Page 80 of Bad Ball Hitter
“You’ll find someone. And when you do, they’ll be damn lucky to have you.”
She blinks rapidly, the tears spilling over her cheeks. “You really think so?” she chokes out, her voice trembling.
“I do,” I say, the words filled with nothing but sincerity. “But you need to do right by Lila and Jake.”
She nods, and I take off feeling lighter than when I came, which is good because I have important things to do. I haven’t seen my girlfriend in five days. I’m not sure what I’m walking into, but I think she’s ready to accept me into her life, which is good because nothing will stop what I have planned.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Lila
A rich, savory aroma wafts through the air and captures my senses as I step inside the apartment with Jake beside me. Drake emerges from the kitchen, a warm, genuine smile lighting up his face. His dark, almost black hair is a sexy, careless mess, and his deep-set chocolate-brown eyes lock onto mine. My heart skips a beat, but I quickly remind myself to keep my emotions in check.
“Gun Man!” Jake squeals, running into his arms. Drake catches him with a chuckle, effortlessly lifting him in a playful hug. Drake’s eyes close, and the emotion flickering across his face weakens my resolve. I bite my lower lip, trying to ignore the pang of longing that tugs at my heart.
“Hey there, little man,” Drake ruffles Jake’s dark hair, “Mama Lila says you’ve been an awesome swimmer today.”
Jake rears back and gives him a dry look. “I told you I’m not a little man.”
“Yeah?” He sits him back down on the floor and pretends to study him. “I think you have grown since I was gone.”
Jake bends his arm to show off his muscles. “See. I have big muscles, like you. You were gone forever.”
I suppress a laugh and look at the kitchen table. It has an ivory tablecloth with pillar candles and a spray of flowers as the centerpiece. My mouth slackens. “What’s going on?”
“Congratulations on owning the pet salon. I know how much this means to you.” His commanding voice sends shivers down my spine.
“Thank you.”
“Have a seat. Supper is about ready.” Drake turns to my son and smiles. “How was swimming?”
Jake’s cheeks flush with pride as he excitedly recounts his swimming adventures, his little hands waving to emphasize his point. His excitement is contagious, and even I smile at his infectious enthusiasm.
Drake listens intently, nodding and asking Jake questions about his friend’s pool. His eyes flicker towards me, catching my gaze. In that fleeting moment, all I can think about is being alone with that man.
What is wrong with me?
I’m supposed to stand firm and insist on conversation, not thinking about how his skin would feel against mine, the heat of his touch setting my skin on fire. I want to reach out and tangle my fingers in that mess of black hair, pull him closer until our breaths mingle, and…
I shake my head quickly, forcing my thoughts away as I sit at the table. The way he looks at me, though, is like he can read my mind and see all those forbidden desires dancing through my thoughts.
I’m totally screwed.
My cheeks heat. I hadn’t reminded him that today was the signing. Is it bad that I love that he remembered? “That sounds nice.”
Turning his attention to Jake, he asks, “So you had fun swimming, then?”
“Yes! The water was so cold. But I kicked my legs hard like you showed me.” Jake puffs his chest out in pride.
“Sounds like you’re becoming quite the swimmer, then.”
“I am.”
My eyes soften as I watch them interact. For a moment, it feels like we’re a family. The thought is as terrifying as it is appealing.
The food is delicious, but the air between us is laced with unspoken words and unresolved tension.
After dinner, Jake yawns and declares he’s not sleepy.