Page 14 of Always My Comfort

“Like the world keeps eatin’ you up and spittin’ you out without givin’ you a chance to recover.” Joe convinced the last few people to leave, and then it was just Jaxon and I at the bar, staring each other down.

“Alright, Logan. How are you getting home, dear?” Joe asked, wiping down the bar one last time.

“I’ll take her.” Joe’s eyes lifted to Jaxon and then to me, waiting my consent. I nodded, too tired and drunk to care. I didn’t have a home right now.

I hadn’t thought that far ahead.

My car was the only thing I had—the only safe place to go.

Standing from the bar stool, I swayed on the heels I had stuffed my feet into before walking into the bar.

Jaxon’s big, warm hand rested on my back, and then, his arm wrapped around my torso, pulling me into his side, steadying me.

Outside, a soft breeze blew across my heated cheeks. “How come you aren’t toasted?” I ask, hiccupping.

“I stopped drinkin’ an hour ago and switched to water while you and Luke kept on with the shots. Tequila is never a friend. Surprised you didn’t learn that in college.”

“Maybe I wanted to forget tonight,” I mumbled, seeing my white Kia Soul in the parking lot. It was the only car left. Heading toward it, Jaxon’s grip around my waist tightened.

“Where are you goin’?”

“Home?” I questioned, pointing to the car.

“You do know you are well above the legal limit,” he sighed, and I nodded.

“That’s my home tonight,” I slurred, and understanding flashed in his eyes.

“He broke up with you after the game, didn’t he?” I didn’t want to answer. I wasn’t ready to deal with the pity or the reality of what happened only a few hours ago.

“Can you make me forget?” I turned into his chest, my fingers curling into the black fabric of his t-shirt. His big hands wrapped around my forearms, setting my skin on fire.

“The tequila should help with that,” he whispered, leaning his head toward mine, his nose brushing my temple.

The intoxicating scent of his cologne was driving me wild, and all I wanted in that moment was to feel his lips against mine, to slide my fingers into his thick, dark hair. To forget.

“Please make me forget him?”

He brushed his nose to mine, and I held my breath.

“Are you sure, sweetheart? I leave in the mornin’.” His lips whispered against my heated cheek, and I nearly melted into a puddle right at his feet.

“Don’t make me ask again, Jaxon. I won’t beg.” Sliding his hands down my forearms, he unclenched my fists from his shirt and slid the fingers of his one hand into mine. He fit perfectly…like he was made to find me.

“My hotel’s this way.” His voice was like silk against my skin, the twang in his drawl igniting a fire in my veins.

I needed him.

I needed himeverywhere.

CHAPTER6

Jaxon

Present

Sunlight streamed into my bedroom of the penthouse I’d fallen in love with a month ago after signing with the Atlanta Braves. Their current pitcher, Richard Balmer, was on his way out, and I was going to be the lucky one to fill his position.

For the next season, I’d play as his backup, but the Braves’ coach and team manager had taken a liking to me. And surprisingly, they knew my brothers, which helped sway their choice of offering me a chance.

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