Here for You (10 page)

The hostess is expecting us. When we walk in, she leads us to the semi-private side room. I know what almost everyone in the group drinks, so I order a few bottles of wine and the drinks I’m sure most people are going to have. I also put in an order for enough appetizers so they can start bringing food out to the group. If we wait until everyone gets around to ordering, they will all be starving and drunk from not eating.

As the guys walk in, they find seats and start collecting the drinks as they come out. Once everyone is there and we all have a drink in hand, I move to the front of the room.

I hold up my drink as I address the group. “I just want to say I’m proud of you guys. You deserve this title. You’ve worked your asses off this year, and I expect us to win the Series. I will not accept anything but first this year.” That earns a few cusses, pats on the back, and overall agreement.

“As always, a huge thank you to the families, wives and girlfriends. Without your support, we would not be nearly as strong. Enjoy the celebration tonight, guys. You’ve earned it. But if you have more than two drinks, you take a cab. No negotiation. That is the rule.” The group knows this speech but they all nod in agreement. We look out for each other, but it never hurts to have a little reminder. I lift my glass up again. “To the best fucking team in the league.” This earns even louder curses of agreement and I laugh.

Everyone clinks glasses and drinks.

“Hey, Cap?”

“Yeah, Fonz.”

“Does that mean even I can have more than one drink tonight?”

The group laughs. “Yep, even you, Fonz. But if you have more than one, it’s a cab for you, buddy.”

“I plan on having a hell of a lot more.”

“Whatever you want, but just remember you’re always representing the team.”

He nods, and I know he gets it. This is his first year experiencing this, and I’m sure it’s a little overwhelming. My first year in the big leagues was a constant adrenaline rush, and sometimes you forget you’re representing more than just yourself. We all have an obligation to the team and the league. He’s a good kid. We haven’t had any issues with him, and I’m not expecting that to change.

The group goes back to socializing as I make the way to my seat next to Ash. She and Quinn are in conversation, and I put my arm around her just to feel the warmth of her body. Johnny and I discuss the upcoming rotation and how we’re going to approach the rest of the regular season games.

When dinner is almost over, Ash leans over closer to me. She motions toward my cocktail. “Are you not celebrating?”

I haven’t touched it since I set it down. I only got it so I could toast the group with it. “I will when I get home. I’m responsible for the group, so I don’t drink much here.”

She pats my leg. “Your momma really did raise you right.”

I chuckle at her comment. “Yeah, I guess so.”

I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help myself. I tuck my finger under her chin and tilt her face up toward mine. I stare into the most beautiful eyes and her lids are slowly dipping lower. I know she wants it as bad as I do so I eliminate the space between us and capture her mouth with mine. Her lips are so soft that I have to consciously hold in the groan as the kiss shoots straight through me, sparking desire. Never one for a public display, I slowly pull my head back and see the lust in her eyes.
Shit.
That makes this whole pretend thing even harder.

Because I’m selfish and she said only in public, I brush her lips again for one more taste before I sit back up straight. Neither one of us says anything. She turns back to her plate and out of the corner of my eye I see Crystal staring at us. I reach for Ash’s hand and lace my fingers with hers. She looks up at me and smiles sweetly, which seems to have the same effect as the kiss because I feel it all the way through me.

As everyone is finishing their last cocktail and dessert, I tuck Ashley in tight next to me. It feels better to have her there, like she’s a shield from everything that is shit in my world. “Hey, I know you’re probably tired, but I have to wait until everyone heads out so I can make sure they’re all safe and on their way.”

She turns her head and looks up at me. Her eyes are heavy, but she smiles. “No problem. I’m content right here.”

I press my lips against her forehead and she turns back to Quinn. They’re discussing something about tomorrow, and I watch the group as people start to get up. “I’m going to go say goodnight to the guys as they leave, okay?”

“Sure. Do you want me to catch a cab with Johnny and Quinn? They’re heading out.”

“No. I don’t want you to do that.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

I wink at her. “What are friends for?”

