Twenty minutes, and the starting lineup emerged. Tall, strong, swaggering. They looked hot in their uniforms. Alyn admired each one. They lived and breathed baseball.
Halo stood out to her. He had a restless edginess. He wore his baseball cap backwards, his game face was set. He looked serious as he took his seat on a tall stool in the center of the plaza. He and Landon flanked team captain Rylan Cates. She located Sam Matthews, far right. His face appeared red and slightly raw, as if scrubbed, with only a hint of squiggly black at the corner of his mouth. Most of the marker had disappeared.
Halo scanned the crowd. Looking for her. Finding her. He stared overly long. Her pulse jumped. She fidgeted. His slow grin aroused her. She grew warmer than the sunshine. Danny saw him looking their way, and waved. Halo nodded back.
She glanced about. The press was well represented, from what she could tell. A gathering of national and local television stations, newspapers, and sports magazines. Introductions of the players soon followed. Jillian detailed each man's career, beginning with veteran Rylan Cates, and moving down the line.
Ry was the hometown boy. The extended Cates family was in attendance. He received a solid round of applause. Halo and Landon came next. They received standing ovations. Alyn had never seen anything like it. Fans went crazy for them. They were good-looking and single. Desirable and admired. And known for playing as hard off the field as on. She wondered if Halo could be faithful. Or if his DNA was wired for multiple partners.
Halo and Landon went on to salute the crowd, but didn't do anything that drew attention from the other players. They were unified. One for all.
Five reporters took turns asking questions. One asked if the team was prepared for the upcoming season. Rylan responded, “We're primed.”
Which team was their biggest challenge? Halo answered, “Each team we face on any given game day.”
Were the players looking forward to Opening Day? Landon kept it simple. “It starts our season.”
The reporters ran through their list of questions. Depth of the bullpen. Any minor injuries. Predictions. Toward the end of the session, one reporter asked if veteran Rylan Cates was a father figure to the team.
Halo fielded it. “We call him âDad.' ”
The crowd clapped, liking his response. From what Alyn could tell, Rylan was a few years older than his teammates. Maturity was on his side. Every team needed a leader.
Jillian joined the guys once again. She appreciated everyone's enthusiasm and participation during the spring training contest. She then requested that the players introduce their winners, and read a short paragraph from the letter they'd received.
Alyn's breath caught. Her stomach sank. Halo hadn't read Danny's letter. He'd admitted as much to her in the living room of her home. Her brother would be disappointed. And she had no way to save the day.
The men took over the microphone and, one by one, called their winners forward. Jillian passed each player the appropriate letter. There was both humor and seriousness conveyed over the next half hour. Landon told the crowd Eleanor enjoyed baseball. She and her husband hadn't missed a game when he'd been alive. Eleanor took the mic from him, and stated she was ninety years old. She'd lived a good life and could cross spring training off her bucket list. She tapped her cane, adding that she and Herman were happy now.
Not everyone understood “Herman,” but Alyn did. She smiled. The woman and her cane would continue on their journey. Wherever it would take them.
There was continuous applause and a few tears shed during the introductions. The army veteran brought the fans to their feet. Cheers honored his military service.
Rylan's winner surprised everyone present. It was a Doberman named Lassiter, led out by his owner. The letter stated that Lassiter loved to chase and catch baseballs. They were his favorite toy. Somehow, while playing in the park, he'd caught a ball, and it got lodged in his throat. He nearly died. Thanks to successful emergency surgery, the dobie had survived. Rylan held up the letter. Signed with a paw print.
The fans went crazy. Good wishes for Lassiter rose on the air. It was a joyous moment. Halo was the final Rogue to call up his winner. Danny jumped off the bleachers and was headed to Halo before the ballplayer finished saying his name.
Alyn clutched her hands in her lap, so tightly her knuckles turned white. Surely Halo wouldn't embarrass her brother. What could he say that would come even close to what Danny had written?
The right fielder locked eyes with her across the plaza. He knew that she believed he'd failed Danny. His look said he was about to prove her wrong. He placed his big hand over the boy's shoulder, went on to withdraw an envelope tucked into the back waistband of his uniform pants. Halo took out the letter, and began to highlight the contents. “Danny Jayne has been a baseball fan all his life.” Pause. “He's eight.” The crowd responded with arm pumps and
woot-woots
. “His father took him to his first baseball game, and he has happy memories of the time they spent together. My bobble head is on his bedroom dresser.” Smiles from the crowd.
Halo paused, allowing his next words to sink in. “Danny's father passed away, following the end of last season. His mother promised he could still attend our games. She would take him. Still, it wouldn't be the same. Guys watch baseball better than girls.” Chuckles and a few sniffles.
