Page 1 of Play Like a Girl

1

Penny

I steppedoff the elevator and turned right, my footsteps cushioned by the plush blue carpeting. It’s surprisingly quiet in the back offices, especially considering it’s a game day. Normally there are people bustling around everywhere, but other than Robin, the receptionist right outside the elevator, I haven’t seen a soul.

Making my way through the hallways, I walked toward the executive suites and stopped at the second door on the right. I’ve been hanging out at First Allegiant Bank Park since I was a teenager but never spent time in this section of the stadium until I started dating Kenny. Also known as Ken Hanover Jr., heir apparent to the Waves. After knowing each other for years, a spark ignited between us last season and we decided to explore the attraction. Well, it wasn’t that cut and dried, but let’s just say that after I offered just a little persuasion, Kenny realized he couldn’t live without me.

I stepped into the empty office and walked across the room to sit in Kenny’s big leather chair. Neat stacks of files cover his desk, but his laptop is missing, so he must be in a meeting. I looked over at the double picture frame perched at the edge and smiled at the two images of us. We’d scrolled through our phones one night, debating over which photos should be printed to adorn his workspace. I’m happy with the two we agreed on. Neither of us looks perfect−as if that’s a real thing anyway−but we do both look deliriously happy.

Spinning the chair around, I leaned back and looked out the window to the field below. The Waves are scattered across the outfield doing their pre-game warmups while others are taking batting practice. I shifted my eyes to right field, knowing that’s where I’d find my brother, Dale, stretching with his two best friends. Dale, Jack, and Dan started playing for the Waves around the same time and have been tight for years. They’re great guys and have become family to both Dale and me, along with Cal Chase, who retired a couple years ago after injuring his neck diving into the stands to catch a foul ball.

I sat back and watched the action on the field, fascinated by the organized chaos. When my team warms up, we’re a little more unified and do things together. First we stretch, then run, followed by batting practice. These guys are broken up into tiny groups…some are running poles, others doing sprints, a few are shagging balls from batting practice, and others, like Dale and his friends, are stretching. Somehow it all works for them, like a well-oiled machine.

I’m not sure how long I was there before I felt, more than heard, Kenny enter the office. And that’s something I can’t explain, but when he’s near, I just know.

The chair spun and I found myself looking into the shocked eyes of the man I love.

“Penny. What−” Instead of finishing his thought, he shook his head and smiled then rested his hands on the arms of the chair, putting his beautiful face mere inches in front of mine. “I don’t care why you’re here early. I’m just happy you are.”

That said, he leaned down and kissed me. And I mean hekissedme. After nibbling at my bottom lip, he placed his perfect mouth over mine and thrust his tongue inside. It was possessive and complete and I thought I’d spontaneously combust from the heat between us.

Without losing contact, he dropped to his knees directly in front of me and eased between my thighs. Wrapping his arms around my lower back, he pulled me forward in the chair, until I was flush against his muscular frame. Our thighs, hips, and chests touched and sizzled and I curled my fingers into his thick hair, holding him tight.

After spending eleven wonderful, uninterrupted months with this man, my crazy schedule kicked back into gear and for the past five weeks I’ve been either on the road playing softball or in Florida at training camp. FaceTime allows me to at least see him, but it doesn’t give methis.This connection and intensity is something I’ve never experienced before and it’s intoxicating.

His mouth opened and closed over mine in a steady rhythm and I wanted more. Shifting to the edge of the seat, I wrapped my calf around his thigh and pulled him closer. The ridge of his erection brushed against me and I groaned. It took all my willpower to not dry hump him like a horny teenager. But that would be taking things way too far, considering we’re in his office. As it is, we’re being inappropriate.

With that thought, I relaxed my hold on his hair. His fingers flexed against my hips then loosened and skimmed down the outside of my thighs as he changed the tempo of the kiss. A low groan emerged from Kenny’s chest and he pulled back, tugging my bottom lip between his teeth before releasing it and shifting back.

The corners of his mouth curled into a sweet smile as his gray eyes met mine.

“Hi.”

I rested my forehead against his.

“Hi.”

Kenny

I sat backon my heels and stood, then tugged Penny out of the chair. After sitting down, I pulled her onto my lap and wrapped my arms around her waist.

“It’s so good to see you,” I said.

She looped her arm around my shoulders and rested against my chest.

“By some miracle, our meetings ended early, so the coach gave us the rest of the day off. I figured I’d surprise you and grabbed the first available flight.”

I kissed her cheek.

“It’s the best surprise ever,” I said.

And that’s the honest to God truth. Today has been a shit day in the middle of an even crappier week. My father has been in one of his moods which is making life difficult for everyone in his orbit. Unfortunately, I’m sitting at his right hand.

Penny’s denim blue eyes met mine and her brow furrowed.

“Bad day?”

I shrugged and shook my head. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

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