She moves out of my hold and swats my arm. “Go say goodbye. I’ll be out there in a minute.”

“You got it.” I slide out of the booth and put out my hand to help her out. She slips into the ladies room with Quinn, and Johnny heads with me to the front of the restaurant. I take care of the tab before I head out to keep an eye on everyone.

Ashley comes outside with Quinn and walks with Johnny and Quinn to say goodbye to them as they get into a cab. I watch as she hugs Johnny, and he says something to her, causing her to drop her head. She looks back up at him and smiles. I know I shouldn’t be staring, but I can’t take my eyes off her.

King walks up and congratulates me on the game, pulling my attention from Ashley. We briefly discuss the road during playoffs and making sure the entire pitching lineup is healthy and ready to go. He nods and makes his way into a cab with his wife.

Ashley is almost to me, and I see Crystal approach her.
Shit.

“Um, don’t you think wearing his jersey is a little desperate? I think that reads trying a little too hard, don’t ya think?”

Her voice is low, but I can hear everything from where I’m standing.

Ashley’s eyes narrow at Crystal. “It might read like I was trying too hard if I didn’t already have him. But since I do, I think it reads more like support, to show him I’m there for him.”

I can’t help the small smile that forms. I never dreamed she would be this little firecracker. The girl can hold her own even against Crystal.

Crystal snorts. “Puh-lease, you don’t have shit. Keep dreaming, lady.”

Ashley starts to head my way but then turns back to Crystal. She actually waves her finger and I have to hold in my laugh. “Just because you were stupid enough to give up the greatest thing you will ever have doesn’t mean you can take it out on me. It’s not my fault you gave him up.” The laughter immediately leaves me and I’m speechless. Then she cocks her head at Crystal. “And just so you know, I don’t share nicely. So don’t even dream of putting your dirty little hands on him again.”

Crystal tries to force out a laugh, but I can tell something hit a nerve with her. She lowers her voice even more but I can still hear her. “He still loves me, so if I want him, I will take him.”

“Over my dead body.”

Crystal’s evil laugh shows up. One I’ve heard too many times. “Oh, don’t worry, bitch, that can be arranged.”

I see Ashley’s mouth drop open as if she can’t believe what she’s hearing. There is something about Crystal’s tone that is eerie, and honestly it even scares the shit out of me. Why did I fall in love with that woman? I wish it was that easy to just walk away.

The valet nudges me. “I like your new girl way more, man. She’s awesome!” I give him a small smile and turn back to Ashley who is heading my way.

“Sorry.” She drops her eyes and stands next to me.

I gently grab her chin and bring her head up. “No one has ever stood up for me like that before. Feels nice to have someone on my side.” I kiss the top of her head and tuck her in at my side where she belongs now.

That prick, Anderson, heads to the valet and hands over his ticket.

“Didn’t you have a few drinks, Anderson?”

“Yeah, like three or four, but I’m fine.”

“You know the rule, Anderson. You’re no different than the rest of the team.”

He takes another step closer to me. “Apparently, I
am
different than the rest of the team because I was the only one that was able to take your prize possession.”

I have to count to ten in my head. I’m glad I put Ashley at my side because she instinctively leaned into my arm and grabbed my hand. She knew I was going to swing.

“I’m not going to say it again. Get in a cab.”

Crystal walks up and for the first time tonight, I really look at her. She looks like hell. There’s no sparkle in her eyes and dark circles surround them. She’s also had too much to drink. Again. She’s had her share of pain too, and I can see she’s not dealing well with it.

“And I suppose you’ll get in the car with him too?”

She looks at me. “Well, yeah.”

Of course she will. She doesn’t give a shit. I don’t even realize what’s happening until I see Ashley grab the keys from the valet. She throws them to Pauly, the last guy remaining.

She looks straight at Anderson. “Take it up with Pauly. We’re out of here.”

She takes my keys from the valet and grabs my hand, leading me to my car. I simply follow her because I’m in shock.

