Too Hot to Handle: A Boys of Summer Novel (17 page)

As he headed back toward Trenton, he thought about Joaquin asking about Nikki. He’d exchanged a few text messages and phone calls with her during the week and was surprised at how much he missed her. He didn’t like it, not for a minute. He was used to calling his own shots, unencumbered by feminine attachments. And it bothered him more than it should that this woman had somehow wiggled under his skin.

Even Joaquin had noticed.

The Princeton Hyatt was located right off of Route 1. While it didn’t showcase the unique architecture found in downtown Princeton, it was convenient and had a large ballroom to accommodate the charity event. Crowds began arriving around seven, and within a half hour, there was a line waiting for tickets.

Nikki walked among the tables and surveyed the baskets. Darcy had done an incredible job shaking down donors. There was something for everyone, from a basket of beauty products containing luxury soaps, body lotion, and spa certificates to more masculine sports-themed packages, including signed baseball jerseys and free game tickets.

Everyone was elegantly dressed, and she smiled proudly as the Sonics began to arrive. Apparently they had taken her coaching seriously, for they looked red-carpet perfect. Ryan and his wife, Sophia, were among the first to enter, he in an elegant tuxedo, while she wore a beautiful bronze gown that flattered her figure. The first baseman held court with his fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures, and his wife discreetly stayed in the background, allowing him the spotlight.

“Don’t you look beautiful!” Sophia approached, taking in her elegant navy-blue designer gown.

It was true; even Nikki realized it. All of her sister’s prodding and poking had paid off. Natalie had returned to her own life in Florida, but not before waving her magic wand and transforming her into Cinderella. As she smoothed the folds of the satin, she openly admired Sophia’s dress.

“You look pretty amazing yourself,” Nikki said sincerely, and then took a deep breath. “Listen, I want to apologize for what happened on the road when I barged in on you and your husband…”

“Don’t be silly,” Sophia said, smiling warmly. “I completely understand, and actually appreciate what you’re trying to do. Ryan is a great husband, but at the end of the day, he’s still a guy. I see what goes on at these games; some of these fans would do anything to get with one of the boys. I travel with him when I can, but it’s not always possible with the kids.”

“That must be difficult,” Nikki said softly. “Maintaining a marriage, I mean, with a ballplayer.”

Sophia laughed. “It has its moments,” she agreed. “But it’s all about the guy. I trust Ryan completely. It’s these girls I don’t trust.” Her eyes searched Nikki’s face, and then continued in the same tone. “But when you love somebody, you figure it out. One thing I know for sure: I could look the world over and not find again what I have with Ryan. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Nikki nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad to hear you say that. It seems the divorce rate among the players is high. Too much temptation. Too much time away from home. But I think one of the reasons Ryan is so exceptional is that he has someone like you to come home to.”

“That’s real sweet of you.” Sophia smiled, and then indicated the door. “Don’t our Sonics clean up nice?”

Nikki turned and saw Jake entering the ballroom. Her heart stopped as she saw him in a black fitted jacket, sparkling white shirt, and black tie. The clean, simple lines of his tux only emphasized how damned good-looking he really was. His blond hair was subdued with gel, but a couple of rebellious curls dangled over his forehead and above his collar, softening the effect. And the suit couldn’t hide his powerful body. It seemed like she could see the muscles bulging with every move as he made his way into the crowd.

As one of the more popular players, Jake was immediately thronged by women wanting autographs and God knows what else. Nikki watched in amusement as he worked the crowd, but she had to admit that a spark of pure jealousy shot through her as one of Baldwin’s Beauties hung all over him.

“Poor Jake,” Sophia sighed. “Those girls are a hot mess.”

As Nikki nodded in agreement, Jake’s eyes found her. A warm, liquid emotion welled within her as his gaze went from the top of her head, admiring her side-swept black hair and glittering earrings, down over every inch of the dress. It was as intense as if he’d touched her, and she swallowed hard, her body responding to his scorching glance.

They hadn’t been together in over a week, and she realized she craved him. It was ridiculous; she knew that. But she couldn’t help it, couldn’t help the wanting, the remembering, the needing. A slow smile of male appreciation came to his face as he surveyed her. Mesmerized, Nikki returned the grin, and she had to force her attention back to Ryan’s wife.

“Well, now,” Sophia smirked. “Looks like someone’s giving you the big eye.”

