Scoring Position (Daytona Fury #2)

12. AceLark

TWELVE

ACE

“How’d it go with the tutor?” Riggs asks, plopping down in the empty seat next to me. We’re on the team plane, headed back to Daytona after a rough loss earlier today, but I’m still pretty giddy about my night with Lark. I should be mad about the fact that we got shut out and I went one for four, but I’ve been holding back a smile that’s been trying to break free since I woke up this morning with her in my arms.

As I told her I would be, I was on my best behavior all evening. After the way our kiss got hot and heavy so quickly, I knew I needed to respect her wishes to slow things down, or I’d scare her away. We were both pretty vulnerable sharing things about our pasts, and maybe she was right that we need to think before we act. I honestly wasn’t expecting to put everything that happened with the video out in the open like I did, but when she was second-guessing whether she could make a difference, I knew I had to prove that there are people out there whose lives she could truly change. Had I had a therapist who specialized in sexual trauma and overcoming issues like mine back then, maybe I wouldn’t be a twenty-one-year-old guy who’s absolutely terrified to go any further than kissing with a stranger.

I know my teammates have one-night stands all the time. Before Riggs had a girlfriend, he’d find someone new in every city. The options have always been there for me too, but I’ve just never been able to get over the fear of being violated again. I haven’t really had the opportunity to build that kind of trust with a woman, considering my career has been on the fast track since the day I was drafted.

“Really good,” I say quietly. The guys are split in how they treat me when it comes to sex. Some think I’m this huge playboy, while others—like Riggs—razz me for usually leaving the bars and clubs alone. I always make excuses about not wanting to hook up and get distracted on the road, but for some reason, I feel like he sees through them. “I convinced her to stay the night in my room. We watched a movie and fell asleep.”

He raises a dubious brow. “That’s it?”

“Yep,” I reply. “It was fucking amazing, but I think it scared her a little. She kept trying to come up with reasons for why she had to leave, but I knew she didn’t really want to. She thinks because she’s older than me and at a different stage in her life, that we couldn’t be more than friends. But I’m telling you, man—there’s something about her. Underneath that serious, reserved exterior is a carefree girl just dying to have fun.”

He shrugs, playing with the straw wrapper from his drink. “Women are complicated, dude. But trust that instinct. If you’re seeing something, don’t let it go. Sometimes they just need to know you’re there and that you’re not going anywhere while they work through shit.”

“Is that what it was like when you first met Monroe?” I ask. They seem like they’re perfect for each other, from what I’ve seen.

He huffs a laugh. “That girl turned my world upside down the second I laid eyes on her. She’s a fucking hurricane, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything. I’d spend a lifetime peeling her layers back if it meant showing the world how amazing she really is.” He looks over at me. “If this girl needs some fun in her life, I can’t think of anyone better to show it to her. But be patient. If she’s anything like Mayhem, she’ll fight you tooth and nail to prove that what you’re seeing is wrong.”

I give him a tight nod, understanding what he means. Lark thinks that because she’s thirty-one and unsure about her future, there’s no time to let loose. I’m grateful that working for me is taking some of the financial burden off her, but I’m sure she’s worried about the long-term stuff. I get that, but she still deserves all the experiences she never got when she was married. It’s never too late to live your life.

“When do you see her again?” he asks.

“I have an assignment due soon and a quiz to study for, so she’s coming to my place tomorrow to see how much we can get done. The work for this course comes in so fast that we have to fit it in every chance we get. I was thinking I’d cook her dinner and ask her to hang out after. I doubt she’d be comfortable staying the night at my apartment, but I want to keep her there as long as possible.”

He grins at me. “I bet you do. Sounds like you have the whole thing planned. If she’s as smart as you say she is, I think she’ll love it.”

I force a laugh. “I hope so.”

LARK

HAILEY:

So, how’s it going with the hottie baseball player?

LARK:

It’s going fine. Thanks for springing that on me with no warning, by the way.

How’s the office? Everything going well?

