Spring Training (7 page)

The breath left her lungs as he stroked in and out of her wet folds. His thumb pressed against her clit, making her feverish with the need to come. She rocked against him, rode his hand hard, until her entire body sizzled. She erupted, crying into his mouth as her release pounded through her system. She cupped his head, unwilling to give up his kiss as she drifted back to earth.

He broke away, resting his forehead against hers. He eased his fingers from her, bringing them to his mouth to lick them clean. “God, you taste like sunshine.”

“Really, Garrett? What does sunshine taste like exactly?” Watching him lick her juices from his fingers stirred something inside her.

He smacked his lips as he finished with his fingers. A wicked smile crossed his face. “Like this,” he said before claiming her mouth again.

She tasted herself on his tongue, a tangy mixture of her and Garrett all rolled into one. It was a flavor she could get used to, made her wonder how he’d react to kissing her mouth after he’d filled it. She’d find out, hopefully sooner rather than later.

With a final nip to her bottom lip, Garrett released her. His erection prodded her belly as her legs slid to the floor. She would have gone to her knees, but he pulled her up short.

“Later, sweetheart. That’s not what I came up here for.” He ran his thumbs over her nipples before nestling her breasts back into her bra and straightening her shirt. His chest expanded as he set to fastening her shorts. “It seems a shame to cover up such perfection.”

Jessa burst out a laugh. “If you weren’t so good at the plate, I’d think you’d need glasses.”

“Nothin’ wrong with my eyes.”

“So, is this what you came up here for?”

He arched a brow and stepped away from her. Her legs wobbled before she found her footing.

“Honestly? I don’t know. I was frustrated that I hadn’t seen you all day and then that text message … well, needless to say I wasn’t happy. All I could think about was getting to you so I could remind you how good it was between us.” He grinned. “I may have considered spanking your ass as well.”

“You wouldn’t.” Although her body warmed at the idea.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “It seems you bring out a side of me I’ve not dealt with before. So yeah, I most definitely would.”

Chapter Nine

Feeling pleased with himself, Garrett was grinning like a loon as he made his way through the lobby. The smile was wearing out the muscles in his face, but damn if he could stop.

After leaving Jessa this afternoon, he’d actually managed to salvage his workout for the day. His coaches were happy and that meant he’d done his job. Couldn’t ask for much more than that.

He’d chosen to rush back to the hotel instead of showering at the park. He was gritty with dried sweat and his muscles ached, but he’d never felt better. Now, if he could coax Jessa into the shower with him, he’d have his wicked way with her before they settled down for dinner, making the day damn near perfect.

He couldn’t believe he’d admitted to wanting to spank her any more than her reaction to it. Her eyes had glazed over with desire. Oh yeah, she’d be into it. The thought had his mind wandering into all kinds of interesting territory. Jessa bent over his lap, her ass offered up like a sacrifice. Jessa tied to his bed, unable to do anything but accept the pleasure he wanted to give her. Fuck. Just what he needed. A massive hard-on in the middle of the hotel lobby.

He didn’t know where his thoughts were coming from. These weren’t things he’d ever done, or even been tempted to do. But with Jessa, all bets were off. She brought out the side of him that wanted to possess her in every way possible.

“We just walk away from each other?”

The words floated through his mind and caused him to stumble.

“Easy there. What’s up, buddy?” Tyler’s arm clapped over his shoulders, steadying him, pulling him out of his reverie.

Garrett shrugged him off. “Tired, I guess. Wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Tyler held up the 12-pack of beer. “I’ve got just the thing. Come on.”

“No thanks, I’m looking forward to a shower and hitting the sack early.” With Jessa.

“Too late. I already told Jim and Miles to meet us in your room.” Tyler gave him a knowing smile. “Hope you didn’t have plans.”

Bastard. Garrett ground his teeth, reminding himself that kicking Tyler’s ass wouldn’t be the best idea. At least not in front of all these people. “Then un-tell them. I’m tired. I’m surprised
you
don’t have plans. You run out of ladies to torment already?”

Tyler snorted. “This city is swarming with women.”

“So, why are you bothering me?” He waved his hands. “Go, get laid. Leave me alone.”

Tyler stopped, one hand clutching the beer while he shoved the other in the front pocket of his jeans. “I’m only looking out for you.”

Garrett sighed. “Yeah, Ty, I know. And I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but you’ve got to back off me a bit. I’m not a kid and you’re not responsible for me.”

Tyler’s lips thinned. He stared hard at him for a minute before nodding his head. “Don’t fuck up. That’s the last I’ll say on the situation.”

“Right. I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“We good?” Tyler’s voice was weary, as if he knew this wasn’t the end of it, but was willing to let it go.

Garrett smiled and extended his hand. “Stay away from my room and we’re golden.”

Tyler grasped his hand, pulling him forward until they bumped shoulders. “You got it. Watch yourself.”

“Tyler.”

