Meant For Her (23 page)

Chapter 44

Sierra’s all-nighter spent creating the gift for Evan kicked her ass the next day. She managed to get in a couple of hours of sleep before she had to leave for a shoot at Z Studios. A couple of energy drinks helped get her through that. Camille largely avoided her, which was probably best for both of them.

It was almost three in the afternoon when she finally got home. She collapsed on the sofa and slept for another two hours. Shortly after five, Geoff knocked on the door, waking her to see if she wanted to walk with him and the boys. She agreed, knowing Leo needed to be walked.

Fortunately, Geoff didn’t make any awkward attempts to get her to have dinner with him. She’d turned him down three times already, even explaining that she was in a relationship. He insisted they would just go out as friends, but there was still something telling her that spending more time alone with him wasn’t a good idea.

She ate a bowl of cereal for dinner, too tired to make anything requiring more effort. After she finished, she went ahead and showered, brushed her teeth, and dressed in her pajamas. Even though it was only six-thirty, she climbed into bed and turned on the small TV in her room.

The ballgame started at seven. She lasted until the fifth inning before she passed out.

With Evan’s image fresh in her mind from the television, she dreamed of him. They were together in bed and things got hot in a hurry. His lips and tongue caressed her tender earlobe, the line of her jaw, and the sensitive skin of her neck. She wanted him to kiss her on the lips, but he refused.

His hands moved beneath the large T-shirt she wore, brushing tauntingly beneath her breasts for a couple of agonizing minutes until they finally progressed up. Her lower body moved restlessly against him, seeking his touch. He obliged, lowering one of his hands until his fingers slipped beneath fabric.

She awoke on a loud moan as he sent her spiraling. She stiffened when she realized there actually was a warm, hard body pressed against her back, holding her as her body quaked with pleasure.

Then she recognized Evan’s scent.

“It’s me,” he whispered against her ear as he eased her shirt completely over her head. “I used the spare key you gave me.”

Her sleep-fogged brain wondered what he was doing there. She’s just seen him on TV playing against Philly. But he’d managed to get her panties off and had lifted her leg so her ankle hooked around his hip. She couldn’t think about anything else as he took her.

He wasn’t in any hurry. His hands worked magic on her as his lower body pushed forward and retreated, bringing her to peak again.

His lips caressed her ear. “Sierra, will you tell me again?”

Understanding, she said, “I love you, Evan.”

He made a sound in the back of his throat. She almost objected when he withdrew, but then he shifted them both so that she was on her back and he was above her. At last, he kissed her on the lips.

She sensed that something had altered between them…in him. There was something more intimate about their joining this time. More loving. He kissed her like she was the source of his vitality, like it would be insufferable to part from her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, conveying without words that he’d find comfort and love with her.

After a few minutes, he broke off the kiss and buried his face in the crook of her neck, moving with more urgency.

“
Sierra
.”

“Yes, Evan.” Her nails dug into his back as she arched against him. “I love you.”

The words sent him over. She held him afterwards, stroking his hair as he caught his breath. He seemed content to stay where he was for a while yet.

Pressing her lips against his bare chest, she asked, “How did you get here?”

“Flew.”

“You’re allowed to do that whenever you want?”

“Not really. I stowed away with Cole. We’re heading back in the morning.”

“That had to be expensive.”

He leaned up and kissed her again. “Well worth it.”

She smiled. He brushed a curl out of her eyes. She could just make out his features in the darkness.

“Thank you for the gift,” he said. “And for being there for me yesterday.”

“You’re welcome. Is that what this is all about?”

“In part. I realized after I opened your gift that I really wanted to hear you say the words again.”

“I’ve heard cell phones are handy for that kind of thing.”

“True. But phone sex isn’t nearly as satisfying. Plus, I have a roommate at the hotel.”

She laughed. “Guess it’s a good thing you came home, then.”

He rolled off her, dragging her against him as he did. Her head ended up resting on his shoulder.

“You’ve got to be exhausted,” he said. “I guess it was inconsiderate of me to rob you of sleep two nights in a row.”

