Double Play by Jill Shalvis Read Free Book Online Page B

her still.
    “Give yourself a minute.” He was also irritated, which was really unfair, because she’d almost had that ball.
    Okay, she hadn’t almost had that ball. “I’m really okay.”
    “Good.” He leaned in very close. “Fother mucker?”
    “There are kids present.” Embarrassment blocked her throat until he ran a surprisingly gently finger over her forehead. “Ouch!”
    He frowned, and she said, “I’m okay.”
    “Tell me what your name is and why you’re such a pest, and maybe we’ll agree that you’re okay.”
    She lifted a hand to his face. “Did you know when you’re irritated, you have a very slight Southern accent? Actually, it’s more of a drawl. Texas?”
    His gaze narrowed. “Your name,” he said tightly.
    “Holly, and I’m just doing my job.”
    “Not playing ball like that, you’re not.” But he let her slide out of his arms. “A reporter writing on the sport should be able to play it.”
    She rolled her eyes, decided it was a gift that she even could, and got shakily to her feet. Ignoring the throbbing ache between her eyes, she smiled into River’s terrified gaze. The poor kid was pale, and looking like he’d just killed a puppy. “I’m okay, River, I promise.”
    “I’m sorry I threw so hard. I mean, who knew I even could? And you took it right dead center, too.” Giving her an instant replay, he poked himself between the eyes. “Bull’s-eye. And then you went flying backward like you’d been shot, and hit the ground solid.”
    Yeah, she remembered that part all too well. “In my research about baseball players, I’ve learned they have faster reflexes than the norm.”
    “If that’s the case, I don’t think you’re a baseball player,” Chipper said solemnly.
    She sighed. “I think you’re right. Well, I hope I was at least entertaining.” She rubbed her temples and wished she hadn’t been in such a hurry to get up, because her legs felt wobbly.
    Pace was watching her carefully, slipping back into his shirt, which was really a shame.
    “What’s my name?” he asked her.
    “Hot Arrogant Baseball Stud?”
    He blinked.
    “Sorry. I think the hit loosened my tongue. But I’m fine,” she said quickly when she saw the boys’ horrified reaction. “Really.”
    “Good, cuz it’d have sucked to kill Pace’s girlfriend,” River said with huge relief.
    “I’m not his girl”—but they’d all begun to move off, spreading out into the field with their new gloves—“friend.” She absently rubbed her butt, realizing that hurt, too.
    “Need a hand with that?”
    She glanced up as Pace smiled. And it was the oddest thing. The good humor changed his face, making him look like one of the kids, both younger and far more carefree than she’d seen him except in pictures. His eyes sparkled, fine lines fanning out from the outer corners. His mouth was curved, and even though he was having fun at her expense, she felt her own smile reluctantly tug at her mouth as they stared at each other for several long beats.
    “Hot Arrogant Baseball Stud?” he repeated softly.
    “Are you objecting to hot or stud?”
    “Arrogant, actually.”
    Okay, so he had a quick wit and a sense of humor to go with those looks and, she guessed, more than the average smarts. And in spite of her best efforts to remain immune, she felt drawn to him.
    Which was not good.
    Not good at all.
    They were still standing practically hip to hip. In fact, he was still supporting her, gaze still locked on hers. His smile slowly faded.
    And so did hers.
    Her heart gave a good hard leap against her ribs because suddenly she felt . . . hot. Very hot. A heavy beat passed, and then another, each filled with . . . well, she wasn’t quite sure what.
    Okay, that was a lie.
    She knew exactly what. Anticipation. And a reluctant attraction. And enough heat to have her palms going damp, which was odd because the mountain peaks were shading them and there was the nicest sea breeze brushing through the trees,