Play Dirty (Make the Play #4) (16 page)

TALIA

I stand back as Josh talks to his dad after the game. It’s the first game his dad’s attended this year, and even though Josh will probably never admit it, I know that it means a lot to him.

“Good game, son,” his dad says, shaking his hand. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks.” After his dad releases his hand, Josh uses it to wipe sweat from his brow. I know it’s his attempt to remain nonchalant. Watching them together causes a knot in my throat, and I swallow it down.

A soft hand lands on my back, and I flinch.

“It was nice of Dan to come tonight,” Josh’s mom says, her gaze fixated on her ex-husband and her son.

“Yeah,” I agree, my throat tight.

Dropping her arm, she walks past me. “Hey, Josh. Hi, Dan.”

Josh’s gaze finds mine and we exchange shrugs as Mr. Easton returns her greeting.

“I heard you had a nice honeymoon,” she continues, shocking Josh and me further. Voices of the players and families around me make it hard to hear what he says in response, so I take a few steps forward, feeling like a creepy eavesdropper. But it doesn’t stop me. I’m too curious. “Remember when we went to Hawaii.” She giggles. “We got so burnt the first day we hardly left our room the rest of the trip.”

“How could I forget?” Josh’s dad responds, wearing a smile. “But we made the best of it.”

Josh and I both cringe at the insinuation.

Josh’s mom clears her throat. “Well, hopefully you remembered sunblock this time.”

“I did,” he says, and suddenly it’s awkward again. “Well, I better get going.”

“Yeah, me too,” Josh’s mom says. “I’ll see you at home,” she says to Josh.

He nods, and then says goodbye to his dad. Both of his parents wave to me as they leave. Once they’re gone, I bound over to Josh.

“Um…what was that?” Josh’s face is one of bewilderment.

“That was your parents getting along.”

“I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.”

“Me too.” I giggle. Then I lean forward and kiss him swiftly on the lips. “You were amazing tonight.”

“Was I?” He tugs me close. “How amazing?”

“Like the most amazing baseball player ever.”

“Really?” His grin deepens. “Did you catch that kiss I blew you on my way to home plate the last time?”

I nod, and hold up my hand, exposing my palm. “Got it right here.”

He threads his fingers through mine. “Let’s make it a real one, shall we?” I don’t have time to respond before his lips softly press to mine. With Josh I never know if our kisses will be manic and desperate, or soft and gentle. He’s always mixing it up. Tonight it is soft and gentle, his fingertips playing lazily up my spine as if I’m a guitar he’s strumming. It makes me heady, and I have to hold on to him so I don’t fall over. Every kiss with Josh has been amazing, even the ones we shared reluctantly. But ever since we started dating for real, they’ve taken on a depth and meaning they didn’t have before.

“You know, I used to sometimes go to the games with Ashley when you two were dating,” I say after we part. “You never acknowledged her at all. And when you dated Emmy, I went to the games with Palmer and you were the same with her.” His face sobers up as if he’s trying to figure out where I’m going with this. “I kinda figured you’d be the same with me too, but you’re not. And I love it. I just hope you don’t feel obligated to pay attention to me. I know baseball’s important to you, and I’m okay to sit in the shadows during the games.”

His eyes sparkle under the bright lights of the field, a slow smile spreading across his face. Lifting his arm, he touches my cheek. “I know, Tals, and that means the world to me. But I’m not doing any of this out of obligation. I know I was a jerk to those other girls, and I feel like crap about it now. But I guess I just didn’t feel for them what I feel for you.” He pauses, as if trying to formulate his words. “I felt like they cramped my style. Like they would distract me. Maybe because they were really needy when it came to me. But you’re not like that. You help me play better.” His fingers stroke the tender flesh of my chin. “You make me better all around.”

I think about Hayes’s words about how he’s made Ashley better, and I nod. Perhaps that’s what happens when you find the right person. The person that understands you, that cares about you deeply. They make you want to be the best version of yourself.

“You make me better too,” I say.

“You were already perfect long before I came along,” he speaks firmly, but I know that’s not true. Whether Josh believes it or not, he has changed me for the better.

***

“Okay, so you swing the bat like this.” Josh’s hands slide over my arms. With his fingers kneading into my flesh, it makes it hard to keep a tight grip on the bat. Not to mention the fact that my fingers are damp and sweaty.

