Page 58 of Double Play

When he pulls away a second time, I’m struggling to stand upright as well as catch my breath.

“Nope,” he responds to my question. “Not tonight.”

He opens my front door but then he pulls me outside. I trip over the step and crash into his chest, where he wraps his arms around my lower back.

“Now, I’m going to give you a proper good night kiss at your front door and call it a night.”

I can’t fight the smile that takes over my face because he’s too cute with this chivalrous behavior. Like we’ve actually gone out on a date and he’s giving me a front-porch kiss.

I still want to have sex with him, but I’ll accept this sweet moment. It’s so much more. It’s romantic.

“How many dates have you kissed on front porches?” I tease, not really wanting a number.

“Dates?” He pauses a second. “Never.”

Our eyes lock for a second before he scoops my hair behind my ear again. He’s already told me it’s been eighteen months since his last sexual encounter. This sounds an awful lot like he might never date.

“But you’re going to kiss me on my front porch,” I clarify. Another first for us.

He leans in and kisses me to confirm my statement. And boy, does he kiss me. Hands on my jaw. Mouth moving against mine. Tongue soft and purposeful. Like he’s memorizing every stroke and suck before sinking his teeth playfully into my lower lip and giving a gentle, final tug.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He winks, releasing his hands from my face and leaving me a little stunned.

“What if I have plans?” I finally counter, finding the words shaky and breathless. I don’t have plans. He’s the plan.

“You do. With me.”

Cocky much? Then again, I’m the one eager for more of him.

More nacho nights, second dates, and front porch kisses.

“We’re going out,” Declan says three nights after that second date and our last night outside of the league’s return to the season after the four days off for All-Star Week. Tomorrow, the Terrors start a home series with Cincinnati.

“Declan,” I groan. Somehow, I knew he’d grow bored of only staying in.

He returned to my place on the second night, telling me he wasn’t fool enough to ‘waste’ another night without me.

“I’m not a saint,” he joked about his willpower to stay away one moment longer. Since then, we’ve been holed up in my house, gracing a few pieces of furniture, including the kitchen island, and my bed where we spent most of yesterday.

“I swear, it’s private,” he says before slapping my ass as he passes me, leaving me standing in the kitchen after a dinner. “I’m going to shower quick.”

I’d ask to join him, but it would only distract us. Maybe I should distract him, change his mind about us leaving my house.

When he steps out of my bathroom into my bedroom, I’m wearing a summery sundress. If we’re going out, I thought I should dress casual and comfortable as I don’t know where we are going, but Declan is dressed in shorts and a Terrors tee. Maybe I overdressed, being a little eager to actually leave my place with him.

“Is this dress okay?” I ask, tugging at the side of the giant-red-poppy-covered material.

Declan hums while appraising my outfit. “I could make a comment about how that dress will look amazing draped over that chair behind you, but for now, let’s leave it on. You look beautiful.”

My face heats at both comments. The promise of him taking it off later and the fact he likes it on me just as much.

Within fifteen minutes, we’ve weaved around Nashville in Declan’s pickup truck and wind up a hill. When he parks beside a raised, grass knoll as the sun is close to setting, I glance around us.

“Love Circle Park?” I’d read the sign as we entered.

“This place is considered a hidden locale and a favorite among locals. Heard it’s one of the best places to watch the sun set in Nashville.” Declan pops open his door and comes around to the passenger side.

I could mention that watching the sunset from his place during the Fourth of July was pretty spectacular, but I don’t. We haven’t been to Declan’s apartment these past few days and when I asked him why not, he simply said, “I like your home better. It’s cozier.”