Blake (Season One: The Ninth Inning #2) (19 page)

Me: I’ve seen your MAN card. It’s pretty attached.

I bite down on my lip, holding back my smile. I think about our night together before I left for the beach and the familiar ache for him returns.

Blake: Want to see it again?

Me: Yes. Right now would be nice. However, I have no makeup on and I’m in my pajamas.

I rub my thighs together hoping the friction dulls the desire I’m feeling.

Blake: Give me your address.

Me: You’re supposed to be resting.

Blake: Give me your address.

Me: Well, if you were here, you could lie on your back and I could take care of you.

I giggle at the screen as it alerts me of a phone call coming through. Of course, it’s him.

“Give me your address now, Sofia.” I tell him. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Don’t you dare move.” He ends the call, and I jump up out of bed.

I change into a thong and a matching lace tank top. I double check, making sure I don’t look like a zombie without makeup, but the sun I got from the beach makes my skin a golden brown.

Before I know it, I hear the doorbell and grab my robe. He must have been speeding the whole way over here. I head down the stairs, but stop about halfway because Harmony has already opened the door and let him in.

“Well, I guess I’ll be wearing my noise canceling headphones.” Harmony looks between us.

I hold my hand out for Blake. “Good night, Harmony,” I say and head back to my bedroom.

“Like you’ll be sleeping!” she yells up at me and I ignore her.

The second I close the door, Blake pushes me up against it and fiercely kisses me. He slides his tongue into my mouth, and I lightly suck it, causing him to moan heavily. He unties my robe and pushes it off my shoulders. I fist my hands in his hair and press my body harder against him. He tenses.

“Shit.” I pull away from him. “I forgot. I’m sorry.” I try catching my breath.

“Don’t be sorry. The only thing I care about is you right now.”

I lightly touch the cotton material of his shirt. There are other ways to take care of him and not hurt him. I duck out of his hold and take his hand, guiding him to the edge of the bed.

“Stay and tell me if I hurt you.” As easily as I can, I pull up his shirt. I notice he winces once, but together, we get it off him.

I kiss down his chest and take extra time around each bruise. When I reach the top of his jeans and belt, I fully drop to my knees in front of him. I look up at him and he’s staring down at me with bright hazel eyes. I keep our eyes locked together as I undo his belt and unbutton his pants. I tug his clothing down and swiftly take him in my mouth. Blake softly gasps and grasps the side of my head.

At first, I slowly work him in my mouth. Listening to his soft moans and heavy breathing causes me to move faster and take him further back in my throat.

“Sofia.” His gruff, sexually aroused tone makes me smile around him. I use my tongue roughly on his underside and he pulls my hair tighter. “If you don’t stop that, I’m going to come in your mouth,” he growls at me, but he pushes deeper into my mouth.

I squeeze his hands and slide my mouth off him. “Not tonight, Blakey. Lie down.” I rise up and he kicks off his jeans.

He kisses me again and removes my tank top. He slides my thong down, and he lands on his knees in front of me. I perk one eyebrow at him. He kisses each of my hipbones and pushes open my thighs. My knees are weak as he slides down my sex and sucks on my clit. I throw my head back as the sensation of his tongue overtakes me.

“Blake.” It’s my turn to pant. “Please.” My plea makes him suck harder and my hands are fisted harder in his hair. I’m about to find my release and my knees buckle. Blake holds my ass tighter, but doesn’t stop sucking me. “Blake,” I moan his name as I shake with release. Once he lets go of me and stands, he licks his lips and smirks.

“You think you’re all bad ass now?” I breathe out, still shaking.

“Oh, I know it.” His smirk deepens.

“Then lie down and I’ll show you that I’m better.”

Blake does. I grab a condom from the drawer and slide it on him. I swing my leg over his hips and he pushes up as I sink down on him.

I make sure I don’t put any pressure on his chest or side as I grind on him. The only sounds is the pounding of our skin and moaning. I feel him tightening up inside me and I can’t hold much longer myself. He growls out my name and pumps faster. He squeezes my hips tight and I think he might even bruise them, but I don’t care. I push on him harder and we hit our release together.

