Authors: Ella Jade
“Really?” She pressed her hand into his back when he traveled down her neck, working his way to her stomach. “Wait.” She sat up. “Don’t.”
“Why not?” He looked around. “No one will come down here. The beer’s at the house.”
“I want to...” She bit her lip again, not looking so innocent this time as she looked down at his crotch. “Since you were so generous in the shower today I’d like to return the favor.”
“Yeah?” His dick jumped to attention when he thought about her hot, skilled mouth wrapped around it. “I won’t argue.”
“Good.” She sat on her knees, pushing him down onto the towel. “I didn’t get enough last night.” She lowered her head, reaching for the string on his bathing suit. “Don’t stop me this time.”
“Fuck,” he whispered as her silky hair swept over his stomach. “Your spunky side will do just fine.” He closed his eyes and savored the feel of her mouth, gripping her locks as she began his descent into absolute bliss.
Chapter 9
Rosalie sat at the bar of the chic Italian restaurant her father chose for dinner. Her parents were on their way, but Nic and Sage were held up at a press conference. Sage had sent a text saying they would be there soon.
“Rosie,” a male voice said from behind her.
She turned to find an old friend standing behind her. “Aaron, what are you doing here?” She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
“Your father invited me for dinner.” He took the seat next to her.
“Did he?” Her dad hadn’t mentioned that. Aaron had been a family friend for years. After he finished medical school he started working at her father’s practice. “It’s really nice to see you.”
“It’s great you and Sage are home for a few days. Your parents are happy.”
“It’s good to be back. I haven’t had much downtime though. I went to the game this afternoon and met with some friends yesterday. We leave tomorrow.” The trip to Boston had been fast and she hadn’t seen Holt much. They met for breakfast that morning, but he hadn’t committed to having dinner with her family tonight. She tried to put it out of her head. “How’s life with my dad as your boss?”
“Hmm...” He smiled, showing off those sparkly teeth as he glanced down at the drink menu. “He’s a tyrant, but I’m learning from the best. His practice is booming.”
Aaron was an attractive man in his late twenties. His tanned skin and lean, muscular form made him stand out in a crowd. When women found out he was a doctor, they flocked to him. Her father had hoped that Sage would end up with him, but now that she was with Nic, Rosalie wondered why her dad had invited him to dinner. She didn’t have to stretch her imagination too far.
“Do you want a drink?” he asked as he motioned for the bartender.
“Sure, I was just about to order when you came in. My parents are on their way.”
When the bartender came over, Aaron put his credit card on the bar. “I’ll have whatever is on draft, and the lady would like a pomegranate martini.”
“You remembered.”
“You seemed to enjoy them the night of your graduation party.”
“That was a fun night.” She had been surrounded by friends and family on a fancy yacht that sailed around the Boston Harbor.
“Yeah, you were very popular. I didn’t get a chance to tell you how beautiful you looked.” He nodded at the bartender when he placed their drinks in front of them. “Almost as pretty as you look tonight.”
“That’s very sweet of you.” She sipped her martini, enjoying the taste of the sugared rim. “I was glad you could come to the party.”
“I was honored to be invited.”
“Are you kidding? My father loves you. You’re the son he never had and the doctor he wanted Sage and I to become.”
“I’m very fortunate he’s been so generous to me.”
“He says you’re a great asset to his practice.”
“How are things going in Kingston? Are you having fun following Sage around?”
“I am.” It wasn’t just Sage she was enjoying following around. “I’m having a blast. Nic has even scored me an interview with the promotions department for the Crushers in a few weeks. If all goes well, I might be employed.” She tried not to get her hopes up, but she really wanted a job with the Crushers organization.
“That will make your father happy.” Aaron placed his hand on top of hers, giving it a small squeeze. “Too bad it’s not in Boston though.”
“What will make your father happy?” She was startled by Holt’s voice.
“Holt?” Rosalie quickly removed her hand from underneath Aaron’s. “You’re here.”
“Surprised?” He stepped in between the stools, leaning against the bar, creating some distance between she and Aaron.
“Well, you never committed and I didn’t tell you where we were eating, so yes, I’m a little surprised.”
“Nic told me.” He glanced at Aaron before returning his attention back to her. “I hope the invitation is still good.”
