

“Maybe so. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

A SWARM OF butterflies took flight in Jessica’s stomach when she saw James waiting outside the piano bar a few hours later. Jeez, what happened to a fun little fling? Shouldn’t I be a little more relaxed since I know it’s not going anywhere? Get a grip. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she crossed the lobby and sidled up behind him. “So. Am I dressed down enough for you?”

He spun around with a surprised smile, nodding as he took in her ensemble. Jessica decided that dressing down didn’t have to equate to sweatpants and a t-shirt so she opted for skinny jeans and a cleavage-revealing top instead.

“Definitely.”

“You know, I’m not used to being this short.” She gazed up at him with a demure look.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that. You’ve got a pretty big presence.” He winked. “Shall we?”

Jessica giggled. “We shall. By the way, where are you taking me?”

“Nervous?”

“Well, I have to say I’m more than a little curious, especially about the scope of activity.” She twirled a loose wisp of hair around her finger.

“I’m sure you are. How do you feel about baseball?”

“Um, playing it or watching it? Because my answer will vary.”

He laughed. “Actually, listening to it.”

Whaaaa?

Taking her hand, he led her out of the main entrance and over to a gleaming black Integra sitting next to the valet booth.

“Wow, this is the cleanest car I’ve ever seen!”

James opened the door and she slid into the front seat. “You should have seen it about half an hour ago. It was borderline offensive. I was afraid you might refuse to get in.”

“I feel so honored that my big presence warranted a good detailing. Now, when are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

James gave a mysterious smile. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

He maneuvered the car onto the freeway, lowering the windows so the cool breeze could wash over them. “It’s not too windy for you, is it?”

“No, it feels really nice. You know, I have to tell you something. I’m the type who really likes to know all aspects of a situation before I head into it. I really don’t like surprises.” Jessica spotted a sign along 1-280 for AT&T Park. “Aha! Giants game?”

“Yep.”

“So, we’re rivals then.” Jessica grinned. “I’m a Mets fan. Is this going to be an issue?”

He laughed. “Hardly. I’m actually a Cubs fan.”

“How’d that happen?”

He shrugged, pulling into the parking lot. “Don’t really remember, I just always was. It was a pretty big disappointment to my dad. He had his heart set on having a son who was as big of a Giants fan as he was.”

“Is it still a source of contention? Or has your dad just given up on you?” Jessica teased. “I don’t know how I’d handle one of my kids being a Yankee fan…”

James switched off the ignition and looked at Jessica with a sad smile. “It’s kind of moot now. He passed away six months ago.”

Jessica gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry…that was so insensitive of me…” Dammit, why did I have to say anything?

“How could you know? It’s fine, really. That’s the reason why I left Cambridge, so I could be here for my mom.”

She shook her head. “I feel so terrible for you. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”

James jogged over to the passenger side to open her door. She took his hand, still frazzled and uncertain of what to say next.

He popped the trunk open and pulled out a baseball glove, a backpack and a transistor radio. “It was a struggle for a long time. After he died, everything kind of faded out for a while. We were really close and I felt guilty because I was away when it happened. I was supposed to come back here that weekend and I cancelled at the last minute for an investor meeting. He was in a car accident the night I was scheduled to fly in.” Intense pain was evident in his eyes. “If I’d come back, he never would have been in that accident. It’s been a really tough pill to swallow.”

“James, I don’t know what to say…” Oh my God, this poor guy. Her heart broke for him. He’s suffering so much. I can’t imagine how it must feel to lose a parent. The relationship between Jessica and her own dad was rocky at best but she’d be devastated if he was gone from her life forever.

“I’m sorry to lay all that on you. But to be honest, those feelings kept me pretty secluded over the past few months. I focused on work, not really bothering with the outside world. Until you came along and barreled into me with your coffee.” James gave her a small smile and closed the trunk. “My dad took me here a lot when I was younger. This place has a lot of meaning for me. That’s why I wanted to share it with you.”

