The Perfect Game(60)

“And you definitely haven’t met my boyfriend or you wouldn’t describe him as a stand-up guy,” I joked with a snicker, doing my best to change the subject.

“Well, you have the right attitude. I’m sure you two will be fine.”

“I’m not really worried about it,” I lied.

“We should head back in.” She stood before reaching out her hand to help me up.







I headed down the escalator in the airport and saw Jack standing there holding a sign that read: Anyone seen my Kitten?

I laughed so loud when I read it, I scared the poor guy in front of me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered to the irritated stranger before quickly covering my mouth with my hand. I stepped off the moving stairs and ran into Jack’s waiting arms.

I knew that I missed him, but being in his arms reminded me just how much. He tilted my chin and leaned down to kiss me. “I’ve missed you,” he said with another kiss, his lips brushing against my ear.

“Me too.” I wrapped my arms around his body and squeezed, the sound of suitcases rolling past us.

“Do you like my sign?”

My body let out a loud, quick ha that could wake up an entire building. “It’s adorable. And hilarious,” I answered, trying not to laugh but failing miserably.

He reached down, grabbing my carry-on bag with one arm and swinging it behind his shoulder. “Do you have a suitcase?”

“Just this.” I smiled, pointing at the bag he carried.

“Really? You’re my dream girl.” He tossed his free arm around my shoulders and led me out of the airport.

I shivered when the cool morning air hit my body as we exited. “Holy shit, it’s cold up here.”

“Yeah. The weather’s a little different than back home.” He lifted an eyebrow as he led me across the street toward the first row of cars.

I scanned the area looking for the familiar white death trap when he clicked the unlock button on an unfamiliar black Acura. I stopped walking and tilted my head back. “Whose car?”

“My roommate, Tyler’s. He let me borrow it since I’d knew you’d freeze in mine.”

“Thanks,” I said, moving into the chilly leather seat.

Jack slid his muscular frame into the car and turned to look at me. His face twisted into a sexy smile, his dimples appearing. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

I felt my cheeks warm with his words. “Me too. Thank you so much for flying me.”

“Gotta see my girl!” he said with enthusiasm before the engine purred to life.

“So tell me about your new roommates and your place and stuff,” I asked, even though he’d told me a lot of those things before.

“Well, you know we have a house that we rented. We each have our own room. The guys are Tyler, Nick, and Spencer. Tyler’s girlfriend Amanda’s in town too. You’ll like her, she’s cool. And you girls can go to the games together and stuff, so that worked out.”

“What worked out?” I asked, wanting clarification.

He glanced at me before looking back at the road. “Well, I was sort of going crazy before I knew that Amanda would be here. I didn’t want you going to the field by yourself. I’m not sure if you know this or not, but I really fucking hate leaving you alone. Especially after what happened.” His tone tightened with irritation.

“Jack.” I sympathized as I flashed back to the night of the beating.

“I know I have issues. But I can’t let something happen to you again.” He exhaled through his nose. “So I was happy when Tyler told me that Amanda would be in town. Now you don’t have to be alone.”

I smiled and rested my hand on his thigh. “Sounds good.”

Jack pulled the car into the driveway of a gorgeous two-story house. “Jack, this house looks brand new!”

“I told you it’s only a few years old. The guy who owns it has like twelve properties or something. Wait ’til you see the backyard.” His eyebrows lifted as he smirked.

“I’ve seen the backyard.” I hinted at the many cell phone pictures he’d sent me.

“Well, wait ’til you see it in person.”

I walked on the cobblestone pathway to the oversized front door and headed inside, where music blared in an empty room. “Jesus. Sorry, Kitten, I’ll turn it down.” Jack ran to the stereo and flipped the switch off.

“Hey!” A rowdy voice yelled from a distance and I peered around the wall into the perfectly manicured backyard. Green trees, bushes, and plants surrounded the back side of the pool, making it appear lush and tropical. Earth-colored stones and matching boulders accented the area, bringing out the blue of the water.