“I know. I never do that. But Gabe, he’s…”
“He’s what?”
“I don’t know. He’s different. Like I want to see him again, different.”
“Layla Bradshaw! Look at you, girl. Finally catching feelings. Should I be worried?”
I laugh softly. Leave it to Cora to jump to conclusions. “It was only one night.”
“But it sounds like it was quite the night,” she jokes, waggling her eyebrows at me. “He must really know how to use that big ‘ole dick of his!”
“Really, Cora? How do you know he isn’t just average size?”
“Um, those muscles don’t lie. Do I need to explain the science behind it?” Cora tells me, her expression now serious.
I just laugh and shake my head. It was quite a night and it was amazing. And maybe Gabe’s dick is magical. But Gabe is waaay more than just a good time. He’s authentic, he’s kind, he’s a gentleman. I could go on, but I don’t need to. I like everything about him. That’s the problem.
“Earth to Layla!” Cora chirps.
“No, you don’t need to explain it. I get it.” I did spend the night with Gabe and his magical dick. Or maybe it’s just the man. The chemistry smoldered between us. That fact is undeniable.
She sighs. “If only I could find a man like that…” she says, trailing off wistfully.
“Stop that right now, Cora Cunningham!” I scold. “You know that husband of yours loves you like you’re the last woman on Earth. Cut the theatrics. Jay is an amazing man and a wonderful dad.”
She sighs again, deeper this time. “Oh, I know. But damn, a woman can look. Am I right?” And I could certainly look at Gabe all day long.
“Whatever you say, Cora. Now scoot! I have work to do. And so do you.”
“Byeee!” she sing-songs again, walking out of my office. I just laugh softly and shake my head. Cora is the exact opposite of me in every way. That’s probably why we’re such a good team. We balance each other out.
As my driver makes his way to my condo on Lakeshore Drive, I check my phone for new messages. There are none. I’m not sure why I expected Gabe to text me. I should have gotten his number. But I didn’t, because I don’t chase men. If they want me, they come to me first. That’s the way it’s always been and I don’t plan to change that. Besides, he’s probably working. He did say they have a game tonight. Flicking open a well-known sports app, I check the score. Blue Valley Vipers are up 4-2 in the eighth inning. At least they’re ahead. Hopefully they can hold on and win the game. They’re playing a tough opponent who’s in the same running for a wildcard spot as they are. Opening the feed, I watch the game, waiting for a glimpse of Gabe on camera.
“We’re here, ma’am,” my driver says.
“Thank you, Daniel.” He nods as I get out.
Entering the building, I take the elevator to my floor. As the elevator zooms upward, I tune back into the game, still hoping to see Gabe. I don’t have to wait long, as the camera zooms in on the Blue Valley Vipers dugout. And there he is, his muscles bulging, giving his uniform a workout trying to contain all that manliness. I stare at my phone, remembering the connection we had last night. It makes me hot just thinking about it. And what Gabe does next, I could not have predicted. He looks straight at the camera and gives it a smoldering look, like it’s all for me. I practically swoon. The man doesn’t know how sexy he is. Then, just as quickly as it happens, the moment is gone, the camera panning back to the pitcher. The elevator dings, shaking me out of my thoughts. The doors open to my opulent marble-floored foyer and I’m home. I love traveling, but it’s always nice to come home, to be in one’s own space.
Sitting my bag on the marble-topped table, I make a beeline to my bedroom, my toes sinking into the plush carpet. It’s time I washed away the day with a nice, long bubble bath. Stripping out of my clothes, I drop them carelessly on the floor as I walk to the bathroom, phone in hand. As hot water fills the marble tub, I add a bath bomb and turn the baseball game on the TV in the bathroom. I rarely use it, but tonight, I think it’s warranted.
Slipping into warm and bubbly bathwater, the scent of jasmine wafts around me. Easing back, I watch the Vipers score again, making it 5-2. There’s a runner on second. The batter strikes out swinging. There’s now two outs. The next batter steps into the box and lets the first pitch go by. It’s a strike. He’s patient and disciplined at the plate, I can tell. The next pitch is a ball, and the next after that is a ball. The count is two balls and 1 strike. The pitcher unleashes the ball towards home plate and the batter swings with everything he has, connecting solidly with the ball. With a crack of the bat, the ball goes flying, right over the wall. Home run! Both players run the bases and touch home plate, scoring. The score is now 7-2. That escalated fast and in a very good way. I’m happy for the Vipers. Tonight’s win brings them closer to a wild card spot so they can get into the playoffs.
Sighing softly, I let the tension drain from my body. Closing my eyes, I begin to relax, my thoughts flitting to Gabe. Curious, I grab my phone and search his name. Oh, wow. I had no idea he’s divorced with two kids. And from what I can tell, he’s only been divorced about a year. His kids are a game changer, though, since I don’t have a lot of experience with kids. But, he did say that he’s single. He’s probably just been busy with his job in the majors and possibly trying to see his kids when he can. He hustles, that’s for sure. I can respect that.
Curiosity satisfied, I put down my phone and let the warm, scented water wash away the day. But my mind won’t let it go. I can’t help but think what it would be like to have Gabe in my life. Would he want me in his? And his kids? Would they resent me? Stopping my runaway thoughts, I let it go. If he texts me or if he doesn’t, it’s fine. We had one amazing night. And that’s good enough for me.
CHAPTER 6
GABE
CINCINNATI, OH
The team and coaches are getting off the charter bus when I hear my name called.
“Gabe! Gabe!”
Looking around, I’m not sure where it’s coming from. I’m surrounded by players.