Jessica was stunned at his candor. “Really?”

“Yes. I can’t explain why I feel this way, but I know you’re special. I just get a feeling. Bringing you here means a lot to me. We don’t have a lot of time to figure this whole thing out before you go back to New York so I wanted to make today count. You cool with that?”

She nodded, still speechless. She’d never met a guy who was so direct with his feelings. But this can’t become anything. It’s just supposed to be for fun.

“I’ve never taken anyone here before. I guess I thought it would be too much right after my dad died. But something made me want to bring you.”

She felt her heart flutter. “I’m glad you did.”

“I hope I didn’t lay too much on you.”

Jessica shook her head. “I didn’t anticipate this at all when I came out here. Running into you three times was completely unexpected. I’ve been so focused on my own work lately that I haven’t really dated much over the past months. I guess it’s true what they say about meeting people when you’re not really looking, huh?”

James took her hand and led her toward the park. “LazerShark keeps me pretty busy so it’s been a good distraction. There’s been so much going on. Seems like Chris and I have been attached at the hip.” He chuckled.

“Well, don’t be jealous but my weekends have been pretty exciting lately, lots of wine, Starburst jelly beans, Lifetime movies and Sudoku.” Jessica giggled.

“I’m glad you made an exception for me.” James gave her hand a little squeeze.

“Hey, where are our seats?” Jessica waved towards the stadium entrance. “Is the game so crowded that we’re going to listen from the pier?”

“Nah, you’ve got to give me a little more credit than that.” He pointed toward what looked like a dock. “That’s where we’re going.”

Um, he didn’t tell me to wear a bathing suit.

Then the sign caught her eye. City Kayak? Oh please tell me I’m seeing things.

“Uh, are we going kayaking?” Jessica tried hard to keep her voice even.

James burst out laughing. “I told you to trust me, right?”

“Mmm hmmm.” Oh for chrissakes, I can’t do this! Can’t even fake it! Not fun!

He winked at her. “It’s going to be okay, I promise.”

“You know this is way out of my comfort zone, right? The whole outdoorsy thing? I know you know that. You seem like a pretty perceptive guy.”

“Yeah, I got that. But it’s a beautiful day and I’m an accomplished kayaker. You’ll be perfectly safe. And who knows? We might even catch a fly ball out here.”

“Hence the reason for the glove?”

“Yep.” He gave his name to the manager and paid for the rental. James handed Jessica a life jacket and slipped one on over his t-shirt.

Okay, here goes nothing. Most interesting first date ever.

She secured the life vest around her chest and followed James over to the ramp where their two-person kayak was waiting. Oh crap, it’s so small! I’m too claustrophobic for this little adventure. Come on, breathe Jess! You can do this!

James stepped in and held out his hand. “Just hop in. I’ve got you.”

Talk about a leap of faith, huh? Jessica took a deep breath and jumped off the dock, landing perfectly in the center of the kayak.

“Nice job. You’re already a pro.”

“I’ll help out as much as I can with the paddling but keep your expectations in check…”

James laughed. “No need. Just sit back and enjoy. It’ll only take about fifteen minutes or so to get to the cove.” He handed her a bottle of water as they settled in. “Thirsty?”

“Very.”

He rowed away from the pier toward the cove. She admired how his muscles rippled under the thin t-shirt as he worked the paddles. Mmm, so delicious. She wondered how it would feel to have his arms wrapped around her, how safe and protected she would feel in his embrace. Stop! I don’t need to feel protected!

“Wow, there are so many people out here! Is this whole kayaking experience a really big thing?”

James nodded. “Yeah, this is where Giants fans come to tailgate. It’s a really cool attraction. Tons of tourists visit here every season. It’s even better at night. The stadium lights illuminate the whole cove.” He took a break for a second and flexed his arms, flashing Jessica a sheepish grin. “Only problem is that the current is kind of strong and we’re paddling against it right now.”