Nikki tried to shrug casually, although she was still reeling from the encounter. “I’ve gotten to know the players over the last few weeks. Jake’s been a great help with the PR work.”

“Interesting.” Sophia shot Nikki a look. “I’ve seen a lot of women look at Jake, but until tonight, I’ve never seen him look back.” Her expression changed and her brown eyes softened with something like sympathy. “Be careful, honey. I love Jake, but I’m not sure he can ever settle down. And there’s always going to be a Baldwin’s Beauty trying to steal your man.”

Nikki didn’t know what to say to that. Luckily, at that moment she saw Chase entering with Darcy. Their ace pitcher looked like he’d just stepped out of the cover of a magazine, while Darcy looked beautiful in a yellow gown that complemented her blond prettiness. They posed together for pictures, and Chase put his arm possessively around her as he fielded a reporter.

A sadness went through Nikki as she realized she and Jake couldn’t be publicly together. She’d known what she was getting into, what the rules were. But now, with a Baldwin’s Beauty draped all over Jake in a completely inappropriate red halter dress, she realized she was alone, and it was hard to take.

She had to look away from Ryan’s wife, unwilling to share her emotions. But it seemed as if Sophia knew anyway, for she put a comforting hand on Nikki’s bare shoulder as she indicated one of the guests.

“Do you know Michael Stone? He has a finance firm that is investing in several high-profile projects in the area. His family has quite a bit of money,” Sophia whispered discreetly. “And they are very generous. I’ll introduce you. They could help a lot with your charity.”

As the attractive young man approached, Sophia gave him a big smile. “Michael, I swear you get more handsome every time I see you. Do you know Nikki Case?”

“No, but I think I should.” He gave Nikki an appreciative grin. “You ladies both look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you,” Nikki said, taking in his elegant gray tuxedo. “You look pretty nice yourself. Have you seen any prizes you’d like?”

“I was just starting to look. Do you mind showing me around?” He held out his arm.

Nikki looked over her shoulder helplessly as Sophia laughed and gave her a little finger wave. She let Michael escort her around the room, explaining the different prize packages. He was not only good-looking, but entertaining company. He knew a lot of the people in the room and explained who the movers and shakers were, how they got their money, and their connections to the team. When he pointed out Larry Logan, Nikki nodded in familiarity.

“I saw him once before. I hear he has an interest in the Yankees.”

Michael nodded. “Yes, that’s his favorite team. He likes to scout teams like the Sonics to discover new talent.”

“I heard he tried to recruit Chase Westbrook.”

“Not surprised. But now that Chase is under contract, I think he’s got his eye on the shortstop. Wouldn’t be surprised if JB’s wearing blue next year.”

Without wanting to, Nikki felt her eyes drawn back to Jake. He was staring at her while talking to another couple, and something in his eyes registered disapproval. It couldn’t be Michael, Nikki reminded herself. After all, women had been throwing themselves at him all evening. But there was definitely something there, something that seemed to buzz across the room like a loose hot wire.

He turned to answer a question from a reporter, and the electrical spark quieted. Bewildered, Nikki nodded when Michael asked her to join him at dinner. Jake must have been in situations like this before. She was the newbie.

Then what the hell was all that about?

She heard Sophia behind her as Michael went to get them drinks. “Wow, what’s up with our shortstop! Looks like someone’s jealous!”

Nikki glanced at her quickly, and saw that she, too, had been looking at Jake. Sophia continued, shaking her head.

“Man, I’ve never seen Jake react like that.” Sophia actually laughed. “Poor Michael. If looks could kill.”

It was true. Fun-loving Jake’s gaze was now following Michael to the bar, and he looked murderous.

Life got more confusing by the moment.

The dinner was a cut above most charity events. Darcy had recruited a local caterer who knew how to handle crowds and had created a lovely buffet. It made so much more sense, Nikki thought, than a sit-down dinner, for it was nearly impossible to have everyone’s steak or fish arrive perfectly cooked at the same time.

The salad had been served, and for the entrée the guests could choose between freshly carved prime rib and salmon. Even the vegetables were nicely done, when so often they were an afterthought. The green beans with shallots were still bright green and not overcooked, and the oven-roasted potatoes were to die for.

She was filling her plate when she sensed Jake beside her. Michael had gone to the bar for wine, and Nikki was waiting for a slice of the beef when she heard his voice in her ear.

“What’s going on?”

