Page 55 of One Night Only
My phone buzzes with a call, and I can only hope it’s not Emily, because if my dick gets hard right now, Jace’s likely to rip the damn thing clean off.
I look at the screen to see it’s not Emily calling. But my disappointment is fleeting because it’s almost as good.
“Hey, Momma,” I answer, wincing through the pain.
“Hi, baby!” Momma exclaims, the smile in her voice contagious.
“I’m getting murdered on the PT table right now, so if you hear me groan, I’m not havingsex, I promise.”
“Oh, Dallas,” she chastises playfully. “How’s the injury, baby?”
“I’m fine,” I dismiss her concern. “I’ll be back in the crease tomorrow night.”
“Not if you don’trestlike you promised McManus you would,” Jace mutters, offering me a warning arch of one of his brows. “Don’t think I can’t tell.”
I flash him a guilty smile and he rolls his eyes.
“You’re still coming home for Christmas?” Momma asks, just like she’s asked every single time we’ve spoken on the phone over the last few weeks.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m flying out the day before Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, I’m so happy,” she cries. “It’s been too long since you’ve had Christmas here with us at home.”
It’s only been two years. But my mother loves Christmas.
“Guess who’s going to be in town this year?” The tone of her voice causes my hackles to rise. I know that tone.
“Who?”
“Elizabeth Saunders,” she says as if it’s a no-brainer, and immediately my blood runs cold. “And she issoexcited to see you…”
Fuck. Me.
I swear my mother will not be happy until I finally give in. Momma and Elizabeth’s momma, Lotty Saunders, have been best friends since they were teenagers. Elizabeth is a year younger than me. And it seems, ever since we were babies, our moms have been conspiring to marry us off together. The problem is, I just don’t like Elizabeth like that. I mean, sure she’s cute and fun and nice and all that. But she was never my type. I know she had a crush on me growing up, but I didn’t see her as more than a friend. I feel bad for saying so, but she’s just not my kind of girl.
“Actually, Momma,” I say, clearing my throat, “I’m kind of… seeing someone.”
The second the words are out my mouth, I regret them. It’s not a total lie, but it sure as shit ain’t the honest to God truth.
“Dallas Shaw, don’t you lie to your momma,” she warns. And I can’t blame her. She’s been on my back for the best part of the last few years, begging me to quit all the fooling around, hoping I’d meet someone special and settle down.
“I ain’t lyin’, Momma.” I grit my teeth, ignoring Jace’s curious gaze on me as I continue, “She’s real nice. You’re gonna love her.”
“Well now, you better tell me all about her,” Momma demands, and I can tell by the smile in her tone she’s already picking out grandbaby names. “Will she be coming home with you at Christmas?”
I balk at the thought. “It’s way too soon for that.”
And suddenly, I’m the one thinking too much. Not about baby names, of course. But I imagine taking Emily home for Christmas, showing her the ranch, where I grew up, introducing her to my old friends, taking her to the Saddlery for a PBR even though I know she doesn’t like beer. I don’t miss the way my heart stammers in my chest at the thought.
“Well, I will be sure to let Lotty know you’re no longer on the market,” Momma says. “Elizabeth will besodisappointed.”
“Aw, she’s a nice gal, Momma,” I placate. “I’m sure she’ll meet the perfect fella one of these days.”
“We’re all done, Tex.” Jace slaps my thigh and turns away to wash his hands.
“Momma, I gotta go,” I say, sitting up with a groan. “I’ve got dryland.”
We say our goodbyes, and I carefully hop down off the therapy table, stretching my back. But as I turn, ready to head out and into the gym, I spot Jace’s curious gaze on me.
