Beyond the Play (Out of Reach 3)

I sit on the edge of the bed and push her hair back from her eyes. “It’s been a long damn time since I’ve had a day as good as this one. In fact, I’m not sure I ever have.”

“Come on now. You’re a professional baseball player. The world is at your fingertips.”

“The world might be, but you haven’t been. Not until today.”

“Who knew Holden Bailey could be sweet?” she teases, a little more awake.

“Only for you, Parker. Only for you.” I lean down and place a kiss on the corner of her mouth. “Sweet dreams, beautiful. Good luck with your exams this week. Text me and let me know how you did.” I expect her to argue that I’ve done enough, so her reply surprises me.

“Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?” she asks softly.

I lean close again. “Yes. And every day after that,” I assure her. This time, I kiss her lips. It’s a soft, quick press, but it lights me on fire just as our kiss at the club did that night.

I stand and walk away. I have to, or I won’t leave. When I reach the door, she calls out my name. I turn to look at her. My hand grips the door handle so hard I fear I might rip it off. I want to climb in that bed beside her and hold her all night long. Something I’ve never done, but I want to with her. “Yeah?”

“Text me when you get home. So I know you’re safe. It’s late.”

“It’s just after ten, and I don’t want to wake you.”

“Please?”

I never had a chance of not doing what she asked. “Okay.” With that final word, I release my hold on the door handle and walk out of her room, pulling the door closed. Autumn isn’t in the living room, so I turn off the lights, make sure the door is locked, checking it again once I’m in the hallway, and force my feet to carry me to my truck.

CHAPTER 15

Parker

“Time’s up,” Professor Hawkins says from his spot in front of the class.

I set my pencil down and smile. I had enough time to review my answers twice, so I feel good. Confident. It’s been that with each final I’ve taken this week, and this is the last one. I’m officially free for winter break, and I’m not the least bit worried about my grades. I’m confident I passed. I owe that to Holden. Every question throughout the week reminded me of him and our study session. I wonder if I can convince him to be my study partner next semester too.

I’m one semester away from being a college graduate. The past four years have flown by, and now I’m ready for whatever comes next. Uncle Drew offered me a position with the Blaze PR team, and although I don’t want a handout, Paisley reminded me that Uncle Drew wouldn’t do that. He did the same for her, and she earned her spot. Although, he might change his mind when he finds out I’ve been hanging out with one of his players. From what I remember, he was cool with Cam and Paisley being together, so maybe it will be okay. Besides, Holden and I aren’t together. Not really. We’re friends at best. Friends who apparently kiss each other good night and text all day, every day.

This week has been more than I ever could have expected. Monday morning, as I was stepping out of our apartment to go to my first class, Holden was there waiting for me. He had coffee and a muffin in hand. When I asked him what he was doing there, his reply was simple. He said he wanted to see me and to wish me luck. He walked me to my car with his hand on the small of my back and my bag thrown over his shoulder. He didn’t try to kiss me again when I climbed behind the wheel. He handed me my goodies, told me to kick ass, and stepped back, watching me drive away.

I haven’t seen him since then, but every morning I’ve had a text from him wishing me luck and then more throughout the day. I’m definitely seeing a side of Holden Bailey I never knew existed. I feel bad for judging him, and at some point soon, I need to apologize for that.

Slipping into my coat, I grab my purse and my bag and head to the front of the room to turn in my final. Professor Hawkins stands vigil over the room, his thinning hair sticking up haphazardly all over his head and his tiny reading glasses perched at the end of his nose. He makes me smile. Hell, everything this week makes me smile. I’m refusing to think about why. He consumes enough of my thoughts as it is.