Page 51 of All For You
“Owen!”
“Owen Ramsey!”
The group shouted his name over and over as they waved to get his attention.
I tried to slip my hand free, to give him a chance to greet his fans, even the female ones, but he squeezed my fingers, dragging me along with him.
“Good afternoon, ladies.”
Within a second of his greeting, they began asking for pictures and autographs. One even pulled her shirt down to reveal her lacy bra and round breasts.
“Sorry, ladies. I’m at lunch with my girlfriend right now. If you’re looking for an autograph, I’m helping the high school run a conditioning camp over the weekend. I’ll hang around for an hour or so to sign things for the kids.”
Without listening to a single word they spoke, he brushed past them with me in tow and slid us into the sandwich shop. I was thankful the women didn’t follow us inside.
“I didn’t know you were doing a camp this weekend. That sounds fun.”
“Coach Rudicell asked. I remember learning a lot at those camps. You should come. Be my own personal cheerleader.”
Barking out a laugh, I replied, “You and I both know that I was never a cheerleader, nor do I have the hand-eye coordination for baseball. But I am sure you’ll have a great time.”
“I’ll get a bat in your hands one day.”
“Only if I get to chase you with it,” I said and smiled while pursing my lips. Something about Owen brought out a saucier side of me I never knew existed.
“We’re going to the movies tonight, by the way. The theater is showing one of my favorite movies as a kid.”
“Yeah? And what’s that?”
Smiling down at me as the shop worker handed over five bags filled with sandwiches, he replied, “Angels in the Outfield.”
“Of course they are. You’re like a hero to the people of Ashfield. I am 100-percent certain they chose that movie with you in mind.”
“Don’t care. We’re going to see it.” Leaning down as we exited through the back door to avoid the crowd out front, Owen added, “And maybe if you’re a good girl, we can make out in the back row.”
***
I was lying to myself by saying my cheeks were red from the sunburn I received from working on the farm, but I knewit was from listening to Owen’s promises running through my head over and over.
Even as I tried on my third outfit of the night, I couldn’t shake the natural blush that flushed even brighter when I thought about sitting in the movie theater with Owen.
With a glance at the clock on my nightstand, I knew he would arrive at any moment. Sighing a heavy, desperate breath, I yanked a black spaghetti strap dress from my closet and tugged it over my strapless bra and lace panties. They didn’t match, but none of my undergarments were a set, so I was working with what I had. I only owned anything lace because Jenna insisted I buy them the last time she and I went to the big city.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror hanging from my closet door, I pulled at the hem of the dress. I didn’t remember it being that short. So much of my legs was exposed. My normal attire of cut-off denim and tank tops beckoned me from the dresser drawers, while my cowboy boots taunted me from their spot by my front door. The semi-dressy sandals I owned were waiting to be slipped on, just as my doorbell rang.
Rushing down the steps, I nearly slid on the rug covering my hardwood floors. Thankfully, I caught the corner of the wall with my hand and propelled myself forward.
My hair laid like a curtain over my face, and I was busy brushing it away as Owen opened the door and stepped inside.
“Everything okay? I thought I heard some slamming.”
“Yeah, sorry. Slipped on the rug.” I pushed my hair back one final time and glanced up at Owen, but my eyes only made it to his hand holding a bag from one of the boutiques in town. “What’s that?”
“Something I picked up for you this morning.”
“Before lunch?” I asked, almost scared something was going to pop out of the bag.
“Yep.” Owen smirked in the way that could either be described as sexy or mischievous. Neither appealed to me at the moment. “Do you want to see what it is?”
