Rosalie's Player (16 page)

She quietly let her climax take over as she said the words in her head. The words that couldn’t help but consume her.
I love you...

As she let go, he kissed her. Freeing her hand, he ghosted his fingers along her sides as he made his way to her hips. Digging his fingers into her flesh, he thrust his pelvis forward. Her name tumbled off his lips in a long, labored moan, and a few seconds later he filled her with his warm release. She trembled beneath him as he moved, triumphant in the ecstasy that only she could bring him.

He dropped down, still buried inside her, and nestled his face between her neck and shoulder. His breathing slowed, and she wondered if the alcohol had finally taken its toll. She ran her fingers through his hair as he dozed off. Caressing his back, she smiled when she thought about what he had said.

A person can’t be played if they don’t want to be.

He wanted her as much as she wanted him. There was no denying it.

“I like holding you.”

“I thought you fell asleep.”

“No.” He lifted his head. “You have a way of relaxing me. Making me lose all sense of time and place. It’s a nice feeling. One I can’t seem to get enough of. It only happens when I’m with you.”

“As long as we’re lost together.” She kissed his cheek. “It’s the only place I want to be.”

“Good, because I don’t plan to let you go any time soon.” He slipped from her body, stretched onto his back, and pulled her into his chest. “Don’t ever leave me,” he muttered as he closed his eyes.

“I won’t.” She draped her arm across his broad chest. “I promise.”

* * * *

As the morning light filtered in through the blinds, Rosalie cuddled deeper into Holt’s embrace. Her muscles were pleasantly sore from their overnight activities. She smiled when she thought about the past day and the words and actions he had expressed. What did they mean? Was he finally seeing things her way? Could there be more than sex and fun between them?

When he started to stir, dread filled her. Not because she didn’t want him to wake, but when he did she knew he’d have to go. He had to get in his morning workout and go about the routine of his day. He also had to get ready to hit the road. The team was heading to San Francisco for a four day stint. She wasn’t scheduled to go with them this time. She’d promised some college friends she’d meet up with them back in Boston. Now she wished she was going to California with Holt to explore whatever was happening between them.

“Morning,” he mumbled into her hair. “Did you sleep well?”

“I was in your arms.”

“I like having you there.” When he stretched he kicked the covers off, revealing his early-morning excitement.

God, he’s impressive.

“I hate to say it but...” She heard the regret in his voice.

“You have to go.”

“I have to workout with the team, and my father’s on a layover so I’m meeting him for lunch.” He made a face. “I’d rather stay in bed with you all day.”

“We still have a few more months before you’ll get that kind of free time.” She moved her fingers along his smooth chest. “Although, I better have a job by then or my dad is going to freak.”

“You’re going to stay local, right? Even if the promotions job with the team doesn’t pan out?” He tightened his hold on her. “I’m not going back to Texas. I’m staying here in the off-season.”

“I’m hoping to stay here too.” She wanted to stay because her sister and Nic were there, but it was more than that. “I’m heading back home in a few days. My father has lined a few things up for me to check out, but I’m not ready to move back home. I’m liking Kingston a lot these days.”

“Me too.” He rolled her on top of him. “Last night was...” He didn’t finish, but she wondered what he was thinking.

“Hot.” She thought about the hours they had spent pleasing one another.

“Different.”

“Different good?” She bit her lip. “Or different bad?”

“Definitely good.” He squeezed her backside. “Unexpected.”

“Maybe it was the tequila?”

“It wasn’t.” He stared up at the ceiling. “It was you.” The silence was awkward. Her heart pounded hard as she waited for him to elaborate. “I’m not good at this. I’m not in the habit of explaining myself.”

“I know.” She recalled how easy it was for him to express himself last night when he was buzzed and feeling chatty.

“You want me to though. I can see it on your face.”

“I’m human.” She traced her fingers along his lips. He was right, she did do that when she wanted something from him. It wasn’t a conscious effort, but now that he had brought it to her attention, she was totally guilty. “I have feelings.”

“I’m trying really hard not to hurt those feelings.”