“What are you talking about?” She looked up at him in bewilderment, again struck by how outrageously handsome he looked. Yet he looked hot no matter what—on the ball field in a scuffed-up jersey, on the beach in khakis and a linen shirt, coming out of the shower with nothing more than a towel…

It was that image that made her swallow hard. She missed him. Missed his laughter, his jokes, and his easygoing outlook on life. And her body ached for him. That distance she’d felt before now seemed totally gone, and the attraction was even more intense than the first time they met.

He took a step closer and Nikki could see the threads of his tux. “Daddy Warbucks over there.” He indicated Michael with a nod of his head. “He’s acting like you’re his date.”

Nikki laughed as she put the horseradish sauce beside the prime rib. “You can’t be jealous.”

“You’re damned right I am.” He seemed surprised himself. “That I see him standing there with you, where I should be, and I want to kill someone. You look gorgeous tonight.”

His eyes burned, and Nikki shivered. From the corner of her eye she saw a Baldwin’s Beauty approaching.

“Thanks. Looks like you’ve got company. I’ll catch up with you later.”

She didn’t wait to hear what else he had to say, but joined Michael without looking back. She didn’t need that knot in her stomach from watching the groupie fall all over him. When she returned to the table, she saw that Darcy and Chase had joined them, along with Ryan and Sophia. Jake had managed to shake off his ardent fan and took his seat next to Cody. But the Baldwin’s Beauty made sure she got the seat across from him, giggling and flirting as she practically fell out of her dress.

Nikki managed to hide her annoyance and laughed at something Michael said. But glancing over, she saw that the woman was sliding down in her chair. Jake shot up as if poked, and Nikki smothered a giggle. Apparently his fan was trying to play footsie beneath the table, and the shortstop was having no part of it.

“How is your dinner?” Michael asked, putting his arm around the back of her chair in a proprietary manner.

“Very good,” Nikki said, with a nod to Darcy. “Thanks to her. Darcy arranged everything.”

“That’s not true,” Darcy protested. “It was a team effort.”

“So, Michael,” Sophia said and raised her glass. “Tell us what’s going on in the business world. Our lives are nothing but baseball. I’d love to know what Wall Street thinks about the economy.”

Darcy glanced at her, a little confused. She didn’t think Sophia was overly interested in big business, but Michael, encouraged, talked freely about his work. As she fiddled with the stem of her wineglass, Nikki thought that Michael really was everything a girl could want. He was attentive, well-spoken, handsome, and wealthy. His conversation was interesting, for he was well-traveled and talked easily on almost any subject. He was the perfect escort for a venue like this.

Why, then, did she feel so restless?

The waiter came to clear their plates and she inadvertently glanced toward Jake. He was completely ignoring the woman across from him, who was trying desperately to get his attention. Instead, he was staring at Nikki, his eyes doing a slow burn when Michael’s hand fell absently on her shoulder and began to caress her bare skin.

She knew she should be indignant, but the secret, feminine part of her was delighted that Jake was feeling the same thing she was. Quickly, she looked away, and began to pay attention to the conversation. But her heart was pounding and she yearned to be sitting where Cody was, beside Jake.

To her relief, the music began. Michael stood and extended his hand. Ryan and Sophia were already heading toward the dance floor, as were Chase and Darcy. Nikki rose, but before she could join him, Jake butted in.

“Sorry, pal. This one’s mine.”

Before Michael could react, Jake stole her away.

“Jake, that was terrible!” Nikki said, playfully slapping him.

“Yeah, it was.” Jake didn’t sound remorseful in the least as he held her close on the dance floor. “I have to admit, I couldn’t take it anymore. Watching that guy with my girl.”

Nikki looked up at him in astonishment. “Is that what I am? Your girl?”

“You’re damned right,” he said emphatically, surprised to realize how much he meant it. But he did. Maybe it was seeing her with another man. Or maybe it was the time apart. Even though it had been only a little over a week, it was enough to make him feel the loss, and he didn’t like it.

More than that, it felt so right to have her back in his arms where she belonged. He glanced down and saw that gorgeous black hair swept over one shoulder, the sparkle of her earrings, and the neckline that made the most of her soft white skin and rounded breasts. The midnight-blue dress was less harsh on her than black, yet equally elegant, and made her eyes a deeper shade of indigo.

Yes, she was beautiful, but that wasn’t the reason he felt compelled to make her his own. He waited for the fear, and sure enough it came, but it was weaker this time. He wasn’t sure how much he could offer, what kind of a commitment he could give, but the desire to have her was beginning to exceed his need for freedom.