She traced an idle pattern on his chest with her fingertip. “You’re right. It was quite inconsiderate. You’ve been a naughty boy, Mr. Dorsey.”

His breath hitched as her touch grew more purposeful. “Why do I get the feeling that you’d like to discipline me?”

Pushing herself up, she straddled him and leaned down until their lips were an inch apart. “I guess you must know me pretty well.”

He didn’t reply. He just used a hand to pull her down the rest of the way so he could kiss her.

Neither of them thought about sleep again for a long while. Dawn was starting to lighten the sky outside of her bedroom window when they were finally tired enough that they just held each other.

Sierra listened to the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear as she lay in the crook of his arm. His body heat warmed her, making it harder and harder to keep her eyes open. Fortunately, she didn’t have a shoot until later that afternoon. She’d be able to catch up on her sleep once he left.

She still couldn’t believe he was there. Despite what he’d said, she knew this wasn’t about sex. There’d been an exquisite tenderness in his actions tonight. She thought he’d been showing her without words how he felt about her.

“The alarm’s about to go off,” she said, seeing the digital display on her nightstand clock.

“Mmm.”

“I’m going to miss you when you go.”

His hold on her tightened. “I’ll miss you, too.”

“Will you be able to sleep on the plane?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. Do you want me to make you something to eat before you go?”

“No need. I’ll grab something.”

Five minutes later, his cell phone alarm went off. He groaned. Leaning down and kissing the top of her head, he extricated himself from her hold and pulled the sheet up to cover her. She watched him walk naked to the bathroom and close the door. She heard the sound of running water as he showered. She’d provided a spare toothbrush for him a couple of weeks ago, so she knew he’d be covered there. When he emerged, he was fully dressed.

“Cole texted a few minutes ago,” he said. “He’s on his way.”

Sitting up, she nodded. “Okay. Can I have a kiss before you go?”

He walked over to the bed and sat beside her, leaning over so he could kiss her. His hand moved to the side of her face, holding her there for an extra beat after they parted.

“I’m going to pay the dogsitting company through the end of this week,” he said. “But I was wondering if you’d take care of the boys starting today.”

Her heart thudded in her chest. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” His thumb rubbed along her bottom lip, making her shiver. “I tried to prevent it, but it seems they’ve gone and fallen in love with you anyway.”

Emotion rushed through her. It wasn’t the same as a declaration of love from him, but it was definitely progress. She blinked back tears and nodded.

“Of course I will.”

He rose. “I’ll text you when I get back to the hotel.”

“Okay. Good luck at the game later.”

“Get some sleep,” he said.

“I will. I love you, Evan.”

Smiling, he leaned down and stole one more kiss. “Thank you, Sierra. See you Thursday.”

Chapter 45

The team had a successful road trip, increasing their division lead to nine games. With only sixteen games left in the regular season after that trip, it was almost guaranteed they’d be the division champs. It was an unbelievable experience for Evan, who hadn’t ever been on a winning team before.

On the first Saturday home game after the road trip, Atlanta secured a playoff berth. Even if they ended up in the wild card slot, they were in.

Champagne flowed in the locker room. Because Evan had hit his thirty-ninth home run of the year and secured the win, he was heavily doused with the bubbly. Numerous microphones and cameras pulled him away from the celebration. He took the interviews in stride and tried to savor the moment, but part of him was only too aware that his mother wasn’t alive to see him or be a part of this.

Sierra had attended the game with her family. Since she didn’t know what time he’d be able to leave, she got a ride home with them. It was well after midnight when he finally let himself into her apartment.

She jumped up from the sofa and ran to him, followed closely by the dogs. Her wide smile shifted the shadow that had settled in his heart.

“Congratulations!” she said, throwing her arms around him.

“Thanks.”

Tilting her head back, she looked up at him. Her smile faded. She lifted a hand and touched his cheek.

“Your mom is watching you, you know,” she said. “She’s dancing up there.”

His chest tightened. Sierra always knew. It was like she had a window directly to his innermost thoughts.

