Captivated (21 page)

A
harsh laser of sunlight beamed over his face. Dom raised his hand to block out
the light streaming into his bedroom. A night alone with a bottle of scotch
hadn
’t
been his smartest decision. Then again, he hadn’t made many smart decisions
lately.

A crash in the living
room bolted him to sitting. His aching head protested the movement.

“Damn it. Champ, what did
you do?” Rubbing his temples, he swung his legs over the mattress.

Voices and barking echoed
back at him.

“What the hell?” If they
were intruders, they weren’t the quietest. He grabbed the baseball bat leaning
against the wall and crept into the hall. Eggs, bacon, and coffee scented the
air. He rounded the corner and nearly smacked into Slade.

“Whoa. Dude, what are you
doing?” His friend raised his hands to ward off the hit. “This isn’t the time
for batting practice.”

Dom
’s
heartbeat settled. He set the bat on the floor. “What the hell are you doing
here?”

“Good, you’re awake.”
Liam tucked a broom and trash bag into a corner, then turned toward the
kitchen. “He’s up.”

Adam came in, holding a
plate piled high with eggs, bacon, and toast. Champ pranced close behind.
“Sit
down and eat. You have a date with Ramon in an hour.”

Dom rubbed his temples.
“What
are you talking about?”

Slade held out his phone.
Sure enough, there was a voice mail from Ramon and a text from his agent.
“It’s
all over social media. I tried calling you. When you didn’t answer, we thought
we should come over.”

Dom staggered to the
thankfully full coffee pot.
“He wants to meet with me?”

Adam took away the coffee
and handed him a glass of water and two aspirin.
“Have this first.”

“Thanks.” He downed the
water and the pills, then reached for his coffee mug but Liam grabbed it and
brought it over to the table.

“Stop playing Keep Away
with my coffee.”

“Sit. Eat while we fill
you in.”

“Fine.” He secured the
mug in his hand and dug into the eggs. “How long have you been here?”

“Long enough to walk
Champ and make your breakfast. By the way, Adam broke a lamp.”

“I did not. Champ knocked
into it.”

“Yeah, but you were
playing with him when it happened.” Liam snagged a slice of toast from the
plate. “That stuff never happens on my watch.”

“Keep it up and I’ll be
looking for a new dog sitter.”

“No way. Bear loves me.”

“There’s no accounting
for taste.” He turned to Dom. “I’ll replace the lamp.”

“I don’t care about the
lamp. What’s going on with Ramon?”

Slade pushed his phone
across the table.
“Irisa sent out a message yesterday,
asking anyone who was at the bar to share photos or video proving you didn’t
have anything to do with the fight.”

A bite of toast stuck in
Dom
’s
throat. Coughing, he reached for his coffee. “She did that?”

“Yeah. And the response
was crazy.” Adam took the seat to his left. “I don’t know if it helped that we
all shared her request, too. Dusty will probably have us running the stairs at
the stadium for getting involved.”

“I thought the guys were
all pissed at me.” He wouldn’t easily forget their accusing glares and muttered
comments.

Adam shrugged.
“Not
as much now. The guys who have wives and girlfriends understand.”

“Anyway,” Liam continued,
“the Riptide fans saw the info and started a media campaign to get Ramon to
reconsider his suspension decision. They crashed the team website with all of
their messages, too.”

A seed of hope sprouted.
Dom pushed away the plate and grabbed the phone he
’d
silenced the day before. Scrolling through the messages of well-wishes and
support lightened his dark mood. Then he saw Irisa’s post.

His heart beat
uncomfortably in his chest. She didn
’t want anything to do
with him, but she was trying to save his job. “So Ramon called a meeting.
Doesn’t mean he’ll change his mind. For all I know, he’s doing this for show to
get the fans off his back.”

Adam shrugged.
“So
you’ll dress nice, be respectful, and tell him you appreciate the meeting.”

“Yes, Dad.” Dom ducked
the napkin hurled at his head.

“Shut up. I want you back
in the lineup. I don’t like having an empty locker next to mine.”

“And I miss pretending
Champ belongs to me. It’s great for meeting women.” Liam rolled a tennis ball
across the floor to the dog. “You need to get back on the road with the team.”

“Really,” Slade added.
“Because Nokes is okay, but he’s not you. The team needs you.”

Dom looked from Adam to
Liam to Slade. They
’d always been there for him. “Thanks.”
The word seemed inadequate but hopefully they understood the feeling behind
them.

