Blake (Season One: The Ninth Inning #2) (21 page)

I slowly reach up and run my finger along his jaw, feeling the rough stubble along it. I lift a bit and place a soft kiss on the cleft of his chin. He quietly moans and his hazel eyes are bright when he opens them.

“Hi.”

He smirks and tucks me under his chin. “Why are you awake? We don’t have to be up for another hour.”

“I woke up,” I mumble into his chest.

“Go back to sleep.” He softly runs his hand up and down my bare back.

“I’m awake, Blakey. Let me up and I’ll make us some breakfast.”

“Mmm, pancakes.”

I giggle. “If you want pancakes, then you’ll have to let me go.”

“Fine,” he grumbles and releases me.

I roll out of the bed and grab his t-shirt from the floor and head off to the bathroom. I have my items already laid out on the counter and I try to hold back my smile because it looks like it belongs there. Blake loves me, and I softly giggle in the empty bathroom as I think of his words last night.

I quickly get ready and head downstairs to make Blake some pancakes. I’m not the world’s greatest chef, but I can whip up something for him. I’m making the batter when he walks in. His red flannel boxers hang low on his hips as he gives me a quick kiss.

“Coffee is ready for you.” I point over to the coffee maker. “Did you sleep okay? I was trying to give you enough room because your bruises still must be hurting.”

“Stop worrying about it, Sofia. I barely know they’re there anymore. I had too much room, really. That’s why I made sure you were closer this morning.”

“I’m not sure if I can handle all this lovey-doveyness from you. Where’s my tough Blakey?”

“He’s here, and he’s demanding you hurry the hell up with my pancakes.”

“Ah, there he is.”

I serve him the pancakes, smothered in butter and maple syrup. We eat in silence, but it’s not uncomfortable. I enjoy being in Blake’s house. It feels like home to me. I push thoughts of our relationship moving any further out of my mind. I don’t want to rush anything with Blake.

“I’m going to meet your mother for lunch today. Do you want to meet up for dinner?” I ask as we clear up the dishes and mess I made.

“Yeah, that sounds good.”

I give him a quick kiss and then head upstairs to get ready. Apparently, Blake thinks he’s being cute and joins me in the shower. I giggle and squirm as he kisses and teases me, but eventually, we clean up and head out.

I follow his truck all the way to the stadium. When we park, Blake slips me a quick kiss and we head off in two different directions. My smile stays on my face through Colby’s and Trent’s appointments. I’m even ahead on my paperwork and emails, which is a rarity for me lately.

I glance at the clock and realize that it’s time for me to head to Caroline’s house. I hear the laughter and crude jokes from the other side of the door from the players’ locker room. It’s a nice sound to hear.

There’s not much traffic on the road, which surprises me since it’s a pretty day. I hit the buzzer and tell Caroline I’m here. She opens the gates and I drive the rest of the way to her house.

“Sofia, I’m so glad you made it.” She greets me at the door.

“Of course, Caroline.” I smile and hug her as I walk into her house.

“It’s been forever since I’ve entertained in my home. Well, I mean, Jack didn’t allow for my friends to come over. All this is so new.” She looks nervous.

I touch her hand. “It’s only me. We’re going to have a grand time, okay?” I smile at her.

“Yes, of course, you’re right. Here, let’s sit.” We walk over to the small kitchen table. “I know that you need to get back to work soon. I hope soup and salad is okay?”

“Sounds delicious and don’t rush on my account. I scheduled Blake as my first appointment back, so if I’m a little late, he’ll understand.” I laugh it off.

“Well, I don’t want to get you into trouble.” She places a basket of bread on the table and a large bowl of salad with a couple of empty bowls. She goes back to the stove and ladles out some soup and carries it over to me.

“You don’t have to do all of this, Caroline. A simple sandwich would have been fine. I usually have peanut butter and jelly when I pack my lunch.”

She waves her hand. “It’s no trouble. I’m happy to be cooking something simple. Jack always had to have such lavish meals,” she pauses. “When he was on the road, Blake and I would order out or make something together. I don’t think my teaching skills worked a lot. He orders out more than anyone I know.” She shakes her head.

