Stealing His Heart (The Kingston Heat Series) (3 page)

Enough gawking. He needed to get closer, find out her name and what she was doing there. Was she waiting for someone? Another player? That thought infuriated him. She’d been his quest before he even realized what he’d wanted. It may have started out as innocent flirting, a smile when she ran past him or a tip of his baseball hat when she exited the path, but after talking to her this morning and seeing her here tonight there was no way he’d dismiss this. There had to be a sign here somewhere.

He closed the gap between them and spoke over her shoulder.

“Well, if it isn’t my little runner.” He took a sip of his beer to coat his throat before speaking again. “This is a nice surprise.”

She swiveled the bar stool around to face him. Her eyes widened when she realized who he was.

“Hello, sugar.” He took in her beauty as he took another sip of his beer. Something about this woman had him off his game. He wanted to know why she had him thinking about his next move.

“Hey,” she said so soft he could barely hear her over the crowd and the blaring music.

“This seat taken?” He motioned at the stool next to her.

If it is, I’ll take care of that.

“No, I’m just waiting for my friends. They’re over there.” She looked across the bar and in the direction of a small group of people.

“You know the doc?”

“I came with his son.”

“Really?” He stared at Kyle wondering how he’d managed to claim such a stunning woman. A surge of jealousy raced through him. That was a first. “I didn’t realize he was seeing anyone.”

“Not me,” she said. “He’s here with my friend Maggie. I’m just tagging along.”

“I see.” He let out the breath he held when he thought she’d be leaving with Kyle and not him. He didn’t know what had gotten into him. The territorial type had never been his way. He’d always been happy to step out of the way when a friend showed interest in a woman. There were plenty out there, and he saw no reason to fight over a chick. This was no ordinary woman.

“May I?” He stepped toward the empty seat.

“Of course.” She played with the corner of the beverage napkin that rested under her beer.

“So I have Kyle to thank for getting you in here tonight.”

“I wasn’t sure I should come, but Maggie insisted.”

“I’ll have to buy Maggie a drink.” He sipped his beer. “She did me a favor.”

“Are you flirting with me?” She smiled for the first time since he’d approached her. He liked the way it suited her face. A beautiful woman like her should smile all the time. He intended to be the man to keep her happy all night long.

“Why yes, ma’am, I am. Is that a problem?”

“I like your accent.” When she blinked he took in her long, full eyelashes. “It’s different than the guys around here.”

“Not many like me in these parts.”

“Where did your name come from? It’s unique.”

“My mother’s maiden name. I hated it growing up, but when I started to make a name for myself in college, it was good to have an unusual name. Helped people remember me better.”

“I think it’s great.”

“Did you know who I was this morning?” It didn’t matter if she hadn’t. He never cared one way or the other if people recognized him, but since moving to Kingston he couldn’t go many places without someone stopping him for an autograph.

“I did.”

“I seem to be at a disadvantage, sugar.”

“Why’s that?”

“You know who I am, but I don’t know your name. You took off too quick today for me to properly introduce myself.”

“I’m Sophia Ballis.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ballis.”

She continued to fidget with the napkin. He wondered what had her so anxious.

“You follow baseball?” He wasn’t much for small talk but he wanted to keep the conversation going with her. It wasn’t like him to take the time to get to know an evening prospect but he wanted to help ease her nerves. He could tell she was going to be different, but he wasn’t sure why.

“My father and I have been rooting for the Crushers my whole life. I just hope you can give that man a pennant real soon. He prays for one every year.”

“Him and the rest of this town.” He smirked. “We’re working on it.”

“That’s why they brought you in, isn’t it?” She finished her beer. “Don’t they call you
the savior
?”

“Well, well.” He laughed because most women he associated with knew nothing about his career. “You know your stuff.”

“Like I said, my dad’s a big fan. He doesn’t have a son so he’s been taking me to the games ever since I was a kid. I can’t wait until he wakes up tomorrow morning and I tell him I met you.”

“If you recognized me this morning, why didn’t you say something? I could have given you an autograph for your dad.”

“Do you carry a pen and paper on your run?” Her giggle made him smile.

“Nah.” He motioned for the bartender to bring two more beers.

“You wear your hat low when you run and tend to stay on the less traveled paths. I figured that’s your time to be you and not worry about bumping into fans. I know this community is a little obsessed with their team.”

“You’re pretty observant.” He hadn’t been the only one paying attention during the morning run. She’d noticed him too. “I run to quiet my mind and get myself mentally ready for the game. I have to pitch tomorrow so a long run today was just what I needed.”

“Tough loss tonight, huh?”

“It’s never easy, especially in the home stadium, but we can’t win them all. We’ll get them tomorrow.”

“We better,” Nic Cordova, the second baseman said as he reached for the beer the bartender had placed in front of him. “You’re pitching so you can redeem us.”

“No pressure there.” Pax chugged his drink.

“Who is your friend?” Nic studied Sophia, lingering on her face a bit longer than Pax liked. “I haven’t seen you here before.”

“Nic, this is Sophia Ballis. Sophia, this is Nic Cordova.”

“Nice to meet you, Nic.” Sophia extended her hand. “That was a great play you made in the third inning. That coach never should have sent the runner. Not with you at the base.”

“Nice.” Nic smiled. “I like this one.”

“Yeah, she knows her baseball.” Pax stared at her as she talked to Nic. He took in her striking features. There wasn’t anything flashy about her. She possessed a subtle beauty. Natural and fresh.

“I was going to guess you were Italian, Sophia, but your last name tells me otherwise. You are a fellow native of mine,” Nic said.

“I am Greek.”

