Spring Training: A Game On Novel Page 4

  She’d balked at the salesgirl’s suggestion for new lingerie. It’s not like she could wear a bra, since the dress was open to the curve of her lower back. But the girl insisted and Jessa had to admit it was a rush — the thigh-highs and garter a secret only she knew.

  Jessa leaned in and reapplied a light pink gloss to her lips. The woman who’d done her hair also happened to do makeup — lucky her — so she’d willingly let others put on her armor for the evening. And the truth was, she felt pretty. Not something she usually worried about much, but as she smoothed her hands over the shining ringlets that tumbled over her shoulders, she wondered how she’d appear through Garrett’s eyes.

  Not that she cared. She didn’t. Nope.

  A knock on her door startled her out of her musings.

  It wasn’t too late to back out. She could throw on some shorts and a T-shirt and curl up with a movie.

  No. She wasn’t a coward. Garrett hadn’t told her who was joining them, but he’d assured her everything would be fine. And even if it wasn’t, she’d been down this road thousands of times. It came with the territory when you had a father who was not only rich, but famous as well.

  She grabbed the tiny purse that held her essentials, pasted a smile on her face, and jerked open the door.

  Garrett’s eyes went wide at the sight of her. His gaze made a slow descent from her face to her feet, then — with the same agonizing pace — headed back up. She stood still, forcing herself not to fidget as he took her in.

  Her hand shook as she placed it in the one he offered and he eased her into the hallway.

  “Holy shit.” Garrett whistled as he spun her around.

  Jessa laughed, pleased with his reaction. “Such the Southern gentleman.” She bobbed a curtsy. “You like it?”

  His eyes turned dark and her chest constricted. “Princess, that dress is gonna make me forget my manners.”

  She raised her chin. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Garrett?” A thrill of excitement shot through her as his tongue swept across his lips. It was wrong to delight in his reaction, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “We don’t want to be late.”

  Chapter Five

  The restaurant was crowded, but not packed like she’d expected. She’d never been here before, but, at first glance, Jessa knew it was her kind of place.

  Comfortable-looking leather chairs accompanied mosaic tabletops in rich, warm colors. Exposed beams were stained dark, and candles lit every table, giving off an intimate, romantic feel. A huge brick oven and open fire grill took up an entire wall. The delicious array of aromas made her mouth water.

  Soft sounds drifted from an area where people were dancing. Not the bump and grind one would expect in Tampa, but a more classic style that complemented the smooth, Sinatra-esque music playing. Jessa was instantly enchanted.

  Her three-inch heels clicked against the mismatched stone floor and she prayed she wouldn’t fall and break her neck. The pretty hostess fawned over Garrett, casting flirty glances over her shoulder as she escorted them to their table. Garrett was all smiles, chatting with her about her favorite food and drink selections. The girl acted as if she might actually swoon at the attention.

  When they arrived at their table, Garrett took the girl’s hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. “Thank you for the assist.” When he winked, Jessa saw he’d placed a bill in her palm. It was sweet of him to tip the girl, but did he have to be so blasted charming about it?

  Jessa leaned over and kept her voice low. “You slip her your room number, too?”

  Garrett looked at her as if she’d grown horns. “You kidding? She’s a baby for chrissake. I’m not going to jail over a piece of ass.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe you asked me that.”

  Jessa shrugged him off and turned to greet the others at the table. Jim was there, along with his wife, Joanna. Jim’s constant sidekick and catcher Miles Sturdivant sat next to them with his wife, Amy. Renowned bad boy and first baseman Tyler Brady, who was also one of Garrett’s closest friends from college if she remembered correctly, rounded out the group.

  Jim stood and reached for her hand. “Jessa, it’s nice to see you. I was surprised when Garrett said you’d be joining us tonight. You remember my wife, Joanna?”

  “Of course.” Jessa shook Jim’s hand. “It’s lovely to see you both again.” She extended her hand to Miles, then Amy. “It’s good to see you, Miles. Amy.” She smiled at the men and fidgeted with the strap on her purse. “You guys are looking good out there.”

