“Then you really need to pull out all the stops. Be a fucking wall behind the plate. Show them you’re the best goddamn catcher out there and worth every penny you want from them.”
“That’s the plan,” I say, realizing I’m clenching the water glass so tightly my hand is starting to tremble. I set it down, opening and closing my fist a few times. “I’ll do my job on the field; you do your job in the board room.”
“Deal. Now, let’s talk sponsorships.”
Chapter fifteen
Lark
Over the next week, two things happen. Winter fully sets into Vancouver, bringing freezing cold rain and wind, but of course, no snow. And Dan seems to unconsciously make it his mission in life to drive me crazy. Crazy horny, that is.
Which is amusing, considering his confession. I’m still stunned by that. How is a sexy pro baseball player still a virgin in his late twenties? He’s like a unicorn, I guess. I know there must be more to his reason why he hasn’t had sex, and someday, I hope he’ll tell me. But for now, I can’t help but feel special to be the one he confided in.
But at the same time, knowing that brings with it some nerves. Could I really act as just his friend, knowing what I do now, feeling the way I do?
But outwardly, at least, nothing seems all that different. We still meet for early morning runs, have dinner together, watch our favouriteStar Warsmovies — the original ones, of course — and talk about everything and anything.
Everything except what’s happening between the two of us. That subject is off-limits.
And despite the seemingly normal interactions, there’s been a thread of anticipation lying just under the surface. I don’t know if that’s all in my head or if Dan notices it, too, but it feels like a steady stream of low intensity static electricity running through my body. Making me feel as if every cell is buzzing, more alive than normal, with occasional shocks when his hand brushes against mine, or he gives me that goofy smile that suddenly means so much more.
Or like tonight, when he seems to be sensing my every move.
“I’m thirsty, you want anything?” He jumps up from the couch as soon as I start to shift. How did he know I was about to stand up and go get some water?
I blink up at him. “Sure, some water would be great.”
He hurries into my kitchen, and I hear him take down two glasses and the tap running. I open my mouth to ask him to bring back some snacks when I hear another cupboard open. When I swivel my head to look, he’s taking out the very bag of corn chips I was going to ask for.
How. Does. He. Know?
When he returns to the couch with the bag of chips as well as a jar of salsa tucked under his arm and two glasses of water in hand, he sets everything down before settling back beside me.
“Chips and salsa?” I ask, belatedly realizing there’s no context to my question. But Dan just shrugs, popping the top off the jar of salsa and dunking a chip in before holding it out to me.
I lean forward and let him pop it into my mouth, relishing the way his eyes grow a teeny-tiny bit darker when my lips lightly touch his fingers.
“You always want chips and salsa for a late-night snack. Thator licorice.”
I’m pretty sure my eyes are bugging out of my head. He turns and gives me a gentle smile, so at odds with the goofy, fun-loving man he normally is. This smile, this version of him, is softer, more vulnerable. And I know, without a doubt, I am one of the lucky few who get to see it.
“I think you know me better than anyone,” I say in a whisper, tentatively reaching my hand across the couch to pick up his. My eyes cast down as I clasp his fingers in mine, feeling his steady warmth. “And I’m really happy I’m finally realizing that.”
Dan gives a slight tug and lifts his other arm up, beckoning me in. With a happy sigh, I tuck in against his side. His lips land on the top of my head, and I feel him press them lightly in a kiss.
It feels so good to just be held by someone in an affectionate embrace, even though I know it won’t go any further. It makes me try to remember the last time Baron held me like this, and I honestly can’t.
At some point, I guess I drift off, I’m so damn comfortable and secure in Dan’s arms. Because when my eyes flutter open, it’s because I’m being lifted into the air, tucked against his chest.
“I’m sorry, I fell asleep,” I murmur, deciding not to protest him carrying me and just enjoy it this once. I feel his low chuckle reverberate through his chest, and my lips curve up in a smile.
He sets me down on my bed and pulls the blanket up to my chin. “Night, Birdie. I’ll lock up.”
I don’t stop to think about what I’m suggesting when my hand darts out and wraps around his wrist. “Stay?” That one word lands in the dimly lit silence. It’s broken only by a sharp intake of breath before Dan answers.
“Are you sure?”
My tongue darts out to moisten my lips. I know nothing’s going to happen. I trust him. Especially knowing he’s never had sex. Heck, I get a secret thrill out of the idea of being his first some day. But not tonight.
