No One Like You (30 page)

Playing in the Grapefruit League, the Rogues faced other teams with spring training facilities along the Florida coast and in the center of the state. Their schedule included traveling, with three out-of-town games each week. Beth missed Rylan when he was gone, but he would text or call her.

Beth followed their schedule online. They played the St. Louis Colonels again in Port St. Lucie. Miami Marlins in Jupiter. Minnesota Twins in Ft. Myers, and met up with the Phillies in Clearwater. Additional teams arrived in Barefoot William, wanting to steal the Rogues’ preseason standing. The Rogues were playing well. Rylan was pumped.

The night of Grace Mayberry’s birthday, he held Beth close when they slow danced to a collection of Big Band Music. “We’ve won twelve of sixteen games thus far. Halo believes thirteen additional wins are within our reach. I usually give the team pep talks before each game, but Halo’s taken over. He’s long-winded.”

That same night, Morton Potter taught Beth to cha-cha. Ry’s grandfather instructed her on the swing. They were always a beat behind the music. Rylan did the box step with Grace and Cora Salvo. Then a spry Alva Madison taught him to jitterbug.

Rylan should’ve lived in the nineteen forties, Beth thought. He was that good.

Their gift to Grace was a large sand globe. It was similar to a snow globe, but filled with sand, colorful seashells, a starfish, and sea urchin. The sand had specks of gold glitter, and the globe would sparkle in the sunshine when she set it on a window ledge. Grace liked sparkle.

Beth stared at the calendar one Monday morning and wondered where the time had gone. She had only two weeks left with Rylan. They shared laughter at the cottage and a lot of sex. Atlas obeyed her on a good day. He went as far as to retrieve his drool towel so she could wipe his mouth. The other dogs were committed to her, too. She still took them for long walks—she liked being outside in the fresh air. Rue would keep Atlas in line when the big boy acted up or copped an attitude. Oscar and Nathan took Beth’s side as well. Atlas felt they’d defected and told them so. By grumbling for an entire block.

She and Rylan had yet to discuss the end of her employment. She hoped to broach the subject tonight. If she could find a quiet moment with him. Shaye and Jill had contacted their friends, and her phone rang nonstop. People sought her for children’s and upcoming holiday parties. A German shepherd’s birthday. She agreed to the job, but only if Atlas was on the guest list. The dog’s owner hemmed and hawed, but finally gave in. Ten dogs would be invited to a backyard romp, needing supervision. Piece of organic canine cake.

She was waiting to finalize any other dates until her future was decided. She dreaded the day Rylan and his dogs pulled out of the driveway, heading for Virginia. Leaving her standing on the porch.

She was conflicted. Could she stay at the cottage without him there? Doubtful. He hadn’t mentioned taking her with him. He had a permanent PA in Richmond. Beth had been his live-in fill-in.

She heard the front door open and close and knew he had arrived home. The team had played Houston in Kissimmee. He’d sent her a text, indicating heavy traffic had held up the team bus.

He called to her. “Beth, do you have something to tell me?” His voice was wary. He’d spotted the baby crib set up in the living room.

She burst out laughing when she came from the kitchen and saw his face. He looked nervous and apprehensive, but smiling, as if taken with the idea.

“Not
our
crib,” she told him. “It’s for Sophie’s baby shower. The guests can stack their gifts inside, and she can take the crib home with her when she leaves.”

“Nice touch,” he said, then took a moment before asking, “One or the other. Big family or small?”

“What size are we discussing?”

“One to a dozen.”

She’d grown up an only child. It would’ve been fun to have a brother or sister. Less lonely after her parents passed away. “Two, maybe three kids.”

“I’m used to a big family,” he said easily. “Holidays bursting at the seams. Buffet tables and football.”

“I’m used to being alone. A take-out dinner for one.” It wasn’t a pity party, so she added, “I’ve made a lot of friends in Barefoot William. I’ll miss them when I’m gone.”

Rylan stilled, suddenly becoming a man of stone. “You’re going, when? And why? Do you already have one foot out the door?” His voice was deeper than usual; his concern evident. “I thought you’d planned to start a business here.”