HAILEY:

Eww. Fuck that place after what they did to you. If selling feet pics was as lucrative as reality TV makes it sound, I’d have walked out right behind you. But the rent’s due on the first of every month, so here I am. Also, you’re welcome for springing him on you. I googled him after we hung up that day and again, YOU’RE WELCOME.

LARK:

He’s definitely easy on the eyes. But it’s not like that. I’m just tutoring him.

HAILEY:

What a wasted opportunity. That man is fine as hell. And have you seen the videos of him dancing up to the plate when he bats? If that’s how he moves on the field, imagine how he does other things off it.

LARK:

He’s barely an adult, Hailey. Plus, I just got divorced 5 seconds ago. I have no business trying to go all cougar on a younger guy right now.

HAILEY:

Says who? That trash-bag ex-husband of yours was out slinging his lame, limp dick in all directions the week after you were separated, even though he could barely make you come. You haven’t been on a single date the entire time. It’s okay to do something for yourself, Lark. And if that something is a 21-year-old pro baseball player with a phenomenal ass, so be it. Let him rail you into next week with all that stamina he has.

LARK:

Thanks, Hailey. I needed to hear that, although I still don’t think it’s a good idea.

HAILEY:

It’s a fantastic idea. I’ll be checking in again. You better have some spicy news for me.

LARK:

Whatever lol. Bye.

I set my phone on the counter, moving to the sink to wash my hands before pulling the salad ingredients I had delivered earlier out of the refrigerator. I feel bad lying to Hailey, but I can’t very well tell her that Ace and I kissed and now it’s complicated. It’s not the bad kind of complicated where you go through your days with a pit in your stomach because you don’t know what to do next. It’s just…confusing.

I sound like a broken record with all the reasons Ace and I can’t go any further than we did the other night in his hotel room, but I’m starting to think maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to enjoy each other’s company as long as he’s still getting good grades. It’s not like he’s trying to date me and parade me around in front of the whole world. We made out—and it was the hottest experience of my fucking life. We both have issues we’re working through, but if we’re comfortable messing around on occasion, is it even that bad? Maybe it’ll be good for us both. I can show him that not all people have bad intentions with him, and he can show me that I deserve someone who makes me feel good about myself. Ryan stopped giving me affirmations and encouragement a long time ago, and I’ll admit that hearing such kind things from Ace was a boost I didn’t know I needed. He was a little over the top with his praises and reactions, but they definitely made me feel beautiful.

I pour the spinach and chopped lettuce into a bowl, adding all the vegetables I cut up earlier. My stomach growls as I reach for the grilled chicken and cheese, adding a little bit more of both than I probably need. I haven’t been able to sit down for a meal all day, so I’m hungrier than normal. I didn’t realize how much of my housework would be neglected by going on the road with Ace. In less than three weeks, I’ve managed to pile up a mountain of laundry, and there’s a thin layer of dust on the furniture and floors from everything sitting stagnant while I was gone. I’m meeting him at his apartment later to work on this week’s module, but I need to finish cleaning this place first.

I finish preparing my salad, leave my mess behind, and head to the living room to eat while I catch up on the latest true crime videos in my queue. But just as I hit play on the first one, my phone dings with a text notification. Assuming it’s Hailey again, I roll my eyes playfully, only to find that it wasn’t her at all.

ACE:

Hey, Sweets. Miss me yet?

LARK:

I saw you two days ago.

ACE:

It’s only been two days? Feels like a million years. I miss you.

LARK:

You’re cute. I suppose I miss you too. The tiniest bit.

ACE:

I’ll take it. Since you’re coming over tonight, I’m making you dinner. But I wanted to check with you first in case you have any allergies or food aversions.

LARK:

You don’t have to cook for me. It’s your day off that’s not really a day off since you’re stuck doing work. I just made a salad, so I’ll be good.

ACE:

Well, don’t fill up. As long as you like rosemary lemon chicken and asparagus, that’s what we’re having. And if you don’t like it, I have a menu for Chinese delivery. I want to do this for you tonight.

LARK:

That sounds nice. I’ll be there around 5 if that’s still good.

ACE:

Can’t wait.