“You’d do the same for
us.” Slade pushed his plate closer. “Now hurry up and eat.”

Liam refilled his coffee.
“We
have a meeting to win.”

An hour later, Dom waited
inside Ramon
’s office. Liam, Adam, and Slade sat on either side of
him. Support, or maybe they were worried what he’d do if the GM didn’t change
his mind. Either way, their banter was a welcome distraction.

Finally, Ramon came into
the room.
“Dom.” He nodded at him, then raised his brow at the
three other men sprawled in chairs. “Gentlemen.”

Dom stood.
“Thanks
for meeting with me.” In the corner of his vision, he could see Adam nod in
approval.

“I didn’t have much of a
choice.”

His stomach sank.
“While
I appreciate what everyone has done on my behalf, I was responsible for my
actions and I don’t expect any special treatment or consideration.”

Ramon settled behind his
desk.
“I
received a phone call from Ms. Rostov yesterday. She pleaded your innocence.
For obvious reasons, I couldn’t go by her word alone.”

Dom nodded. Not that they
had a personal relationship anymore.

“But when the photos and
videos surfaced, I knew further review was needed. I apologize for not digging
for more evidence when the incident happened. Your track record this season
clouded my common sense.”

He didn
’t
expect any apology. “I appreciate that, sir.”

“I have a wife and a
daughter, and I would’ve done the same thing if I thought they were in harm’s
way. But, regardless of the reason, you still walked out on a game. I’m lifting
the suspension, but you’re still benched for the upcoming series with the
Storm, and you’re still charged with the fine.”

Relief rushed through
him. Elation.
“Thank you.”

Liam and Adam high-fived
each other and Slade pumped his fist in the air.

Ramon glanced at them.
“I
have a fair idea of how Ms. Rostov obtained my home number, but I’ll let that
slide.”

“Let’s go celebrate.”
Liam jumped to his feet, then looked at Ramon. “But we’ll do it quietly and
away from any drinking establishment.”

A smile cracked the GM
’s
features. “Get out of here, boys.”

Dom extended his hand
across the desk.
“Again, thank you.”

Ramon returned the shake.
“That
woman loves you. Make sure you thank her, too.”

The drive home was full
of cheers and happy conversation. When they reached his lobby, the doorman
handed him a large package. Dom glanced at the return address as they rode to
his floor. His parents
’ address, and his dad’s handwriting. What
were they sending him?

He nodded to the guys.
“Get
a head start on the celebration. I’ll be right back.” He took the box to his
bedroom. Peeled off layers of tape, and discovered thick books, encased in
bubble wrap. A note lay on top.

Dom,

I
’ve
been thinking a lot about our last conversation. You may be right about some
things, but I want you to realize I’ve always pushed you because I’ve seen your
potential and I’ve only wanted the best for you. I’ve been keeping these
scrapbooks of your career ever since you went two for three in your first
little league game, all the way up to the last game you played. I’ll need it
back so I can keep adding to it, but I wanted you to see it. I’m damn proud of
you.

Keep your eye on the
ball,

Dad

He eyed the leather-bound
books. He
’d played in hundreds of games since little league. He
ruffled through the pages. Newspaper clippings, every baseball card he’d ever
been on, printouts of web pages, and ticket stubs from games. Memories surfaced
with every picture. He held a treasure in his hand, crafted by the man he
thought he’d never pleased.

He was touched.
Surprised. Stunned.

Feeling like the worst
son in the world for what he
’d said, Dom called his dad. As soon
as he heard the familiar hello, he launched right in. “I got the package. I
don’t know what to say.” He shifted, uncomfortable. “I always figured you
weren’t proud of anything I did.”

“I never looked at it
from your point of view. I’m sorry, but if I see something that you can work on
to be even better, I wouldn’t be a good dad if I didn’t point it out to you.
I’d thought you’d appreciated the notes and pointers.”

Shit. He
’d
never heard his dad apologize before. “I do. I just figured the mistakes were
the only things you saw.”

“Look, I’ll try to point
out the good things you’ve done, too. Not too much, though—I don’t want your
head getting bigger than your batting average.”

Laughing felt good,
really good. Maybe his old man wouldn
’t really change. But at
least now, he could understand him a little better. “Thanks, Dad. I met with
Ramon today. He’s revoking the suspension. I’ll be back to playing ball at the
end of the week.”

