Page 46 of Love in the Outfield

“Thank you,” I say.

“Not a problem. Have a good evening.”

The parking gate lifts; I find a designated guest spot and park. I angle my rearview mirror to check my hair and make-up for the hundredth time. I’ll admit I took a little too much time on my appearance for a business meeting. But I do need my confidence, right?

The lobby has a curved reception desk with the young concierge engrossed in the new issue of People Magazine. She looks up with a warm smile when I enter.

“Good evening,” she says, her bubbly personality apparent.

“Hi. I’m visiting unit 601. Cade Jennings.”

She gets a dreamy look and says, “Lucky you.” She pretends to fan herself then giggles. “Oops. I probably shouldn’t talk to the guests like that.”

I laugh. “Your secret is safe with me. I guess I’m allowed on the elevator?” I say.

She smiles impishly. “Of course. That’s why we have security on the outside, duh.”

I glance at her magazine. “Did Travis propose yet?”

She scrunches up her face, “No but he’d better get a move on. Perfect couple goals.”

“I agree,” I say. “Thanks. Have a great night.”

“You as well.” Before I even turn, she’s back to the article about the unlikely love story between a pop star and a football hero.

Ava would drool over the ten-foot art installations on either side of the elevators. I’m not the least bit interested on account of my nerves being like water on oil in a hot frying pan. The marble floors and polished wood along with elegant light fixtures are… well… extra.Wholives like this? The sound of flowing water coming from a granite fountain fills the small lobby with a soothing soundtrack as I wait for the elevator.

I notice a sign announcing access to the fitness room and private pool to the left.Ugg!Makes me flash to my worn furniture and humble abode. I suddenly feel embarrassed and wonder what in the world Cade thought when he sat in my kitchen drinking sweet tea. Gratefully, a flash of my hard-working mama, who taught me better, makes me feel ashamed of myself for thinking like that.

The doors swish open and I enter the fanciest elevator I’ve ever been in. I’m definitely not in the hollers anymore. I push the button for the sixth floor and it smoothly ascends. Catching my reflection in the metal panel shores me up. I look a heck of a lot more confident than I’m feeling.Fake it till you make it. You got this girl. I square my shoulders and ease the death grip on my clutch as the doors open at Cade’s floor. As instructed, I step out into the hallway and make a right. The thick plush carpeting muffles my steps as I stroll down the hall.

My knuckles are raised to knock when the door opens. There stands six foot two inches of sexiness. He has on a backward Cutters hat, a navy tee, white apron with the Cutters logo, faded blue jeans, bare feet and a huge smile splitting his face. He’s all teeth and sparkling baby blues. Have I said that I love the wayhis eyes crinkle when he smiles big like that? Holy crap! I’m in trouble.Just like Mama said,bad idea Georgia… real bad.

“Welcome. You look mighty fetching tonight,” he says stepping back and waving me inside. I slip off my flip-flops and walk into a breathtaking space that has an open floor plan. The polished wood floors gleam in the natural light provided by the glass walls. I take it all in at once, curious about where this man I… um…usedto love, calls home. It’s an end unit with incredible views of the river and cityscape on three sides and a café table already set for two on the small balcony.Aww.

It’s subtly sophisticated, both polished and inviting. There’s an understated elegance that I like a lot. It’s obvious someone thoughtfully chose the art pieces and furniture. The large living room space has two modern sofas facing each other with cream throw pillows for accents and a low coffee table with a vase full of beautiful fresh flowers sitting in the center. On the only section of the wall that’s not windows, he has a huge flat-screen TV mounted. The couches sit on a teal patterned rug that matches the rug under the dining room table. Another sitting area in the right corner has four highbacked chairs arranged around a center table with the entire backdrop floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing that spectacular view.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream. Stainless steel appliances, beautiful cherry cabinets along with granite countertops,of course they are, and a curved countertop island with high leather stools providing a great roost for me to watch the chef in action.

“It’s stunning Cade,” I say.

“I have a year lease on this place with the option to extend it or buy. Mom hired an interior designer to help and took care of everything else like towels, sheets, pots and pans, dishes… stuff like that. All I had to do was sign the lease, write a check and show up.”

“Lucky you.”

“Mom loves to shop and to decorate. She was in heaven.”

“You don’t say,” I murmur. “I’m curious, when did you learn to cook?”

He shrugs, smiling mischievously. “I’m full of surprises. I thought we’d eat outside. There’s a nice breeze tonight.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“Feel free to check out the place. Bathroom is down the hall and on the right.”

“I’m good,” I say and perch on the stool facing the kitchen, tucking my feet under the top rung. There is a platter with bite-sized appetizers in front of me.

“Help yourself to the apps. Compliments of Trader Joe’s.”

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