Page 132 of The Third Baseman

I shot a little side glance to Marnie who was now quietly in conversation with Emerson. When the season finished, we’d be spending weeks in bed.

I focused back on Drew. “Where are you staying?”

“The Mark. I swear the mattresses are made from actual clouds.”

“Yeah, I like it there. Marn, you want to take a little city break with me?” I waggled my eyebrows at her, making Drew laugh.

“Okay, I’m going to the restroom, see if I can’t cool my cheeks,” Marnie announced, standing up.

“I’ll come too.” Emerson pointed at Drew and me. “Try and come up with some suitable conversation topics please? School, dirty diapers, vacations… all better than talking about sex all night.”

“Yes, boss,” I saluted and she walked off, heads together with Marnie.

As always, I took whatever opportunity I could to watch my girlfriend’s ass; the dress she’d changed into really shouldn’t be legal for what it was doing to her. I stared until Drew snapped his fingers in my face.

I glanced back at him, and saw the wry smile twisting his mouth.

“You guys seem good, a bit more relaxed than you were a few weeks ago.”

“Hey! I’m always relaxed.”

Drew scoffed. “All I’m saying is at the birthday party you were watching her like a hawk.”

“That’s because Emerson and mom got their claws in before I had a chance to get out of the car.”

I thought back to that weekend. It was true, we were better. I hadn’t realized how nervous I’d been about her seeing my family again, but she’d loved it as much as they had. She’d seen my mom a couple of times while my parents had been in town, and met up with Emerson and the kids. We were connecting on every level; laughing until we cried, and reminiscing about high school while she massaged my shoulders after a long game. And the sex? It was better than I’d ever imagined; the best I’d ever had.

It was almost as though we’d never been apart.

Almost.

Because she still hadn’t called me her boyfriend, and occasionally I’d catch her hesitating, tensing, faltering; like she was about to say something and then decide against it.

And not that I was counting, but she still hadn’t told me she loved me, no matter how many times I told her.

Okay, I was counting.

“But it’s good?” he pressed on.

I nodded slowly. “Yeah, it is. I think it’s taking Marnie a little longer to get used to it.” I thought back to her comment earlier. “Maybe getting used to me being me as well.”

“That’s understandable though. You’re a much bigger dick now than you were in high school, I’d imagine,” he grinned.

“You’re lucky it would be frowned upon to reach across and slap you,” I rolled my eyes, “but seriously, it’s good between us. I just feel she’s holding back sometimes.” I shrugged. “I dunno. I love her, and I want everyone to know it.”

Drew rolled the stem of his wine glass, spinning the dark red liquid. “I’m sure it’ll feel like that for a while. When Emerson and I found each other again, it took us a few months to really figure shit out.”

“Yeah, I hope that’s all it is.” I glanced over to the waiter as he appeared with the check but handed my credit card over before he could place it down, along with my valet ticket. “Thanks, man. Can you get my car brought around the back?”

“Certainly, sir.”

Drew peered around me. “The girls are coming. You want to come back with us for a nightcap?”

“Raincheck?” I shook my head. “I want to get Marnie home. We’re flying out tomorrow night. Thanks for coming out tonight though, dude. We can do this more now I’m not third wheel.”

He nodded enthusiastically. “Anytime. It’s good to get away from the kids too, if only to sleep past six a.m. I will never get used to being awake at that time.”

“Tell me about it,” I shuddered. I was looking forward to a long lie in tomorrow.

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