“Then I’ll talk to you
after you next game, and I’ll have my notes ready.”

“Can’t wait.” And this
time, he really meant it.

He ended the call,
lighter and happier than he
’d been in years. His dad might
always be gruff, tough, and not very big on compliments, but the gesture had
shown how much he’d cared. Going forward, he’d take the criticism as it was
intended, with love.

Setting the books on the
bedside table, he smiled.

He
’d
planned a grand gesture to show Irisa how much he cared. Hopefully, it would be
big enough to prove how much he wanted her to be part of his future.

Early
afternoon sunlight hit her face when she exited the airport. Irisa adjusted her
sunglasses and her grip on her travel bag. In the week since the meeting with
Vance, so much had changed. The guys were getting along, the shows had gone
well, and, best of all, she had her assistant back.

The guys piled into
Zander
’s
car, leaving the front seat for her. She climbed inside, closed her eyes, and
relaxed against the headrest, content to listen to their banter as her brother
drove. When they quieted, she opened her eyes and turned to Zander. He tapped
out a rhythm against the steering wheel and glanced at her. “You’ve been
quiet.”

“Just tired. It’ll be good
to get home.” That wasn’t entirely true. She hadn’t been back since the morning
she’d left Dom. She missed him, but she hadn’t called him, unsure of what to
say. He hadn’t called her either. Maybe Adam had been wrong. Maybe Dom really
was happier without her.

The car slowed to a stop.
“We’re
here.”

Instead of her apartment
building, the large fairy tale home she
’d lost out on sprawled
before her. “What are we doing here?”

“We’re going to your
house.” He stepped out of the car.

“You know they didn’t accept
my bid. What are you doing?” She glanced at the guys, but they all shrugged.
She hopped out and slammed the car door behind her. “Get back here.”

He strolled up the
walkway.
“Nice, sturdy steps.”

“Get back in the car.
Can’t you see the lights on inside? Someone’s here.” She hurried after him.
“Let’s go.”

He grinned and knocked.

The door swung open. The
apology forming on her lips died. Dom stood in the threshold, less than three
feet away in a black t-shirt, dark jeans, and worn sneakers. He looked good,
way too good. And she wasn
’t prepared.

Her throat went dry. Her
heart thundered in her chest.
“You… What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.” He
watched her, his face carefully blank. But she knew him, knew where to look.
His eyes fired with familiar intensity.

“I don’t understand.” She
glanced at Zander, but he stepped forward and shook hands with Dom.

Luke strode up the walk,
carrying her bags.
“Thought you might need these.” He set
them by her feet.

With a nod, he and her
brother turned and walked toward the car. Zander waved over his head.
“See
you guys later.”

“Wait.” When they didn’t,
she turned back to Dom. “You bought the house?”

“I had to when I saw how
much it meant to you. I made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.”

“You made the offer before
we…before everything…”

“Yeah. As soon as you
found out they didn’t take your bid.” He’d disappeared for a while the night of
their movie marathon. She’d thought the pizza run had taken him longer than
normal.

“But why?”

He looked at her, just
looked at her, and all her defenses crumbled. She ached to reach for him.
“I
heard the team revoked your suspension. I’m really happy you’re back to playing
ball.”

“You’re the reason that
happened. Saying
thank you
doesn
’t
seem like enough.” He shifted closer. “But you know something? Losing baseball
didn’t matter as much as losing you.”

Tears burned into her
vision. Her heart broke all over again.
“I’m sorry.”

“Do you know what that
did to me?” His low voice skimmed over her skin.

She shook her head,
afraid to ask.
“If it makes you feel better, letting you
go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It gutted me.”

His eyes closed for a
moment and he let out a long breath.
“I never want to see you
hurt, but it does help knowing I wasn’t the only one suffering.”

“I thought giving you up
and putting full focus back on the band would fix my problems. But the guys
made me realize that their success is a collective effort. It’s not all a
reflection on me.”

“So you
are
still with the band, then.
”

“Yes.”

“Full control over everything?”

She gripped her hands
together.
“That wasn’t healthy for me. The guys are all pitching
in, and I’m letting them.”

“Does that mean no more
antacids?”

She opened her purse.
“See
that unopened roll? That’s the last one I have. I haven’t taken any tablets in
about a week. I don’t think I need them anymore.”