Jessica giggled. “Oh, come on, a big strong guy like you can definitely handle it.”

“Whew! It’s gotten really hot, huh?” James shaded his eyes and dug around the backpack for his sunglasses.

“Now who’s the high maintenance one? You sure you don’t want to backpedal on that assessment yet?” Jessica raised an eyebrow.

“Well, we do have a whole nine innings to get through.” A sly smile appeared. “I think I should get some more time to make a fair judgment.”

Jessica shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“Hey, check it out! There’s the big screen, can you see it?” James pointed to the top of the stadium and flipped on the radio. “Damn AM radio, I hate static.” He twisted the knob, trying to get a clear signal. “Okay, there we go.”

“This is really fantastic. Thank you for taking me out here. I’m having a great time with you.”

His blue eyes twinkled in the sunlight. “So, you’re open to roughing it a little bit? I didn’t scare you off yet?”

Jessica tilted her head. “No, you haven’t scared me off. And no, I’m really not okay with roughing it, but being with you makes it bearable.”

“Awesome. Because I have to admit I was nervous.” He took a sip of his water. “In all seriousness, since I haven’t really dated that much lately, I guess I’m a little out of practice. Maybe I should have taken you to a really fancy dinner to make a better impression.”

“Listen, let’s not talk about making impressions. I’m sure you could have done without the first one I left.”

“Yeah, but here we are…”

Their eyes locked. Oh Lord…

“Here we are. So that tells me you’re either a glutton for punishment or you really are desperate for dates.” She winked.

“Or maybe I just knew you were worth the risk.” James grinned as he moved the paddles aside. “So, how long have you lived in New York? Do you like it there?”

“Oh yeah, I love it. I moved there right after graduation when I started working at DMC. It’s such an amazing city. Ever been?”

“Only a couple of times to meet with investors for LazerShark. But it’s never really been my speed. I guess I got used to a slower pace living in Cambridge for four years.”

“It’s nice,” Jessica mused. “To sit back and relax a little, not get so caught up in the whole rat race. The quality of life is just better out here, but I don’t know. I think I’m too tightly wound. Maybe I thrive on the stress.”

“Life’s too short. I get it now, after all this time. I’ve done a lot of soul-searching lately and I don’t want to miss out on living anymore. I want to enjoy as much as I can without having to be bogged down with worries. You never know when your time’s up.” He snapped his fingers. “It can happen just like that.”

“You’re right, the small stuff really isn’t that important.” She hesitated, not knowing what to say next.

He stroked her hand. “I decided I’d rather take a chance on something…or someone…then wonder if things might have been different if I wasn’t afraid to try.”

Jessica’s heart pounded as he stared at her. She saw the hope alive in his eyes. He says that now. But will he still feel that strongly once he finds out I’m sick? Will he still want me then? I don’t want to find out, it’s better if we keep this light. But she couldn’t ignore the unmistakable connection between them. It was almost strong enough to trump her fears and insecurities, at least for the short-term.

“I know the long-distance thing isn’t appealing, especially since we don’t really know each other.” It was almost as if he was reading her exact thoughts. “I’m just asking you to give this a fair shot, to see if it’s even worth pursuing. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, next week or even next month. But I’m okay with that.” He sat back on his elbows, flashing her a dimpled smile. “It took me a long time to reach that conclusion.”

Jessica looked down for a few seconds, remembering how much pain she’d experienced in recent months. She picked the wrong guy and was ready to live the rest of her life with him. But now I have a second chance with someone who’s confident that he made the right choice with me. “Things don’t always happen the way we want. I think the best-case scenario is finding someone who shares your goals for the future and wants to grow together as a unit, no matter what challenges and obstacles get thrown in the way. And if that happens, shouldn’t we just go for it?”

James smiled. “You’re pretty insightful.”

“Interesting observation, since most times I feel like I can’t see past my nose.” She let out small laugh with her admission.

“Did you have some big enlightening experience?”

