Rosalie's Player (13 page)

“Hey!”

“I told you I can be awfully demanding when I want to be. Do you think you can handle a little slap and tickle?”

“I was just going to tell you that wasn’t hard enough.”

“Where have you been hiding?” If he had known women like her existed before... It wouldn’t have mattered, because they wouldn’t have been her.

“Right in front of you.” She licked her lips. “You just have to know where to look.”

“I’ve found you now, and you won’t be escaping anytime soon.”
Not if I can help it.

Chapter 10

Rosalie straightened up the kitchen and prepared her coffee for the next morning. She’d been restless the last few nights. Holt and the team were in Chicago, but she had stayed behind to attend the interview with the promotions department. It was an entry-level position that didn’t pay much at all, but there was potential to grow with the job. She didn’t want to put too much stock in one opportunity, but scoring this job would be a great experience. The girl who interviewed her said they had a few more candidates to see, and they probably wouldn’t make a decision for a month or so. That fit into Rosalie’s plans since she wanted to follow the team the rest of the summer anyway.

Just as she was about to go upstairs and take a hot bath, the sensor on the porch light went off, indicating someone was outside. Sage and Holt were out of town until tomorrow. When she inconspicuously peeked out the window, so the caller wouldn’t see her in case she didn’t know them, her insides exploded with excitement. She ran to the door and yanked it open.

“What are you doing here?”

“Happy to see me, kitten?” Holt leaned against the railing on the porch. His washed out jeans had a rip in the knee, and his team t-shirt had that retro, worn-out look. The man seemed to get sexier every time she saw him.

“Yes, but you weren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow.”

“I decided to fly back today.” He stepped toward her. “I didn’t want to sleep in a hotel bed one more night.” He tucked her hair behind her ear, and when he leaned in to kiss her she caught the aroma of his aftershave. His smooth jaw brushed along her cheek as he aligned his lips with hers. “I was hoping to sleep in your bed.”

“Were you?” She nipped at his bottom lip. “We can make that happen.”

“Sweet.” He followed her inside, shutting the door behind them. “Nice shirt, sweetheart.” He referred to the Crushers tee she sported. It had his name and number on the back.

“I picked it up at the sporting goods store the other day. I may have grabbed a poster of you too. I was hoping you’d sign them.”

“We can make that happen.” He winked as he took both of her hands in his. “Not in your skimpy PJs already? I thought I’d catch you in them again.”

“You caught me early.” She nodded toward the stairs. “I was just on my way up to take a bath.”

“Don’t let me interrupt you.”

“I started yoga this morning.” She stretched her back. “It’s a little more intense than I thought.”

“Think about all those sexy positions I’m going to be able to manipulate that limber body of yours into.”

“Oh, I have.”
Many times.
“And that’s why I’m going to stick with it.”

“Hadley’s a tough teacher. She’s helped out the team when one of us has an injury or a muscle that needs some care.”

“I really enjoyed her class. I’m glad you referred me.” She retrieved a brochure from the foyer table that she’d picked up at the yoga studio. “We should try this.”

“Try what?” He took the paper from her and read the description of the class. “Couples yoga?” He grinned, all smug-like and panty-dropping sexy. “Princess, I don’t need any instruction when it comes to manipulating your body.”

“No, I guess you don’t.” She rolled her eyes, knowing he’d never agree to couples yoga. “I told Hadley you’d shoot that idea down.”

“She should have known better.” He placed the brochure on the table. “Is it something you really want to do?”

“Would you consider it?” Interesting. Didn’t he think the idea was absurd?

“I can’t do it during the season.”

“You’re way too busy.” He had little free time in his schedule, and he spent most of it with her.

“Maybe we can look into it after the season.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “If you want.”

“We can revisit the idea when you have some downtime.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. Couples yoga wasn’t his thing. His dislike for the idea was all over his face, but that wasn’t the point. He was willing to try for her, and that meant more than he would ever know.

“So about your bath?” He glanced up the staircase. “You were probably looking forward to a long soak in the tub after a hard day of yoga.”