“You don’t know how glad
I am to hear that.” His dark stare pinned her in place. “So what happens now?”

Her heart thumped and her
pulse jumped. She swallowed her fear and took a step toward him.
“Now,
I apologize for leaving the way I did. And I tell you how much I missed you,
and how I hope it’s not too late.”

He held out his hand,
palm up.
“Come inside.”

Nerves kicked into
overdrive. The desire to touch outweighed everything else. Her palm slid over
his. Warm, and so familiar. He laced their fingers together and she held tight.
She
’d
thought she’d never have an opportunity to touch him again.

The hardwood floors
shone. Fresh paint scented the air. The sun filtered in colorful patterns
through the stained glass windows.
“I can’t believe it. What
a difference.” She let go of his hand and spun in a slow circle.

“It’s a start. There’s
still some work to do.”

When she stopped, her
gaze landed on the spiral staircase. Gone were the broken steps and hanging railing
spindles. Wide steps and a sturdy railing made of gleaming, polished wood led
from the living room to the second level.
“It’s fixed. It’s
beautiful.”

“I hope I got it right. I
went through a bunch of old movies.” He shook his head, laughing. “Drove my
buddies crazy, making them watch with me, scanning through for staircases.”

“You did this?” She eyed
his muscles, picturing him laboring over the beams.

“I hired a highly
motivated crew who worked in stages around the clock, but yeah, I laid a few
planks myself.” He patted one of the steps. “I wanted to have a hand in my
gift.”

“Your gift?”

He tucked his hands into
his back pockets.
“The house is for you.”

Emotions raced through
her like a whirlwind.
“You can’t. That’s crazy. People don’t buy
houses for other people.”

“I was hoping you’d let
me live here with you.” He moved closer to her, a step at a time, until he
stood directly in front of her.

His words sank in through
her cluttered thoughts.
“With me.”

“Well, yeah. A guy should
live with the woman he marries.”

She hadn
’t
misheard him. Her stomach turned over in the most wonderful way. “Marries.”

“You will, won’t you?
Marry me?” He picked up a small black box resting on the newel post.

“I can’t believe it.” He
wanted to marry her. After everything that happened. Tears stung her eyes. She
sniffed and blinked them back.

“I love you.” His hand
grasped hers. “I’m not going to stop loving you. Not when I make a mistake in a
game or when your band does something crazy or when I do something stupid and
it gets plastered all over the news. Not ever.”

“Dom.” She swallowed
against the thickness in her throat. “I love you, too.”

His eyes closed. He
rested his forehead against hers.
“Say it again.”

“I love you. And I really
missed you.” She raised trembling hands to his face and cupped his cheeks.
Stubble scraped her palms.

“I missed you, too.” He
pulled back and opened the box. “I want to kiss you, but I want my ring on your
finger first.”

She held her left hand
out to him.
“Me too.”

The platinum band with
the brilliant pear-shaped diamond slid on her finger like it belonged there.
“I
love it. It’s beautiful.”

“So are you.” Dom’s large
hands wrapped around her waist. She settled against his body, curves molding to
his hard build. “This is almost perfect.”

“Almost?” Her breath
rushed out as he bent and swept one hand under her knees. In the span of a
second, he’d lifted her into his arms.

He grinned.
“You’ll
see.” With that, he started toward the stairs.

She linked her arms
around his neck.
“You’re carrying me up the stairs?”

“I thought it would be a
good start for the happily ever after.”

He
’d
remembered. Her heart swelled with love. Each slow step, she pressed kisses on
his neck. When he reached the top, he rested his forehead against hers. “I was
afraid I’d lost you for good.”

“I didn’t think you’d
ever want to have anything to do with me again, after what happened.”

“Are you kidding? Nothing
means as much to me as you do. Nothing.” His arms pressed her tighter against
him and he walked down the hall to the master bedroom.

“Where’s Champ?”

“Liam’s keeping him for
the day. But don’t worry, I talked it over with him, and he wants you to live
with us, too.”

Laughter tumbled out, as
free and easy as the love pouring through her. She raised her face to his.
“That’s
good. Okay, now kiss me.”

He lowered her to her
feet. One of his hands slid from her waist to her cheek.
“I
will. Every day for the rest of my life.”

“That’s how long I’ll
love you, too.” Her lips touched his, gentle and soft, slow and savoring. Her
heart welled with happiness.

Enough to last a
lifetime.