But I was done waiting. What was in front of me at that point seemed a whole lot better than drowning in my past.
***
“That was one heck of a hit,” AJ offered as I slid up to her and hooked her around the waist.
“I do believe you made a promise.”
“I believe I did.” I dipped my head and she arched her neck, bringing our lips closer together.
“Just so you know I would have offered it even if you struck out.”
I smiled just as I pressed my lips against hers. This girl was like a kick in the ass, and I regretted all the time I’d wasted that I could have been getting to know her instead. She tested me, she taunted me, and she spiked a hunger inside me I didn’t know even existed.
Without any further delay, I lifted my hand, cupped her cheek, and pulled her closer. Our lips parted almost simultaneously, and I began to tease her with the tip of my tongue. Slow, gentle strokes at first until she sucked on it, and I swore my knees almost buckled. What was meant to be slow and steady changed to heavy much faster than I could keep up. It was almost as if our need took over and everything else took a back seat.
“Damn.”
Our mouths separated, and I looked behind me, still holding her close, not ready to let her go yet. Only a few feet away stood Collin and Terrance, both smiling wide.
“That is some rated-R shit right there,” Collin said with a chuckle.
"Oh yeah,” Terrance chimed in, and I instantly wanted to tackle both of them to the ground, only I remained close to AJ, almost like I was shielding her.
“You two done yet?”
“Are you two done yet?” T asked with an arch of his brow. I didn’t answer because I didn’t have to. She did for me.
“No, we aren’t, but if you two would run along, Rhett and I could get back to the good stuff.” A look of surprise covered both Terrance and Collin’s faces, and I tried not to laugh.
“Yeah,” I offered, turning completely around to once again face her, “like the woman said.” She flashed me that smile of hers, and the effects of it alone felt like the wind was knocked right out of me.
Chapter Seven
AJ
I liked the pace Rhett and I were on. It was slow, yes, but I wasn’t an idiot. I knew how hung up he’d been on his ex, and that fear he still might be was always on my mind. I understood that I could be putting my heart on the line only to have it broken in the end. The problem was I couldn’t stop myself. I’d had a thing for him for so long that those feelings seemed to make everything else hazy. Seeing him in his baseball uniform, all crouched down between second and third base, prepared for anything, his determined stare, that strong build of his body—everything about him made my heart race. I think I found him on the field almost immediately during the first game I attended, and from that point I couldn’t look away.
No, I didn’t even know his name, but I knew I wanted to. I wanted to know everything there was to know about him.
I held this crush on him day after day, waiting for him to be ready. I didn’t sit and pine over the handsome guy who continued to wait for the return of a girl who left him brokenhearted. I dated, I flirted aimlessly, maybe a little extra whenever I knew he was watching. But I didn’t want him to think that I was so hung up on him I’d be willing to do anything for a chance.
I wasn’t that girl.
Which is why I’d said no the first time he’d finally asked me out. It’s also why I refused to move too fast. Like I said before, I knew my heart was on the line, and I had to be sure the risk was worth it.
But the pace, the slowly getting to know one another, was good. The stolen kisses and sweet hugs and simple touches, they were all perfect.
I wanted him to know that what he’d shared with Harley was over before we took things too far. I knew I’d still walk away a little broken if he decided he wasn’t ready for more, but at least I could say I wasn’t that lost girl willing to give whatever it took in attempt to convince him that what they’d once had was over.
I had more pride than that. I was worth more than that. He had to make that decision on his own.
I wouldn’t lie and say I hadn’t let my mind go there, though. Go to that place where I was his everything and there was nothing more he needed. I liked to think the time we were spending together meant something to him. At least he acted as if it did.
After all, he was the one who eventually sought me out, not the other way around. He was also the one who continued to ask for more time with me. I, of course, accepted without hesitation, but again, I let him lead. Never would I ever allow myself to feel like I was forcing him to spend time with me.
I wanted him to want it. I wanted him to need me close.
“There you are.” A strong arm wrapped around me from behind, and I leaned back as his chest rested against my back. “I’ve been looking for you.” Rhett’s lips pressed to my temple, and I found my eyes closing almost immediately.
God, I love
