Page 83 of Tempting the Heart

“What a gentleman,” I said, looking into his eyes.

He brought me into him and kissed me softly. My heart skipped a beat as all my worries washed away and I felt his arms holding me tightly.

“It’s good to see you, too,” I teased as his eyes stayed on mine.

“I’m sorry if I’ve been off. I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel right now.”

I chuckled. “Sounds like fun to me.”

He laughed as I reached into the car and pulled out the bat. “Should I be worried?”

I chuckled. “I don’t know if this will make it better or worse, but this came into the store.”

His eyes widened. “Whoa. I thought this was long gone.”

“I just saw the tip sticking out and grabbed it from a bag. Seeing your name on it, I had Audrey look it up, and your dad brought it in a few weeks ago.” I took a deep breath. “Are you happy about it?”

His eyes locked on mine. “You have no idea. My grandpa visited Louisville, Kentucky, and toured the Slugger plant there. He got this engraved for me. My dad told me he threw it out before I left for college.”

I gasped at the revelation. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. You found it. This is so awesome.” He brought me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. “I can’t believeyou found this, Mae. It makes the entire trip worth it. Well, that and kissing you again.”

He looped his arm around my waist, and we strolled into the lobby together. The upscale hotel had minimalist décor, but a stone fireplace centered the seating area next to the registration area. We walked past the lounge and to the elevators. We rode up silently, but the tension between us felt thick with a tangled mess of heated desire.

My heart pounded with every step closer to his room. There were no expectations, but I knew what I wanted to do.

Tyler opened the door as I touched his arm and followed him through the opening. A little hallway led into a sitting area and a tiny kitchen with a door leading to the bedroom. He propped the baseball bat against the wall and smiled at me.

“A suite, huh?” I teased as he turned to look at me.

“I didn’t know how long I’d be here.”

“Good thing you did it, then,” I said softly, gliding my hands along his stomach to his chest. “Do you know how long you might be in town?”

Tyler let out a deep breath and slowly shook his head. “I don’t know. Hopefully, at least a couple more weeks while my parents get situated.”

Disappointment dashed through me. I should be elated that he’ll be here longer, but I guess, on some level, I didn’t want the reason to be his parents. I wanted him to stay because of me.

His blue eyes moved to mine, and a smile touched his lips. “And I can’t bear to leave you yet.”

“Yet,” I teased, feeling his arms wrap tightly around me. “How about never?”

“Mae, I…” Tyler took a step back and sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t know what I can promise, Mae.”

“You don’t have to promise me anything. I was only teasing,” I assured him.

Tyler narrowed his eyes on me as heat pooled lower in my belly, my knees felt weak, and my entire body flushed with a need I hadn’t expected.

“I don’t know that I believe that, Mayflower.” He shook his head, and I closed the space between us.

“Do believe it. I’m a big girl, Tyler. I won’t crumble if this doesn’t go anywhere. I have my coffee shop, house, friends, and family. But I need to know whatthiswould be like. What this wouldfeellike with you.” My hands slid under his shirt. “I’ve imagined it long enough.”

Tyler’s body tensed as his eyes stayed on mine. The fiery need grew behind his gaze. “Imagined it? Tell me.”

I smiled coyly. “You know. How a woman might imagine things like that.”

He groaned, smiling. “That is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.”

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