“Yes, of course.” She was thrown off by his presence, but thrilled to see him. She’d never anticipated him just showing up.
“Good, because I wore a jacket.” He dipped his head, took her face between his hands, and gifted her with one of his all-consuming, intense kisses. It lasted a little longer than she would have expected since they were in public. “Who’s your friend?” he whispered against her lips.
You’re marking your territory.
“Aaron, this is Holt, my, umm, well...”
How was she supposed to introduce him without setting him off or making him uncomfortable? It was a big deal that he was even there. He didn’t want to meet her parents. He didn’t have to say it that night at the lake, she had seen the ‘deer in the headlights’ look when she had invited him. She’d dropped the subject and didn’t bring it up again. She had hoped he would, but he’d done something even better—he showed up without any nagging or prodding from her.
Holt’s mouth curved into that smug smile of his when she stumbled over the introductions. She didn’t know whether she wanted to smack him or bite him. He’d probably enjoy both.
“No introduction is necessary.” Aaron extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m a huge fan.”
“Thank you.” Holt shook his hand. “I think what Rosalie was trying to say is I’m her boyfriend.”
You are? That’s news.
“Really?” Aaron finished his beer. “She didn’t mention that.”
“I guess there wasn’t much time to.” She chugged her martini faster than she normally would. “I’m kind of shocked myself,” she mumbled under her breath, but Holt’s smile alerted her that he had heard as he flagged the bartender. “They’ll take another round and I’ll have a bottle of whatever is cold, please.”
“Right away, Clemson.” The bartender nodded. “Even if you don’t play for Boston.”
“Uh-oh.” Holt laughed, oozing all of that southern appeal. “I’ll behave since I’m in your town.”
“Smart man,” the bartender joked. “A pleasure to have you here.”
“Thank you.” Holt turned back to Aaron. “How do you know my girl?”
My girl? What game are you playing tonight, slugger? You don’t get to have it both ways.
“I work with Dr. Millan,” Aaron said. “I’ve known Rosie girl a long time.”
“Aaron’s a doctor too,” Rosalie told him. “He’s a friend of the family. We grew up together.”
Get it? He’s a friend.
“Rosie was a kid when I moved into the neighborhood. She’s grown into a stunning woman. Smart, pretty, and a good head on her shoulders. You’re a lucky guy.”
“You don’t have to tell me that.” Holt took her hand. “I don’t plan on letting her get away.” He leaned into her ear. “Are we clear,
Rosie girl
?”
Seriously, Mr. Player? What are you up to?
“Rosalie,” her mother called as she made her way to them. “Sorry we’re late.”
“Mom.” She let go of Holt’s hand and hugged her mother as her dad came up behind them.
“Daddy.” She kissed his cheek. “You didn’t tell me you invited Aaron.”
“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a friend either.” He stared at Holt. “So, I guess we’re even.”
“Dr. Millan.” Holt stepped forward. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all, Mr. Clemson,” her mother said. “We’re very happy to meet you.”
“Please, call me Holt.” He kissed her mother’s cheek. “Rosalie has told me so much about you.”
“Has she?” her dad said.
“Daddy, this is Holt Clemson,” Rosalie stated the obvious.
Be nice to him.
“How are you, sir?” Holt shook his hand.
“Good game today. You and Nic work really well together. The two of you dominated the third and fourth innings. Too bad you couldn’t beat us.”
“Oh boy,” Nic said as he walked into the bar area holding Sage’s hand. “Are you seriously going to discuss that loss tonight? It was such a close game.”
“The better team won.” Her father snickered because he couldn’t resist gloating about the home team and taking any opportunity to torture Nic.
“No baseball talk, Daddy.” Sage hugged him. “Let’s just enjoy dinner.”
“I’ll behave, especially since we have two Crushers joining us tonight. As if one wasn’t enough...” her father said.
“Don’t take it personally, Holt.” Nic put his arm around Sage. “Dr. Millan isn’t a fan of baseball.”
“That’s not entirely true,” her father defended. “I’m just loyal to my home team.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Holt agreed. “My father takes in a home game whenever he’s in Texas, even if I’m not pitching for the opposing team.”