Alyn pressed her palm over her heart. She bit down on her bottom lip to still the trembling. She listened as Halo said, “This week is guy time. Danny's here, chaperoned by his mother and sister. We will celebrate America's pastime in memory of his dad.” Hearts opened, and applause welcomed Danny to spring training.
“A question for you, Danny,” came from one of the reporters. “How happy are you to be here?”
His smile spoke for him. Ear-to-ear, and eyes shining.
The reporter nodded. “Good answer.” A photographer took his picture.
Her brother gave Halo a huge hug, then ran back to Alyn. Sitting still was not an option, so he stood before her. Rocking heel-toe and bobbing. Fortunately, he was short, and didn't draw any complaints.
She felt Halo's eyes on her, and met his gaze. He raised one eyebrow questioningly, almost smugly, and she nodded in turn. She had no idea how he'd pulled off the letter, until he side-eyed Jillian. She then understood. Assistance from the community liaison had saved the day. She was grateful. Beyond words.
Jillian retrieved the microphone, allowed the Rogues one final comment. “Anything personal you'd like to share with your fans?” she asked them.
Pitcher Will Ridgeway announced he'd recently purchased a house in Barefoot William. This would be his off-season residence. The townies loudly embraced his move.
Landon told those gathered that he was setting up a sports camp in Richmond. Hopefully, a second one in Barefoot William the next year. Major League players would hold clinics. Professional teams loved to scout young talent.
Zoo drew mass approval with, “I'll be visiting the hospital while I'm in town. Times and dates will be posted on the Rogues' website. You're welcome to join me. One condition, dress as a superhero. I'm Captain America.”
Rylan's news centered on his Great Dane. Atlas had fathered a litter of puppies. He was a local canine legend. Fans barked.
Halo came up next. The last to share news. Alyn had no idea what he might say. The man was unpredictable at best. She listened intently along with all those present. “I recognize so many of you,” he began. “My party squad. The wild and reckless. We've shared pitchers of beer. Swapped stories. You're like family.”
Hoots and hollers. Whistles. “Yeah, baby,” and “You go, man,” echoed behind Alyn. From both men and women.
“Life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it.” He spoke slowly, distinctly. “My curveball, a woman. We found each other when neither of us was looking. Times change. Often for the better. You have to take advantage of those moments that feel right.
Really
right,” he emphasized. “I have. I'm recently engaged.”
He shocked the plaza to silence.
Jaws dropped.
Eyes went wide.
Female hearts broke.
Men had lost a sexual hero.
Alyn wanted to kill him.
Nine
E
ngaged?
Alyn thumped the side of her head. Needing to clear her ears. Had she heard him correctly? Apparently so, given his teammates' stares. Confused and disbelieving. They thought he'd lost his mind. No one could wrap their head around Halo's announcement. Least of all her.
What had he just done? They'd agreed to hold off on the announcement until she'd spoken to Danny and her mother, and explained the
real
reason behind their public relationship. Which wasn't genuine commitment. It was all business. To get aggressive women off Halo's back and to allow her to open her vintage shop. Theirs was far from an actual love affair. And she'd never agreed to an engagement. Idiot man.
She shrank down on the bleacher, trying to make herself small. Invisible, if it were possible. Standing before her, Danny took it all in. His nose scrunched. He didn't fully understand. There was no little-boy bounce to him now.
Questions flew all around her. The ballplayers hit Halo hardest. The microphone was on, and their concerns aired live.
“
Who's the woman?”
“
Where did you meet?”
“
How long have you been seeing her?”
“
What the fuck?”
“
Dude, you crazy?”
Halo took it all in stride. Not a flinch. Not a change in his expression. “She's my mystery woman for the moment,” he said with ease. “I've taken her by surprise by going public. She'll come forward when she's ready.”
Twisting toward her, Danny put his hands on her shoulders, leaned close. Whispered, “Are you Halo's mystery?”
Her brother was one smart cookie. “If I am?”
“I'd keep your secret.”
She touched her fingers to her lips. “Sshh. I'll fill you in later.”
He crossed his heart. “I'll wait to be filled.”
People were looking around now. Craning their necks. Speculating on whether Halo's fiancée was seated in the stands. “Is she here?” one of the reporters asked.
“How long have you been engaged?” rose from the back of the media group.
“Have you set a wedding date?” from the feature editor of the local newspaper.
Halo responded with, “This isn't twenty questions.”
“You can't broadcast an engagement and not give details,” said a radio announcer.
“You're getting personal, and I'm giving my lady space,” Halo said. “She's a private person.”
“Will we meet her during spring training?” Once again from the feature editor.
Halo nodded slowly. “Chances are good you will.” He raised his hand, palm out. “Enough said. Back to the team. No predictions from me this year. We'll let our bats and fielding speak for us.”
