Beyond the Game (Out of Reach 2)

“Fuck!” he roars as his release coats my tongue and the back of my throat. I don’t stop until he slides out of my mouth. I barely have time to think when he glides his hands under my arms and lifts me. Instinctively, I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. “You’re incredible.” He kisses me so soft and sweet, not the least bit worried about tasting himself on my lips.

“Thank you for tonight.”

“Oh, Paisley,” he says softly. “Baby, you never have to thank me for giving you what you want. What you need. Just hang with me a little longer. I want it to be right between us.”

“Okay. I respect your choice, but maybe we can pencil a few more nights like tonight into our schedule?”

He chuckles softly. “We can do that.” He kisses my forehead. “Shower tonight or in the morning?”

“In the morning.”

He nods and starts to move. He carries me to the bed and places me gently onto the mattress. I scramble to get under the covers to ward off the chill of the air-conditioning. Cameron stares down at me with an odd expression on his face before turning off the lights and climbing into bed.

We reach for each other under the covers, and he wraps me in his warm embrace. My head rests on his chest, and I can’t remember a time I’ve ever been more comfortable. It’s just us, skin to skin. If I was asked my most comfortable night six months ago, I would have said any night before this one, but tonight once again changed that. I’m just about asleep when his lips press to the top of my head. “I’m gone for you, Paisley.”

I don’t speak because I know he thinks I’m asleep. I want to tell him that he’s not alone. I want to tell him I’m falling in love with him, but that’s crazy. It’s too soon. It’s just the emotions of the night, after what we shared. Instead, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, knowing that I’ll wake safely in his arms.

Chapter 14

Cameron

The locker room is chaotic as we celebrate another win. Today is our last home game before leaving for the road tomorrow morning. We have another three-game stretch, this time in Cincinnati. The travel is exhausting, grueling, but at least I have Paisley with me. The other guys on the team aren’t that lucky. Sure, we’re new, but having her with me, calms me.

We’ve been dating for a little over a month, and things are going great. She’s my addiction, and she knows it. That’s fine, though. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t sleep if she’s not with me. Luckily, she travels with the team, and I leave my shared room at night to sleep with her in her single. My game is on fire, and I know it has a lot to do with her. Baseball players are superstitious, and Paisley is not only my person. She’s my good luck charm.

Yeah, my person. It happened fast, but I wouldn’t change what we have for anything. I can’t ever remember a time in my life when I’ve felt more… relaxed. That’s the best way I can describe it. I’m living my dream, but with her by my side, it’s better than just my dream. It’s everything I never knew I wanted. She’s everything I never knew I wanted or needed in my life. Now that I have her, I don’t ever plan to let her go.

I know, those are strong words, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and mine, well, it wants Paisley. I haven’t told her yet. I know that I’m a little further along in our relationship than she is, and that’s okay. I’ll wait for her to catch up. In the meantime, I’ll love the hell out of her without telling her because there isn’t a doubt in my mind that I’m in love with her. Not one. Speaking of Paisley, my phone vibrates, and her name pops up.

Paisley: Hey. My parents came to the game. They want to grab dinner.

Me: Okay. I’m going to grab a quick shower, and I’ll be right out.

Paisley: Just like that?

Me: Just like what?

I know what she’s asking. If I had my choice to meet her parents, would it be sprung on me after a game? Probably not. However, this is my life. Baseball is my career, and hers as well, and we have to take these moments when we can get them. Besides, she met my mom weeks ago. And we’ve all had dinner a couple of times when Mom comes to the home games. It’s time for me to meet her family. In fact, I want to meet them. I want to get to know the people who made this amazing woman who she is.

Paisley: No hesitation.

Me: They’re your family.

Paisley: This is a BIG deal, Cameron.

Me: I know.

Paisley: I’ve never introduced them to anyone. Not unless you count senior prom.

Paisley: It was a disaster.

Me: I’ve got this. I’m getting in the shower now. We don’t want to keep them waiting.

Paisley: Okay…

Me: It’s going to be fine. I promise. I’ll be out in a few.

Tossing my phone back into my locker, I head to the showers. The guys are all making plans for drinks while I’m planning on meeting my girl’s family, who just so happens to be my childhood idol. Talk about a mind fuck. I rush through my shower while declining drinks with the team again.