Beyond the Bases

“So how did I do?” I ask. “Cheese or plain turkey for the princess?”

“She would have either, but she would have chosen the cheese.”

“Yes.” I throw my hands up in the air celebrating my victory. “What about you?”

“Turkey club is perfect.”

“That’s two for two,” I say, holding up two fingers.

“Gloating, Mr. Monroe?”

“Celebrating. There’s a difference.”

“Uh-huh,” she laughs.

We spend a couple of hours lying on the blankets talking. She tells me stories about Paisley, and I tell her stories about growing up as an older brother. Sometimes we just sit in silence, hands linked, staring up at the sky. It’s simple, yet perfect. This is one of the best days I can ever remember having.

“I know it’s getting close to five, but I’m not ready for today to end.”

“It’s been a good day,” she agrees.

“How about dinner?”

“I really should be getting home. I have a ton of assignments I need to get caught up on, and with P being at Mom’s, it’s a great time to do it.”

I’m disappointed, but I understand. She has no time for herself; it’s all work, school, and her daughter. I’m in awe of her. “Let’s get packed up and get you back to your car.” We make quick work of packing up, and we’re on our way in no time.

“Thank you, Easton,” she says once I pull my truck up next to her SUV. “I didn’t know what to expect today, but this… thank you.”

“We should have day dates more often.” I smile over at her.

“Yeah, maybe we should.” With that, she climbs out of the truck. I hurry to do the same and walk with her to the driver’s side of her SUV.

“Can I call you later?” I ask.

“We just spent the majority of the day together.”

“And it’s still not enough,” I say, stepping in closer.

I watch as she swallows, the column of her throat sexy as hell. “Yeah, that would be fine.”

“Thank you for agreeing to see me today, Larissa. I can’t remember a day that I’ve enjoyed more.” Leaning in, I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Drive safe.” With that, I step back and open her door. I stand there until she drives away, watching until I can no longer see her.

I really like this girl.I’ve been sitting on the couch with my laptop for the last four hours. My eyes are tired, and my stomach just growled. I’m feeling pretty good about where I am with my classes. It’s been a productive evening. I refused to think about Easton, pushing him out of my mind. If not, I knew I’d get nothing done. Now here I am at almost ten in the evening, and my studying is not only caught up, but I’m ahead. I don’t know that I’ve ever been ahead before. I shut down my laptop and stack my binder and notebooks on the end table when my phone rings.

Easton.

I take a deep breath to tamp down the excitement of seeing his name on my screen. I’m acting like a teenager, but I can’t seem to control it where he’s concerned. “Hello,” I answer.

“Hey, Ris. How’s studying going?” The deep timbre of his voice washes over me. It’s soothing.

“Good. I’m actually caught up and worked a little ahead. I just put it all away for the night. My eyes are going crossed. I’ve stared at my computer screen long enough.”

“That’s good to hear. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I was actually just going to head to the kitchen and see what I could find.”

“I could bring you something.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I can just find something here.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. How was the rest of your day?” I ask, opening the freezer door. I spot one of the single serve microwave pizzas that P loves and grab it. As quietly as I can, I open the package and place it in the microwave. I don’t want to miss a word he has to say.

“Uneventful. I came home, did some laundry, worked out a little, then went for a swim.”

“Ah, the life of a professional athlete,” I tease.

“More like the life of a man who’s trying really fucking hard not to end up on your doorstep tonight.”

“Oh really?” I ask. I keep my voice calm, but on the inside, I have that feeling, the one that starts in the pit of your stomach and then washed over you. It’s a feeling of longing and want.

“I miss you already. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I know you’re home alone. If it weren’t for the fact that I know you not only need but deserve this free time to get caught up, I’d be pounding down your door.”

“It’s been nice. Don’t get me wrong. I love my daughter, but to actually be caught up and be a little bit ahead of schedule, it feels good. I have to admit.”