Page 68 of The One for Me
I’m sure it seems that way, but in my life, it isn’t. I make millions of dollars a season, have friends who make just as much, and we do impulsive shit like this sometimes. Baseball has given me a lot of privileges, and I’ve worked very hard not to abuse them. I don’t drive my car like an asshole. I don’t use my name to get things that others can’t. After each game, I sign a ball for any kid I see because that’s what we should do.
I play for them.
Without my fans, I would be nothing, and I don’t forget that.
Tonight, I decided that, for her, I wanted to be extravagant. Devney dated a guy in college who never took her out. Then she was with Oliver, whose idea of a date was the bar in Sugarloaf. She should have the world at her feet, and if I can be the man to give it to her, I will.
I cup her face, moving my thumb gently over her lips. “This is a favor from a friend. It’s his plane, he owed me, and I cashed it in. The thing is, even if he hadn’t paid up, there’s nothing in this world I won’t do to make you happy. I want to make you smile, give you things, shower you with affection, and spoil you. Not because you ask for it, but because you don’t ask. I’m not worried that you love me for my money or because I play ball. In fact, I think you’d rather neither of those were true.”
Her cheek warms under my touch. “I hate that you’re rich and famous, but I love you.”
“And I love you. So, you’re going to have to accept that I have three months left to make you so hopelessly in love with me that you’ll come to Florida with me. I am going to use every resource I have, so be ready, Devney, because I’m going to win.”
No matter what the cost, I can’t lose.
Chapter Twenty
Devney
“You brought me to New Orleans for dinner?” I stare out the window as we drive through the French Quarter in a sleek black sedan.
God, he’s really going big.
“There’s a restaurant here that has the best seafood I’ve ever had. My buddy owns it, so we’re going to eat, and then you’re going to have the best beignet this city has to offer.”
I watch as the lights and people pass by. It’s amazing, and the city is alive in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of being able to see. New Orleans is a city that has always fascinated me for no other reason than it seemed magical.
“It’s so pretty.”
“It’s a fun place. There’s a lot of history and culture packed in these streets.”
I squeeze his hand. “Thank you. Thank you for caring and thinking of this. It’s a little . . . much . . . but it means the world to me.”
He smiles and pulls me close. His lips touch mine, and I melt into him. One touch is all it takes for me to forget the world around me. Sean robs the very breath from my body, but it only allows me to breathe deeper. It’s crazy how much I’ve fallen for him in such a short time. Once it started, it was as effortless as it was inevitable.
“I told you I was good at wooing,” he says before leaning back.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, he did, and he was right. I’m not going to admit that, though.
“So, dinner?”
“And then dessert.”
“Will we make it back tonight?” I didn’t pack a bag, because I didn’t know that I might need it.
“Yes, as soon as we’re done, we’ll call the pilot and head back.”
“Good because we have Austin’s tournament next week, and he’s expecting you at practice tomorrow.”
“I know. I talked to Jasper yesterday about the team. They’re really improving. I’m looking forward to the tournament.”
“Me too. He’s so sweet when he plays.”
He smiles. “There’s nothing stronger than a boy’s love for the game. Especially when he’s good at it.”
“I remember.”
“Anyway, this tournament is a big deal, and I wouldn’t miss his practice for the world. I know how much those kids look forward to playing around scouts, and in that league, this one matters most.”
