Chapter 12
My black stiletto heels were silenced once they hit the red carpet going up the brick-lined steps. No one would guess that a few hours ago, my now perfectly styled French twist was in a haphazard bun, and rather than a fitted floor-length black gown, I had been wearing cutoff jean shorts and a T-shirt with a Hawks logo on the front.
Of all the days for the game to go into extra innings, it would be today. To top it off, we ended up losing, making things even worse. Not to mention how it threw off my schedule. I’d never been so glad to take my grandmother’s advice and hire a stylist for these events ... especially on a game day. Unlike her and the rest of the executive team, I sat with the fans just above our dugout. I cheered, took pictures that I then posted on his page, and sighed when we lost.
Jimmy had an incredible game. He had seven strikeouts, an RBI thanks to a masterful bunt, and crossed home twice. When our reliever got into trouble in the eighth inning, allowing Phoenix to tie the game, the entire stadium filled with tension.
Afterward, and another reason I ran behind, fans were waiting for our team to come out of the stadium. Like always, most of them screamed for Jimmy, chanting “MVP ... MVP ...” over and over again. He’d smiled and posed for a few pictures, but I knew deep down he couldn’t have been happy no matter how good of a game he had. The entire team owned the loss.
When it came to his interaction with fans and the like, there had been a definite switch in him, which could easily be attributed to me always being around. I knew his parents saw it when they were in town last week. Still, that didn’t stop women from giving him their phone numbers. As when the girl in Omaha did it, he’d hand them over to me. To say I had a small collection growing in my dresser drawer would be accurate.
Sarah and Lila both expected updates from tonight. Between the two of them and the way Jimmy came on to me at his place over a week ago, my head was spinning. Having dinner with his family, whom I adored, only added to my plight. Jimmy was wonderful with kids, and Riley had been no exception.
Crystal chandeliers bounced reflections off the glass centerpieces, casting a soft glow in the ballroom. The decorators created the perfect ambience of glitz and glam for the tuxedos and gowns circulating around the room.
A young man holding a silver tray laden with glasses of champagne appeared in front of me. Taking one, I thanked him and enjoyed a nice, healthy sip. Tiny effervescent bubbles danced on my tongue as I made my way across the room. I nodded to familiar faces as a way of saying hello to those I knew without stopping.
As I wove my way through the gathering, I focused on getting to table number five, the one where my grandparents would be. The Hawks’ organization had two tables at the event, and the ticket I’d given Jimmy had been for number fifteen. He’d be sitting with a couple of our ad executives and their guests.
The only other player attending was Remington, who would be with his wife, Meg. Remington and Meg’s foundation, Ellie’s Stars, provided support for children who suffered from monochromacy or color blindness and would also be recognized at the event.
Through my research, I knew that Jimmy contributed to Ellie’s Stars, which had been created because of Meg’s niece, who was born unable to see colors. I couldn’t imagine what that would be like. Thanks to research and the foundation, she’d received special glasses to bring the vibrancy of the world to life. Remington and Meg filmed the first time Ellie put the glasses on, and needless to say, I couldn’t stop the happy tears from streaming down my face.
Foundations like Ellie’s Stars brought hope to families, and that in itself made tonight worthwhile.
“There’s my girl,” Granddad said, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Quite a game today, wasn’t it?”
Grandma reprimanded him with a playful swat on his arm. “Earl, no shoptalk.” She pulled me into a warm embrace. “Sweetheart, you look breathtaking.”
“Thank you, Grandma. So do you.” Her flowy organza gown had sheer sleeves that ended in cuffs encrusted in green jewels. It was stunning, and I knew it to be one of a kind. My grandmother didn’t skimp when it came to fashion or bedazzling something. All her Hawks gear had some sort of gem decorating it. I glanced at my grandfather. “You look very dapper,” I said with a smile.
The eight-piece band played soft music, and as though on cue, it changed to something more upbeat at the same time Remington, Meg, and Jimmy walked in. For the most part, every man in the room wore a black tuxedo, yet no one looked as gorgeous as the two men who flanked Meg. Maybe it was her soft-pink dress that made them look even more dashing if that were possible.