“Oh, he does okay. It’s mainly because he’s on the road so much,” I defend him.

“True.”

We eat for a few moments in silence. “Caroline, this soup is really good.”

“It’s one of Blake’s favorites. I would always make it for him when he was sick. I haven’t made it in a long time because Jack doesn’t like tomato soup, but I’m glad you are enjoying it.” She seems pleased.

“If you don’t mind, may I ask a personal question?” It’s none of my business, but I’m curious about her life.

“You can ask anything you want.”

“Why did you stay?”

Caroline sits her spoon down and looks out the window that shows off her small backyard. “I loved him and I thought I could change him. Then after Blake came, I tried to leave, but it was always worse when I did, so I stayed. Blake grew up, and he tried so hard to protect me, but I didn’t want him to get hurt. I wanted him to go far away to college, but my son stayed near me.” She stops talking and I know how hard this is for her.

“He’s a great man. You raised an amazing son, Caroline.”

“Blake loves you. You have opened his eyes to a whole new world. He’s kept people at arm's length all his life, but you broke him down.” She smiles at me. “Thank you for that.”

I blush at her words. “I wanted to help and just be his friend, but it grew from there.”

“His eyes light up when he talks about you. The first time we talked about you, after he dropped the bomb at that lunch, I could tell then. You’re different and different is what he needs.”

“Thank you, Caroline. It means a lot to me that we have your blessing.”

She pats my hand and changes the subject to my shoes. Soon, we begin talking about new fashion trends and why we hate skinny jeans on guys. I laugh, as does she, and it’s sweet seeing the same smile that Blake has. I have a feeling there hasn’t been much laughter in the Foster home with Jack there.

I help her clean up, even though she tells me not to. She tells me stories of Blake and his love for baseball. Caroline even tells me a few embarrassing stories of Blake, even though they aren’t as bad as my parents could tell about me.

We both jump when the pounding on the door begins. All the color fades from Caroline’s face as Jack begins yelling from the other side.

“Caroline, I know you’re in there! You open this door right now!”

“Oh, no.” Caroline’s eyes fill with tears and she’s shaking like leaf in the wind.

“I’m going to call the police.” I grab my cell.

“No.” She stops me. “Call Blake first.”

The pounding continues. “I’m not leaving until I have you in the car and back home!”

“How did he find me?” She sniffles and I quickly dial Blake’s number.

“Hey, Sof—”

“Blake, I’m at your mother’s house. Jack’s outside. He’s found her,” I cut him off and rush out my words.

“Fuck!” His shout causes me to move my ear back. “I’m on my way. Don’t let him in the house.” He hangs up as Jack begins to kick at the door, trying to knock it open.

“Sofia, go upstairs and hide in the spare room closet. I’ll keep him down here.”

“No,” I tell her firmly. “I’m not leaving your side. I will not let you get hurt.”

“Sofia.” She tries to push me toward the stairs, but Jack gains access to the house by kicking the door in.

“Caroline.” He looks like a wreck and I can smell the alcohol from over here. His shirt is wrinkled as are his pants. The shirt is untucked and his belt is loosened. “You need to get your ass into the car and fucking get home.”

Caroline pulls me behind her and stares at Jack. “I’m not coming with you, Jack, and you need to leave. You’re drunk and causing a scene in front of company.”

“Oh, looky here. Sofia Gardner. I do believe you owe me a date.”

My stomach turns as he staggers closer to us. “Mr. Foster, why don’t you have a seat? I can get you some coffee.” I’m trying to keep him away from Caroline until Blake shows up. Shit, I didn’t get a chance to call the police. I hope Blake did it for us.

“Do I look like I need to take orders from a fucking bitch like you? Do I?” he screams louder.

“Jack, stop it. You’re drunk and you need to leave. This is Blake’s house,” Caroline says louder.

“Blake? That bastard son of mine bought you a fucking house?”

