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She’d meant to only rest, but soon the world turned light, senses and sounds dimming under the hum of the engines. As riled as Jason made her, there was a sense of security about him, a calmness and peace. The world turned quiet, as she shifted in the narrow airplane seat, falling asleep and waking until she finally found a comfortable spot nestled against a warm pillow of some sort. She breathed deeply, welcoming sleep.
And dreamt of one sexy ballplayer.
Jason held the sleeping woman nestled against his bare chest, fighting the urge to pull her even closer. She’d been fitful, but after she’d burrowed into him, she’d sighed contentedly and fallen into a deep sleep. He didn’t have the heart to wake her, especially after the airsickness made her so miserable. Of course, there was the other reason:
She fit perfectly in his arms.
She was so small, so curvy, so unlike any other woman he’d ever known. She had a personality to match that fiery red hair, but there was a goodness to her, a sweetness few held. She might try to appear tough, but he could sense her softness. When he was with her, he could forget the accident, even let go of the guilt just a little.
Like he had a future and not just a past.
It had been all he could do to contain himself when she accidentally touched him again. This time had been far worse. Yes, they were accidents, but clearly she was not typically this clumsy. Something was affecting them both, making her unbalanced, leaving him intrigued. Like he’d told her, the accidents were anything but unfortunate.
Possibilities loomed, boldened by a connection he couldn’t deny. He’d almost revealed what really happened the night of the accident. Usually he avoided talking about it, never contemplating sharing the truth. Somehow Dara made him want to confide in her, to share the unsharable. Why had she been so angry at him when they first met? Even if he hadn’t given Alan the keys, the accident was still his fault. Wasn’t it?
He pushed away the accident and its never-ending consequences. It was easier than usual, with someone to focus on. It was time to show Dara the unfortunate was actually fortunate, mistakes actually signs.
To prove this journey was just beginning.
The first few days of the trip proceeded in a whirlwind. The Dragons played three games in three days, winning all, in no small part due to Jason Sterling. Whereas many of the players were relatively unknown outside of their hometown, everyone knew the famous Jason Sterling. He received extra applause and extra jeers, especially when he hammered balls into the stands.
Dara stayed close to the team. She tried to ignore Jason’s powerful performances, but it was impossible not to appreciate his unmatched ability on the field. She cheered just a little too enthusiastically, studied him just a little too closely. He matched her attention with his own bold perusal, sitting next to her on every bus ride, eating beside her at every meal. He used the excuse of working together, even as he refused to actually work with her. He wouldn’t even discuss her efforts. Instead, they talked about a wide variety of subjects, ranging from the trivial to the serious and everything in between.
As much as she tried to stay aloof, Dara couldn’t help but be drawn into their fascinating conversations. Their talks were lively and fun, and she agreed with many of his viewpoints, on matters as mundane as favorite foods to complicated political topics. She laughed at his jokes and stories, and he clearly enjoyed hers. She could see why his teammates looked up to him, and why fans adored him. Yes, he was gorgeous on the outside, but his personality was even more appealing.
She continued to work while on the road, with several family friendly events in between games. The team attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new children’s museum, a charity sporting event and a kids’ festival. Even though the Dragons weren’t the local team, they were still the reigning World Series Champions, and the communities welcomed them. Jenny, whom Dara had come to like despite her ties to Jason, took lots of photographs. Unfortunately, she was unable to produce a single photo of the World Series MVP.
Jason skipped every single event.
There was always a reason why he couldn’t attend. He needed to practice, he already had plans, he wanted to relax. Yet she could see the excuses for what they were, as he fought her every move. She could go to Pat, but she preferred a more creative approach. Then the perfect opportunity arose to ensure his cooperation.
The next city was having a charity ball to benefit the Special Olympics and asked if they could join their hometown team at the event. It was a great chance to do some good and get positive publicity. When they asked if they could highlight the players on the brochure, Dara said yes, with one stipulation:
Jason Sterling’s name would be front and center.
Jason was not exactly pleased when she told him, his hardened expression proving barely hidden displeasure. He understood what she had done, and why. Still, he didn’t give an outright negative as he had with the other events, so she assumed he’d be there.
An hour into the ball, she wasn’t so sure.
Dressed in a silky ivory gown glittering with Swarovski crystals, Dara stood in the center of the dapper crowd, scanning the masses for the hundredth time. Baseball players mingled with celebrities and socialites, dancing under crystal chandeliers in a magical ballroom illuminated by thousands of shimmering candles. Crisp waiters glided through lace-covered tables, carrying steaming hors d’oeuvres, while a ten-piece orchestra played a lilting melody in the corner. The scent of expensive perfume wafted through the air, the perfect accompaniment to the sparkling gowns and priceless jewels. It was everything one could ask for in a fairy-tale ball… everything, except the guest of honor.
Jason Sterling hadn’t shown. There were no crowds welcoming him, no entourage hanging onto his every word. Countless people had asked about him. Even worse, Jenny, who was scheduled to take photographs, was missing as well. Dara had enough. If Jason wouldn’t come to her, she was going to him.
Placing her still full glass on a nearby tray, she stalked to the exit. She passed by smiling, laughing people, racing as quickly as she could. She’d almost made it to the door when a beautiful woman in a sparkling red dress stopped her. She was heavily pregnant, and an adorable little girl skipped next to her. “Dara Everett?”
Courtesy required she stop. She smiled at the woman, who looked somewhat familiar. “Yes?”
“I’m Laura, and this is my daughter, Jeanie. I’m Aidan Bancroft’s wife.”
Of course. Aidan Bancroft was a member of the Billionaires of Miami, and one of Jason’s closest friends. Dara held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Laura’s smile was wide and genuine. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You have?” Dara couldn’t quite manage to hide her surprise. “From Jason?”
Before Laura could respond, the little girl gave a cheeky grin. “Uncle Jason won’t stop talking about you. He says you like to run into him.” She giggled.
Dara blushed. At least he hadn’t mentioned the more intimate parts of their encounters. “Actually, there were just a few accidents. It wasn’t really any big deal–”
