“So it seems.”
We watch the game for several innings, ordering beers and having a great time. I never thought I could have so much fun at a baseball game, but being with Oz does that to me.
“Okay, where’s the bathroom?” I ask, looking around.
“At the top of the stairs on the left.” Oz points. “Hang on a second and I’ll go with you.”
Just then a reporter comes over and asks for a quick interview with Oz. I see the look on his face and he begins to tell them no, but I squeeze his arm and let him know it’s okay. He looks longingly at me for a moment, and I laugh, leaving him talking to the reporter, while I slip off to the restroom.
Once at the top of the stairs I see Captain. It’s like he pops out of nowhere. I give him a small wave, then spot the restroom right away. I take a step without looking and run straight into someone.
“Oh, sorry—” I stop suddenly when I look to see it’s Joel. I haven’t seen him since the night of the club when Oz came in and punched him in the face. It takes him a second to recognize me, but when he does he throws his hands up and takes a step back.
I want to explain about that night, and apologize. “Hey, Joel. I didn’t get a chance to—”
“Mallory. You’re a nice person, but I’m not getting in the middle of you and your boyfriend.” He takes another step back. “I don’t need your drama.”
“My drama?” I take offense at his insinuation. Like his trying to grope me without my permission was totally okay.
“Yeah, I don’t need your man chasing me down”
He turns, walking away, and I think about yelling something to his retreating back, but then I think about how it’s probably best to let it go. Oz will always protect me and keep me safe, and as much as I liked Joel as a professor, I never had any feelings beyond professional for him. Walking to the bathroom, I decide that I have no guilt about what went down that night, and I’m glad to be done with him.
After I finish, I walk out and see Oz leaning against the wall. He looks so hot in his low-hanging jeans, tight shirt and down-turned baseball cap. Something about the way he’s leaning makes him look cocky, and I can’t help but like it a little more.
Walking over, I wrap my arms around him, and he bends down to kiss me sweetly.
“Funnel cake?” he mumbles against my lips, and I immediately perk up.
“Oh, you really do know the way to a woman’s heart.”
“There’s only one woman’s heart I want.”
God, the things he says are like something out of a romance book. How could I have gotten so lucky?
“Keep buttering me up like that and I might share some of my funnel cake with you.”
I wink at him, but I’m a little bit serious, too. I grab his hand, pulling him behind me as I lead us over to where they’re selling them.
By the end of the game, the Yankees have won and I’m nearly hoarse from singing and cheering. I never thought going to a baseball game could be so much fun, but I should have known with Oz, everything is better than I imagined.
When we walk toward the exit, Oz pulls me in the other direction. “This way, baby. One more stop before we go home.”
He leads me down a hallway, and to a set of elevators, after a second the doors open and I’m surprised to see his mom.
“There’s my guy!” Vivien beams, and reaches out, giving him a warm hug. “Excellent pitch. I’m sure you could hear my instructions from the box.” She lets go of him and turns, pulling me in the same embrace. “Mallory, you two looked adorable cuddled up down there. So sweet of you two to walk me out.”
“I didn’t know you were here.” I smile back at her. She looks adorable in her navy slacks and Yankees cardigan.
“Oh, Oz got me season box seats. What can I say, my blood bleeds Yankee blue.” She gives me a little smirk, and it’s then I can see such a resemblance between mother and son.
“Just thought I’d walk you to the car and listen to you tell me how amazing my pitch was,” Oz says, holding his arm out for his mom.
“Always searching for a compliment.” Vivien rolls her eyes. I really do love this woman.
We walk out front to where her driver is waiting and she reaches up to give Oz a kiss on the cheek. She gives me one too, but before she pulls away she whispers in my ear.
“I’ve never seen him smile so much. Thank you, Mallory.”
With that, she steps back and Oz helps her into the back of the car. Once the door is closed the driver takes off, and we walk a little farther down to where Oz’s limo is waiting.
“What did she say to you?” he asks, squeezing my hand affectionately.