“Okay, okay. I’m out. Later, brother.”

Garrett entered his room and stopped short, his heart skipping a beat as he saw Jessa sitting on the couch, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her laptop was open on the table and he could hear sound coming from the TV.

He was pleased she’d used the key he’d given her earlier to let herself in. Even more so that she seemed to have made herself comfortable.

“Garrett, come here, come here.” She waved him over, her eyes glued to the screen.

“What are you watching?”

“You. Check it out.” She sat forward, her backside resting on the edge of the couch, her fingers flying over the keys of her computer as she looked from TV to laptop and back again.

He groaned and collapsed onto the couch next to her. He took the bottle of water she handed him and drank it down. “Thanks. Why are you watching this?” Garrett cringed at his face plastered on the sportscast.

She pointed at the screen. “Look how gorgeous you are. How could I not watch?” She tilted her head to the side, playfully offering him her mouth.

Well, wasn’t this was a welcome change in behavior? Far be it for him to turn down an opportunity like that. He bent, tugging her pouty bottom lip into his mouth, caressing his tongue over the silky skin and swallowing her moan.

Her tongue darted across his lips before she pulled away, eyes narrowed. “You didn’t shower at the park?”

He rolled, grabbing her waist, tickling her as he pulled her under him.

“Garrett!” Jessa kicked her legs with a fit of laughter. “Stop!”

“What’s the matter, baby? You don’t like sweaty men?”

She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him close. “Oh, I love sweaty men. The more the merrier I always say.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Is that right?” He tickled her again, ignoring the stab of resentment that popped up at the thought of another man touching her.

She squirmed under him, the rich sound of her amusement music in his ears.

“Okay, okay! Uncle! You’re the only sweaty man I love. I swear, I swear!”

Garrett froze, watching as a flush crept up her neck.

“I mean, you’re the only sweaty man I want. Shit, you know what I mean! You can’t hold me responsible for anything I say when you’re tickling me.” She swatted his ass. “Get off. Go shower and I’ll take care of dinner.”

Part of him wanted to forget hearing the
love
word come out of her mouth. Another part wanted to hear it again. He’d be ignoring that last part. “Come, shower with me.” He pressed his nose into her neck, breathing in her scent. God, she always smelled so good. “I’ve been dying to get you wet all day.”

Her lighthearted laugh warmed the center of his chest. He could definitely get used to that sound.

“Considering what happened earlier today, I’d say you accomplished your goal.”

She pushed against him until he finally released her with a sigh. “I’m really dirty. Not sure I can reach all the places that need reaching.”

Her eyes were back on the sportscast. “You’ll have to manage. I’ve got to make a few more calls and then I’ll order us something to eat. Anything in particular you’re craving?”

He arched a brow, curling his lips as he looked at her breasts. Oh yeah, he had a craving. “I’d be happy to show you what I’d like to eat, darlin’.”

“It’s called time management, Garrett. If I get my work done while you shower, we’ll have more time to …” She put her palms on his thigh and pushed herself up to plant a chaste kiss on his mouth, giving him an amazing view straight down her shirt in the process. He groaned. She wasn’t wearing a bra. “… have dinner.”

She was killing him. “You’re a tease. Evil, wicked, tease.”

She pecked his mouth again and moved away. “Protein. You need protein. Steak okay?”

He wasn’t going to win. He hadn’t known her long, but long enough to know she was back in business mode. He’d make sure she made it up to him later. “Yeah, steak is great. Medium rare, if you don’t mind.”

“Baked potato?”

“No, thanks, but a salad would be great.”

She shook her head. “I’d never guessed you’d turn down potatoes for a salad. I figured a farm boy like you would be all about meat and potatoes.”

He patted his stomach as his cell phone rang. “Gotta watch my figure.” He put the phone to his ear. “Hey, Harlon.” He mouthed a thank you to Jessa and hitched his thumb toward the bedroom.

She smiled and made a shooing motion at him, indicating he should go.

He looked back at her as he entered the bedroom. She was typing on her laptop again, taking frequent glances at the TV. A warm feeling spread through him. It was all so natural, her being here. It felt good. Right.

Oh boy.

The voice drifting through the phone got his attention. “Yeah, I’m here, man. What’s up?”

* * *

Mortified. That was the only way to describe how Jessa felt. She’d said
she loved him. Well, not
really.
Had she?

Shit.

She was getting in too deep. Her father would blow an artery if he found out what she’d been doing with his star player. And she’d be going back to New York soon. Sure, Garrett would be taking up residence there once the season started, but that didn’t mean anything. None of it meant anything. They were passing time together. Very pleasurable time, but that was it. Nothing more.

Yeah, her heart wasn’t buying it any more than her brain.

She needed to keep things light. Fun. As if they were friends. With benefits.

‘Cause that never goes wrong.

It was over an hour before Garrett returned, his hair wet from the shower. His face was drawn, a furrow occupying the space between his brows.

“Everything all right?”

