Page 19 of Home Run Fiancé
I make it over to the stands and climb over the barrier, probably a very foolish move considering they’ve already opened the doors to let in any fans who like to come early and watch our warm-ups. I can hear them shouting questions at her and snapping photos.
“Well—I’m not sure that’s any of your business. Hey—” Rhys’ loud voice carries over to me and I can’t seem to get to her quick enough.
8
Rhys
“All right, that’s it, guys. Get out of here.” One of the few ladies already in the box when I arrived, cuts in front of me and starts shooing the paparazzi out of the box seats section. “You know you can’t be in here. Don’t make me call security.”
I’m more grateful for her than I can possibly express, though I don’t get a chance to tell her. Jake appears out of nowhere and pulls me into his arms while glaring at the retreating cameramen. They stumble over each other in their haste to leave when they see him there.
“Hey. You okay?” he whispers in my hair.
I’m shaking a bit. I didn’t realize I’d be accosted at the stadium. Hadn’t prepared mentally to deal with reporters and paparazzi. When Jake invited me, he told me he’d put me in the VIP box seats where no one is allowed to harass you.
I nod my head against his chest, but then push away when I take in his clean white uniform. The one I’m currently getting my makeup on. Wow. I’m also not prepared for how good he looks in his baseball uniform.
“I’m good. Just a little shocked, but I’m fine.” I smile convincingly.
He scans me from head to toe, then zeros in on my eyes. He must find what he’s looking for when he looks over my head and nods quickly to the lady who helped me. Then he’s kissing me, those big hands holding my head exactly where he wants me. The next second, he’s gone, running back down to the field and climbing over the wall.
“Oohhhie, girl. That was hot.” The lady who helped me steps up next to me and watches Jake’s retreat. “I’m Shelly, by the way.”
Her introduction breaks me out of whatever trance I find myself in. We shake hands and sit together. She introduces me to everyone as the box fills up, and then takes me under her wing to explain exactly how baseball works. I see some of the other ladies giving me a scrutinizing eye, but I ignore it all, focusing instead on learning the game and watching Jake.
He’s good.
Like, so good. He moves with lightning speed to catch every line drive, he throws the ball with a scorching power, and he swings the bat like he’ll send the ball into outer space. No one else on the field compares. I’ve never been one to enjoy sports, but watching Jake play is like watching a master at his form of art, lost in the moment, brilliantly talented. He’s simply beautiful.
Shelly buys us Danger dogs and popcorn. She says it’s tradition and we’d be horrible fans if we didn’t partake of the baseball food. Considering I’ve never had a tastier hot dog, I must agree with her. The seventh-inning stretch comes way too soon and I find myself wishing for the game to go longer.
The Dangers end up winning the game and I wait with Shelly in the box seats. Once the stadium has cleared out, we walk to the players area and wait for our men to leave the press conference. Her husband is one of the pitchers for the team and she’s been going to his games for over a decade. She’s been so sweet I hate to lie to her, but I have to keep up the charade about Jake and me.
When Jake emerges, freshly showered and in dress slacks and a collared shirt, I don’t have to pretend. He takes my breath away and brings color to my cheeks. I have a new level of respect for him that I didn’t before.
“Have fun tonight…” Shelly whispers in my ear and winks at me.
I blush harder and hope Jake won’t notice.
He comes right up to me and pulls me into a kiss. His beard tickles my skin and I itch to run my hands along the scruff. In the back of my mind, I know there’s no camera out, no public persona to keep up, and yet here we are: kissing. His strong hands are around my waist and his cologne hits my nose, intoxicating me in a split second.
“Why are you blushing, sweetheart?” he whispers as he pulls back just enough to see into my eyes.
Which of course, just makes me blush harder. I drop my gaze to his chest, trying not to enjoy the feel of his body pressed to mine. Talk about mission impossible.
He finally lets go, realizing I won’t be giving him an answer. Instead, he laces our fingers together and tugs me down the hall.
“Maybe you’ll tell me at dinner. Got reservations at Craig’s.”
I let him lead me out of the stadium. As we hit the parking lot, I turn around and gaze up at the huge structure with fondness. I had one of the best afternoons of my life and I can’t wait to go back.
* * *
“So. What did you think?” Jake stares at me over the candlelit table, his face animated as he talks about the game.
I open my mouth to gush about the experience and then Jake’s voice replays in my head. The words he said at Asher’s house about not getting emotionally involved with him. Almost laughable, they were so ridiculous. My greatest fear going into this fake relationship was being known publicly. Now my biggest fear is exactly what he warned me against: falling for him.
“It was a little boring, to be honest.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I regret them. His face falls, the light leaving his eyes, and I want to snatch them back. Guilt pulls at my stomach and I wonder if that’s who I’ve become. A chronic liar. I’ve been lying to Asher and now I’m lying to Jake.