The community liaison rescued the microphone. Jillian looked at Halo, deciding how best to handle his engagement news so it wouldn't overshadow the team.
“We appreciate every player's update,” she said. “Let's give the Rogues a big round of applause.” Clapping resounded. “Come November, bring the World Series Trophy back to Richmond.”
Agreement came in hoots and hollers. Arm pumps. Jumping on the bleachers. The energy was tangible. The starting roster signed autographs for an hour afterward. Female fans pouted and stroked Halo's arm, as disbelieving as Alyn that he'd become a one-woman man. Even if he could spell it.
He was a long way from settling down, she thought. If ever. Restless, testosterone driven, his bad boy hid just beneath the surface. Waiting for the right moment to come out and play. Hard. Fast. Fierce.
She wondered how long he could sustain the façade of commitment without falling to temptation. The women who approached him were all beautiful. Beach babes and athletic groupies, all toned, tanned, willing, and available. His loyalty would be tested hourly. She'd give him a month, at best, maybe less, before the novelty of being a couple wore off. She'd be amazed if he made it through spring training without cheating on her. Despite the fact they weren't really together.
The players soon returned to the locker room. The plaza slowly cleared. Ninety-year-old Eleanor nudged Alyn with her elbow. “Are we supposed to sit and wait for our player or should we take the commuter bus back to Barefoot Inn?” she asked.
Alyn stood up, stretched. “I'm going back to the inn,” she decided. Halo hadn't made afternoon plans with Danny or her. She didn't want to crowd him. Halo deserved his own free time.
Eleanor walked with them as they left the plaza. Danny's disappointment showed. He dragged his feet. “I won't see Halo until tomorrow,” he muttered.
“Tuesday will be a big day for you,” Alyn pointed out, attempting to brighten his mood. “The team holds its first practice. The contest winners have full-access passes and seats behind the home dugout. You'll see every move Halo makes.”
“Tomorrow's not today,” said Danny.
Alyn had an idea. “Once we get back to the inn, we'll check on Mom, take Quigley for a stroll, and then head to the boardwalk. There's carnival rides and an arcade. I need to buy a small cooler and sunscreen. Sunglasses and a hat. We'll do it all. How's that sound?”
He sighed. “It would be more fun with Halo.”
“You're stuck with me, sweetheart. I can be fun.”
He took her hand then, as they crossed the parking lot. He perked up a little. “Can I have ice cream, nachos, popcorn, and a snow cone?”
“Not all at once.”
“Can I get a Barefoot William T-shirt?”
She'd work the shirt into her budget. “A great beach souvenir.”
“Can we build a sand castle?”
“If not today, tomorrow.” Danny wanted to do everything. Straightaway. They had plenty of time to spread things out. She had no experience in sand creation, but would give it her best shot.
He looked at her then. Cheered up. “Thanks, sis.”
They'd reached the bus. Politeness turned Alyn toward Eleanor. She asked, “Would you like to join us on our afternoon outing?”
Eleanor lifted her cane. “What do you think, Herman?” She listened, nodded, smiled.
Danny was drawn to the exchange. “What did Herman say?”
“That a walk down the boardwalk and pier reminds him of our time at Atlantic City. It's just what the doctor ordered.”
“What doctor?” asked Danny.
“It's an expression,” Eleanor explained. “An afternoon with the two of you is perfect for me.”
“Perfect for us, too,” said Alyn.
“Do you have a swimsuit?” asked Danny.
“I wouldn't take a pretty picture.”
“Who's taking your picture?”
Eleanor patted Danny on the head. “No one, son. I'm not thirty anymore. I don't want to scare the other sunbathers.”
“Alyn's thirty.”
“And beautiful.”
“Halo thinks so, too,” popped out.
Danny caught Eleanor's interest. “He does, does he?”
“It's a secret.”
“Ah, so that's the way of it,” the older woman said. “The mystery continues.”
“It's not what you think, Eleanor.” Alyn needed to stop any and all speculation.
“Let's just see.” She and Herman climbed on the bus.
The remaining contest winners straggled onto the commuter. The conversation on the way back to the inn centered on baseball. The players. Media Day. And Halo Todd's engagement.
Alyn kept a close eye on Danny, not wanting him to comment on Halo. Her brother sat quietly. Eleanor's shrewd side-glances gave nothing away, yet she knew more than she was saying.
Back at the inn, Eleanor headed to her room to change clothes. She would meet them in the lobby in thirty minutes. Alyn and Danny sought their mother, locating her in the sun room, just off the main entrance. Here Martha sat alone, relaxed on a wicker lounger. An iced tea and stack of magazines rested on a table nearby. Lemony sunshine filled the room. A ceiling fan spun slowly overhead, gently stirring the air.
Alyn watched, listened, grinned as her brother hugged their mother, and then went over every detail of the stadium and Media Day at record speed. He took only one breath, and his words ran together. He wrapped up their entire morning in five minutes flat.