“Isn’t that how all great pearls of wisdom are formed?” She snickered. “But yes, I was engaged before. I met him in New York at an alumni event and we dated for a couple of years. We just weren’t compatible, and even though deep down I knew something was off, I still went through the motions. In the end, we both wanted different things out of life and when I realized he wasn’t as committed to our relationship as I was, I walked away.” Okay, not a total fabrication but that’s as far as the story is going right now.

“He made a huge mistake letting you go.”

“That’s what you say now, but maybe he was on to something.” Jessica shrugged and let out a deep sigh as James chuckled.

“Anyway, that’s really when I became a total workaholic.” She took another drink. “I threw everything I had into my job and took a break from the dating scene for a while. If I worked hard, I could get a promotion. No risk, lots of reward. It was just safer.”

“I know what you mean. But it gets lonely.”

“Yeah, it does.” She nodded. “How about you? Any relationship devastation to speak of?”

James smirked. “Isn’t there always? When I was a junior, I started my first business with a guy I’d known for a few years. His family had a lot of government connections. We were building an aerospace system we wanted to pitch for use at NASA. I was always a space buff, so it was like a dream for me to build something that could be used by our astronauts. At the same time, I started dating a girl pretty seriously. She spent a lot of time with us since we worked almost non-stop, and one weekend when I was laid up with a broken ankle, he went skiing with her and her friends and they hooked up. I didn’t find out until about a month later, though.”

“Oh no. What did you do?”

“Well, I did something very therapeutic when I caught them together at his apartment.”

Jessica leaned forward, her eyes wide. “What? Did you confront them?”

“Nope, I destroyed the prototype we created. I know, it was really immature but I couldn’t be around him anymore. We hadn’t officially filed for any patents or anything. So I torched it.”

“Good for you.” Jessica clapped her hands. “I would have done the exact same thing!”

“It wasn’t my brightest move, but I let anger get the better of me. They betrayed me and that’s something I couldn’t handle. It’s my thing, I guess.” Sitting up, he pointed to a red kayak in the distance. “Hey! There’s the hot dog kayak! I thought it was an urban legend!”

Jessica held a hand over her eyes, seeing the red kayak approach the fans in the cove. “How does he keep them hot?”

James grinned. “I have no idea. Want to try one? I can’t promise it’ll be the best you’ve ever tasted, but it’s still a hot dog, so how can it really be bad?”

“I’m in! Dirty water dogs are the best.” Jessica waved her arms. “This is officially the coolest first date ever!”

James paddled over to the red kayak and paid for two hot dogs, handing one to Jessica. She bit into it and moaned.

“How is it?” He watched her reaction.

“Bun’s kind of wet. But it’s still delish, so don’t worry. I can’t remember the last time I had a hot dog! Mmmm, so yummy.”

James took a huge bite of his hot dog and started paddling back towards the cove. The announcer’s voice came over the radio. “Up at bat next, Rick Fairchild! Will we see a fair ball from him today, folks? Bases loaded…”

“Yes!” James grabbed his glove. “This is it!”

“What are you doing?” Jessica watched him with confusion as she popped the last of her hot dog into her mouth. Fans throughout the cove all had the same idea as James. Guys with baseball gloves were balancing on the sides of their kayaks, awaiting the announcer’s call.

The announcer’s excited voice bellowed from the speakers, “And he swings!” Click! “Look at that fly ball, headed right for McCovey Cove! I hope the fans out there are paying attention to this one!”

The ball shot out of the stadium like a missile. The crowd roared, watching the eager fans hoping to capture the fly ball. It bolted through the air, straight at their location. Jessica shielded her head and squealed as it came closer.

“I’ve got it!” James jumped and reached overhead. The ball headed towards them. He caught it in the tip of his glove.

“Yea!” Jessica cheered and clapped her hands, along with all the other fans in the cove.

James flashed her a triumphant smile and as he stepped down into his seat, his foot caught a puddle and his leg slipped out from under him. “Argh!” he yelled, still clutching the ball in his glove. Arms flailing, he pitched forward into the water.

