12. Jaxon
Logan’s emeraldeyes went wide. She blinked slowly and inhaled a deep breath. “I can’t breathe,” she whispered, panic flaring in her eyes.
Was she having another anxiety attack? I wasn’t expecting that.
“Uh, shit, okay.” I caressed her face and contemplated blowing on her face, but that seemed ridiculous and entirely the wrong thing to do.
She was having an anxiety attack because of everything I just said to her, so I had to distract her. Pressing my lips to hers, I hoped like hell it worked.
Her lips were softer than I remembered. Swiping my tongue along the seam of her plump bottom lip, I sought entrance, but she was frozen beneath my touch. I tenderly bit the soft flesh, and she gasped, lips parting.
I sucked her lip into my mouth, swallowing her moan, and felt her soften against me. I pulled back after a moment and opened my eyes. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, but she was breathing. Her eyes were electric as they danced across my face. My gaze locked on her tongue when she licked her lips. Her hands were soft on my forearms, her vicious nails biting into my flesh.
“Did—did—” she whispered, her nose brushing against mine, “kiss—you—oh, my God.” Her sentence was incoherent but I nodded, pressing another kiss to her lips, and she sighed.
“Yeah, sweetheart, I kissed you, and I want to do it again.”
“No, no. I can’t think when you do that.” She closed her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath. “You just kissed me.”
I cracked a grin. “I think we already established that.”
“What happened to just being friends?!” she shrieked. I bit my tongue to keep from laughing.
“Changed my mind. Did you miss that part of the conversation? I want to see where this goes.” She shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes.
Why is she crying? What did I say?
“But—but you said you aren’t that guy, remember?” Her bottom lip trembled. I wanted it between my teeth again. I wanted to take her doubt away.
“I thought I wasn’t, but you make me question everythin’.”
“This wasn’t supposed to happen, Jax. We’re supposed to be friends.” Why is she pushing me away?
“Can you honestly tell me you don’t want more? That you don’t want me to kiss you? That you don’t want to get to know me?” She hesitated, those fucking eyes betraying her.
“Well, no… I can’t.”
“Then, what’s the problem, sweetheart? What are you scared of?” I caressed her face, my thumb brushing her cheek, and her eyes fluttered close.
“I don’t want to be alone again. I don’t want to be arm candy,” she whispered, and my heart splintered at her confession.
“I’m not him, Logan. I can’t promise everythin’ will work out between us, but I can promise to try. I can give you all of me, and I can promise that you will never be just arm candy to me.” She deflated against my touch and my words.
“Okay.”
“Okay, so you’ll be at my game tomorrow?” Her eyes flew open, wide with panic.
“You must be crazy, Jax!”
“Never said I wasn’t, sweetheart. I’ll get you and your friends some of my merch to wear, and then, I want you to wait for me there.”
“What if he sees?”
I shrugged. “What if he does? I’ll be there, and I won’t let him hurt you—not a damn hair on your head or a piece of your heart. I protect what’s mine.”
Her cheeks warmed. “You are crazy, Jaxon.”
“Crazy about you,” I threw back, and she giggled, rolling her eyes.
“Cheesy, too, I see.”
“And about that weddin’—it’s next month. I hope you’re available?” She nodded and shifted her attention to something over my shoulder.
“We have company, Jax,” she whispered, and I saw the glint of the camera lenses from the bushes behind me.
I hate the paparazzi.
“Let me walk you to your car,” I stood and offered her my hand, which she took. I led her to her car, watching the traffic so we both didn’t get run over. Then, I held open the driver’s side door for her.
“You really don’t have to do that. I could’ve just slipped in.” I shook my head as she slid into her seat. Leaning into the car, I pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Wasn’t raised that way. Now, buckle up and drive safe. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She nodded, and then, I closed the door and jogged down the road to where I parallel-parked my truck. I waited for her to merge into traffic, and then did the same, making sure I wasn’t being followed as I headed for my apartment.
Once I was safely in my apartment, I shot her a text.
Jax
Did you make it home?
Logan
Just pulled into the driveway. Thank you for lunch.
Jax
Where is home?
Logan
With my best friend until I can find something.
Jax
Can you meet me an hour before the game tomorrow for the merch?
Logan
Only if you can get us good seats.
Jax
Done.
* * *
The next day,I was waiting in the team parking lot for my manager to bring Logan and her friends here. When I saw her, her black hair pulled back into a braid, wearing a pair of jeans and a loose V-neck with a pair of white Converse, I was sure my knees were going to give out on me. She’s perfect.
She smiled nervously as her best friend and husband followed behind her. The blonde walked straight up to me and stuck out her hand. “Scarlett Humphrey, Logan’s best friend. Nice to meet you, Jaxon.” Logan cringed out of the corner of my eye, but I shook Scarlett’s hand and then her husband’s, Matt, who apologized for his brazen wife.
“Honestly, Scar, did you not listen to a word I said in the car?” Logan complained, glaring at her best friend.
“Since when do I listen to you or Matt? I do whatever I want, when I want. Now, Jaxon, what do you have for us to wear?”
I like this one.
