Igniting the Wild Sparks by Ren Alexander Read Free Book Online Page B

seat. “It’s not only about that. Our last argument…”
    “We’ll talk about it.” I do not want to get into that discussion in a Catholic church. “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at practice, coach?”
    He raises his head and offers a ghost of a smile. “I’ll be there. Maybe we can go to dinner after my six spot? I have to be on location, but I should wrap up shortly after 6:30.”
    “Sounds good.”
    He moves his hand from my knee and strokes my cheek as he slowly leans in to kiss the other, whispering against my skin, “I love you, Becks.” When he sits back, I gently clasp his face and kiss him on the lips, remembering that we are in a church and to keep it G-rated.
    As I pull away, he sighs . “I’ve missed that.”
    “I did, too.” Knowing I’m getting dangerously close to going home with him, yet also not wanting to fight with Greg Rodwell, I force myself to rise and offer Finn my hand.
    As we walk down the aisle, I diffidently say, “Shasta thinks you’re cute.”
    Looking up to his face for his reaction, h e rolls his eyes. “ Cute . Here we go again.”
    “I think she wants to ask you out.” Please be grossed out. Please be grossed out.
    He replies with a chuckle, “Really?” Is that a gratified response?
    I press, “Don’t you think she’s pretty?”
    He casually shrugs as we approach the doors. “She’s okay. Not my cup of tea, though.”
    I can’t even help sounding like the prying-girlfriend type I despise. “She isn’t? What is ?”
    Finn’s smile is abrupt and perceptive. “Oh, I like this woman I coach in softball. She’s cute .” His teasing grin displays his gleaming teeth from the late-day sunlight pouring in through the windows, and from the overhead lighting.
    I wince at his claim. “I hope it’s not that one who doesn’t own a hairbrush or decent makeup.”
    Still grinning, h e eagerly nods. “That’s her. I’ve got a massive crush on her. I’d even give her my class ring and jacket if I could.”
    I giggle as Finn pushes open one of the heavy, wooden doors, allowing me through, and outside to see Rod leaning against the metal railing along the steps with his arms crossed and his eyes dissecting me for any signs of harm, positively in guardian mode. Not deterred by Finn’s obvious scowling, he says, “There you are. I thought maybe you were joining the church, you took so long. I was almost expecting you to be handing out pamphlets or dressed like a holy referee.”
    I lightly laugh. “We were talking.”
    Rod’s eyebrows yank together as he pushes himself off the railing. “About joining?” I roll my eyes and he says, “We need to go since we still have your errand to run.” Rod has the courtesy to walk a few steps in front of Finn and me, which surprises me since I was expecting him to toss me into a burlap sack and throw me into the back of his truck. I suppose both of our expectations were a tad skewed.
    Finn asks me as we walk, “You didn’t run your errand earlier?”
    Though walking ahead, Rod still answers from over his shoulder, “No, your woman takes the longest showers in history. I was going to check on her, but, well, you know…” He drifts off with a cackle. Finn’s hand tightens in mine and I squeeze back.
    “I know. I’m sorry. I got lost.”
    Rod snorts. “In a shower? Maybe you need one of those medical alert necklace things to wear with your key, or a mini GPS charm.”
    “Rod.”
    We reach Rod’s truck and Finn opens my door. I thank him and he smiles. As Rod climbs into the driver’s seat, Finn holds onto the open doorframe and clears his throat. “I forgot to tell you what a great job you did at bat earlier. I’m impressed.”
    “Same here. I liked watching you swing.” Because your body lights me up faster than a spark to gasoline.
    Finn bites the end of his tongue and eyes me darkly. He takes a deep breath before lowly replying, “Ditto. That was my favorite part about watching you bat.” He leans in and