“I can take a quick shower, and then we can watch a movie in bed if you want.” She slipped the corner of her lip between her teeth, knowing they’d never watch a movie if they were in bed. “Are you hungry? I have leftover Chinese.”

“I ate at the airport.” He headed for the steps. “Let’s talk about that bath.”

“What about it?” Why was he leading her upstairs?

“I’d like to draw one for you.” His seductive smile sent tingles in all the right places. “Help you relax those muscles.”

“You want to draw me a bath?” He probably had no idea how romantic that sounded. She followed him up the stairs and down the narrow hallway. First couples yoga and now a bath.
You’re on your game tonight, slugger.

“With bubbles.” He turned on the light in the bathroom. “How does that sound? I could wash your back too.”

“That sounds heavenly.”

“Do you like the water hot?” He prepared the bath water, pouring the bubble bath that was on the edge of the tub. Steam rose from the tub, creating a light mist inside the room.

“I like everything hot.”

“Let’s get you naked. I know how much I’d like that.” He tipped her chin and kissed her softly, causing a surge to radiate through her. “Lift your arms.” He removed her shirt, kissing her neck once it was over her head. “I like seeing my name and number across your back.”

“I thought you might.”

“I’ve missed you.” He took her face in his hands, running his lips along hers. “It’s hard sleeping alone.”

Her heart thumped, echoing between her ears, racing faster when he traced his fingers up her spine and effortlessly unhooked her bra and rid her of it. She dropped her head, mesmerized as he lowered his mouth to her bare breasts, taking his time to cherish them with his tongue.

“Holt.” She ran her fingers through his hair as he licked her nipples, kissing underneath her breasts, concentrating on her ribs as he dropped to his knees. She couldn’t take her gaze away from him as he slipped her yoga pants over her hips and down her legs. She steadied herself on his shoulders and stepped out of her pants.

“These too.” He ran his palms over her hips, taking her panties with them as he traveled down her legs. Leaning forward, he placed a soft, slow kiss on her mound. He worked his way up her thighs. Spreading her legs apart, he held her waist still so he could lick her slit.

“Oh...” Everything he did to her always felt good. As he spread her with his fingers, he kissed her opening, ghosting his tongue over her clit. Her nipples hardened as he threw her body into a frenzy of lust and need. The steam swirled around the room, covering them in a cool sheen. The aroma of the rose scented bubble bath filled the room.

He flattened his tongue, licking her center as he made his way up her stomach and between her breasts. He stood in front of her with that sexy half-smile of his. “We’ll have to finish this later.”

“Why?”

“Your water is about to overflow.” He reached back and turned off the faucet. “I promised you a bath.”

“Take one with me.” She slipped her hands under his shirt. “The tub is big enough. I want to feel your skin on mine.”

“How can I say no to that?”

“You can’t.”

“You get in first so you don’t get cold.” He took her hand and helped her into the water.

As she settled into the tub, he took off his clothes. She’d never tire of watching him undress. He was confident in his nakedness. Who wouldn’t be with a body like that?

She scooted forward as he stepped in and sat behind her, pulling her back so she could rest against his broad chest. She’d never taken a bath with anyone before. He set his hands on her thighs as she molded into his form. A perfect fit.

“This is nice.” She laced their fingers together. “Much better than bathing alone.”

“Much better.” He pressed his lips to the side of her neck. “I’m glad I stopped by.”

“Me too.” He released one of his hands so he could circle her hipbone with his finger. “How did things go with promotions?”

“Good, but they’re not really ready to make a decision yet.” She shrugged. “I’m cool with that. You’re keeping me busy this summer.”

“I’m selfish, but I want you with me. I hope they take their time deciding.” He continued to kiss her neck. “You don’t have to rush into anything. You’ll figure out what you want to do. You have so much to offer.”

“That’s a sweet thing to say.”

“It’s true.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sure my father could make a few calls to the local politicians around here. If marketing is your thing, campaigns might be something that would interest you.”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course I would.”

“Thank you.” She stretched her neck, seeking out his lips. “I’ll research it and think about it.”

