Finding Home (Player Loves Curves 2)

What has this woman done to me?

Holly

He’s easy to talk to, funny, kind, and down to earth. It seems that everyone knows him and he’s given out quite a few autographs since we sat down. But each time, he always turns it around, thanking them for being a fan.

“So, I knew you were big time, but I had no idea how big,” I tell him before taking another bite of the cinnamon roll.

If anything, his face turns red a little. He just shrugs his shoulders. “It’s fine most of the time. Sometimes women get a little out of hand; I’ve had a few stalkers. But my favorite is the kids that tell me they want to be me when they grow up. That’s the best.” He has a soft smile on his face and he looks a little uncomfortable, like he said too much, and changes the subject. “So, what about you? How’d you get into photography?”

“I’ve always loved taking pictures, even when I was a little girl. I just always knew it’s what I wanted to do. What about you? Did you always want to be a baseball player?”

He takes a drink of water. “Yeah. Since I was little. It was my dream.”

“Well, uh, you’re really good at it.” I can feel my cheeks tinge as I say it, but it’s true.

He leans forward and puts his hand on top of mine on the table. “So you’ve watched me play?”

I roll my eyes at him. “Of course I’ve seen you play.” But as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I blurt out, “But I’m not a stalker or anything. I mean, I’ve always thought you looked good, but I don’t…Oh my God!” I finish, covering my face with my hands. How embarrassing can I be? I pretty much sound like a stalker right now.

His laugh fills the room and he pulls my hands down from my face. “I know you’re not like them, Holly. That’s why I like you. You’re different.”

I think about his words. I’m soft spoken, but I’m not a coward, and I know I’m different in so many ways from his normal, so I can’t help but ask. “Those models were all hitting on you. My coworkers asked you out. They’re all beautiful. Why did you turn them down and ask me out?”

He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Because I wanted to get to know you. Will you go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?”

His hand is cupping my jaw and I don’t even hesitate. “Yes.”

4

Shawn

The next morning, I’m happy to realize that I forgot to return the shirt. Holly and I texted a few times last night and once already this morning. All I’ve thought about is when I’ll get to see her again. She’s intoxicating and no matter what I do, I can’t get my mind off her. I hope I get to see her when I return the shirt.

Today must be another sexiest bachelor photo shoot. The man standing in the same spot I was yesterday is a local TV news anchor that I recognize. I stand off to the side, not wanting to cause a distraction and I watch as Holly works. She’s behind the camera, taking pictures again. I have to admit that even though Troy Gunther is a little eccentric, he seems to be good to Holly.

In between shots, the anchorman calls for Holly. I walk toward them, waiting for her to be free. I can’t see her face, but I can see his and I know he’s come over to her with a purpose. My fists clench at my sides when I hear the man hitting on her. Anger boils inside of me, making me want to tear the asshole to pieces, but deep down I know I don’t have a claim on Holly. Not yet. At this point, she can do what she wants.

I just stand here watching as the man leans toward her, and when he asks her out on a date, I barely contain myself. I wait with bated breath for her response. What will I do if she says yes? I don’t even want to imagine it. Finally, when I hear her tell him, “No, thank you, I’m seeing someone,” I release the breath that I didn’t know I was holding. I must be louder than I thought because both of them turn to look at me.

Holly excuses herself and she looks a little confused seeing me standing here. I can tell by the look on her face that she’s wondering how much of that conversation I just heard. Unable to resist any longer, I pull her into my arms. She’s trying to read me. It’s obvious she’s wondering if I’m mad or what is going through my head. I decide to make it plain for her the best way I know how.