chapter 81
He needed her out of there. Out of Grant’s world.
Out of the cameras’ sight. Every minute together, in that stadium, felt tainted.
That should have been their home. They met there—fell in love there.
That was their place, until it wasn’t, until it became hers and Tobey’s.
And now, he couldn’t breathe there. He could crush homers and have every person in it chant his name, but it was still ruined.
He could bring them a trophy, and it would still belong to Tobey. Just like Ty.
They jogged down, along the fence, away from the lights.
She ran quickly, the dog between them, his ears forward, eyes watching.
A nasty looking dog. Full German Shepherd, its lack of leash had been intimidating in the stadium.
Here, in the open street, it was terrifying.
She didn’t seem concerned, her occasional commands to the dog obeyed with perfect precision.
They ran past closed restaurants and shops, the streets quiet, cars sparse. She was quiet, and he said nothing, falling a step behind, his eyes on the curve of her ass, the swing of her arms. Like everything else, her run was seamless. Effortless.
“Stop looking at my butt.” She tossed the comment over her shoulder, no hitch in her breath, her voice as calm and controlled as if she was standing still. He quickened his steps, lumbering up the hill next to her, his hand reaching out, cupping her elbow, pulling on it.
“Slow down.” He sighed. “Walk a minute.”
“I forgot.” She slowed, looking over with a smile. “You’re an old man.”
“Yeah. Sure.” He pulled his hat lower and made eye contact with a bum, the man looking away as they passed. “I’m ancient, and you’re a freak of nature. Happy?”
“Yeah.” She smiled, her steps slowing until they hit a speed he could handle without audibly wheezing. Maybe he needed to skip the weights a little. Get in more cardio.
“You do Ironmans in your spare time?” He wanted to grab her arm again.
Then her waist. Pin her up against the next building and reclaim that mouth.
Before, years ago, he could be around her without touching her.
When had he lost that ability? Now, every minute with her was a battle of self-control, a fight to regain all of the years that they missed.
“Ha.” She looked down, resting her hands on her hips, and he watched the heave of her chest as she let out a long breath.
He couldn’t stop himself; he reached out, his hand settling on her back. “Let’s stop, right there.” He nodded ahead, at a food truck idling on the side street. “My treat.”