  Well, this isn’t awkward.

  Garrett signaled to the waiter and pointed Jessa toward an empty chair.

  “What about me, pretty girl?” Tyler stood, making Jessa crane her neck.

  Tyler’s smile was so beautiful it made her teeth hurt. It was easy to see why women fell at his feet. His hair was longer and a shade lighter than Garrett’s, but they had the same piercing blue eyes. Growing up in neighboring states, Tyler even had the same smooth, Southern lilt that Garrett sported. Hell, they could’ve been brothers.

  Tyler was way too handsome for his own good. Good thing she was immune. There was only one man here tonight who made her pulse race.

  Tyler took her hand and pulled her close. “Nice dress.”

  Garrett made a noise as Jessa pushed at Tyler’s chest. “Uh, thanks, Tyler. Nice to see you, too. Now, get off me.” She laughed nervously, giving him a shove. She’d known him for a few years, but he’d never tried to hug her before. She had no idea what had prompted the display now.

  Tyler released her, laughing so loud several people turned to stare. “So, Jessa Montgomery,” he drawled. “Out with the little people, huh? You decide to do a little slummin’ tonight?”

  Garrett stiffened at her side. “Damn it, Tyler.”

  Jessa gripped Garrett’s forearm as he tried to step in front of her. She glanced around the table. Wide eyes were on her, as if waiting for her reaction. She turned to Tyler again, his eyes gleamed with amusement. Testing her, was he? Setting the tone for the evening? She didn’t know whether to be grateful or to kick his arrogant ass.

  “You know,” she tapped her chin with her finger, “that thought never crossed my mind.” She tilted her head and considered him. “Until I saw you, that is.” She put her hand to the side of her mouth and whispered to Garrett, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Tyler definitely qualifies as slummin’, don’t you think?”

  Garrett laughed and gave Tyler a smug smile. “You got my vote on that one, darlin’.”

  “Mine, too.” Miles chimed in.

  “Hear, hear!” Jim pounded his fist on the table.

  “Any girl that can call Tyler on his bullshit is a girl I want to know. Here, Jessa.” Joanna had the guys move around until the chair next to her was empty. “Sit. Let the boys have their beer and whiskey and talk shop while us girls get better acquainted. Amy and I have decided to make our way through the list of girly, fruity drinks. What’s next on the list, Ames?”

  Amy’s smile was so sincere, Jessa almost cringed. God, she was such a bitch for expecting the worst from them. If she didn’t want to be judged, then she needed to stop judging. She returned Amy’s smile, promising herself then and there that she’d do better.

  “Something called a Bellini. It’s got champagne in it. You game, Jessa?”

  Jessa glanced to see Garrett already had a beer in hand and was in some sort of heated discussion with Tyler. “Sure, count me in. I’ll have a couple with you.” She’d hold fast to her two-drink rule. Three tops.

  Joanna placed their drink order and turned back to discuss dinner options. Her shoulder length chestnut hair swayed as she talked, her hazel eyes sharp. Jessa would bet there wasn’t much that got past her. She wore a dark blue sundress that showed off her ample cleavage and toned arms, making Jessa wonder if she spent as much time in the gym as she did.

  Amy, on the other hand, was stunning with her bright red hair, blue eyes and pale skin. Her yellow halter and short skirt made Jessa feel much better about her own wardrobe choice. And Amy liked to talk with her hands when she got excited. Apparently, the prime rib was definitely wave-worthy so Jessa decided to trust Amy’s choice and ordered that, along with a salad and another drink. A Cosmo was next, because, Amy had explained, the menu listed the drinks in alphabetical order.

  Once their orders were taken and drinks delivered, Joanna clapped her hands together and turned her full attention on Jessa. “So, what brings you to spring training this year, Jessa? I’ve never known you to hang out in the trenches this time of year.”

  “Dad sent me.” She jutted her chin toward Garrett. “To keep an eye on golden boy over there.” Her heart fluttered. He was so handsome in his black slacks and dress shirt, paired with a gray sport coat.