“Why don’t we change the subject? Last night was wonderfully
different
and I want to keep this high in my head all day.”

“So do I.” He feathered his lips over her fingers. “No one has ever made me do different before. I just wanted you to know that.” He guided her lips to his. “Just you, Rosalie. Only you.”

When he kissed her, all of her insecurities faded away. For weeks, she’d been telling herself this could never be what she had dreamed of. She was right. It was so much better.

Chapter 13

Holt waited for his father to arrive at the lavish restaurant about two miles from the stadium. He would have preferred grabbing a sandwich at a pub, but that would never do for the senator. His father was running a few minutes late, so he ordered a beer and looked over the menu.

He wasn’t pitching until the San Francisco series, so he had a few days to rest his arm. He wished Rosalie was coming on the road with him. There were things he had left unresolved this morning, and now he wished he’d had the balls to tell her what he was really thinking.

“Sorry I’m late.” His father sat across from him. “The traffic from the airport was a nightmare.”

“You’re fine.” He looked up from his menu. “I don’t have to be at the stadium for a few more hours.”

“I wish you were pitching tonight. I’d love to catch the game.”

“I thought you were only in town for a couple of hours.” Holt remembered him saying he had an engagement in Philadelphia tomorrow afternoon.

“I decided to fly out in the morning. I’m meeting up with a friend.”

Of course.
“Does Mom know?”

“She knows I’m here to see you.” He smiled at Gina, the server, when she placed a menu in front of him. “I’ll take a scotch while I look at the menu.”

“My pleasure, Senator.” She turned her attention to Holt. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

The pretty, little college student had been hovering over him ever since he walked in the door. He’d already signed an autograph for her, but now it appeared she wanted more than his signature.

“I’m good for now.” Holt nodded. “Thanks.”

“Just let me know. I’ll get you anything you need.”

“I’m sure you would, sugar.” Holt couldn’t help but snicker at how over-the-top she was. Maybe they all flirted that way and he never noticed it before. Perhaps he’d just come to expect it. Now it wasn’t as appealing as it once was. Things were definitely different.

Different... He smiled when he thought about just how different his girl made him feel.

“Not going to invite her to a game?” his dad asked. “She’s interested.”

“I’m not.”

“Really? Why not?”

“I don’t know. She’s not my type.”
She’s not my Rosalie.

“Does this have something to do with the girl from Boston? The doctor’s daughter?”

“How did you know about... Mom or the tabloids?”

“You’ve been photographed with her in almost every city you’ve played in for the past few weeks. Does she travel with you?”

“Her sister is a reporter covering the Crushers. Rosalie comes on the road sometimes.”

“You’re together?”

“I’m seeing her, if that’s what you mean. I don’t really have a name for it.”

“You’re in a relationship?” He put down the menu. “Is it serious?”

“I just told you I’m seeing her. If by serious you mean exclusive, then yes it’s serious.”

“Really, Holt?” He shook his head, and Holt could hear the lecture before he even opened his mouth. “You’re in the prime of your career. You’re barely twenty-five. You don’t need a woman to saddle you down.”

“Like Mom did to you?”

“This isn’t about me and your mother. We manage just fine. This is about you.”

“I’m okay.” If he didn’t want to discuss his marriage, then why should Holt have to justify his relationship?

“You’re living the dream. I just want you to take it all in and enjoy it. Do I need to remind you how hard you worked to get where you are? Look what happened to your mentor.”

“Pax?”

“A wife and a baby in a matter of months. Is that what you want to happen? Do you really need that? You have a career that will never work with a wife. Trust me. I know.”

“No one is talking about a wife right now.” Holt put his menu down. “And for the record, Pax is very happy and so are a ton of other athletes who are in relationships.”

“When did you become such an advocate for the married athlete?” He laughed. “What do you know about relationships anyway? You’ve been playing the field ever since you hit puberty.”

“I learned from the best.” He sipped his beer. “Can we order now?”