“Like this?” I do my best to mimic his movements, but my mind is a jumbled mess.

“Not even close.” He touches me again, and I almost squeal with delight. “Have you really never played baseball before or do you just like when I touch you?”

“Both,” I say honestly.

He chuckles. “Well, in that case, we can lose the bat.” His fingers slide up my arms as his head nears my face. Hot air fans over my neck. I shiver the minute his warm lips hover over the sensitive skin on my neck. When he presses them lightly against my flesh, an involuntary moan leaves my throat.

“That’s it.” Josh reaches down, prying the bat from my fingers. Then he tosses it into the grass, grabs me by the shoulders and spins me around to face him. “The lesson’s over. Now it’s time for your reward.”

I cock one eyebrow as his lips near mine. “Who says this is what I want for my reward?”

He draws back. “Is it not?”

If only I were strong enough to keep the banter going, but I’m not. Not if it means he won’t kiss me. Kissing Josh is one of my favorite things in the world to do. Reaching out, I grab him by the collar and tug him forward.

“Ah, so I was right.”

“Shut up,” I say before forcefully pressing my lips to his. He grabs onto my waist drawing me forward until our chests bump, our heartbeats mingling loudly, like a manic drumbeat. I part my lips, an invitation. He responds, licking my lips and then sliding his tongue into my mouth. His hands tighten around my middle, his fingers slipping into the waistband of my pants and tickling the tender flesh. Our tongues meld together, our lips moving in sync. I clutch onto his shirt, fisting it between my fingers. A moan escapes from the back of my throat, and in response Josh groans. This only succeeds in making me kiss him even harder. We kiss until our lips are swollen, until I can hardly breathe. When we part, I struggle to catch my breath. Josh circles his arms all the way around my waist, holding me steady. I rest my head on his chest and stay that way for a few minutes, staring out at the greenery and looming trees of his backyard.

“I love you, Tals,” Josh speaks from over my head.

Heart stuttering, I peer up at him. A chunk of hair falls in my eyes, and he brushes it back. “What did you say?” I ask, certain that I misheard him.

“I said, I love you,” he says. “And you don’t have to say it back. I mean, I already know you do. Who could not love all this?” He sweeps his arms out and down his body with a chuckle. He’s doing his Josh thing where he’s joking away the truth because he’s uncomfortable with how vulnerable he’s being. But that’s okay. I understand his need to do that. For so long he kept walls up. The fact that he’s open with me at all is an honor. And to have him admit he loves me is huge. Blinking, I fight back tears. “Are you crying?” Josh asks, stricken. “Oh, hell. I made you cry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Stepping back, I reach up and frame his face with my hands in order to force him to look at me. “No, I’m glad you said it. And I love you too, Josh.”

“See? I told you.” He winks.

I roll my eyes. “Never mind. I take it back.”

“You can’t take it back.”

“That’s funny, ‘cause I just did.”

The flash in his eyes tells me I’m in for it. Squealing, I jump away from him in the nick of time. He lunges, his fingers swiping my middle. Another shriek emits from my throat as I take off running, Josh at my heels. His backyard isn’t that big, so I end up running in circles. Honing in on the back door, I decide to try to bolt inside without getting tackled. But it’s too late. Josh’s arms come around my waist and hold tight.

I flail and scream as Josh takes me down. Luckily, he brings me down gently, his arms cushioning my fall. Once my back hits the grass, Josh’s body covers mine. Strands of hair weave over my face like a sticky spider web. I sputter when some gets in my mouth. Lifting one of his arms, Josh pushes the hair out of my face and pries a few pieces from my lashes.

“Don’t take it back,” he says gently as we both take deep breaths, our chests going in and out, meeting and retreating. “Don’t ever take it back.” Then before I can respond his mouth covers mine. One arm tucked under my back, but his other hand plays with my face, his fingertips dragging over every inch of my sensitive flesh. I bring my arms up around his waist, my fingers raking up his back. His shirt rides up a little, and I tentatively slip my hand under it. Pulling his lips away, he sucks in a breath. Then he presses his lips firmly against mine once again. His skin is warm against the pads of my fingers, and it feels exciting to touch his bare flesh without the barrier of his shirt. Sure, it’s only his back, but it makes me feel closer to him. As our kiss deepens, his hand moves down my neck and trails across my collarbone, the edges of his fingers playing with the edge of my top. Desire burns through me as our tongues meld together, and I find myself wanting more. Gripping his shirt, I try to lift it off of him.

