Current Day

The stale air of the hotel room brings a sense of relief. I’d claim the slick, sterile decor or the overall start to the baseball season as the reason behind my contentment, but that would be a lie. A huge one. The truth is the knowledge of seeing the five-foot-six brunette—who happens to reside in this city.

We’re finally together. Almost.

Our reunion can’t happen until after tonight’s game, but it’s soon. And I’m revved. My body hums with desire at the mere thought of being with her. Seven weeks is too long to go without seeing her. Without having her body pressed against mine. Without having her luscious, plump lips—the ones tantalizing me on screen every evening—on mine. Damn, I’m getting hard thinking about it.

I drop the luggage beside the bed and dial her number as I fall onto the mattress. Her greeting has me smiling like a giddy schoolboy after his first kiss.

“Whatever you planned on wearing tonight, scrap it. I want you naked.”

She laughs. “Hello to you, too.”

“Scratch that, I don’t want anyone else seeing what’s mine. You can wear a jersey and pants, but nothing underneath. I want easy access.”

“Ooh, as good as that sounds, I have some bad news.”

My gut sinks at the fluctuation in her voice. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Carl had to leave town for business—some mandatory training. I don’t have a sitter.”

I grip the phone and close my eyes. “That sucks.” I try to hide the disappointment, but fuck, I was looking forward to tonight.

“Big time. I’m so sorry, Jax.”

“Don’t be sorry. We’ll figure something out.”

“Yeah.” She drags the word out. Her dejected tone makes me scramble for a solution.

“It’s probably too late to bring the kids tonight, right?” I already know the answer before I ask. But if there’s a chance, I’ll take it. Jocelyn isn’t the only one I miss.

“That’s tempting. Real tempting, but with school tomorrow…”

“Think you can find a sitter for tomorrow night?”

“I can try, but he won’t be back until this weekend. It was a stretch having him take them in the first place.”

“I was surprised when you told me he would.” I don’t want to sound like an asshole, but he never goes out of his way when it comes to parenting. And after he threatened custody if any of my whores—insert double eye rolls—bother the kids, I can’t imagine him volunteering to watch them so we can get together. When she first told me, I wondered what his alternative motive was. The fucker probably agreed, knowing damn well he had a job training scheduled.

“Me too, but after our argument, he’s been better.”

I still don’t like him, but I can’t tell her that. He’s the father of those kids, so I’ll have to deal.

“In case something changes, I’ll add your name to my room at the front desk and tell them to give you a key. Also, you’ll have access to valet.”

“Thanks. I’ll work on finding a sitter for tomorrow.”

“You’re working during the day, I take it?”

“Supposed to.”

I blow out a steady stream of air. “We’ll figure something out.”

“You know I miss you, right?”

“I fucking miss you so much. You have no idea.”

“Oh, I think I do. We’ll see each other tomorrow, even if I have to pull the kids out of school.”

“I can get us a suite.” I like this idea more and more.

“Sounds great.”

“I have to get to the field in an hour, but I’ll call you after.”

When we hang the phone up, I place my arms behind my head and stare at the ceiling. I hate Carl. The bastard did this on purpose, I know he did. But besides the threat of my balls turning blue and falling off, I just want to be with her. And the kids.

I confirm everything with the front desk when a loud bang at the door draws my attention. “Hold up, I’m coming.” Expecting either Zach or AJ, I double blink at the red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked face of Cara—my roommate’s sister. It takes a millisecond before she barrels past me, toting an overnight bag slung over her shoulder. What the hell?

“Shut your door before AJ sees me.” Her voice quivers.

An uneasy feeling washes over me, but I do as I’m told. Running a hand along my jaw, I stare as she paces the room. She’s swearing under her breath, but tears begin to fall.

“Are you okay?” My feet stay planted.

“Yeah. I mean, I will be.”

“Want to tell me what happened?”

“Drake.” Her arms swing around dramatically as she plops onto the bed.

My stomach plummets. AJ will kill the rookie if he suspects Drake harmed her. It doesn’t matter that Cara’s in college and well capable of making her own decisions. He’s a bit overprotective. But damn, Drake of all people? She’s way too smart to be with that asshole.

“He didn’t lay his hands on you, did he?” I’d fucking kill him myself if that’s the case.

“No. But he didn’t have any problems putting his hands on someone else.”

Shit. We’re supposed to be on the field in forty-five minutes. Can’t he keep his dick inside his pants until after the game?

“I’m sorry you found out like this. How’d you even get here, anyway?” Unless she stowed away in the cargo department, she didn’t ride the team bus.

“Chartered bus. I was supposed to meet Drake in his hotel room. Apparently, I’m too early because he’s not alone.” She flashes hurtful eyes to me. “My return ticket isn’t until Wednesday. Jax, I can’t let my brother find out about this. You know the type of fit he’ll throw.”

I scratch my chin and sigh. “If AJ finds out I let you stay in my room, he’ll be over the top. Promise me you’ll stay hidden and away from Drake.”

“I promise. This was the last time hooking up with him, I swear.”

It won’t be. If I learned anything in the past two years about this girl, it’s her love for drama. I look over at the double-sized bed.

“Let me call Zach and see if he has another bed for me to crash in.” If he doesn’t, I’ll have to share one with him, and it will be a long-ass night. I’ve slept in the same bed with Zach before. They guy’s a fucking cuddler.