If I hadn’t known better, I’d say the air had been sucked out of the room, but it must have been only my lungs because I didn’t breathe until my grandfather unknowingly nudged me.
“You’ve done wonderfully with his reputation.”
I gave him a tight smile. “I’m glad you’re pleased. We should talk about?—”
Despite my grandmother’s reprimand for talking shop, I thought I’d take the opportunity to mention getting a promotion. Except, before I could get the words out, Jimmy was standing in front of us, holding a glass of champagne. Whatever masculine cologne he wore aroused my senses, reminding me of the night he decided to make me weak in the knees.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett.” His gaze shifted to me, and when those blue eyes caressed my body, I felt it down to my toes. Hopefully no one else noticed. “Hello, Miss Bennett.”
“Hello, Jimmy.”
“You look radiant.” He lifted my hand and placed a soft kiss on it, catching me off guard. “Prettiest woman in the room.”
Why? Why did he need to be suave and romantic? Not to mention the best-looking man in the room. His suit, his hair, and the perfect amount of scruff on his handsome face had me wondering how many women would rather be in my place right now.
“She is, isn’t she?” my grandmother boasted.
The emcee for the event stood at the podium, asking us to all take our seats. “Well, I’ll see you a little later. We’ll get some pictures for your social media.”
“Sure, sounds good, but I’m not going anywhere.” He held up a place card between his thumb and forefinger. The number five was inked prominently next to his name. “Seems this is my table too. Lucky me.”
“I thought he should sit with us,” my grandmother explained. “Don’t you agree, Sommer?”
“Yes, of course,” I politely stated before narrowing my eyes at Jimmy. The man had the audacity to chuckle before pulling out my chair. “How did you pull that off?”
“I didn’t do anything. This is all your lovely grandmother’s doing. Smart woman.”
The man drove me crazy, both in good ways and bad. No, scratch that. They were all bad. I couldn’t get wrapped up in his suave moves despite how they made my panties a bit damp and my nipples tingle beneath the lace of my bra.
Mason and his wife, Francesa, arrived, and shortly after them, Henry, our VP of finance, arrived with a young woman on his arm whom I knew to be his girlfriend, Lola. She appeared to be less than half his age. When I’d talked about this event with my grandmother, she’d told me about Henry’s date and that he must be going through a midlife crisis. After seeing her dressed in the tightest red gown that could double for a second skin, I had to agree with Grandma.
All throughout dinner, I caught Lola eye-fucking Jimmy. Of course she would be. I’d bet my Gucci purse collection that if situations were different, he’d be just as into her. Uncomfortable, I shifted in my seat before spearing a piece of meat with my fork—the tines hitting the plate with a sharp ping.
Jimmy leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Easy there, killer. That cow has already met its ill fate. Although, your jealousy is a major turn-on.”
I gently set the fork down, lifted my linen napkin, and dabbed my lips. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not jealous.”
“Whatever you say, but ever since that woman sat down, you’ve been tense. If I weren’t a gentleman, I’d tell you that I know a way to ease that tension. Actually, just say the word, and I’ll work out whatever kinks you have in your body.”
“I thought you were going to be a gentleman.”
“I am. Remember, I’m not touching you until you ask.”
“Not going to happen.”
Jimmy nonchalantly shrugged. Nervous that someone might have heard him, I quickly straightened my spine and turned toward my grandmother. “Dinner was lovely.”
“Oh, it sure was. And I’ve heard that the donations have reached over three and a half million dollars. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes, it is.” I knew that the Hawks’ organization had donated over one hundred thousand, not including this table, which was five thousand per place setting.
The servers cleared the plates, cocktail tables were shifted, and the band members returned to the stage after taking a break. The ensemble was old school, dressed in black pants, white jackets, and black bow ties.
“We’re the Stargazers. Let’s get this party started.” Several people got up and made their way toward the bar. Many were men, most likely needing liquid courage or merely wanting an excuse not to get dragged onto the dance floor.
