Page 19 of Off Season

I thread my arm through hers. “Ooh. An aphrodisiac. Good idea. You’ll be gagging for me within the hour.”

She giggles while we leave her office. As we’re making our way toward the elevator, we see her boss walking out of her office. Her face is flushed, and her hair is messy. She’s a sexy-as-hell middle-aged woman. Like Gemma, she’s a brunette with green eyes and killer curves.

Her face lights up when she sees me. “Cruz! Good to see you. You guys are having an amazing season.”

“Thanks, Darian. The team is great this year. Hoping we make a run.”

She nods. “Me too. Did you know that my daughter is one of the new owners?”

My chin drops. “Really? Which owner?”

“Reagan Daulton.”

“I guess both brains and beauty run in the family. Speaking of which, are you ready to leave your husband for me yet?”

A deep voice grumbles, “Not a chance, hotshot.”

I turn and see her husband, Jackson Knight, walking out of her office fixing his tie. His face is also flushed, and his dark hair is messy.

I look at Gemma and widen my eyes. She smirks and gives me a subtle nod that they were, in fact, just getting it on in Darian’s office. We both have to bite back our smiles.

Gemma waves. “We’re headed to lunch.”

Jackson winks at Darian. “I just had lunch. It was delicious.”

After ten minutes of gossiping about how her boss often has lunchtime sex in the office, we’re seated at the restaurant, and each of us orders a glass of wine. I ask, “How’s Fletch?” Their son, Fletcher, is about six months old.

She has a dreamy look on her face. “Amazing. You can’t imagine how much you’re capable of loving a child until you have one. I want to eat him up. He’s got Trey’s chin dimple. So freakin’ cute. And seeing Trey with him is probably my favorite thing in the world. The two of them are on their way to the park right now. I hope they send pics.”

“Oh, he’ll definitely send pics, trying to interrupt our lunch.”

She nods in agreement. “Yep, he will. How are things with you?”

“Good. The team is on fire. Layton is starting to play better than he has in years. Adding Quincy to the pitching rotation has been a huge boost. I think we’ll make a run.”

“I didn’t mean baseball. I know howthat’sgoing.” She leans forward a little. “I meant life. I’m not a fool. I’ve noticed the way you’ve interacted with Kamryn Hart. You’re crushing on her. Big time.”

I shrug. “I am, but I don’t think she’s into me. She keeps going home with other people. Otherwomen.”

She contemplates my words for a moment. “She’s a different bird. I haven’t quite figured her out yet. I’ve spent more time talking to her sister, but I think Kam goes home with women to mess with you. And, just like in kindergarten, when a girl messes with a boy…you know what that means…”

I pinch my eyebrows together. “That she likes me?”

Gemma nods. “Absolutely. Call it a woman’s intuition.”

“I hope you’re right. She could be the woman to help me get over my crush on you.”

Gemma winks at me. “Fingers crossed. Tread carefully. Kamryn is likely a little damaged.”

“Really? How so?”

Gemma shrugs. “I don’t know specifics, but she is. I can tell. When a woman has that much masculine bravado, there’s usually other things going on. They’re hiding something. I like her for you though. She’s got a great personality and will keep you on your toes. We both know you like a bit of a challenge. Don’t give up.”

I exhale a breath. “I won’t. Now onto the topic at hand. Did you finish our book of the month?”

She smiles. “I sure did. You can’t ever go wrong with a Jade Dollston book. And I know exactly which scene was your favorite.”

“Which one?”

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