My manager handed out shirts with my number 99 printed in bold letters and my last name. Then, he handed out hats with my number that Logan secured to her head after throwing the shirt on.
She looked good with my name on her. After fixing her hair, she smiles at me, her green eyes brighter today and rimmed with black.
“You look good, sweetheart.” I placed my hands on her waist and drew her closer to me.
“Are you going to pitch today?” she asked, tilting her head up.
“Second half. Coach insisted. My manager is going to take you to your seats, and then, I’ll see you after the game—outside the lockers?” A flicker of uncertainty passed through her eyes, but her best friend was there to soothe her.
“She’ll be there. I’ll make sure of it. Thank you for all of this. We’re huge fans. Well, he is.” She pointed behind her at her husband, who grinned sheepishly.
I placed a quick kiss on Logan’s cheek and then headed out, waving at Scarlett and Matt. She was safe with them, and I knew I don’t have to worry about Richard with that fiery friend.
It was my first game with the team, and Richard was pissed about sharing the mound. But Coach’s instructions out-ruled his cousin. When it was finally my turn to take the field, I looked over to where I saved seats for Logan and her friends. She was smiling and waving just like every other fan on the ground, but it was different coming from her.
I stepped up the mound. My number was announced and then my name. The announcer told the stadium my back story, and then, it was go-time.
Inhale.
I raised my leg. I had a lot to prove today. Too many people to please. I made my mind go blank and let the peace wash over me, while I did what I loved.
Exhale.
And I threw the ball.
* * *
We won,and I threw another three-digit mile-per-hour pitch. My name was screamed by fans, but I only had eyes for Logan, who was jumping up and down on her feet after the announcer informed everyone about another 105 mile-per-hour pitch.
My spot on this team had just become solidified.
I showered quickly, wanting to get out of here before Richard, needing to get to Logan first, who I knew was already nervous.
Everyone wanted to stop and congratulate me, and I tried to avoid being rude. But Richard was already slipping out as the catcher slapped me on the back in congratulations.
I rushed out after him and saw Logan standing there, Scarlett at her side. Logan’s eyes were bouncing around, searching for me in the crowd. I spotted Richard ahead, making his way toward my girl.
I pushed past fans and cleat chasers until I was running past him. Logan saw him and took a step back, but then, her eyes shifted to mine, and she relaxed.
I kept my promises.
I stopped just in front of her, my sneakers squeaking against the concrete. I dropped my bag, cupped her face with both hands, and kissed her in front of everyone.
Her hands wrapped around mine, and she sighed into the kiss. Pulling back, I brushed my nose to hers. “I promised you I wouldn’t let him hurt you.”
“I know. I know,” she whispered.
“Well, that was hot,” Scarlett said from my side.
“You moved on real fast, babe,” Richard’s nasally voice interrupted our moment. “And here I thought you were faithful to me.” He grinned as the paparazzi zero in on us, coming closer like the hungry vultures they were.
Logan melted into my chest, and I held her tightly to me.
“I was faithful to you. You cheated on me!” she cried, hiding her face in my neck.
“Never saw you kiss me like that, Logan,” he spat, anger lacing every venomous word.
“That’s what happens when a real man comes in and shows her what she’s been missin’.” Scarlett giggled and started to speak, but she was pulled away—by Matt, I presumed.
“First, you come for my position, and now, my girl. You’re a dead man walking, Dexter. Your brother might have been some hot-shot, but he doesn’t have the same connections that I do.” There was a glint in his eye—a threat.
“At least I play by the rules. Wonder what the league would think about your relationship with the team manager.” His eyes shot toward Logan, hatred shining in them.
“You keep your fucking mouth shut, whore.” I saw red, but Logan’s grip on my shirt grounded me. I wouldn’t rise to his bait.
“Stay away from us—from Logan—Balmer, or I’ll go straight to the league.” I reached down for my duffle and swung it onto my shoulder. Putting my arm around Logan’s shoulders, I led her out of the stadium toward my truck.
“Holy shit!” Scarlett squealed. “I can see the headlines now!”
“Not now, Scar,” Logan weakly mumbled, and I finally noticed just how pale she looked.
“Do you need some water?” I pulled a bottle from my bag and handed it to her, which she greedily gulped.
“We’re gonna head home. Great game, man!” Matt pulled his wife away, who glared at him.
“Seriously, Matt, I want to stick around. What if there’s more drama?” He shook his head and continued to lead her away.
At my truck, I helped Logan into the passenger seat. She was quiet and ashen, her eyes too big. Dumping my bag into the backseat, I quickly rounded the hood and hopped into the driver’s seat.
After inserting the key and switching the truck on, I turned to her. “I’m sorry. I should have listened to you. I tried to get to you sooner, but I couldn’t.” She shook her head and reached for me with a shaky hand.
“You did get to me, Jax. You protected me. But your name is going to be all over the tabloids, the headlines!” I linked our fingers together and brought her hand to my lips.
“Let them talk, sweetheart. I don’t care.” Her eyes shone in the darkness of the cab, and I swore I saw a lone tear roll down her cheek. But then, I blinked, and it was gone.
“You’re crazy,” she whispered.
“About you,” I replied, and she giggled.
Everything was just the way it was meant to be.