I hear Pauly talking to Anderson. “Come on, man. You know the rule.”

I don’t hear what Anderson says but I hear Pauly again. “Fine. I’ll drive your car to your house, and I’ll take a cab home from there.”

Pauly yells to me, “I’m fine, Wills. I only had two drinks.”

I nod to him as I open Ashley’s door and wait for her to get in. This girl does not take shit from anyone and I think it’s great.

I look over at her as I slide into the driver’s seat. “Thanks.”

“No problem. He’s an ass.”

I laugh. “Will you come over and have a drink with me?” She looks at me and I see the hesitation. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

She smiles and shrugs. “If you promise.”

“As you know, I keep my promises.”

Her smile widens at this comment. “Actually I do. I know you promised Quinn that night that you would make sure I was fine. I want to thank you again for being such a great listener. I know something about sharing information that night was easier because we thought we weren’t going to see each other. But you have a gift for giving the right amount of sympathy versus tough love, and I felt so comfortable talking to you. You handled it like Quinn would have. If not better. But don’t ever tell her that.” She winks at me, and the compliment makes me feel good.

“You’re pretty good yourself.”

“Yeah, but I’m a girl.”

I take her hand and pull it closer to me. I rub my thumb back and forth across the top of it. “Thanks for everything today.” I lift her hand and turn it over to kiss her palm, holding it there for a few seconds. I set it back down on my thigh, and I’m afraid to look over at her. I know the energy has shifted between us, and I think she’s just as scared as me.

Cam promised to tell me what’s going on with him. I want to hear the story, but I’m afraid that it’s going to be too hard for him—or even for me. I let out a long breath and lean back in my seat. We arrive at his building only a few minutes later, and he pulls into his parking spot. We take the elevator, which opens up directly into the entryway of his penthouse. He tosses his keys on the table and starts loosening his tie.

“What do you want to drink?”

“Whatever you have.”

“Ash, that’s not much of a choice.”

“Do I need something strong?”

He looks at me, and I see the flash of understanding. “Yeah. What’s your hard alcohol of choice?”

“Manhattan?”

He smiles. “I didn’t take you for a Manhattan girl, but I’m happy to oblige. Let me change first, and then I’ll be back to make your cocktail.”

I nod as he walks down the hallway, and I step farther into his place. “Wow. This solarium is huge.”

I hear him laugh as he makes his way down the hall. “Yes’m. I’ll meet you there.”

I like to think I have a beautiful house, but this place is amazing. Everything is clean lines, high end and modern. Every space is perfectly decorated with a slightly masculine tone and not a thing is out of place. There are small personal touches throughout with pictures, art, and tastefully placed memorabilia. I see a framed photo of Cam and Crystal on the sideboard, but I’m not going to waste my time worrying about it. I’m sure she lived here, and I can’t expect him to have thrown everything away on the off chance that I might show up here.

I wander into the solarium, which runs the entire length of his unit and is probably twenty feet wide. I walk to one end and find an outdoor terrace in the corner. I look the other way and see that it’s the same concept at that end. I think I could live in only this space of the condo. The glass ceiling curves all the way down to the floor, and the views over the city are breathtaking. I think I just found my heaven.

He’s back within a couple minutes wearing shorts and a t-shirt. “Cam, this is gorgeous.” In my head I don’t even know which one I mean because the solarium and Cam are definitely both gorgeous.

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t stop and enjoy it very often.”

Glad that he took my comment to mean the solarium, I try to ignore the perfection of his body. “I’m happy to enjoy it for you any time you want.” Because I’m now thinking about enjoying his body, I feel a blush creep up my neck.

I hear a small laugh and it’s like he knows. “Be my guest. Let me make your cocktail.”

“Cam.” I wait until he turns back to me. “Are you sure you want to do this tonight?”

He doesn’t say anything but pulls his phone out of his pocket. I furrow my brow at him, and he puts his finger up. “Hold on.”