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s just … my mom, ya know?”

No. She really didn’t. Jessa didn’t remember her mom. She’d seen pictures and heard the stories, but the only story that mattered was the one that ended with her mother leaving her husband and child without a word. “What about her?”

He shrugged. “Nothing earth shattering. She worries about things she shouldn’t worry about. I thought when Leah and the baby moved in, it would help distract her, but she’s still insistent about being involved with the farm. She doesn’t know the first thing about what’s going on.”

“And she expects you to take care of it from here?” She took a seat at the table, motioning for him to do the same. The delicious scents coming from the steel covered plates made her mouth water.

He went to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer, holding up a bottle for her. “You want one?”

“Water, please.”

He nodded once and ducked again to pull out a bottle of water. “We have a foreman. He’s a good man and he works hard. Hell, I leave him to look out for my family, so of course I trust him to run things. The fact is, I couldn’t be here without him. I don’t understand why — and it frustrates the hell out of me sometimes — but Mom won’t use the money I’ve left without talking to me about every little detail.” Sliding into the chair across from her, he twisted the cap off the water bottle before placing it in front of her. “She should be talking to him,” he murmured.

“Hold on, what do you mean you couldn’t be here without your foreman?”

“I meant what I said.”

Yeah, Jessa was beginning to understand that about him.

Garrett lifted the lids off their plates and set them to the side. “Mmm, princess. This smells good enough to eat.”

“Too bad I can’t take credit for anything other than dialing the phone,” she joked. “So, the farm is more important to you than playing baseball?” She handed him a napkin and he, in turn, passed her the silverware. The ease at which they moved through the motions of readying for dinner stunned her. It was as if they’d done this a hundred times. It was strangely intimate, intoxicating in its simplicity.

“My
family
is more important to me than playing baseball. The farm is all my mom has left of my dad and she loves it. She refuses to give it up. Actually, it would be a lot easier for all of us if they moved to New York with me, but Mom won’t even consider leaving Mississippi. And Leah and the baby are better off staying with her there.”

He cut a piece of his steak, his eyes rolling back in his head as he put it in his mouth. The muscles in his jaw bunched as he chewed, his throat working to swallow it down. “God, that’s good.” He washed it down with a swig of beer before turning his attention back to her.

“Farming is a tough business, princess. It’s backbreaking, sun up to sundown work. Sometimes the yield is good, sometimes it’s not. The times it’s not can drive a man into the ground. Harlon manages the farm, which makes it possible for me to play baseball. Baseball ensures we keep the farm. See how it all works?” He grinned and took a large bite of his salad.

She did. She understood how important playing ball was, not only to Garrett, but to his family as well. They relied on him. He’d used the money he earned to make sure his mom kept her beloved farm, and he’d kept his father’s memory alive. He took care of his sister and now, her daughter as well. What would it feel like to be on the receiving end of a love like that?

Her heart lurched as she realized their playing around could hurt a lot of people. People Garrett was devoted too, people he loved. She knew he’d sacrifice himself for the good of his family. He’d be an outstanding husband and father, one day.

Lucky was the woman who would call him hers. “It’s good of you to look out for them.”

He shook his head, dismissing her compliment. “I’m doing what any other man would do.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. There are a lot of men — men older than you — who wouldn’t go to such lengths to make sure their families were cared for.”

“Then they aren’t men.” Disgust marred his features. “Doesn’t matter anyway. I take care of my own. Always have, always will. Whether it’s the cotton field or the ball field.” He winked at her and motioned to her plate. “Eat up before it gets cold.”

She should walk away. Stop this now before anyone gets hurt. It was the right thing to do. But the devil would reserve a special place for her in hell because she wasn’t strong enough. It was selfish and greedy, but she couldn’t let him go. Not yet.

Overwhelmed with the need to touch him, Jessa put down her silverware and moved around the table. Before he could move, she straddled his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. He spent all his time taking care of other people, who took care of him? Who did he talk to when things got tough? Did he have anyone to lean on?

Jessa wanted to be that person. Even if it was only for a short time.

“What’s this?” Laughter tinged his voice and she heard his fork drop a second before he enclosed her within his arms.

She reveled in the warmth of his skin against her face. So alive, so vibrant and strong. She needed every inch of his body touching hers. To pretend, for one moment, that they could be more than a passing fling. That they could see where this attraction between them would lead. She tugged on his T-shirt, arching away from him to remove it.

“Princess?” He released her long enough to raise his arms so she could finish what she’d started.

Her eyes teared up as she tossed his shirt aside and ran her palms over his chest.

He pinched her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Hey, now. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

She was being a silly, hormonal girl. She swiped at her eyes and laughed. “I have this uncontrollable desire to get you naked.”

“I’m all for getting naked.” His large hands enclosed her wrists, staying her. “But why the tears, Jess?”

“I don’t know, Garrett,” she lied, not wanting to ruin the moment. “I just want to be with you.”