“Yes. I’m staying here and you’re not welcome.” Caroline lifts her chin and I feel a small sense of pride that she’s standing up to him.

“Not welcome? You’re my wife. You’re mine, and don’t think for one second that I’m going anywhere. Now, get in the car.” Jack takes a step toward us, but we step back. “Did you think I wouldn’t find you? Did you really think I wouldn’t come and collect what was mine? Did you?”

“Jack, you need to leave. I’m sure the neighbors have already contacted the police. You don’t want your name in the paper for this,” she continues to reason with him.

“I am Jack Foster! My name isn’t going to be in any paper because I’m fucking Jack Foster. I control everything in this town!” His voice is growing more hoarse as he yells louder at us.

“Jack.” Before Caroline can say anything else, he lunges for her. She quickly moves me out of his way, but he’s able to grab her wrist.

I gasp as he tugs on her arm and she screams out in pain. I can’t let anything happen to her. I yell Jack’s name and push hard on his chest. He stops for one second, but lifts his hand in the air. It’s as if I’m seeing it in slow motion as the swing comes down toward Caroline’s face. I jump in between them and he connects with my jaw. I scream out in pain and fall to the floor.

I clutch the side of my face and try to rise back to my feet. When I look up, Jack has Caroline up against the wall, still yelling at her. My vision is blurry and I can’t keep my balance and fall back to the floor. I blink several times and I think I hear sirens. I definitely can hear Caroline’s screams.

Suddenly, there’s shouting from several unfamiliar voices. I look up and see two policemen pulling Jack off Caroline. They throw him to the floor, quickly place handcuffs on him and carry him away. Caroline comes to my side and helps me sit up.

“Oh, Sofia. Oh, sweet girl.” She touches my face and I wince in pain. “Sofia, sit still. We’ll get you some help. Can you move your jaw?”

I slowly open and close my mouth and nod. “Are you okay?” I finally ask.

“I’ve had worse, but this is going to be one ugly bruise.” I look over her shoulder and there are two paramedics coming through the door.

That’s fast
, I think. They crouch down and begin examining me. It hurts more each time they touch my cheek and jaw.

“Mom! Sofia!” I hear Blake’s voice as he comes bounding into the house. Caroline quickly meets him, but his eyes land on me. He glances at his mom, and once he’s sure she’s okay, he pushes past her toward me, almost knocking over one of the men working on me. “Are you okay?”

I nod, but I’m unable to say anything right then because the throbbing and pounding of my face and head suddenly become worse.

“I got here as fast as I could. I called the cops on my way.” Blake’s face is ashen, and he looks as if he’s going to be sick. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“I think we should take you to the hospital. You might need an x-ray to double check your jaw,” the paramedic says.

I nod and Blake helps me up and out to the ambulance. On my way, I see Jack in the back of the police car and his evil smirk is in place. I remember something he said to Caroline and I turn to Blake.

“My dad. Call him,” I’m able to tell him. “Tell him.” I touch his cheek to let him know I’m not mad.

“I will. I’ll meet you at the hospital.” Blake’s looks as if he’s about to cry now.

“Okay.” I take the ice pack from the medic and sit on the stretcher in the back of the ambulance.

“NOTHING IS BROKEN, but you’re going to have a bruise and some tenderness for a while. Overall, you’ll be fine.” The emergency room doctor nods at me.

“Thank you,” I say.

“Now, may I let your father and boyfriend in here before they both tear down the hospital?”

I nod. I didn’t want them back here until I knew what the doctor had to say. I didn't want either of them to lose their cool with the doctor.

The doctor walks out, and it’s not even a moment later that my entire family, Blake, and Caroline all come rushing at me. Harmony and Mom have been crying because their makeup is all over their faces, as they wrap me up in their arms. I do my best to calm them down, but it’s still hard to talk with the swelling that seems to be growing. I look over at my dad and his face is red with anger. Blake and Caroline have a mix of emotions and I want to tell them it’s okay, but Mom and Harmony won’t let me go.

I sit back and they loosen their hold on me. “I’m okay,” I push out.