“Loyalty has to mean something,” her dad said. “You never know when and if either of you will trade uniforms and end up here in Boston. Then we’ll talk.”
“Let’s take Sage’s advice,” Rosalie chimed in. “No more baseball talk.”
“No problem,” her dad said. “I invited Aaron tonight, because I wanted to let you all know he’s coming on full time at the practice. He’ll be taking his own patients, not just assisting with mine.”
“That’s great news.” Sage hugged Aaron and Nic shook his hand.
“Thank you,” Aaron said. “But I feel like I’m intruding on your family dinner.” When he smiled at Rosalie, Holt took her hand and pulled her closer to him.
She turned and gave him a ‘what the hell are you doing, Mr. Bossy?’ look. He wasn’t deterred though. His hold became firmer, more possessive.
“Nonsense,” her mother said. “You’re family too. I’m thrilled you’ll be freeing up some of my husband’s time. We have some traveling to do.”
“I’m honored that he’s trusting me with his practice,” Aaron said. “I hope to make him proud.”
“Don’t you want to congratulate the good doctor?” Holt whispered into Rosalie’s ear. Before she could answer, the hostess came into the bar area, interrupting their conversation.
“Dr. Millan, your table is ready,” the bouncy girl said as she paid specific attention to Nic and Holt.
Sage had mentioned that she’d grown accustomed to women falling at Nic’s feet. Rosalie was still getting used to the idea. At least Sage knew who Nic was coming home to every night. Rosalie still wasn’t certain what Holt did when they weren’t together.
“Thank you, Sadie.” He turned to everyone. “Shall we sit down?”
They all followed Sadie into the main dining room, but Rosalie stayed back, tapping her dad on the shoulder.
“What is it, sweetheart?” he asked.
“Were you trying to set me up with Aaron tonight?” She fisted her hands on her hips, waiting for an answer.
“I’ll admit I invited Aaron here tonight to see you.”
Since when did he start playing matchmaker? “You shouldn’t have done that, Dad.”
“Wait.” He held up his hand. “Only because he expressed some interest in you these last few weeks. He seemed to be taken with you the night of your graduation party.”
“He was?” She’d known Aaron for years. He was older than she was and never really paid much attention to her.
“Don’t be so shocked. He has good taste. So, you’re not interested in the least?”
“Umm...” Who wouldn’t be interested in a man like Aaron? A young, attractive, successful doctor. It seemed like a no-brainer. And it would have been had she not already set her sights on one very sexy, heart-throbbing, make her pulse race, frustratingly confusing player. “He’s great, but I...” Was she ready to explain to her father that she wanted a baseball player, knowing how much trouble he had given her sister on the same subject?
“I’ll tell him that you’re not interested.” He smiled as he put his arm around her. “I had no idea you were bringing a date. When were you going to tell us you were seeing Holt?”
“It’s kind of new.”
“Well, just enjoy it.”
“Wait. What?” Stunned didn’t begin to describe it. “You hate baseball players.”
“That’s not true.” He laughed. “I don’t love them with my daughters, but I made enough mistakes with your sister and caused her some unnecessary pain. You’re old enough to make your own choices.”
“Wow.”
“I’m mellowing in my old age.”
“I like it.”
“Let me offer some advice.”
“Uh-oh.” Did she really want to hear it? Was he going to tell her she’d be better off with someone like Aaron?
“It’s solid advice.” He stopped walking just before they got to the table. “Make sure your baseball player treats you as I treat your mother. A girl with a spirit like yours deserves all she ever wished for.”
“Dad.” She shook her head, because she didn’t want to discuss her love life with her father. “I’m not a kid anymore. Real life is complicated and can’t be compared to all those ideas I got in books and all those princess movies you took me to see.”
“I disagree. You can find what you’re looking for as long as you keep your standards high and never stop dreaming.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I’ve read about Holt’s reputation. The fact that he’s even here meeting your family shocks me, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because I trust you.”
“Thanks.” She wanted to trust her instincts too. Holt was here, staring at her as if she were the only woman in the room. That had to mean something. Didn’t it?
Holt studied Rosalie as she made her way to him. He pulled a chair out for her. “Everything okay?” He placed his hand on her back, giving it a gentle rub.
“It’s perfect.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you’re here.”