  Joanna and Amy shared a look, then stared at Garrett.

  Jessa turned back to Garrett and judging by the scowl on his face, he’d heard her ‘golden boy’ comment. Too bad. Not like she hadn’t said it before. She faced the women again. “What did I miss?”

  “He’s never done that before? Your dad, I mean.” Amy asked.

  Jessa sipped her drink, enjoying the warmth that infused her belly. “Hmm. Nope, first time. That’s weird, right?”

  One would think she’d have attended at least one spring training by now, so the fact that this was her first seemed very odd indeed.

  The ladies shared another glance that had Jessa gritting her teeth. She was definitely missing something.

&nbsp
; They were interrupted by salads and Joanna rearranged them again, putting her between Garrett and Tyler. Jeez, Jessa hoped she could eat surrounded by all that testosterone.

  As it turned out, she could. The prime rib had been as delicious as Amy had promised, the conversation flowed easily, and Jessa relaxed, feeling at ease in their company. Even Tyler, who was attentive and flirty, made her feel comfortable and welcome in their little group.

  Garrett, she’d noticed, hadn’t said much once they’d settled in to eat and she’d asked him more than once if he’d been feeling well. She got grunts and nods of affirmation, but not much else so she’d given up trying to talk to him.

  After she finished her second drink, it was her turn to order up the next round. She consulted the menu. “What’s next on the list?”

  “Dances with Wenches!” Amy looked around the table in obvious glee. “Get ready boys, cause we’re the wenches and you’re going to dance with us!”

  And just like that, Jessa found herself part of the club. “What the heck is a Dances with Wenches?” She wasn’t drinking anything without knowing what was in it. With her luck, it’d be some home-brew mead or something equally gross.

  Amy waved her off. “It’s got cranberry juice in it, so it can’t be all bad. Live a little!”

  Jessa was sick and tired of people saying that to her.

  Joanna tugged at Jim’s hand. “Come on, husband. Dance with your wench.” Jim laughed as he spun her away, followed closely by Miles and Amy.

  Tyler stood and extended a hand to her. “Well, how about it, pretty girl? You up for a spin?”

  Jessa glanced at Garrett. His scowl was starting to piss her off. This whole evening had been his idea. She pushed her chair back and put her hand in Tyler’s. “Let’s do it.”

  * * *

  Garrett was going to kill his friend. Right here. In front of witnesses.

  Dinner was not going at all like he’d planned. Of course, his expectations had been blown to shit this morning in the limo, so the fact that he’d planned anything was ridiculous. But he had, and not once did it include Tyler-fucking-Brady’s hands all over Jessa’s back as they danced. Her bare back. Nor did his plan include Tyler whispering something in her ear that caused her to throw her head back with laughter, exposing the sleek line of her neck, and God knew what else, to Tyler’s gaze.

  Jesus fucking Christ. There was only so much a man could take. He pushed away from the table. If Jessa was going to dance, she’d damn well do it with him.

  He propped himself against a beam close to the dance floor and waited. He wasted no time making his move once the song came to an end. “My turn.” He extended his hand. Jessa’s cheeks were flushed a pretty pink and it was all he could do not to kiss her right then and there.

  Garrett bristled as Tyler brought Jessa’s knuckles to his lips. “Thanks for the dance, pretty girl. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

  Jessa’s laugh was one of pure delight, which only added to Garrett’s irritation. “Oh, no, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you,” she cooed. She clutched her fists over her chest. “I don’t remember when I’ve had so much fun! You’re a great dancer, Tyler.”

  Tyler winked at her. “Save me another?”

  Jessa nodded. “Absolutely!”

  Garrett pulled her into his arms, turning her away from Tyler. The music was slow and Garrett was grateful for it. “Aren’t you supposed to be watching me?” He couldn’t stop himself. He was being a total dick, and yet, with the image of Tyler’s hands on her still fresh in his mind, he couldn’t seem to care.