He still wasn’t sure how he felt about that. His head had been all over the place since she’d told him she loved him. Part of him knew he hadn’t ever received such a marvelous gift. The other part thought of how much harder this would make things when he left Atlanta. He knew he couldn’t stay in the city that reminded him so much of his mother and his childhood. Even the happiest moments, like tonight, were overshadowed by the tragedy of the past.

“I know,” he said, not wanting her to worry.

She continued to look at him in silence for a long moment. He couldn’t help but feel exposed as her mystical green eyes took his measure. He knew that she wasn’t buying his easy agreement, but when she gave him another smile, he also knew she wasn’t going to call him on it.

“So,” she said, taking his hand, “I considered buying a few bottles of champagne and dousing you with them…you know, to keep the celebration going.”

“Sounds messy.”

“Exactly. So what do you say to enjoying a couple of glasses of champagne followed by some celebratory sex?”

“Would this plan involve any microphones and/or television cameras?”

“Only if you want it to.”

“You’re on, Ms. Stratton.”

*     *     *

He got home from the afternoon game on Sunday only to find a party in full swing out in the apartment courtyard. White streamers and various decorations hung from the trees. He didn’t remember Sierra mentioning another neighborhood get-together.

Curious, he approached the smoking grills. Carl, Jerry, Todd, Xavier, Zachary, and Robbie all once again stood manning them.

“Hey, Dorsey,” Zachary said, lifting his beer in salute. “Congrats on the playoff berth, man.”

“Thanks. What’s all this about?” Evan asked, waving at all of the activity.

Carl and Jerry exchanged grins. “We just got back from our honeymoon. Sierra wanted to throw us a belated shower. Everyone was invited, of course.”

“They went up to New York and got married,” Todd explained.

“No kidding?” Evan extended a hand to Carl. “Congratulations.”

Carl clasped his hand, his smile wide. “Thanks.”

As Evan shook Jerry’s hand, Sierra walked up with a beer for him. “Did they tell you the big news?” she asked.

“Yeah. I was just congratulating them.”

“Sierra knows where we’re registered if you decide you’re in the shopping mood,” Jerry said with a wink.

Sierra laughed. “Good luck with that one, Jer. Come on, Evan. Let me steal you away for a minute. The boys have missed you.”

She led him toward the grassy area reserved for dog play. As they approached it, she gave him another squeeze and then let him go so she could greet the dogs. A slew of kids raced around the lawn, throwing balls and Frisbees and squealing with laughter as dogs scrambled around them. Parents sat nearby on lawn chairs, eating burgers and chatting. They called out greetings to him and congratulations on the win that afternoon.

It was all so
normal
, Evan thought as he threw a tennis ball for the dogs to chase. Maybe too normal. He couldn’t afford to forget what it would be like to lose it all.

“Is everything okay?” Sierra asked as she watched him from her spot on the grass.

“Sure,” he said, avoiding her gaze by sipping his beer.

“Mr. Dorsey?”

Turning, Evan spotted Ginny Moreland approaching. She held a squirming bundle in blue. Behind her walked a tall string bean of a man who looked a little star-struck. He held a camera and hadn’t blinked in well over a minute.

“Hi, Ginny,” he said. “You can call me Evan. Congratulations, by the way. What’s your son’s name?”

“Jonathan Evan Moreland,” she said. “We’re going to call him Jack.”

Her cheeks were pink. Her husband shifted his weight behind her, looking at the ground. That’s when Evan clued into the choice of middle name.

“Jonathan Evan?” he repeated.

She nodded and gave him a shy smile. “We’re huge fans.”

“Holy shit,” he said. Then, remembering the kids nearby, he cleared his throat. “Sorry. Did you really name him after me?”

“Yes, sir,” said Ginny’s husband.

Evan looked at them without speaking. He couldn’t ever remember being more flabbergasted.

A stranger had given their child his name.

“Jesus. I’m honored,” he said at last.

Ginny smiled. “I’m so glad. We were hoping you might hold him for a picture.”

“Hold him?”

“Yes,” she said, moving closer with the bundle.