When she tossed her long, black hair over her shoulder, Pax smelled the peach shampoo. He imagined burying his face in those locks and getting lost in that scent as they lay in his bed.

“My father was so excited when they signed you,” Sophia continued. “You’re his favorite player.”

“Hey,” Pax said. “What about me?”

“Sorry, cowboy, you’re not Greek.” Sophia winked at him. “My dad’s biased.”

Cowboy...maybe you want to ride me?

“I’d love to meet your dad,” Nic said. “There aren’t many Greeks in the area.”

“He’d love to meet you.” Sophia smiled and her whole face lit up. “We have tickets to a game in June. Maybe then?”

“I’ll arrange it,” Pax said, because there was no way Nic was moving in on his girl. “We can do a meet and greet with some of the players if your dad wants.”

“Really?” Her gorgeous brown eyes sparkled. “He’d love that.”

“I look forward to it,” Nic said. “Perhaps I could come over for a home-cooked meal too. Something with feta and gyros? I haven’t had authentic Greek food in months.”

“Now you’re pushing it.” Pax glared at his friend. “She’s not cooking for you.”

Back off!

“Okay, man.” Nic held up his hands and laughed. “I get it.”

“Smart move.” Pax patted his friend on the shoulder before turning his attention back to Sophia. “Would you like to dance, darlin’?”

He wanted her all to himself, and the dance floor was just the place to accomplish that. No one to bother them.

“Um, sure.” She shrugged. “It was nice meeting you, Nic.”

“The pleasure was all mine.” He smiled at Pax as he raised his beer bottle to him. “Doesn’t take you long.”

“You’re a piece of work. Go find your own girl.” He took Sophia’s hand. “I saw this Greek goddess first.”

“Some guys have all the luck,” Nic shouted as Pax led her onto the dance floor.

“What was that about?” she asked.

“Pissin’ contest.” He wrapped one arm around her waist and interlocked their finger with his other hand. “We hit a lot of cities through the season. Some of the guys like to challenge one another for the attentions of a lady.”

“Some of the guys?” She tightened her grip on his shoulder as he pulled her closer to his chest. “Not you?”

“Me? No, I’m a gentleman.”

“Really?” Her giggle was quickly becoming his favorite sound.

“Have I not been anything but a gentleman with you?”

If he wasn’t being one, they’d be finishing up the beer he bought her and he’d be thinking about how much longer it would be before they were naked. He had thought about her naked and sweaty in the afterglow, but it wasn’t his most prominent thought.

“You’ve been perfect, especially this morning when I made an idiot out of myself and slammed into you.” He saw the blush darken in her cheeks. “I don’t know how I didn’t see you.”

“That was my fault.” He spun her to the music. “I wasn’t paying attention.” He lied but he couldn’t tell her he’d calculated running into her. “I’m glad it happened.”

“You are?”

“Yes, pretty girl.” He held her close. They were barely moving but a vibe crackled between them. Her warm breath caressed his lips, making his mouth dry with anticipation. “Now we can get to know one another.”

He’d never had any interest in getting to know a woman before tonight. By this point in the conversation he’d ask
your place or mine
? That was the last thing he wanted. Sex was definitely on his mind—he’d have to be a monk not to want to take this woman to bed—but not yet. Sex, for him, was the end of the chase. He was nowhere near ready for anything to end.

* * * *

Sophia noticed the bar had emptied out. Maggie and Kyle had discreetly waved goodbye and slipped out over an hour ago. She and Pax had talked all night. They’d ordered appetizers and shared a dessert. She looked down at her phone.

“It’s after midnight,” she said.

“And you didn’t turn into a pumpkin.”

“No, I didn’t.” She laughed at his silly sense of humor. “It’s late and you have an afternoon game. Don’t you have to rest or something?”

“Sugar, most nights I’m just getting started at this time.”

“Right.” The models crept back into her head. How many hours did a ménage take? “You’re not used to boring music teachers.”

“I don’t think there’s anything boring about you.”

“I talked your ear off about my non-existent career, my parents, Maggie, and this town.”

“I enjoyed every second of it.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I didn’t expect you.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Traveling can get lonely,” he said. She shivered when he traced small circles over her wrist. “It’s great seeing different places and meeting new people, but it gets tiring. You seem like someone I could get used to.”

“I liked getting to know you too.” She wondered if he’d want to get together again. “I guess you’re busy this weekend?”

“I’m gonna be busy the next many weekends.” He grinned. “April to October is rough. That’s another reason why I don’t often get to know new people.”

“I understand.” She looked down at their joined hands. “It’s probably difficult to make connections and keep relationships.”

“Exactly.”

She couldn’t help the bout of disappointment that took over. With his schedule how could she expect him to start anything with her?

“I have home games on Saturday and Sunday. Maybe I could give you a call sometime?” He handed her his cellphone. “Put your number in there for me.”

“Sure.” She took his phone and set up a new contact. Her hands trembled with excitement. “All set.”

What are the chances he’ll call?

“I’m texting you now so you’ll have my number.”

Oh!

“I want to see you again.”

“I’m not as busy as you, so call me and we can set something up.”

“I have to leave on Tuesday morning for a series in Philadelphia, but then I’ll be home for a week stint. Do you think we could get together then?”

“Absolutely.” Why did she have to sound so eager?

“Good.” He stood. “Can I walk you to your car?”

“Thank you.” She got up from the table and took his hand. “I’m parked right out front.”

He led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.

“It’s that one.” She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she’d bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. “Probably not as nice as what you drive.”

He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.

“I have a feeling I’m going be seeing you in my dreams tonight.” He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. “Give me something to remember these next few days.”

She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she’d experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.

As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.