Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

player?”
    “You, mostly.” I wink. “My dad has your jersey, as does my sister. Duke worships the ground of Jordan Johnson. My mom is totally cougaring over Tanner Coats. She thinks he’s adorable.” I shake my head. She’s constantly watching the kid on the field and commenting on how cute he is.
    Colby leans on the booth table, closer to me. “And you? Who’s your favorite?”
    The heat rises to my cheeks. I know I’m going to have to tell him because, like my parents, he’s not going to let up. “It might be a tie because I own your jersey and Blake Foster.”
    “That’s good to know. I’ll have to see what I can do.” His brown eyes are making me squirm a bit. Maybe I am a teenager with a severe crush.
    “Colby, you don’t have to go through any trouble, but when Duke asks for box seats or dugout tickets, just ignore him.” I finish my beer.
    “Will do, and it won’t be any trouble. I see the guys almost every single day. I hear Sugar Daddy enough that they can do me a favor.”
    The smile at his nickname appears quickly on my face. Colby is far from a Sugar Daddy. “This has been a great night. Thank you so much for everything. Truly, it’s really cleared my head, and I needed it.”
    “Glad I could help. It’s been good to spend more time with you, too.” It’s his turn to finish his beer, and when the waitress comes back, Colby asks for the bill.
    “Does it seem crazy? This? Us? How comfortable we are? It feels right and strange at the same time.” I blurt out. I’m not the type to do this, but it feels right and quick all at the same time.
    “It doesn’t seem crazy at all. Just think about it this way; better that it’s this way than feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Sometimes, it’s better to ride the wave than question it.”
    “Ride the wave?” Colby nods. It’s one thing I’m not familiar with, but he has a point. We’re both adults, mature, and we like each other’s company. “I like it. Okay, so we’re riding a wave.”
    “Yep, exactly.”
    The waitress brings the bill, and when I offer to pay, Colby gives me the look . It’s the look that I shouldn’t even dare suggest something so crazy ever again. Sure, I’m an independent woman of the twenty-first century, but a part of me still likes a man in charge. Sometimes.
    We walk hand-in-hand to my car, and I’m trying not to look like I’m waiting for a kiss, but I want him to. I open my door and turn around to him. His sexy grin is still on his face.
    “Thank you, Colby. I needed it.”
    “Anytime. I had a lot of fun tonight.” He cups my face and pulls me closer.
    My knees weaken a bit, and this time, he deepens the kiss. He lowers his hands and grabs my hips, but stops and pulls back.
    “What?” I study his face then he looks down at me.
    “Your gun.”
    “Oh.” I’d forgotten I’m still in my business suit from work. “I sometimes forget. I always carry it or my off-duty weapon.”
    “It’s okay. I just...um...forgot. Is that your badge?” He points to my other hip where it’s clipped on.
    “Yes, it is.” I pull it up a bit to show off the shiny gold badge. “I think I’ve ruined our moment.”
    “No, you didn’t.” He kisses me again, but not as deeply this time. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
    Like last time, he watches me drive off, and suddenly, I’m ready for the weekend.

 
     
    BLAKE, TANNER, JORDAN, and I just arrived at the field where Ariella plays. I brought some signed stuff and tickets to an upcoming game, but I figure I will give those to them afterward.
    “All this for a chick,” Tanner mutters in bewilderment as we park.
    Blake cuts him a glare and Jordan says, “I’ll remember that comment when you want us to do something for you for a chick.”
    Tanner just shrugs as we make our way to the bleachers. There is Ariella and her family. It’s a big deal for four Angels to show up at a game like this apparently. Eventually, we make our way over to her. She’s standing