Page 95 of Hitting the Gap

“But—” Bailey stammered.

“No, I’m still trying to figure out how you didn’t get my movie reference. You’ve seen Pretty Woman, right?”

“Of course I have.” Bailey rolled her eyes. “I just didn’t really like it.”

Kia slapped her hand across her chest and stumbled backwards like she’d been shot. “What? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, it just wasn’t very realistic.”

“Wha—” Kia blinked as her mouth opened, then closed, and opened again. “I just—” She brought her hands up to her head and made an explosion sound like her head blew up. “It’s Pretty Woman.”

Bailey chuckled. “I know and you can keep saying it, but it’s not going to change anything. It was just a little too farfetched.”

“But that’s what made it so great.”

“Nope, sorry, that kind of stuff is what makes women buy into these unrealistic ideals about finding Prince Charming and all that bullshit.” Bailey wrinkled her nose. “No. In real life, the hooker doesn’t get the billionaire, the jock doesn’t date the brain and the hero doesn’t pick the fat girl. It’s just not how it works.” And she’d do well to remember that. She’d been spinning all these dreams around her and Gonzo and she was just kidding herself.

“Well, that’s just sad,” Kia muttered. “And I don’t buy it. I mean, look at me.” She flicked her hand toward her body. “Do I look like the stereotypical professional athlete’s girlfriend?” Before Bailey could even respond, Kia pressed on. “No, I don’t. I look like I belong in some biker bar or waiting outside a jail to pick up my boyfriend. Just ask my parents. But I’m not. I’m living in a house on the beach with my son and his father, living a dream I never imagined was possible. So no, I’m not going to stop believing in fairytales and you shouldn’t either.” Kia stepped in closer to her. “Bailey, I don’t know what made you so cynical, but what I do know is once you stop believing something is possible, it becomes impossible.” Kia nudged her with her hip. “Let’s go find another store.”

“Okay, but I think your little pep talk was enough for one day, so can we please just skip me trying on dresses with you and forgo the whole making stores see the error of their ways?”

Kia stared at her for several seconds. “Fine, but only if you promise to think about what I said.”

She didn’t think she’d be able to think about anything else. “I promise.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

Chapter 22

Hoisting his bag on his shoulder, he strolled down to his bedroom. On auto-pilot, he followed the mundane routine of unpacking from a road trip, dumped his laundry in the basket, and wandered into the bathroom with his overnight kit. Gonzo pulled open the glass door of the shower and turned on the water and closed the door. Within seconds, steam filled the shower enclosure. He quickly flicked on the heated towel bar so his towel would be warm when he got out. Reaching behind his head, he pulled his shirt off and dropped it on the floor, his pants and underwear quickly followed suit.

God, it felt good to be home. As much as he loved playing ball, there were days when the travel got exhausting. He pulled open the shower door and stepped inside. The hot water hit him from every direction. Installing this shower had been one of the best investments he’d made when he’d bought the place. There was nothing like a steam enclosed shower. He dropped his head back and let the water pelt against his tired body.

He opened his eyes and saw Bailey leaning against the bathroom door, watching him. Damn, he’d missed her. “You gonna just stare at me, or you gonna get in here and join me?”

Bailey licked her lips and her gaze trailed down his body. “I’m kind of enjoying the view.”

His cock twitched under the scrutiny. “With the steam you can barely even see, and I can promise you, it looks a lot better in here.” Watching her, he fisted his cock, then slowly slid his hand down the shaft.

Her chest rose and she sucked in a breath. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip as she watched him. “I don’t know. It looks pretty spectacular from where I’m standing.”

He pushed open the shower door and stalked toward her. Bailey backed up. “You’re all wet,” she squealed when his hand snaked around her waist.

“And I’m gonna make sure you’re nice and wet, too.” He pulled her against his body. “Hi, baby,” he whispered as he looked down at her.

“Hi.” She cupped the side of his face. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too.” Threading his hand around the back of her head, he brought her mouth to his. He pressed his lips against hers. She melted against his body as he deepened the kiss.

“You’re letting all the steam out of your shower,” she murmured against his mouth.

Gonzo reached down and gripped the edge of her T-shirt and swiped it over her head, making Bailey gasp. “What are you doing?”

“I’m getting back in the shower.” He pressed a kiss against the top of her shoulder.

“This feels more like getting me naked.” She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck. Taking the hint, he ran his tongue up the side of her throat and sucked her earlobe into his mouth. “I thought you’d prefer if I took your clothes off out here.”

Bailey pressed her hand against his chest. “I’m not showering with you, Gonzo.”

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