It took him a minute to realize she had stopped moving. Instead of dancing, she was gazing at him in total confusion.

“But…I thought you just wanted an affair. You aren’t the girlfriend type. You are Jake Baldwin, eternal bachelor.” Her eyes were wide and innocent.

He winced at her description. He couldn’t blame her for seeing him that way; up until now, it had been true. In the past, he’d thought it was cool to be a player, never committing to one woman. But now that just seemed immature.

“I have to admit, that’s how I’ve always been. And in the beginning, I think that’s what we both thought we wanted. But it’s different for me now.” He tipped her face up to his. “How about you?”

His stomach twisted as he waited for her answer. Never before in his life was he in this position, waiting on a tiny slip of a girl as if his life depended on it. Worst of all, he was beginning to realize it might.

Her response made his breath catch. “Yes.”

“You mean that?” He pulled her even closer into his arms, smelling the intoxicating scent of her perfume, feeling that incredible body against his. Something deep within his heart felt as if it were expanding, growing, and emotion threatened to burst through him. This was what it was like to care for a woman, one woman. The thought was overwhelming.

She hesitated for a moment. “Yes. But I know we didn’t want to go public with this. Maybe we should talk later—”

That was as far as she got. She was trying to keep some distance between them, some semblance of reality. Yet he no longer wanted a secret affair. He wanted the world to know that this woman, Nikki Case, was his. Without thinking, he pulled her deeper into his embrace and kissed her.

He heard her surprised gasp, but then she melted into him, into the kiss. She gave herself completely to him, answering him in a way older than time. He lost himself to the moment, overpowered by an unfamiliar feeling. His uncertainty fled, and he realized he had everything he wanted right here and now.

They broke apart when they realized the crowd was applauding. Nikki sprang back first, blushing, and Jake’s eyes swept the room in chagrin. Yet he saw Ryan and Sophia grinning, Chase and Darcy smiling, and even Pete saluting him. The Sonics all appeared happy for him, making the knot in his throat close tighter.

“So much for secret affairs.” Jake grinned dryly as Nikki laughed.

“Now what?” She looked around the room, surveying the grinning faces.

“We wave, grab our stuff, and get the hell out of here. What do you say?”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

This time, he took her to his home.

As they pulled into the complex, Nikki was in for another surprise. She’d imagined that his condo would be all steel and glass. Instead, the building was elegant redbrick, designed to blend in with the older part of town.

“Is this your famous bachelor pad?” Nikki asked as she stepped out of the car and admired the paved walkway, the landscaping, and the columned entrance.

“You could say that.” Jake grinned, taking her hand. The valet approached, and he handed the man his keys. “Let’s go.”

Inside, Nikki admired the winding staircase, the hardwood floors, the white quartz counters, and the beautiful fireplace. He had chosen tones of gray and white that looked perfect with the graceful Georgian windows and arched doorways. It was nothing like what she had pictured: someplace cold and dark, with curtains closing and mood music filling the room at the push of a button. She had even envisioned one of those awful round beds. Yet when he led her to the bedroom, she saw a beautiful king-size bed with a white down quilt, and even a couple of pillows in muted lavender that complemented the wall coloring.

“Surprised?” he asked with a grin as he hung up the tuxedo jacket.

“Very,” Nikki admitted, her mind spinning as she took off her heels and sank her feet into the plush throw rug beneath the bed.

This was another first. She had the feeling he didn’t often bring dates here, for in spite of the soft lines of the place, it was distinctly masculine. Better yet, there were no posters, no pictures of him, no trophies or any other awards designed to impress a woman. Instead, this was his home, and he had wanted her there.

He seemed to read her mind. “You were expecting animal prints and black velvet paintings?”

“Something along those lines,” she admitted, laughing. “After all, with your rep I pictured ‘the pad,’ designed to seduce poor helpless women.”

Jake laughed and pulled her into his arms. “I deserve that. Good thing you are anything but. Helpless, I mean.”

He gave her a kiss that made her toes curl into the rug. Nikki leaned into it, a thousand emotions exploding inside of her.

Including fear. She’d been hurt before; it could happen again. Her impulse was to run. She didn’t really know how he felt about her, and this was too much of a risk. If she pulled back now, maybe she could stop this downward spiral toward certain disaster.

But beneath all of that noise, a seed sprouted and pushed its way through the panic, blossoming like an unfolding rose. She didn’t dare yet name it, but something tightened in her throat and her eyes felt moist as she realized it was entirely too late to run away.