He barely stopped himself from backing away. Sierra rose and took his beer from his loose fingers, grinning at him. Panic set in.

“But he’s only a few weeks old, isn’t he?” he asked.

“Two months,” Ginny said, shifting the bundle so he had no choice but to put his arms out or risk the baby ending up on the ground.

“But—”

“You need to support his head,” she instructed. “I’ll take the blanket so it doesn’t hide his face.”

“But—”

“Perfect. Just hold him against your chest.”

Ginny stepped back and clasped her hands together. Her smile all but split her face. Moisture gleamed in her eyes.

Sweat broke out on Evan’s forehead. He was sure he was going to drop the fifteen-pound squirmer who was currently looking up at him with big blue eyes. He’d never held a baby before. Did they seriously expect him to smile and act natural?

Yeah, right. He was going to look like a rabid Chihuahua.

“Why don’t you let me take the picture, Hank?” Sierra asked Ginny’s husband.

“That’d be great, Sierra. Maybe it won’t have my thumb in the shot that way.”

Sierra handed Evan’s beer to Ginny and took the camera from Hank. Evan prayed she’d hurry it up so he could hand the baby back.

“Ginny, Hank, why don’t you go sit with Chrisanne and Micah and give me a minute,” Sierra suggested. “I promise, I’ll get you a great shot.”

“We know you will, Sierra,” Ginny said. “We’ll pay you—”

“Don’t be silly,” Sierra interrupted with a smile. “Go on and give us a minute.”

Once they walked away, Evan caught Sierra’s gaze. “Have you lost your mind? Don’t you realize what I’m holding? This is a little life here. In my hands.”

Her smile was gentle. “Yes, it is. And he’s your namesake. Why don’t you just think of something to tell him? A word of advice, maybe.”

“Advice?” Evan’s voice rose and he consciously toned it down when the baby looked at him again. “He’s only two months old.”

“Do you know what babies can absorb at this age?”

He glowered at her. “No.”

“Well, then.”

Sighing, he looked back down at Jack as dogs and kids frolicked around them. The setting sun burnished the baby’s soft, fuzzy hair a rosy gold. His eyes seemed full of curiosity, which struck Evan as odd in such a young creature. Shouldn’t his focus be on his next meal or nap?

“Just ignore the weird lady with the camera,” he said, holding Jack’s gaze. “She’s rarely without one. She really likes to boss people around, too. She said to give you some advice, so I’ll advise you to run whenever you see her unless you want to pose for a picture.”

“Ha, ha,” Sierra said.

That made Evan smile. When he saw Jack smile in response, he heard the click of the camera.

“Got it, Ginny,” Sierra called out.

Ginny ran up to take the camera, Hank on her heels. Sierra pulled up the image on the digital display. Ginny gasped.

“Oh, my God,” she breathed, bringing a hand to her lips. “Jack smiled. His first smile!”

Evan looked down at the baby in surprise. “Your first smile?” he said. “Well, that’s something else, kid. Before you know it, you’ll be running the bases and hitting home runs.”

The baby smiled again. Something tugged at Evan, seeing the innocent expression.

“Hey, Ginny,” called Micah from the lawn chairs. “Let us see.”

Ginny and Hank hurried off with the camera. Evan’s panic resurged.

“Relax,” Sierra said, rubbing his upper arm. “We’ll be fine for a couple of minutes.”

“Easy for you to say,” he griped. “They walked off with my beer.”

He looked back down at Jack, whose gaze hadn’t left his face. The tension in his shoulders eased as he realized he’d been holding the baby for a while and hadn’t dropped him or caused any permanent damage. He supposed he could handle this.

“Look at you, getting practice for when Cole and Everly’s little girl arrives,” Sierra said with a smile.

“Yeah,” he said.

He remained focused on Jack. He wondered what Sierra was thinking just then as she watched him. Maybe she was having visions of a future with him that involved kids of their own…a future where she fully held his heart.

Thinking of the emotional investment that would entail made him feel ill. He knew he wouldn’t be around long once Cole’s baby was born and the post-season ended.

He couldn’t afford to be.