“I’m weighing my options, still giving it some thought.”

He took a deep breath. “Look—”

His iPhone rang, and he pulled it from his jean pocket. He stared at the screen, said, “I have to take this. It’s my assistant Connie.” He crossed to the turquoise couch, tapped the screen, and settled in for the call.

Atlas came to stand beside Beth. Nudged her hand with his nose. She patted him, uncertain whether she should stay in the room or go. She had work to do in her office and headed for the hallway. Ry held up his hand, signaling her to stay.

She leaned against the far wall. Atlas rested against her leg. She listened, wondering over his conversation. He soon disconnected, ran one hand down his face. “Connie got married not too long ago. She just found out she’s pregnant. She won’t be returning to work. I have a PA position open in Richmond.” He grinned at Beth. Teased. “Care to apply? I’d give you a good recommendation.”

He was offering her a job, but not a commitment. Her heart squeezed. It was a setback. She wasn’t certain which would be worse—to have him leave town or for them to take up as they were in another city. She suddenly wanted more.

She loved this man, but he had to want her, too. She wasn’t good at dropping hints. She’d hoped he would step up and propose. That is, if he wanted her as much as she needed him. It had to be a two-way street.

“You can leave an application on my desk.” She kept her voice light, even.

“Will you fill it out?” He was serious.

She was honest. “I have no idea what I’ll be doing in an hour, much less at the end of next week.”

 

Rylan frowned. “Make plans, Beth.” What the hell was she doing to him? he wondered. The offer that had started as a joke had turned on him. Bit him in the butt. He’d been relieved and extremely pleased when Connie gave him her notice. As of today, he was without a personal assistant.

But hiring Beth as his Richmond PA had never been his real intention. He wanted a lifetime with this woman. His only concern was that he wasn’t sure she was ready for him. She’d just come to grips with her old life. He wanted to be part of her new life. He’d played the PA card in hopes of getting her to Virginia. He wanted her with him, however he could get her there.

Damn if she hadn’t taken offense over his job offer. Her gaze had narrowed, and her voice had chilled. He was marriage minded. But were their heads in the same place? She’d given no indication she was serious about him. All he needed was a hint. One tiny clue.

Atlas sensed the shift in mood. He didn’t like it in the least.

Uncertainty claimed them. The air flattened. He could barely draw breath. The Dane had his own solution. He took Beth’s hand in his mouth and gently tugged her toward Ry.

“Seriously?” he heard Beth say, but there was humor in her voice. She didn’t resist.

Rylan was quick to take her hand once Atlas dropped it. “Atlas the Matchmaker.” The big boy believed they belonged together.

Ry realized then what a big part Atlas had played in bringing them together. He had been annoying. Relentless. And he’d fixed Rylan up with the perfect woman. He’d sensed the rightness between them all along. Smart dog.

Atlas barked then, confirming that matchmaking was his purpose in life. Ry scratched him behind the ear.

His grandfather believed in love at first sight. He and Emma had gone the distance. The years had been good to them. Frank’s thoughts were the same as Rylan’s own. A man’s destiny was written with one woman. Beth brought a laid-back easiness to his life. They had fun together, and so much more.

Ry has always believed in the power of three. One more sign that this was the right moment . . .

He set his back teeth when Halo and Landon walked through the front door without knocking. They thought they lived in his house. What the hell could they possibly want? Halo carried a plastic bag. Landon held a beer. He took a long sip.

Ry tightened his grip on Beth’s hand, eased her closer to him. Feeling possessive. “Can I help you?” he gritted out.

His teammates ignored the sarcasm in his voice.
Par for the course,
Ry thought. Both men wore
new
Cates family T-shirts. Different color. Bolder print. “Are you manufacturing your own shirts now?” he wanted to know. “Do you have a side business?” He hoped they weren’t selling specialty tees on the boardwalk. Everyone he passed would claim to be his relative. His actual family would not be happy.

“I got a tear in my other shirt,” Halo informed him.

“I added too much bleach to my laundry,” said Landon. “My shirt turned white, and the lettering faded.”

Faded was good. White T-shirts worked for Rylan. The guys were inventive. They must have placed a recent order with a T-shirt company. No doubt paid a high price for overnight delivery.