The drummer tapped his sticks together, and as usual, the band started with “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. Several people hopped up and hustled to the dance floor. The lights dimmed a bit, allowing spotlights to shine on the spinning mirrored ball, casting a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes over the parquet floor.
“Tough break today,” Henry said, pulling our attention away from the dancers.
I glanced at Jimmy. He gave a curt nod. “Yes, it was.”
“Well, you can’t win them all,” Grandma interjected. “I thought you pitched one heck of a game. And that bunt was superb.”
My head snapped in her direction because I knew damn well she’d spent the day at the spa, getting ready for tonight. I knew because she wanted me to go with her. When I declined, she told me about a bikini wax she had scheduled for me because ladies should be neat and tidy. I’d never been so happy to be too busy for the spa. It wasn’t that I didn’t agree with her, but when your grandmother is the one who makes that appointment, it veered on the edge of mortifying. Grandma had to be the youngest seventy-two-year-old I knew. A true spitfire.
Jimmy gave her a sweet smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Bennett. I appreciate that.”
“You’re a pitcher?” Much to my displeasure, Lola’s sugarcoated voice soured my stomach.
“I am, yes.”
“His father drafted him to the Hawks,” Henry added with a hint of unappreciation, and before I could stop myself, I jumped to Jimmy’s defense.
“The Hawks would have drafted him on our own, regardless of Cash’s involvement. Jimmy was a star from his freshman year at Blossom Berry Falls High School. We were just lucky that we got him before anyone else did.”
My heartbeat soared and banged against my rib cage as though it had been trying to escape the confines of my chest. I did my best to calm my quickened breath, afraid it would match my pulse, now residing in my ears. With my luck, I’d hyperventilate or something. I couldn’t believe I’d just said all of that. Tentatively, I turned my head to look at Jimmy. Those sexy-as-hell eyes held mine for a few seconds too long.
I didn’t know how to read his expression. He almost looked mad, the way his jaw tensed beneath a shadow of scruff.
Thankfully Mason spoke up, taking the burden off my shoulders. “Sommer is right. We heard about the kid from Virginia before Cash was even in the picture.”
A bit shocked that Mason admitted that, although he conveniently omitted who knew his stats. I was the one who’d read about him in an online news article. Even when I was in high school, I followed various sporting news outlets from around the country. When one had popped up about Jimmy Hall, I made note of his name and continued to check on him. Then it all blew up when Cash came into the picture. At that point, there had been zero reason for me to say anything to my grandfather.
When one of the most beloved pitchers finds out he has a son with his high school sweetheart, and that son had the potential to be a better player than him, it naturally hit the headlines. That was how Mason found out. Me going to Granddad only sounded as though I wanted the credit ... even though it should have been mine.
I didn’t talk about it. Jimmy had no idea ... well ... he might now or at least know enough to ask questions. Reaching forward, I wrapped my hand around my half-full champagne flute and emptied it in one quick swallow.
The music shifted, and a saxophone started playing before trumpets joined in. “Oh, honey, my favorite song,” Grandma said as the band played “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. She placed her hand on my grandfather’s arm. “Earl, let’s dance.”
“Sorry, honey. My knee isn’t up for swing dancing tonight. Maybe next time.”
Movement next to me caught my eye. Jimmy rose, walked around the back of my chair, and stood between my grandparents. “Sir, may I ask your wife to dance?”
Granddad smiled before he nodded. Jimmy offered my grandmother his hand. “Shall we?”
She placed her aged one in his, and they skirted between a few tables before taking the center of the floor. My eyes stayed glued to them as I wondered whether he could dance. Then they started to move, and my question was answered. The others around them slowly made their way to the edge of the dance floor, giving Jimmy and Grandma room to move. It was as though they had danced together several times before. The joy on my grandmother’s face fed my soul with so much happiness. And when I glanced at him, Jimmy had a similar expression.
The hem of her black dress lifted off the ground as he spun her under his arm with graceful movements. Suddenly captivated, I couldn’t help but stare. His steps were fluid as they glided effortlessly across the parquet floor. Others moved aside to give them room. The song ended, and he brought her toward him, held her hand in his, and kissed the back of it.