She loved him.

Loved the man he was who saw humor everywhere, yet showed up on the ball field with an enviable work ethic and the ability to motivate everyone around him. She loved his pranks, his laugh, that blond curl that seemed determined to fall on his forehead, the twinkle in his devastating blue eyes. Beneath that cavalier surface beat a heart of gold, and she knew it now and couldn’t turn back.

When his mouth finally eased from hers, she stepped back, her eyes filled with tears.

“I can’t do this,” she whispered softly, shaking her head. She felt as if her heart were breaking. “I feel like I’m alone on a merry-go-round. I can’t pretend anymore that this is just sex, just for fun. I need to know.”

That was all she could get out.

Jake kissed a tear that tumbled down her cheek. He caressed her bare shoulders, and then tipped her face up to his. “You aren’t alone. I don’t know how to say this, but I’m crazy about you. I think about you all the time. I look for you every day at the park, and my day isn’t complete until I see you. You are the first person I think of when I wake up, and the last when I go to sleep. I know I’m not very eloquent, but this is how I feel.”

Nikki nodded through the tears and managed a smile. “Thank you.” But she needed more, and inhaling deeply, continued. “What does this mean?” Her eyes met his and she felt totally vulnerable, even more than when they were both naked. “Us. Where do you see this going?”

“I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “I only know I care about you in a way that has never happened to me before. It’s new territory for me. But I knew when I saw you with Michael, I had to make you my own. I wanted the world to know you were my girl. Is that enough?”

She nodded. “Yes.” And it was.

For now
, her heart whispered.

His eyes darkened with her response and he slowly slid down the zipper of her gown. He didn’t bother with music, drinks, or mood lighting; she didn’t need it.

What she needed was him. Now. She wanted his arms around her, wanted to feel the heat of his hard-muscled body against hers. Needed to connect the overwhelming emotions with the physical act. So when he carried her to his bed, placing her on top of his immaculate down quilt, dressed only in a strapless bra and lace thong, she was more than ready for him.

Yet something had changed. The intensity was there, even hotter than before, but there was a tenderness in his touch, a sweetness that made her feel beautiful, treasured, and…

Loved.

While he hadn’t exactly used that word, his hands and mouth showed her what she meant to him. He lay down beside her, his hands caressing her with featherlike strokes that made her writhe impatiently beneath him. She could feel his erection against her leg, and she desperately wanted him inside her.

“Oh, Nikki,” he said as he slipped a finger inside her. “You are so hot and wet. I don’t know if I can wait—”

“Don’t! Please don’t wait,” she begged, hearing the urgency in his voice. She felt him roughly part her legs, and she lifted her hips, expecting to feel the hard thrust of him inside her. Instead, she felt his mouth there, hot, wet, teasing…

“Ohhh…” Nikki rose off the bed. It was good. Unbelievably good. Without thinking, she opened her legs even wider, welcoming the scorching heat. She felt his hands beneath her bottom, lifting her, spreading her as his tongue circled her clitoris. Unable to help herself, her eyes once more opened so she could watch this beautiful man pleasuring her between her legs.

When he flicked his tongue, her back left the bed and she exploded. This was Jake, her man, and she was his woman. Emotion flooded through her as she climaxed, her heels digging into the mattress, her hands clutching the sheets as if her life depended on it.

“Oh my God,” she breathed, coming back to earth. She had barely recovered when she felt him inside her with one hard, hot thrust. Dimly she was aware that he must have put on a condom, but then she couldn’t think at all.

He was pounding into her, finally releasing every ounce of restraint. It was hot, rough, and unbelievably erotic. Nikki felt the sensation building inside her again, and when he flipped her over, driving into her from behind, she rose against his soft feather pillows and leaned back, wanting every inch of him. Her body expanded to accommodate him, and she was so wet and slick that he groaned, his hands cupping her breasts as she shattered beneath him once more.

Only then did he drive deep inside her and let go. She could feel his liquid sweetness pumping, his hard body rigid as he moaned her name. Nikki felt the world stop as he fell over the edge and joined her in that place where nothing else mattered except the heat.

They sank down together onto the bed that was a total disaster now. Jake spooned her, and Nikki sighed in complete contentment as his arm circled her waist and her butt rested against his strong thighs. So this is love, she thought, her heart full as she fell asleep in Jake’s arms.

So this is love.