Page 44 of Driven to Love

“No. She’s not an ex anything.”

“Really? Good to know.” Addison put a little more swing into her step. Her expression brightened. Nash could have sworn he heard her say, “Game on.”

Those two little words shot adrenaline through his body—the same feeling when he stepped off the plane into hostile territory. Yes, he was a mechanic, but he’d seen plenty of action in his six years of service.

Jillian stood. Her focus locked onto him. Then, her eyes skimmed his body, landing on the place where his and Addison’s hands touched. Jillian’s whole stature changed.

This would either be the longest game in history or the shortest. Addison threw her shoulders back and flashed those perfect white teeth. From the looks of it, more than one game was going to be played today.

He squeezed her hand, and Addison smiled—a little devilish and with a lot of sass.

Oh yeah. His money was on Addison, all the way.

Chapter 13

Addison didn’t know the backstory between Nash and this baseball mom, but from the way his whole body stiffened when he saw her, it was clear he wasn’t happy to see her. All it took was the edges of that gorgeous smile to fall, and Addison was in. She didn’t know what or why, but damn it. A protective instinct that was usually reserved for her besties and her mom reared its head.

This woman’s sour expression quickly morphed back into a seductive smile that was aimed solely at Nash. She didn’t have a clue what was about to hit her.

Addison relaxed her expression and scanned the field. She found Davey throwing a ball to the pitcher’s mound.

No scenes. She wouldn’t. She was better than that.

“Beth. Jillian.” Nash unfolded the chairs.

“Here, I can scooch down. You can slide in next to me.” Jillian moved her chair, making room for only one of them.

“Thanks, but there is plenty of room on the other side of Beth.”

“You must be Addison. And this has to be Max. I’m Beth. Davey’s so excited to have you at his game.” She scratched behind the puppy’s ear.

This was Nash’s ex-wife? The woman radiated a sweet confidence, and from first sight, Addison knew they could be friends.

“I’m Jillian. My Josh and Davey are best buddies.” She didn’t extend a hand, but just smiled. A fake one. After years of pageants, Addison could teach the woman a thing or two about how to smile and not show her real emotions. Jealousy was written all over this woman’s face.

Addison returned a smile that would dazzle and sat down next to Beth. “You have a charming son.”

“Thank you. He’s just like his father.” She laughed. “When I divorced Nash, I didn’t expect to be living with his mini-me.”

Addison had just met Davey, but she could definitely see the Steele genes had carried through.

“He has your brains.” Nash pulled a water and bowl from the bag for Max and then handed her a water bottle.

“Thanks.” She put Max on the ground and let him wander around the chairs. People stopped by to pet him. He was definitely the main attraction on the sidelines.

The game started, and Davey’s team was first at bat.

Beth leaned in. “How long have you and Nash been dating?”

She eyed Jillian. The other woman was digging in her bag for something and didn’t appear to be listening, but Addison lowered her voice anyway. “We aren’t. We work together. Davey invited me to the game.”

“That explains it. Nash has never brought a date to a game before.” She looked past her to her ex. “He likes you.”

Instinctively, Addison’s gaze slid to the man beside her, then back to Beth.

“We only just met, but I think you like him too. And really, what’s not to like?” Beth’s face softened. It was clear their divorce was amicable.

“What happened between you two?”