Everyone applauded, and even the lead singer commented on how wonderful they were. Grandma beamed as she walked—no, floated—toward us. Jimmy pulled out her chair before reclaiming his own.
“Where did you learn to dance like that?” I couldn’t help but want to know.
“Believe it or not, my grandfather on my mom’s side. He told me that a young man needed to know how to dance.”
“He taught you?”
“No, he enrolled me in a six-week ballroom dance class when I was sixteen.” He shrugged. “Paid off, I guess. My parents would dance in my living room and try to teach me things, but after a while, it got to be a little embarrassing.” He chuckled. “Not for them, for me. Watching your parents swoon over each other while trying to show their son some basic steps so he didn’t embarrass himself at a school dance was nothing like what me and your grandmother just did.”
Did I have him all wrong? I couldn’t help but wonder. Between Ariel, Riley, how he was with his parents, and now my grandmother, maybe Jimmy wasn’t that bad of a guy.
He put his hand on my arm, pulling me away from my thoughts. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you.”
He stood and excused himself to the bar, with Henry and Mason joining him. Grandma leaned over to me. “That Jimmy is a wonderful young man.”
“I suppose.”
“And very strong. What a terrific partner. You don’t see moves like that in someone his age.” She inched her way closer. “As some would say, a man who can dance is an amazing lover.”
“Grandma!” I hissed. “Shh.” Her laugh had me smiling. “Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you just said that.”
“Pfft. It’s the truth. Don’t let a man like that get away.”
“We’re only friends.”
“Honey, the way he looks at you says differently. Let yourself have some fun.”
“I have fun,” I argued and kept my stance. I always had. “We’re all wrong for each other. And you know I don’t date players.”
Grandma hadn’t witnessed my broken heart firsthand, but she knew about it. One week, I told her about a wonderful guy I met who could be the one, and then several months later told her that he was a jerk and only liked me because I was affiliated with the Hawks.
No more athletes ... especially those who played for the Hawks.
The band played a few more songs, most with an upbeat tempo, and after Jimmy returned, the conversation switched from baseball to the charities we were all there to support. The music slowed again, and I smiled, seeing Remington and Meg in a sweet dancer’s embrace on the dance floor. They swayed back and forth, looking into each other’s eyes.
“Oh, I love this song,” Lola announced to no one in particular, considering Henry and Mason were still at the bar. “Jimmy, would you like to dance with me? I’m sure Henry wouldn’t mind.”
He stood, and my insides did a quick somersault. I could read my grandmother’s mind—a woman like Lola wouldn’t hesitate to go after what she wanted even though she was there on someone else’s arm. Then, in the sexiest voice I’d ever heard, he let her down gently. “Sorry, this dance is for Sommer.” I tipped my head back and looked up at him. As he did to my grandmother, he offered me his strong hand. “May I have this dance, Miss Bennett?”
“Go on,” Grandma urged with a sharp fingernail prodding the center of my back.
I took his hand, just as she had done, and let him lead me to the floor. Jimmy’s warm palm settled on the small of my back. A whoosh of heat spread through me, igniting a flutter of nerves in my belly.
We rocked back and forth, staying silent, my eyes focused on the buttons of his shirt, scared to look up at him. Scared that he’d see that he had an effect on me. One that I didn’t know how to deal with. He moved our joined hands until they rested under my chin. I tilted my head back and found his heated gaze on me.
“What’s wrong?”
“I thought you were mad at me,” I stupidly admitted. “You looked upset when I defended you.”
“Upset? Are you kidding me? Do you know how fucking sexy that was? Granted, I was shocked as hell that you did that, but fuck, Sommer. You have no idea what that did to me or how much I want to kiss you.”
My jaw slightly slackened.
“Those plump lips have been haunting me since the day you walked into the conference room. How do you not feel the pull between us?”
I lied. I felt everything. My heart warred with my brain. Despite everything, I answered with, “Because we’re friends, and that’s all I can feel.”
“Why? Because you know we should be together and that we’d set the world on fire?”
Surprising him and myself, I nodded. “Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, that’s exactly why.”