“I needed that.” He takes a deep breath, trying to regulate his breathing.

“Me too. It’s been a long three days without you.”

“I need to clean up.”

I point to my right and he heads over to the bathroom. I push my hair out of my eyes and grab his t-shirt from the floor and follow him.

“Are you okay?” I rub my hand up and down his bare back.

“I’m great.” He turns to me with a smile on his face. “I missed you.”

I kiss his lips. “I missed you, too. Will stay tonight?”

“Do you mean sleep in your bed, holding you all night long?” He inhales sharply. “I don’t know if my dick can handle it.”

“Well,” I walk my fingers down his chest and grasp him. “If you have a problem with morning wood, I know the perfect solution.” I look up at him through my lashes.

“I’m staying.”

I giggle as he bends, nips at my neck, and leads me back to bed.

THE SMILE HASN’T left my face since Blake and I were together last night. Tonight’s game is a big one since the Chicago team is first in the division. In the bottom of the third inning, Blake comes up to bat. He’s in a lot of pain, but his face doesn’t show it. You can only see his signature scowl.

Mom, Harmony, Dad and I all watch as Blake swings and connects with the ball on the first pitch. It’s high into left field and hugs the foul line, but it clears the bright white line and he runs until he’s safe at second base.

“He made it second base last night too. Didn’t he?” Harmony whispers in my ear.

My cheeks heat up and it’s not because of the humidity. I don’t comment and only look ahead.

“Oh, wait.” Harmony snaps her fingers. “I’m pretty sure I heard a grand slam this morning in the shower.”

I cover my smile as the memory of Blake hopping into the shower and taking me from behind washes over me. Harmony snorts a giggle as Mom gets up and heads over to respond to the knocking on our box door.

“Caroline,” Mom coos and I turn to see Blake’s mother walking in. She’s wearing a long jacket and her dark glasses. If Blake’s bruises were any indication of Jack’s force, I’d hate to see Caroline’s.

I stand and walk over, softly hugging her. I don’t want to hurt her further. “Mrs. Foster, it’s so great to see you.”

“Sofia, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Her smile is bright.

“May I get you something to drink?” I offer.

“No, thank you. I’m actually here to talk to Art and Viv for a moment, and then I’ll leave you alone.”

“Don’t run off,” Mom says. “Are you here alone?”

Caroline nods. “Jack’s under the weather and hasn’t left the house in a few days.”

I wonder what Blake did to him and if it’s why he hasn’t been out. That’s not like Jack at all.

“Well, I’ll leave you to talk to my parents, but please stay when you’re finished,” I encourage her.

She lovingly pats my cheek as my dad comes up behind me. I turn and sit back down by Harmony.

“What’s that about?” she whispers.

“I’m not sure.” I shrug and look back on the field. Blake is on third base now and he’s itching to steal home.

I watch as Tanner comes up to bat and after a strike and a ball, he swings. The ball is high into centerfield. Blake holds his position about a couple feet from the third base. The centerfielder catches it, making Tanner out, but Blake sprints to home plate, sliding between the legs of the Chicago catcher. The catcher tags him hard in the chest, and I wince seeing how slowly Blake gets up. He’s safe but in a lot of pain.

I watch the next two innings and notice that Caroline, Mom, and Dad are quietly talking. Mom catches me looking at her and gives me the
look
and I quickly turn around. I know that look means it isn’t any of my business. I stay focused on the game until they all three come down to sit with us, but they don’t mention anything they talked about.

We don’t talk much throughout the rest of the game. When the Angels win, Dad stands and turns to me. “Get Blake and meet us at the steakhouse.” His voice leaves no room for argument or discussion. I quickly head down to the locker room.

“Blake!” I yell for him before he goes to the media room. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. What is it?”

“Your mom is with us and Dad wants us at the steakhouse. I think it’s important.”