“Tals,” Josh grunts, sliding off of me. “Don’t.”

It’s like a slap in the face. Face flaming, I sit up. “Why not?” He just said he loved me, but he doesn’t want me?

“If we start this, I won’t be able to stop.”

“Who says I want you to stop?”

“Tals.” He touches my face. “I’m not having sex with you in the middle of my backyard when my mom will be home any minute.” Shaking his head, he amends the statement. “Actually, even if my mom wouldn’t walk in I still wouldn’t have sex with you in the middle of my backyard.” Crawling over to me, he cradles my head with his hand and draws me close. Then he gently presses a kiss to my forehead. “You deserve better than that.”

I nod, knowing he’s not rejecting me. He’s protecting me. My whole life I’ve had a dad who protected me fiercely. And all I’ve ever wanted was to fall in love with someone who would do the same. In my wildest dreams I never thought that guy would be Josh Easton.

“I’m not taking it back,” I speak into his shirt. It smells like his deodorant and faintly of the grass. It smells like him, and that makes my heart soar. “Ever.”

He tightens his hold on me. “Me either.”

As we stand under a downpour of graduation caps, I find Talia in the crowd. Even though we are all identical in our blue robes, she’s easy to spot. When our eyes meet, a large smile sweeps her face. My heart stutters in my chest. Our relationship still stuns me at times. I never thought I’d have this. Not now, anyway. Maybe one day when I was older and more mature. But even then I doubted it would ever happen. Growing up with parents who were stuck in a loveless marriage didn’t give me much hope.

Weaving through the sea of students, I reach Talia. When she spins around to greet me, I grab her around the middle and draw her close. Her hands flutter over my chest.

“We did it,” I say, our faces so close the tips of our noses touch.

“Yes, we did.” She smiles.

Leaning forward, I press my lips to hers, but I’m careful to only indulge in a peck before pulling back. We are in front of the entire student body, as well as our teachers and parents, so I have to hold back even if I don’t want to. The knowledge that Talia’s parents are here somewhere makes it a little easier though. No way am I mauling their daughter in front of them. Amazingly enough, her parents actually like me, and I want to keep it that way. In the past, I didn’t care what my girlfriend’s parents thought of me. That’s probably the main reason none of them liked me. But I care about Talia too much to screw things up with her family.

“Are you gonna miss this place?” I ask her, genuinely curious. Talia’s practically ruled this school for four years. I’m assuming that will be hard to give up.

She glances around, a pensive expression painting her face. “I don’t know. A little, I guess. I mean, I had a lot of good times here.” Her gaze returns to me. “And I met you here.”

“Pretty much the best thing ever, right?”

She shrugs in a playful way. “Eh.”

“Watch it.” I lightly tickle her middle.

She giggles. “But there were also some tough times here.” The giggle dies on her lips, her gaze sliding over my shoulder. I know she’s looking at Ashley.

“Maybe you should talk to her,” I suggest. Students move around us, exiting the rows. A few parents shuffle past looking for their kids.

She shakes her head. “I think it’s too late for that.”

“Congratulations, son.” A heavy hand falls on my shoulder. With an apologetic look, I release my hold on Talia.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“I’m really proud of you.” Mom steps forward, arms outstretched. As I hug her back, I notice Olivia standing nearby. It’s weird having her here standing next to my parents as if she belongs. As if she’s part of the family. Then again, maybe I’m the weird one, because whether I like it or not, she is part of the family now. As bizarre as that is. Besides, Mom’s moved on now. She started dating someone. A teacher from our school actually. In the past I would’ve hated that, but I’m out of here anyway. Also, I’m leaving for college soon and I like the idea of Mom having someone looking out for her when I’m not around.

When Mom draws back, her eyes are shining. Clearly not wanting to fluster me, she wipes them swiftly and then goes to hug Talia. I’m actually surprised she didn’t go to her first with how close the two of them have gotten.

Chris and Emmy come bounding up, and my stomach knots involuntarily.

“Hey, man,” Chris greets me.

“Hey,” I respond.

“Can we believe it? We’re done with high school!” Emmy bursts out.

I chuckle. “I can believe I did, but you’re another story.”

Emmy feigns offense. “Shut up.”