“Oh no!” Jessica stood up as the laughter from other fans exploded around her. Seconds later, James surfaced, holding up his arm for all to see. The glove was on and the ball was still secure in his grasp. Everyone cheered as he struggled to hoist himself out of the water. The kayak wasn’t cooperating, though. The current forced it to drift and Jessica panicked. “James, I can’t hold it still!”

“Don’t worry.” He panted, gripping on to the side. “Hand me one of the paddles.” She did as he asked and he used the paddle as leverage. He climbed up enough to fling a leg over the back of the kayak. Steadying himself, he slid down into his seat and let out a long breath. “Wow, I thought I lost you for a minute!” Jessica let out a nervous laugh.

Before James could respond, they heard the announcer again. “Looks like someone really wanted that ball, folks, bad enough to take a quick swim in the cove! I sure hope his girlfriend appreciates the souvenir!”

Jessica giggled. “He’s talking about us. Are you okay?”

“I think I’m waterlogged.” James handed her the baseball. “But it was worth it, I wanted you to have this.”

Jessica threw her head back and laughed. “You know, I would have been okay with a foam finger from the stadium.”

“Come on, where’s the romance in that?” He pushed the wet hair out of his eyes.

“I can’t argue, this was a big gesture. I will treasure it always!”

James leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. They felt so warm and gentle on hers. Her heart raced with anticipation. Oh crap, why can’t I be more like Lisa? Why does this have to feel so amazing?

He put his hand on the back of her head, drawing her closer. His tongue separated her lips. James cupped her face in his hands and stroked her hair, making her pulse race. Jessica almost forgot where they were; she didn’t care who was watching. She only knew she never wanted him to stop. And that scared the hell out of her.

When the kiss broke, James looked at her with such intensity that a hot flush washed over her. “That was really nice,” she whispered.

“I’m glad you liked it.” He wrung out his t-shirt. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever made such a big splash on a first date before.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Really? That was a bad joke.”

“At least I can laugh at myself.”

“So now what? Are you going to drip dry while we listen to the rest of the game?”

James grinned. “Lucky for me, it’s not too cold out here. But if you don’t mind, I think I’d like to change.”

“So, how ironic is this? You fall into the water trying to catch a fly ball and now that you’re soaked and need a change of clothes, where are you headed? The pro shop, where they happen to sell those foam fingers I mentioned. Everything comes full circle, huh?”

He paddled back to the pier amid hoots and hollers from fellow kayakers who witnessed their amorous moment. “So is there any chance you might be out here again?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure.” She sighed. “I haven’t finished my work, but who knows what my boss is going to throw at me when we get back to New York? He’s such a control freak, and he’s always breathing down my neck.” She perked up, remembering his conversation with the mysterious Jackson earlier that day. “Maybe things will be different, maybe he’ll be focused on some other plans and leave me alone to do my job. I guess it could happen.” She gazed at him. “What would you think about that?”

“I think I’d like that very much. You’re an amazing girl, Jessica. Maybe I should play it cool with you, but I have a pretty telling poker face. I don’t want to play games and my instincts tell me that you feel the same way. Or maybe I’m completely off base with my assumption. No pun intended.”

That lopsided smile appeared again.

Are you still going to feel that way when you find out I may be stuck in a wheelchair or go blind at some point? Will your feelings for me change, James? Will you leave just like Drew did? It took me too long to get past that rejection. I refuse to let it happen again.

But for the first time in months, Jessica decided to focus on the moment at hand. I really wanted to keep this casual but there’s something about him that’s begging me to leap. He’s taking a chance on me, maybe it’s time for me to do the same. Can I give this a fair shot? Am I finally ready to let go of the past? One look at the sparkle in his eyes told her it was time. “Nope, you’re right on. I hate games. Life’s too short, right?”

THE MEN’S ROOM door swung open and James emerged with a flourish, dressed head to toe in Giants gear. “Okay, I’m all set!”

