Chapter 4
Chapter Four
M ercedes looked up and snapped her book closed at the sound of footsteps down the hallway.
Well, it was her journal, and she’d been writing down some very private thoughts about her roommate, ones she couldn’t share with anyone.
Like how dreamy he was and how his dimple got her all quivery inside.
The man himself appeared in the doorway of her bedroom wearing snug jeans, sneakers, and a baseball shirt.
He had a baseball hat sticking out of his back pocket and a bat leaning against the wall behind him. Yep, dreamy.
“Is your game today?” He’d mentioned he was in a league, but she hadn’t remembered what his schedule was. She’d thought of going to see him play.
“Yes. I’ll be out for a few hours. If we win, we’ll probably stop at Barney’s for a drink. If we lose, we’ll probably stop at Barney’s for a few drinks.”
Mercedes laughed and waited until he looked at her to respond.
He glanced around her room, taking in the decor on the walls.
He hadn’t really been in here much since he’d moved in.
Respecting her privacy, she guessed. Or he didn’t like how feminine and frilly it was.
Definitely nothing like his minimalistic space.
His eyes strayed to her wall calendar. Hot Guys Reading Books it was called. Evan was pretty hot himself, as she’d written in her journal, but she’d never say it to him. She was certain he only saw her as a sister figure.
Smirking, Evan picked up his bat and posed like he was about to swing, his muscles flexing. Wow, those were nice to look at.
He switched the bat to one hand and signed with the other. “What do you think? I could be on that calendar, huh?”
He could, no doubt. The flutters in her stomach reminded her how much she enjoyed looking at his nice physique. But they were roommates now. It wouldn’t be a good thing to mix anything more into that. Not that he saw her in any romantic way. Best revert to her usual teasing with him.
“These guys are reading real books not comic books.”
His mouth tightened and his eyes narrowed, then he shook it off and made a face at her.
Had she hurt his feelings with that comment?
She certainly hadn’t meant to. He’d teased her plenty about how many books she read, yet he’d asked her often enough in the past to help him when he needed to write something accurately.
Get on another subject. “Where do you play ball?”
“Morelli Field,” he fingerspelled. “I’ve got to go or I’ll be late. See you after the game.”
Before she could say she might stop by, he was gone. Didn’t matter. Morelli Field wasn’t far. It might be a nice afternoon walk.
When she was finished scribbling her thoughts about what had recently happened, then jotted down a problem she’d had at work, she put on a comfortable pair of walking sandals and smoothed down her white shorts.
They weren’t too short and accentuated her darkly tanned legs while making her hips not too obvious.
She changed her shirt to a sleeveless tank top, knowing it was hot out today, then threaded a colorful scarf through her belt loops for a little pizazz.
She massaged some moisturizer into her face, picked up her sunglasses and house keys, then began her walk to the field.
The game had already started, so she slipped into the stands.
Only a few dozen people were here. She scoured the area to see if she could find Evan.
He’d been wearing a gray shirt with red sleeves, so it looked like his team was on the field right now.
They all wore baseball hats, so she had to go by their builds.
As she skimmed the players on the field, she knew immediately where he was. Second base. None of the other guys filled out jeans and a t-shirt like he did.
Sure enough, he turned and signed to one of the outfielders. Something about coming in closer, but he was faced away from her, so she didn’t get it all. The man did indeed move in toward the bases, then they gave their attention to the guy heading up to bat.
The pitcher threw the ball, and the batter stood there waiting.
The next ball came, and he swung but missed.
On the third pitch, he swung and the ball lobbed up in the air, then started its descent.
Evan bounced around the field, centering himself under it.
When the ball came down, it landed right in his glove.
He made it look easy, but she knew there was skill to being in the right place at the right time.
She enjoyed watching as the opposition team came up to bat. The team got two hits but only one run in when their last batter was tagged out on second by Evan.
The teams changed position, and several of Evan’s team came out to bat. There were a few base hits, but they weren’t able to get more than two men home.
Several innings went by, and she could tell the teams were fairly evenly matched.
Evan played well, though she wasn’t surprised.