To my surprise, Chris laughs along with me. “Seriously. Emmy as an adult. That’s a scary thought.”

“What’s a scary thought?” Cal saunters up, Taylor by his side.

“Emmy as an adult,” Chris answers, and Emmy playfully punches him in the shoulder.

“Oh, Emmy will never be an adult. She’ll always be my younger sister.” He musses her hair and she frowns, pulling away from him. Then Cal’s gaze lifts to mine. “Hey, man. Congratulations.”

“He’s congratulating you on having an awesome new brother,” Chris interjects.

Cal shakes his head. “No, actually for that I need to offer my condolences.”

I smile, marveling at how weird this entire conversation is. Talia sidles up next to me also wearing an awed expression. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Ashley and Hayes heading in our direction. I grab Talia’s hand and thread my fingers through it.

“Emmy!” Ashley squeals when she reaches us.

“Ash!” Emmy hugs her friend back.

“Now that we’ve established what their names are…” Cal jokes, and we all chuckle.

“I hear you’re coming to join us, Josh,” Chris says, once again choosing to use my name instead of the insulting nicknames he used to hurl at me. Perhaps he meant it when he called a truce.

“Yep. I’ll be playing ball with you next year.” Talia leans into me, and I feel a sharp pang. She’s not coming to college with me. She’s staying here and going to junior college while she tries to figure out what she wants to do with her life. It will be tough to be without her, but I know we’ll make things work. We love each other enough to put in the effort. Besides, Emmy and Chris, and Cal and Taylor have, so why can’t we?

“Just don’t suck, okay?” Cal says, but the smile he wears tells me he’s joking.

“All he has to do is play like he did this year, and we’ll be good,” Chris says.

I nod. “Thanks, man. That means a lot.”

Talia’s eyes widen as she takes in the scene. Not that I blame her. The entire thing seems a little surreal.

“What means a lot?” Nolan joins us, sliding in beside me. By his expression, it’s obvious that he’s surprised by my present company. Not that I blame him. I’ve avoided most of these people for years. But lately everything seems to be shifting, changing gradually like the seasons. It hasn’t happened overnight, but the more Talia has gotten me to open to her, the more I’ve been able to let others in. I’ve become more understanding and forgiving. And no one is more shocked about that than I am.

“Nothin’,” I say, because even though Talia’s softening me, I don’t want to come across as a total wuss. Touching Nolan’s shoulder, I add, “Nolan’s joining us too.” We’d planned on attending the same college since we were kids, and I’m glad that we were able to make it work.

“Yeah. Dream team, baby,” Nolan croons, and we all laugh.

“What about you, Hayes?” I ask, noticing how quiet he’s being. Usually, Hayes is the one yapping away. “You playing ball after this?”

“Probably, but I’m staying here and attending junior college. I want to be around to help my mom out with my grandpa.” He glances at Ashley. “Besides, my girl will be here getting’ her beauty school on, so I gotta support her.”

My stomach churns thinking of him going to school with Talia, but then I realize how silly I’m being. She doesn’t want him anymore. She wants me, so I have nothing to worry about.

“You’re staying here, Ash?” Talia speaks up, surprising me.

Ashley nods.

“Me too. I’m going the junior college route, I think. I’m still not really sure what I want to do.” She scrunches up her nose as if she’s embarrassed.

“You have time to figure it out,” Ashley says. “And I can help you.” With her hip she bumps Emmy in the side. “These two are going away. Following their boyfriends.” She indicates Emmy and Taylor. Although, even if she hadn’t said anything I would’ve assumed that they were both leaving. I know Emmy. I’m sure she’s been dying to be near Chris again. And I’m assuming Taylor doesn’t want to stay here in Prairie Creek living with her aunt and uncle, playing babysitter to her own kid. That entire situation is bizarre to me. I mean, I think it’s cool what she did, but I can’t imagine how weird it must be for her. “So maybe you and I could hang sometime.”

“I’d like that,” Talia says genuinely.

“Me too.” Ashley smiles.

My heart soars as I take in the exchange. This entire day has been surreal. The only thing that would make it better is if Talia was joining me at college. But I know that’s a possibility. She just has to get through two years of junior college and then she can transfer. Either way, I’ll wait for her.

She’s the girl of my dreams. The girl I love.

And the girl I know I will love forever.

THE END

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