“Moving on,” Ry said, hinting that they get to the point of their visit.

“Two things,” Halo told him. “First, Will, Brody, and Sam are getting tats tonight. Hank tomorrow. You in or out, dude?”

Ry made them wait for his answer. A minute passed before he said, “In.” He’d made his decision only moments before. It felt right. He was sticking to it.

Landon appeared stunned.

Halo disbelieving. He backed up a step. “You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

“What are you going to get?” Landon was curious.

“That’s between Beth and me.” He kept it private, seeking her approval.

Halo pumped his arm. “Total team unity.” He was psyched.

He then tossed Beth the plastic bag, which she caught with one hand. His smile curved. “For you, babe. We like you. Be part of our family.”

She looked suspicious. And a little confused. She released Rylan’s hand and clutched the bag to her chest. “I don’t understand.”

Landon winked at her. “You will when you open our gift.”

What had they done? “You shouldn’t have,” Ry said, his tone wary.

“But we wanted to.” Landon sounded sincere.

Beth fumbled with the knot Halo had tied in the plastic. “What, no gift wrap?” she kidded him.

“No time,” Halo returned. He watched her intently.

“Don’t worry, Ry-man,” Landon reassured him. “We’re not staying. We only wanted to drop off her shirt.”

“My shirt . . .” Beth’s voice trailed off as she removed it from the bag. She held up a light gray tee with blue script. Her eyes watered and there was a catch in her voice when she said, “Hello, my name is Beth Cates.”

Silence, heavy and profound, settled in the living room. There was significance to their gift. Rylan understood and was actually grateful. Here was his third sign. He’d never expected Halo and Landon to offer the opportunity for his marriage proposal. But they had. He would take it.

Ry nodded toward the door, nudged. “You were just leaving?”

His teammates grinned then, devious and knowing. “Take care of unfinished business, Ry-man,” Landon advised.

“Welcome to the family, Beth, babe,” Halo said.

Both men pushed Ry aside to hug her. Bear hugs that smothered and left her breathless.

The second they released her, she again took Rylan’s hand. “Have a nice night,” she said as they turned to leave.

“You have a better one,” were Halo’s last words. The door closed behind them.

Beth clutched the shirt to her chest. Her eyes were bright, and one tear escaped.

Ry gently brushed his thumb over her cheek. “The shirt makes you happy?”

She looked at him. “It means a lot.”

Ry pursed his lips. “Beth Cates sounds good to me. How about you?”

“A name I could live with.”

“For the next hundred years?”

“That I could manage.”

“One or the other. Love me or love me not?”

Her voice broke. “Love you, always.”

“I love you, too.”

Atlas woofed. He loved them both. Rue and the dachsies entered the living room. Yawning. They’d slept through the excitement, but were awake now. They sat beside the Dane. Wagged their tails and looked on.

Ry pulled her close, took her mouth in a sealing kiss. “Let’s make it official. Marry me, Beth Avery.”

“I’m yours, Rylan Cates.”

His heart felt light. He’d never been happier. He chuckled when he told her, “I’m glad you agreed, since I already purchased your wedding gift.”

They stood so close, he felt the skip in her heartbeat.

“What did you buy?”

He hadn’t planned to tell her, had hoped to surprise her, but the delight and eagerness of her expression made him relent. “Evelyn Wells texted, sending a picture of a painting you’d admired. A bedroom scene.”

“The boudoir.” She knew the one. “It was so expensive.”

“You’re worth it.”

“I’m worth it . . .” Her voice was no more than a whisper.

She fought back tears. Her body softened against his.

She’d had her share of dark days, Rylan knew. He’d never let anyone hurt her again. “We’ll hang the painting on the wall above our bed. Our inspiration.”

“It’s very sexy.”

“So are you.” He kissed her until her knees went weak and he was so hard he hurt.

It was Beth who broke their kiss, breathed against his mouth. “A tattoo, huh?” she questioned him. A smile was on her lips. “Who changed your mind?”

“You did.”

Her surprise was evident. Wide eyes. Parted lips. A catch in her throat. “How so?”