He finished with, “We're going to the beach. El'nor and Herman, too. Come with us, Mommy?”
Martha nodded, agreed. “I've scanned the city brochure, and there are lots of neat shops on the boardwalk. The Rogues Store sells memorabilia.” She ruffled Danny's hair. “You can choose something special, if you like.”
Danny hopped from one foot to the other, excited. “A jersey with Halo's number on the back.”
“Twenty-eight will look good on you.”
Halo Todd
. Alyn recognized the deep male voice, and felt her body go soft. She turned slightly, and found him leaning negligently against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. He wore the same clothes he had earlier, black T-shirt and jeans. Loafers. His gaze was locked on her. His expression unreadable. His smile tipped when Danny ran to him. He drew the boy close for a hug. A natural interaction.
Danny was beside himself. “You found us,” he said.
“When you didn't wait for me, I came for you.”
Hands on his hips, Danny eyed Alyn. “We should've stayed. I would've waited all day.”
“But your sister didn't.”
“She said you might have other plans.”
“My plans are with you, while you're in town,” Halo said firmly. His gaze shifted from Danny, touched on Martha, when he said, “I have something to share with you privately, while we're all together.”
Privately
. Alyn knew what was coming and held her breath.
Martha touched her hand to her heart. “I hope it's not serious.”
“Nothing that will affect us long-term,” Alyn was quick to assure her.
Martha clasped her hands on her lap. “Tell me.”
Halo crossed to Alyn, drew her to his side. Heat and sensation enveloped her. He held nothing back. “Alyn and I are engaged.”
Martha was so stunned, she couldn't speak.
Danny looked smug. “I knew it before you, Mommy.”
Comprehension came slowly to Martha. Her eyes rounded; her lips pursed. Always practical, Martha pointed out, “You've only known each other a short time.”
“The engagement is strictly a business arrangement,” Alyn said. “One that benefits us both.”
Martha shook her head, bewildered. “I don't understand.”
“Let me explain.” Halo filled in the blanks. Slowly. Precisely. Describing their deal as beneficial to them both. He ended with, “A fiancée discourages groupies. My mind will be fully on the game.”
“I'll have my antique shop,” said Alyn. “And a very silent partner.”
“You'll never hear a word from me,” Halo affirmed.
Alyn rolled her eyes. She didn't believe him for a second. He was opinionated. Outspoken. Known to jump the gun.
“Sis is Halo's mystery lady,” Danny repeated what he'd heard at the ballpark. “She's in hiding.”
Martha looked at Alyn, questioningly.
“Halo didn't introduce me to the press,” she informed her mother. “I've yet to be named.”
“She's 'sguised,” said Danny.
“Disguised.” Alyn helped him with the word.
“We'll be discovered eventually,” said Halo. “Beforehand, we need to get fully acquainted. I don't want to be blindsided and botch questions when asked how we met. Her favorite color?”
Danny piped up. “Purple.”
“Her birthdate?”
“January twelfth,” her brother said.
“How long we've dated?”
Danny counted on his fingers. “Eight days.”
“Amount of time we've been engaged?”
“One day.”
“Our wedding date?”
Danny scrunched his nose. “No wedding, but I won't tell anyone.”
Alyn caught the flicker of disappointment in her brother's eyes. She sighed. Danny was seeking a happy ending. Romance would not be the end result in this case. She would involve him in her shop instead. Take marriage off his mind.
In the next day or two, she and Halo had a lot to learn about each other. Even if they were on the same page, the man tended to wing it. Scarily so. She recalled the game show, and how he went unscripted. He said things that seemed right at the moment, but caused a ripple effect. He penned her in, with no way out.
Martha's forehead creased. Worry curved deep lines at the corners of her mouth. She twisted her hands in her lap, questioned, “No love?” She was visibly shaken.
“Support and respect,” Halo supplied.
“Friendship, and a chance to live my dream,” Alyn said.
“Dreams should include a man.” An old-fashioned notion from her mother, but one she believed.
“The man will come someday,” Alyn assured her. “Shy Lily is now.”
“So there's nothing between you and Halo? Nothing at all?”
“Who knows?” Halo gave Martha hope. He finger-tipped Alyn's chin, so she looked up at him. “A lot can change in ten months.”
Alyn had no such expectations. She was attracted to Halo. He was one gorgeous male. Her feelings amplified around him. Looking at him now made her heart quicken. Her stomach quiver. His smile alone turned her on. He could take her to bed with a flash of deep dimples. His body made her weak in the knees.
Daily, her mind gave her heart a reality check. Halo Todd's presence in her life was short-lived. Still, her heart was unconvinced. Maybe there was more to them than met the eye. Just maybe.