She’d seen him with his family during outdoor events, and he was physically active and sports minded.
Now, his focus was unsurpassed, and she wondered if that was because he couldn’t hear what was going on.
His other senses were on higher alert, which helped him in the game.
Evan came up to bat, and she held her breath.
They already had two outs and couldn’t afford another.
The pitcher threw the ball, and Evan swung.
And missed. He gripped the bat tighter, and she could see his jaw tense.
It was amazing to see him so serious about something when rarely was he serious about anything.
The ball flew through the air towards him. His muscles flexed, then he swung and the ball connected. It soared across the sky past the outfielders.
Mercedes jumped up and shouted and cheered, urging Evan to run and get home. He couldn’t hear her, but she didn’t care. She waved her arms and wiggled her hips as he slid home just as the ball came flying back toward the catcher. Too late. Evan had touched the base and was safe.
Relief, strong and sharp, rushed through her. Picking himself up, Evan brushed the dust off his clothes, then slapped his hands on his pants. As he looked up, he froze, and a tiny smile played on his lips. Their eyes met, and she waved her hands and arms in a silent cheer.
He didn’t do more than touch the brim of his cap, but she knew he was pleased that she’d witnessed his home run. She was thrilled.
The game continued on for a bit longer with Evan’s team winning by two runs. She waited until they’d all slapped each other on the backs and butts, then slowly made her way to where they all congregated.
It was apparent when he saw her approach. He swiveled toward her and grinned. I didn’t know you were coming today. Where are the pompoms and short skirt?
She rolled her eyes. I didn’t know what color uniform to get. With her gaze on his gray and red shirt, she signed, I’ll know for next time.
His dimple appeared as he grinned. You didn’t say anything earlier. Or did you only decide to show up after seeing me in my batting pose? He hefted his bat and copied the muscle pose he’d shown her before he’d left.
I wanted to come. It’s why I asked you where you were playing. You left before I could tell you.
His sheepish expression was adorable, even with the pound of dirt he wore, most likely from his previous home run and the two other base hits he’d had to slide for. Sorry. What’d you think?
I’m impressed. Your team is good, and you are obviously one of the better players.
Color rushed to his face, and he grinned. He was so adorable when he was stuck between being embarrassed and wanting to gloat. His mischievous side always came into play. Why did you come today?
I wanted to see you play. Believe it or not, I like watching baseball. Maybe not as much as my father, but I still enjoy the game. This was a good match.
Evan nodded. They were a tough competitor, but we managed to get past them. We play them again in a few weeks. Hopefully, we’ll do as well then.
Hopefully. Maybe it won’t be so hot. The sun is brutal today.
Evan looked up and shaded his eyes, then pulled his shirt away from his body to wipe his face. Something inside her heated up even more. Yup. Want to go get some ice cream? I’ll even pay.
The thought of ice cream was wonderful, though her hips wouldn’t thank her. I can pay, too.
He waved her off. Nah, I’m feeling generous after my home run.
His teammates milled around, some of them congregating with their friends and family. I thought you were going out to Barney’s for a drink after the game.
Evan took a quick peek at his friends, then glanced back her way, an appreciative look on his face. Because of her?
It’s kind of hot today. I think I’d rather get an ice cream.
With her. The unspoken words rushed her way giving her a warm feeling, and not because of the temperature.
Evan scarfed down the last of the meatloaf on his plate, then swiped his roll through the gravy.
He sure lucked out when Mercedes had suggested he move in.
His new roommate was an even better cook than his mother was, though not by much.
His mom was wonderful. However, Mercedes had been trained by a professional. It was hard to beat that.
Delicious, he signed. I know I should offer to cook more often, but I have to let you know, it will never taste as amazing as this. Or anything you make.
Mercedes smiled and lowered her eyes to her plate. “Thanks. It’s only meatloaf.”
Some of the best I’ve ever had. That sauce on the top was so good. And bacon. You can’t go wrong with adding bacon.
“The sauce is simply a little brown sugar with ketchup and a tiny bit of mustard. Nothing fancy.”