  Jessa gave him a wary look. “Why, are you about to do something stupid?”

  Very, very stupid, according to the size of his erection. “You know, Tyler only wants one thing from you, princess.”

  The minute the words left his mouth, he’d regretted them. His own thoughts about Jessa over the last twenty-four hours weren’t exactly pure and innocent either. Oh no, his thoughts had been more of the naked and wet variety.

  So, what would be his claim? That he’d seen her first? Wanting Jessa in his bed, knowing it would be nothing more than a night or two, didn’t make him any better than Tyler for the one-nighters he enjoyed.

  Garrett needed to face the facts. A few days from now she’d be on the way back to New York and he’d have a season to play out.

  He should walk away from her right now.

  Yeah. Not fucking likely.

  “People always want something from me,” she murmured. “But, this ought to be good. Please, do tell.”

  “Jessa,” he warned. “I’ve known Tyler a long time. Love him like a brother.” Except when he has his hands on you. “But, he’s not the kind of guy that sticks around, if you know what I mean.”

  She pulled back. “Are you jealous?”

  “Of Tyler?”

  “You sound a little jealous.” She wasn’t even trying to hide her amusement.

  He bent to her ear, letting the warmth of his breath caress her. “And if I am?”

  Her skin erupted in goose bumps and her breath hitched. “Don’t do that.”

  “Do what?” He pressed his cheek against her hair, enjoying the silky feel of her curls against his skin. Curls he was dying to fist as she sucked him into the heaven that was her mouth.

  She jerked her head away. “Stop it, Garrett.”

  She wiggled, moving her arm until it hooked his, successfully removing his palm from the heat of her skin. She grabbed his wrist and brought his hand to the back of her neck. “Keep your hand there.”

  Oh, so Tyler could touch her, but he couldn’t?

  He tightened his grip on the hand he held. “Something about my touch bother you, princess? You didn’t have a problem with it last night.”

  “Can we just dance, please?”

  Before he could respond the music changed and Amy was there, pulling Jessa from his arms. “Let her go, Garrett. Go back to the table with the guys. Us girls are gonna get our groove on!” Amy laughed as she tugged on Jessa’s hand.

  Garrett watched as the women went to the center of the floor and started swaying with the music, oblivious of the couples dancing around them. He couldn’t help but smile at the delight on Jessa’s face. She seemed to be enjoying herself and he’d been a total ass. Resigned to the fact that he wouldn’t be dancing with her anytime soon, he went back to the table.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Tyler eyed him as he slid a tumbler of whiskey into Garrett’s waiting hand.

  “I could ask you the same question.” Garrett’s eyes were glued on Jessa. She moved her body like she’d been made to dance. He didn’t think it possible to get harder than he already was, but that’s what she did to him. Two fucking days he’d known her and she’d turned him into a walking hard-on. She raised her arms over her head and rolled her body from her shoulders to her hips. Fuuuuuuck.

  “Are you listening to me?” Tyler punched him hard in the arm.

  “Ow! What the hell?”

  “Pay attention. Stop drooling over Jessa. And don’t worry. Jim and Miles are too busy ogling their wives to notice the eye fuck you’ve got going on. Seriously man. Tone that shit down.”

  Garrett didn’t take kindly to being told what to do, not by Tyler. Especially when it came to Jessa. “How about you mind your own fucking business.”

  “Or what?” Tyler sneered. “You gonna kick my ass? We aren’t in fucking college. You need to get control of yourself. And I mean now.”

  “Leave it alone, Ty.”

  Tyler shook his head, his mouth drawn into a thin line. “You stupid motherfucker. We’ve been friends a long time. I’m gonna give you a break since your dick seems to be overriding your brain tonight. You need to get your shit straight, Garrett. You’re playing with fire with that one. Christ man, this isn’t how you want to start your professional career. She isn’t some chick you can play around with and then walk away from. You hear me? If you need to get laid, there are plenty of women in town that would jump at the chance. Find one, get your rocks off, and forget about Jessa Montgomery.”