Jessica waved the bright yellow foam finger at him. She shook her head. “Tsk, tsk. Your Cubs wouldn’t be happy to see you in that getup.”

“What can I say? I should’ve been better prepared. I guess I got sidetracked.”

Jessica grinned. “Oh yeah?”

“Oh yeah.” James looked down at his phone. “So, I have another idea since I know you’re probably dying to watch the end of the game.”

Jessica flashed James a quizzical look. “Are we hang gliding over the field next?”

“Better. Ever been in the press box?”

“No! How are we going to get in there? I don’t usually carry my fake press pass with me, do you?”

“No need. I know a guy.”

Jessica squealed with mock glee. “You do? And this guy is going to get us in there to watch the rest of the game?”

“Yeah, but don’t get your hopes up. It’s not a luxury box, it’s a press box, one step up from the grandstand. Adjust your expectations,” James teased.

“Wow, you really are going all out on me today. How much luckier can a girl get?”

James gave his name to the guard outside the press box who ushered them in. He approached an older man sitting in front of a laptop. “Jay!” The man got up and clapped him on the back. “How’ve you been? And who’s this pretty girl?”

“Gus, this is Jessica. Thanks so much for letting us up here. Had kind of a mishap out at the cove.” He gave Jessica a sheepish look. “Gus was a close friend of my dad’s. I called to see if he was up here when Plan A kind of failed.”

“Aw, Jay, don’t tell me you fell in again trying to catch one of those damned fly balls!” Gus guffawed and James felt a hot flush covering his face.

“Gus, it’s always a pleasure. Thanks for selling me out.”

Jessica giggled. “Well, you’ll be happy to know he caught the ball this time, Gus.”

“All right!” Gus cheered. “It’s about time, Jay. Your Pop would have been excited that you finally came through on that one.”

James groaned. “Enough. It happened once. And I was twelve! Can we say I’ve officially redeemed myself now?”

“Absolutely.” Jessica turned to Gus. “So whom do you write for?”

“Oh, I write for The Daily News. Can’t seem to retire, though. Love of the game and all that.” Gus smiled at Jessica. “Now tell me, how did this guy get lucky enough to meet you?”

Jessica blushed. “We kind of ran into each other on the street. Random, right?”

“I’m glad you’re finally taking some of the credit.” James murmured and gave her a light nudge.

Gus’s eyes lit up. “You don’t say! Jay, has she met your mom yet?”

“Gus, this is our first date. Like you said, I’m lucky she even agreed to go out with me, right?”

Gus chuckled. “That’s right, Jay, lucky indeed. Now, why don’t you two come on in and have something to drink? There’s a fridge in the back with all sorts of goodies, go take a look and then I’ll set you up with some seats. Don’t mind the noise…or the belching.” Gus winked again at Jessica.

“He’s so sweet.” Jessica whispered as James led her to the back of the press box. “How long were he and your dad friends?”

“Long time. He’s a great guy, I’m glad he was here when I called. I haven’t seen him in a while, he looks good.” James opened the refrigerator door. “Any preference?”

“Diet Coke would be great, thanks.” James handed her the can and she popped off the top. “So, did you tell your mom about our date?”

“I might have mentioned it.” James opened a can of ginger ale. “Since I live at home right now, it’s kind of hard to avoid lots of questions, you know?”

“I can imagine. But I think it’s great that you’re there for her.”

“Chris keeps trying to get me to move in with him, and even though my mom’s not pressuring me to stay, I just feel guilty about leaving her. Like my dad would disapprove or something.” He paused. “Is that crazy?”

Jessica shook her head. “Of course not. I get it. You feel like you need to be her protector now that your dad’s gone. She’s really lucky to have a son like you.” Jessica’s fingers grazed his arm as she gazed up at him.

“I just hate to think of her all alone in the house. It’s been a rough six months. Even though she’s finally moving forward, I know she’s scared.” He paused. “It’s the least I can do after being gone for so long.”

