Page 51 of Payoff Pitch

“There is a need. I shouldn’t have let it get that far. I was wrong.”

Her face falls. That’s clearly not what she was hoping for.

I take her hand in mine. “You’re everything a man could ever want in a woman. We’re just in different places in life, and you’re Harper’s nanny. She adores you. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your relationship with her.”

She looks up at me with sincerity written all over her gorgeous face. “I love Harper.”

“I know you do. Can we go back to how we were before that night? I like it when you come early to chat and when you stay for dinner. Dinners you usually prepare. I consider you a friend and I don’t want to lose that because of a moment of indiscretion.”

Pain slices through her face but this needed to be said. I can’t give in to the temptation that is Bailey Hart.

She eventually nods. “I’d like that too.”

BAILEY

We’re on the bus on the way back from the party. Arizona is on Layton’s lap, and his hand is up her dress. Trey and Gemma are in a dark corner practically having sex. They’re marriage goals. I would give anything for a man to look at me the way Trey looks at her.

And then my eyes find Ezra across the bus, and he’s drinkingme in with his heated gaze. He’s looking at methatway. Why have I been denying myself this? Tanner doesn’t want me. Ezra does. He’s handsome, kind, sweet, loving, and age appropriate. Why haven’t I truly considered it before? Maybe it’s time I give things a chance with him.

I stand, walk over to him, and sit down. He leans over and whispers, “Are you okay? You seem a little off tonight.”

The way he can read me and the genuine concern in his eyes flick some sort of switch in me. The sides of our bodies are pressed together. The comfort of his body suddenly feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.

I look into his eyes and nod as I thread my fingers through his and quietly respond, “I want to go home with you tonight.”

He visibly swallows. “You do? Are you sure?”

“Yes. I want to…I want to give things a go with you. You and me. Together.”

His look of concern morphs into a huge smile. He squeezes my hand. “I’d like that. I think I can make you happy.”

I think so too.

He spends the remaining bus ride with his thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. Regardless of who we’re each talking to, his hand is always on mine.

By virtue of geography, we arrive at his place first. I imagine everyone on the bus is in shock when I stand with Ezra and walk with him toward the exit door.

I catch my sister’s look of concern, but I hold up my hand and shake my head. I don’t need Kam trampling this. It’s my decision. I need to do this. I need to stop fantasizing about a man I can’t have and start spending time with a wonderful man I can. One I know for a fact cares deeply for me. One who would never reject me.

Her lips tighten into a line, but she respects my wishes and doesn’t get involved. Instead, she mouths, “Call me,” and I nod that I will.

Everyone else is whistling and catcalling, but I ignore themand stay the course. Ezra wraps his arm around my shoulders, his way of shielding me from the onslaught.

The rest of the unmarried guys on the team have apartments and condos in the city, but Ezra has a house in the suburbs. It’s not as big as one would anticipate from a professional baseball player, but as soon as I walk in, I understand why he chose it. It’s homey. It’s warm. It’s Ezra.

I can’t help but smile, especially at the wraparound porch with rocking chairs. “I love this place. It’s so you.”

He gives me a shy smile in return. “It reminded me of the house I grew up in. The guys give me a lot of shit for not living in a bachelor pad in the city, but when you grow up in a small town, city living is a shock to the system. I’m not too far from them, and I prefer the peace and quiet.”

I rub his arm as we walk into the house. “It’s perfect, just like you.”

He nervously chews on his lip. “Can I get you a drink? Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat.”

I shake my head. “No thanks.”

I walk over to the wall of pictures that appear to be of Ezra and his family. Looking at the big family picture, I immediately identify the sister he’s mentioned to me. I point to her. “This must be Leigh. You two look alike. She’s beautiful.”

I suddenly feel the warmth of his body pressed to the back of mine. He pulls my hair to the side and runs his lips along my neck. “It’s you who is beautiful.” His fingers run up and down my arms. “You have no idea how long I’ve dreamed of having you here. Touching you. Feeling you. Kissing you. Making love to you.”