“Whatever you want.” He kissed her. “They’re announcing the picks for the All-Star Game tomorrow.”

“Sage told me there’s a press conference.” The game was being held the second week of July in Atlanta. Holt was in the front running to start as a pitcher. Nic would also be representing the team this year.

“Can you come?”

“Sure.” She relaxed into his chest, enjoying the way he rubbed the side of her breasts with the back of his fingers. His light touch ignited goosebumps along her flesh. “Do you think you’ll be pitching in Atlanta?”

“That’s what the buzz in the press is, but it’s up to the fans.”

“The fans adore you.”

Holt exploded onto the scene and hadn’t disappointed Kingston. He’d been picking up endorsements from both local and national accounts. He was becoming more visible. He wasn’t just a favorite in Kingston. Rosalie saw firsthand in the stands around the country how much people liked him. They were drawn to him. He didn’t seem to be affected by the fame. He went out every time and pitched the best game he could.

“I’d be honored to pitch at the game, but it’s early in my career. There will be other opportunities.”

“That’s why they love you.” She sat up and shifted herself so she could face him. The water splashed as the bubbles swirled around. “You’re grounded. Unassuming.”

“You think so?” He focused on her wet breasts as he licked his lips.

“You could let all of this go to your head.” She guided his face up to hers and rolled her eyes. “You get distracted fast.”

“It’s not my fault.” He moved her into his lap, her legs resting on either side of his waist. “It’s yours.”

“How do you figure?”

“You got naked and invited me into your tub. My dick hasn’t settled down since I hit the water.”

“Hmm.” She slid her hand down his stomach. “Maybe I could help with that.”

“I’m sure you could.” He caught her wrist in his hand. “But first I need to tell you the reason I came here tonight.”

“You mean it wasn’t to take a bath with me?”

“The bath is a bonus.” He kissed her knuckles. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Okay.” She closed her eyes, allowing the heat of the water to relax her strained muscles.

“The team has this um...thing.”

“What kind of thing?”

“I guess you could call it a reception. It’s the Saturday before the All-Star Game. We don’t have a game that night.”

“What’s it for?”

“It’s for charity. It’s at a fancy hotel. I have to wear a tux and be accessible to all these rich people who donate. It’s a glitzy night. An excuse for people with too much money to be around the team, but in the end, we’ll raise a ton of cash for some really great causes.”

“Like a ball?”

“I guess.” He nodded. “Pax is big with this organization that helps inner city kids, so this year the money raised will help go to fund new athletic programs for them.”

“Sounds like a fantastic program.”

“Do you want to go with me?”

“You’re asking me to go to a ball with you?” She couldn’t contain the laughter that fell from her lips. “The irony in that.”

“Yeah, I know, Cinderella.” He rested his head on the porcelain. “I’m shocked myself.”

Her no-nonsense, down and dirty player was giving in. Little by little he was becoming boyfriend material. It fascinated her.

“Do you want to go with me?” he asked.

“Like your date?”

“Yes, will you be my date to the ball?” He shook his head and smiled at her. “There is no one else I’d rather spend the night with.”

“Well, in that case, I’d love to.”

“You’re something else, you know that?”

“I just think it’s funny you’re asking me to go to a ball. I get to wear a gown just like a–”

Before she could finish he caught her mouth in a searing kiss. The kind that made her belly tingle and her legs tense. He bit her bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth as he ran his hand up her spine, making sure there was no space between them.

“Princess,” she breathed out, finishing her statement.

“What am I going to do with you?” The corner of his mouth rose slightly, indicating he found her amusing.

“It was me who was going to do something with you.” She glanced down between them. “I can help you with that if you want.”

“I always want, especially when it comes to you.” He let go of her and lay back against the tub. Closing his eyes, he sighed when she took his erection in her hand. “You’re so easy to want.”

* * * *

Holt stood at the end of the path leading to the lake, watching as Rosalie unpacked the picnic basket she’d brought with her. The June sun was setting over the still water, and the humidity of the day disappeared with it.