“That really bothers you, doesn’t it?” Jessica’s voice softened. “You can’t beat yourself up for leaving. It was your time to spread your wings and begin your own life. I’m sure your dad was so proud of everything you accomplished.”

“Yeah.” James fiddled with the top of the soda can. “He was. And I know I made the right decision by leaving but I missed out on so much time. That’s been the hardest thing to deal with because I can never get it back.”

Jessica took his hand; her touch made his skin tingle. I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, but it feels good to finally open up to someone.

“You know, I haven’t even talked to Chris about the stuff with my dad. Not that he isn’t concerned or interested, it’s just that I haven’t felt comfortable discussing it.” James studied her face. “Not until I met you. You know more about how I feel than anyone else right now.”

This is so bizarre. I’ve been holding back all this time only to unload on someone I barely know. And she doesn’t seem to be scared off by it either.

This girl is special. James realized it before, and as time went on she kept re-confirming those feelings. What kind of idiot would let her get away? Not him, that was for sure. James was more certain than ever that she came into his life for a purpose and he wasn’t about to let their geographical disadvantage dictate the future.

When Jessica reached out to hug him, his heart felt like it might explode. How the hell can she do this to me? He breathed in the citrusy scent of her hair as they embraced with no words exchanged. A shiver shot through him as she nestled her head into his chest. God, I need this girl in my life. I want to make this work. He closed his eyes, trying not to concentrate on the way her body felt pressed up against him.

She pulled back and smiled, her eyes telling him everything he needed to know. Okay, Jay, relax yourself.

“You know, I’m really happy I met you.” Jessica shook her head in disbelief, an incredulous smile on her face. “I guess someone’s looking out for us, huh?”

“Yeah.” He gazed down at her, twirling a lock of her hair. “Someone definitely is.”

They spent the rest of the game chatting with Gus, who had plenty of war stories to share about his experiences at the stadium. When they left the game later that evening, their sides were hurting from laughing so hard.

“So, now what do you have up your sleeve?” They were standing in the parking lot and Jessica tapped the foam finger to her cheek. “Hmm, let me see if I can predict…”

James grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his arms. “Was this what you were thinking?” He brushed his lips against hers.

“More like hoping,” Jessica whispered after the kiss broke.

A grin spread over his face. “Happy to oblige.” Things can’t go any further tonight, Jay. You don’t want to ruin this.

She reached behind his head and stroked his neck. Standing on her tippy toes, Jessica kissed him again. He drank in her sweetness and melted into her, unable to complete a coherent thought.

No, no, no, we need to stop.

But his body responded in the exact opposite way. He needed her naked, right then.

Mmmm, no…not happening.

His heart raced as her fingers raked through his hair. She wanted it too. But not now, not tonight. It would make everything so much better if they just waited. He wanted it to mean something and if they moved too fast, it might blow up. It took me too long to get to the point where I want to be with a girl again. I’m not messing this up.

Jessica raised her eyes to his and he saw the apprehension on her face. “Wait…I-I can’t do this, James. I’m sorry. I mean, I want to but—”

He let out a deep breath. Thank God she’s got enough sense to stop this from going too far. “I know, it’s okay. I don’t want to ruin this, Jess.” He stroked the side of her face. “Today was amazing and I want to share so much more with you. We don’t need to rush things.” Even though other parts of my anatomy are revolting against me right now.

“Can this really work, James? There’s so much counting against us…”

James silenced her with another lingering kiss. He opened his eyes. “Do you feel that too?” He waited for her breathless response, his heart racing in anticipation.

“I do.”

A slow smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Then the answer is really simple, Jess. I think we both feel enough to give this a shot. It’s going to be hard, but I think we came into each others’ lives for a reason.”

“You know, I never believed in any of that stuff until now. Meeting you changed my view.” She tapped him on the shoulder with her foam finger and shot him a playful look. “I’m in.”