Page 63 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 21

“Strike him out,” Cade called as the pitcher wound up for the pitch. His focus was on the television, but somewhere between the top and the bottom of the first inning, his hand found hers.

Laney bit back a smile. No way she could focus on the play. Her thoughts were wrapped around his palm against hers and his thumb currently stroking the top of her hand.

“Yes!” He turned and kissed her. A quick peck on the lips.

“They’re looking good. Maybe they have a chance of making it to the World Series this year.” Laney picked up her drink and threw back a swig. Boy, the urge to push Cade back on the couch and do a little more kissing was strong.

Hold up, girl. You’re just friends. Sometimes Laney really hated that voice in her head.

“That would be fabulous.” He moved his warm hand to rest on her thigh. Long fingers flexed as the first player stepped up to bat.

Laney took another drink. Was it hot in here? Nope, just her body remembering what it was like to have a guy touch her.

This was a new experience for her. When she watched the games with her ex-husband and his friends, if the umps made a call they didn’t like, they would yell and throw chips at the television. If the Twins scored, they were worse. Beer sprayed all over.

With Cade, he still voiced his dislike at some of the calls, booing and shaking his head, but not once did he throw anything or jump up in disgust. If anything, his movements were to pull her closer. They started the game a foot apart. Now, in the second inning, she could feel the heat from his thigh resting against hers. With every shift of his hips, her core tightened.

“I’m going to grab a water. Do you need anything?” His warm lips nuzzled her ear as his words sank into her skull.

“I’m good. Thanks.” When he left the room, she plucked her collar from her chest and fanned herself. Man, she could get used to watching baseball this way. With Cade.

A minute later, he was back. He sat, leaving a few inches of space between them.

She frowned. An independent woman wouldn’t put up with that. True. Eyes on the television, she reached for the remote on the coffee table, conveniently moving closer to Cade’s warmth.

He must have gotten her hint, because he moved his arm to the back of the couch, and she snuggled closer. Before she knew it, she absently stroked the top of his thigh. She hadn’t even realized her head rested on his shoulder until the Twins’ second baseman threw a long lob to home plate and he fist bumped the air.

“Did you see that?” Laney sat up and slapped the thigh she had been caressing moments ago. Delight shot through her. “That was freaking awesome. Double play!”

“Absolutely amazing.”

The energy level peaked. Laney turned to find Cade staring at her, his expression dark and sexy as hell. She promptly forgot about the play.

An electric current zipped between them. His gaze held power, raw and sharp. Laney gulped. Bowl in hand, she asked, “Chips?”

He grinned. Sneaky son of a biscuit knew how he affected her. He dialed back the electricity in his eyes. “I’m good.”

She averted her gaze. Independent woman… she internally snorted. Their chemistry rocketed off the charts, frightening her.

She knew he wouldn’t hurt her, not physically. But something inside her wanted him too much… Wanted too much from him.

Stiff as a board, she sat back to watch the game. The competition on the screen was nothing compared to the one between her mind and body.

Cade focused on the television, but his fingers ran long, lazy strokes up and down the sleeve of her upper arm. Yup, he was batting on her body’s side, and it was winning by a landslide.

In a matter of seconds, she relaxed into the cradle of his arm. She sighed. Why fight it? Being in his embrace was quickly becoming her new favorite spot.

And his fingers… they were magic. How could a singular movement of drawing tiny circles on her upper arm be so erotic? She sat by his side, her eyes on the television, but all her focus locked on the agonizingly slow journey of his hand.

A couple inches lower… come on… one more… and those glorious digits would be in contact with her skin.

Finally, his hot skin touched hers, and she saw stars. The zing of electricity shot from him to her and rocketed through her body in seconds.

By the end of the second inning, all concern about not moving too fast had left the building. Be careful, the voice in her head warned. Laney brushed it aside. But a little part of her knew it was right. If she let her heart have a say, she’d fall for Cade faster than the pitcher’s curve ball.

“Strike!” Cade kissed her when the pitcher sailed a fastball over the plate.