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing.” He didn’t know why he was being so hostile. It wasn’t as if he’d just found out his father was unfaithful to his mother. It just seemed to bother him more than usual.

Gina set the drink down in front of his father, but couldn’t manage to break eye contact with Holt. She was pretty, there was no denying it, and if it had been two months before, he would have left with her number. He would have also been in bed with her after tonight’s game.

“Are you gentlemen ready to order?” she asked.

“We’ll need a few more minutes,” Holt said.

“No problem.” She smiled. “Take your time. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Thank you.” His father watched as she walked away. “Are you sure you’re not interested in her?”

“I’m positive.”

“I’m just teasing you.” He took a sip from his glass. “If you say you’re with Rosalie, then so be it.”

“I like her.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. You just have to know what you’re getting in to, as does she.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means you’re my son. You’re not a one-woman man. It’s not in your blood. There’s no shame in it.”

“We’ll see.”

“There’s my boy. Up for any challenge, no matter the consequences.” He picked his menu up. “What do you feel like having today? I could go for a steak.”

Holt needed another beer if he wanted to get through the next hour with his old man. They’d always had a solid relationship, even if Holt didn’t approve of the way his father treated his mother. Now that he was an adult, he realized that was between his parents. If his mother could handle it, then he would mind his business. His father supported his career and was always there for him when he needed him. Holt possessed his dad’s determination and competitiveness to win. What if those weren’t the only traits he had inherited? What if he truly was his father’s son?

* * * *

Rosalie sat at the quaint little cafe overlooking the water as she enjoyed lunch with Sage and Sophia. Ariella was sound asleep in her stroller as the girls chatted. While Sophia and Sage talked about the baby, Rosalie stared out at the water thinking about the morning. She had so many things on her mind when it came to Holt.

He had made love to her one last time before slipping out of bed and heading home to get ready for his day. She had fallen back asleep for an hour before getting up and going on a run. When she opened the front door, she almost stepped on the unexpected surprise. He had left a single lavender rose, her favorite kind, on the doormat with a quick note.

Technically this isn’t flowers.

She smiled when she read it. Her no hearts and flowers guy was becoming a romantic. He proved it more every day.

“Rosie?” Sage called. “Where are you?”

“Hmm?” Her sister’s voice pulled her from her memory of the morning. “I’m sorry. I guess I got lost in thought.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She sipped her water. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Holt?” Sage had a worried look on her face. “He’s not being an ass, is he?”

“It’s all good.” For the first time since agreeing to go on that date with him, she felt like everything was going to work out.

Ariella let out a little squeal as she reached for her feet.

“She’s the sweetest baby,” Sage said as she scooped the little one out of the stroller. “I love holding her.”

“You can come and hold her at three in the morning if you want.” Sophia smiled. “I’m tired.”

“You don’t look tired,” Rosalie said. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Ahh, thanks, but check back with me after the California games.” She took a bite of her sandwich. “Pax being gone is always tough.”

“I’m sure it is,” Sage said. “I’m lucky I get to be with Nic, but I know that won’t always be the case.”

“Why not?” Rosalie asked. “Are you being transferred?”

“No, not that I know of.” Sage cuddled the baby in her arms. “I just mean that maybe someday I’ll get to stay home with our baby while he’s on the road.”

“Are you pregnant?” Rosalie couldn’t contain her excitement over being an aunt. “Like right now?”

“No, shh.” Sage looked around. “No need to spread rumors.”

“She just means that eventually she’s going to have mini-Nics.” Sophia giggled as she swirled the straw around in her iced tea. “I can’t wait. Then we can do this together while our players are out on the road.”

“You ladies don’t seem to have a hard time being with guys like Pax and Nic.” Rosalie played with the salad on her plate. “I mean, it seems to work, right?”

“It works, you just have to have patience. Life on the road can be tough. You have to have a lot of trust, and know he’s coming home to you,” Sophia said. “April to October is rough, but if you’re in love, it’s all worth it.”

“Are you in love?” Sage tapped her fingers on the table. “I didn’t think it was like that with Holt. What am I missing?”