“Is Jack with her?” He looks concerned.

“She said he’s sick. Hurry up. I’ll wait by your truck. They’ve already left.” Blake nods and heads his way and I go mine.

I stand by the truck and it’s not too long before he comes out. “Are you sure she’s okay?” he asks again as he opens the door.

“Well, besides the thick sunglasses and jacket she’s wearing, she seemed fine.” I hop in the truck. Blake nods and rushes to his side and we’re off to the steakhouse.

Blake valets the truck, and he takes my hand as we head inside. I give the hostess my name and she leads us both to the back where the private dining area is. My family and Caroline are already sitting there. Caroline has her sunglasses off and I can see the heavy makeup on her cheeks and around her eyes, but the black and blue bruises are still coming through.

Caroline stands and Blake hugs her, kissing her cheeks. I can see how careful he is with her. I lean over and kiss her cheek softly too and Blake holds out my chair for me and his mom. He shakes Dad’s hand and hugs my mom and Harmony.

The waiter comes, takes our orders, and pours the wine. Blake declines the alcohol and asks for a water instead. Caroline actually looks relaxed as she sips the wine in front of her and I wonder what’s going on.

Once the waiter brings Blake’s water and leaves, Dad is the first to speak up. “Now that we’re all here, we need to have a discussion. Caroline, would you like to start?”

“Thank you, Art.” Caroline turns to Blake and smiles at him. “I’m leaving Jack.”

“Thank God.” Blake drops his head back as if he’s really thanking Him. “Wait, then what do we need to discuss?” He looks between my dad and his mom.

“Well, Art and Vivian have been nice enough to let me purchase a house from them. See,” Caroline shifts in her chair and she looks nervous. “I’ve hidden some money away through the years. The problem is if I own anything when I divorce Jack, he can have half of it.”

“Okay.” Blake looks confused.

“Blake.” Dad gathers his attention. “Vivian and I need for the property to be in your name and then you can turn it over to your mother at a later time if you so wish.”

“Mom, you can stay with me or I can buy you a house.” Blake turns back to his mom.

“Son.” She rubs his shoulder. “I’m not going to live with you. You have your own life. The house I’m getting is in a gated community and it will be harder for Jack to come find me. I’m fifty, Blake. My body, my mind,” she pauses and shakes her head. I can feel my own tears building. “I can’t take it. He’s going to kill me if I stay.”

Blake closes his eyes and I know he’s holding back his own emotions. I squeeze his thigh and gain his attention.

“Don’t take Mom’s money. I’ll pay for the house,” Blake tells Dad.

He nods at him. “I figured you would.”

Mom pulls out a stack of papers. “Now, this is very informal paperwork,” Mom tells him. “We don’t need to involve lawyers or any of that.”

Blake flips through the papers and sits back. “You’re selling a two bedroom, two bath house to us for five thousand dollars?”

“Yes,” Dad answers.

“That’s not right, Mr. Gardner. I’m more than willing to give you a fair and market price,” Blake counters.

“To my wife and me, it is a fair price. Caroline can take the rest of her money and fix up the house anyway she wants. The lights, gas, and water are all connected already. She can go tonight,” Dad informs him.

“I can get you a check in the morning. All I have on me is credit cards.” Blake’s voice cracks.

“I’m confident that you will, Blake. Sign the papers, let’s have a good family dinner, and enjoy a new beginning.” Dad nods at him.

Harmony hands Blake a pen and he scribbles his name on the correct pages and hands the stack back to Mom. My heart swells with pride for Caroline and Blake and for my family.

“I have everything in my car,” Caroline tells Blake.

“How long have you three been working on this?” I ask.

“A little while,” Mom answers me.

“That’s why you didn’t leave with me the other night,” Blake lowers his voice.

Caroline nods. “Jack would have followed us to your house and caused you more trouble than you need. This way, I can leave from here and he won’t be able to follow me.” She takes a deep breath. “He’ll find me eventually, but it’ll be awhile. However, I’ll have a few nights of peace.”