It doesn’t work, and two hours later when we touch down in Phoenix, I’m feeling totally drained.
But then I walk into the blessedly air-conditioned Phoenix airport and see Dan Montgomery standing there holding a huge sign with arrows pointing toward him and massive letters that spell out “GUESS WHO’S EXCITED TO SEE LARK? THIS GUY!”
It’s all I can do not to burst into tears at the sight of him. But in an effort to try and hold it in, I come to a complete standstill, nowhere near close enough to feel his arms wrap around me. Someone jostles me from behind and I stumble forward. Dan’s grin falters. Then he drops his sign to the ground and jogs over, and then finally,finally, I’m in his arms.
“Birdie. Hey, baby, it’s okay. I’m here.” He continues to mumble sweet things as people stream around us. They’re probably staring at the crazy lady being hugged by the hot baseball player, but I don’t care. I need this.
After several moments just soaking up his strong, warm, loving embrace, I sniff a few times and pull back, swiping away the tears.
“Hi,” I say, my voice all wobbly. “Sorry to be such a mess.”
He gives me a soft smile and tucks some hair behind my ears. “You’re not a mess. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world. And I’m so fucking happy you’re here.” After pressing a kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering for a second longer, Dan tucks me into his side and grabs my carry-on suitcase.
“Come on, we’ll Uber back to the hotel.”
I realize with some horror that thanks to my mini meltdown, the rest of the team has already loaded onto the bus and I’m guessing left the airport. I can only assume my luggage made it on as well.
“How did they know not to wait?” I say as we walk outside to the rideshare area.
“I told Sin I’d be picking you up. He, ah, figured we might want some time alone.” Dan ducks his head and I catch his blush.
Despite my emotional roller coaster, I giggle. “Why? It’s not like we’re going to do anything in the back seat of an Uber.”
He casts me a sidelong glance. “I mean…we could.”
I slap his arm, laughing louder now. “Dream on. Besides, I’m all gross from the flight.”
His lips land on my hair as he squeezes me tight. “Again, no you’re not. You’re beautiful.”
I sigh happily, feeling a small amount of my turmoil settle. Even though the clock is ticking, and I know he’s going to want to talk very soon, for now, I can just enjoy being with him again. And pretend I’m not about to turn everything upside down with my news.
My reprieve lasts only as long as the team dinner we both attend back at the hotel. With everyone now here, we’ve taken over one of the banquet rooms for a feast. Tomorrow, all the players will hit the field, and spring training begins in earnest. Tonight is a chance for them to connect, relax, and have some fun before the work starts.
I’m booked to share a room with another trainer at the hotel. The team policy of players sleeping alone is a bit more relaxed during spring training than it is during the actual season, butrooms were booked before Dan and I became a couple.
However, room assignments don’t seem to matter to him as he bypasses my floor and leads me straight to what I assume is his. We’re silent the short walk down the corridor and as he unlocks his door.
As soon as it snicks shut behind us, I expect him to reach for me and our clothes to fly off. Or at least, I think that’s what I expect. It’s perhaps what I should want? Or need? Truth is, I’m so mixed-up from seeing him again, being near him and soaking in his love, I can’t think straight. Or maybe it’s the nervous energy constantly running through me, knowing the conversation I need to have with him is coming sooner, rather than later.
He doesn’t start undressing me, however. No, instead, he leads me over to his bed, sits down, and pulls me into his lap. Then, gripping my chin, he turns my head to face him, and with an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face, he says one word that seals my fate for the evening.
“Talk.”
Chapter thirty-five
Monty
Something is definitely wrong. I’ve known it for days, and try as I might, it’s affecting my game. I’ve been calling it the yips, and so far, the other players and staff seem to believe it’s just a bump in the road for me.
Only Yami seems to suspect it’s more than that, and I’ve caught him starting to ask me what’s up a few times, only to stop. It’s as if he knows something I don’t, but for the fucking life of me, I can’t bring myself to ask him.
Then today, seeing her at the airport filled me with a weird mixture of relief, elation, and absolute panic.
Because instead of laughing at my ridiculous sign or running and jumping into my arms like the reunions you see on cheesy movies, Lark just stood there, her beautiful face struggling to contain tears.
When she finally moved toward me, the ice that was rapidly gripping my heart cracked. And when I had her in my arms, I felt like I could take in a full breath once again.
Yet still, that unease remained. Something is wrong, and I need to know what it is.
