Flirting With First Read online

  He chuckled, stepped close, pulled her into his arms, and dipped her low, his mouth tickled by the closeness of her lips. “I’m the guy on first base, remember? “Do you know how many times I’ve heard that line?”

  She was intoxicating, and his arms wanted nothing more than to pull her close, but he couldn’t, wouldn’t, until he knew she was truly into him.

  “Does it ever work?” Her pout, the fullness of her perfect mouth tempted him more. How easy it would be to pull that soft little pout between his lips, maybe even nibble on it, before thoroughly devouring the rest of her mouth. She parted her lips, wetting them.

  But he winked and lifted her back up. “Would you like to go to dinner?”

  “Wh-What?”

  “Dinner, you and me, none of the guys...”

  Pleased surprise flashed in her eyes widened. “Yes. I’d like that.”

  “Me too. Let’s give it a try.”

  “So, I’ll text you when I’m in Baltimore.”

  “Or I might be in New York next.”

  She nodded. He couldn’t tell for sure, but he thought she was pleased. Maybe the timing was right, and this was a good direction. She rose up on her toes and pressed her lips to his cheek. “Thanks for tonight.”

  He resisted the dumb teenage move to place his palm on the cheek where she’d kissed him and played it as cool as he could. “You’re welcome.”

  He held the door open for her and watched while her limo drove away.

  When he turned around, all the guys were in the entryway.

  He stepped back. “What?”

  “You need an intervention.” Sawyer shook his head.

  Ryker’s shoulders slumped. “I know. She’s not into me, right? Got five other guys? What? Tell it like it is.”

  Grizz slapped him on the back of the head. “No, ya dufus.”

  Axel spoke slowly, measuring his words. “I’ve never seen a woman more into a guy.”

  The others glared.

  “Okay, okay, the women of present company excluded.”

  Axel shook his head. “But seriously, dude, you sent almost a complete wall of friend-zone vibes tonight. I hope that dip and hug you just gave were sizzling, ‘cause she might not stick around if she thinks you don’t like her.”

  Ryker’s heart skipped. “You think she’s into me enough to stick around?”

  Sawyer lifted his shoulders. “Well, how you gonna know a thing like that unless you give it a shot?”

  He stood taller. “Right. But, I don’t know. She’s so out of my league I’m still not sure how to go about this.”

  “No one knows, man. It’s a mystery to all of us. But if you don’t try…” Grizz’s expression was so convincing, all the guys so earnest, he’d have to thank them some time. Maybe he should stop worrying about timing and just take that leap.

  Ryker held up his hands. “I got this one. ‘If you don’t try, if you don’t even know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.’ ”

  Grizz grunted. “That works. I was going for something like, if you don’t try, you’ll fail before you even step into the box.”

  “But have you seen who she dates? Spider Man. She’s in the tabloids with a different guy all the time…”

  Everyone turned to Cole to answer. “Don’t believe that stuff man, they make it sound like everyone’s in a relationship with everyone and cheating at the same time.” He frowned. “And you know, some of it could be her agent talking. Publicity shots, promo, that kind of thing.”

  A quiet settled over Ryker as a soft determination started to grow. “You’re right. Hey, thanks for being here, guys. Deodorant and all. It meant a lot.”

  They razzed each other a little more then came forward in a huddle. “Ooooooh Timberrr!”

  On his way back to the hotel, Ryker felt some of his hesitation towards Trista drift away. A part of his heart stayed guarded, the part that knew what kind of crazy Hollywood world she lived in, but he decided there was more room in there to give their relationship a try.

  Chapter 5

  Trista squealed with happiness as soon as the limo drove far enough down the street he wouldn’t hear her.

  She whipped out her phone. Had he texted yet? Then she tossed it on the seat next to her. Of course not. He was still with the guys. But something had finally changed. This date sounded like something different, something not as friends.

  She’d leave in the morning for New York. A meeting with her agent might lead to her being in the movie she most hoped to be a part of. Fading Fast was reportedly already thought of as Oscar nominee-worthy, and she wanted to be a part. The leading female role was serious, deep, and fierce. She smiled. It was Iceland all over again. And the part would stretch her.

  Almost as important, they were talking about Trevor Dayton as the male lead. He was good. He would be easy to play off of, and she would love working with him. Her agent thought their recent press coverage might help her be considered as his love interest in the film.

  Her phone dinged. Ryker. He texted, Thanks for everything today. Good to see you.

  You too. Still tingling from our goodbye.

  Should I wash my cheek? Will the kiss magic wash away?

  It’s safe to wash. Kiss magic seeps in and stays forever.

  I hoped it worked like that. No one’s ever worked your kind of magic on me before. Out of my territory here. Help?

  She smiled. Out of mine too. Let’s figure it out together.

  Deal. I’ll be in New York next week.

  Dinner is yours.

  He sent a few emojis and then a gif of some guy celebrating on a baseball field. She laughed and hugged the phone to her chest. Maybe. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Maybe.

  Her flight the next day was uneventful and long. Her apartment seemed dull and lonely when she finally made it home. The view out across central park and the buildings nearby only mocked her loneliness. There were people all around, and not a single one her friend.

  She dressed quickly and hurried to meet her agent. She was excited about this potential deal. When she pulled up to one of the more public restaurants, she was surprised at her agent’s choice of meeting place. They’d have no privacy at all. In fact, she could count on some of the other customers taking pictures, and then they’d have to leave before the tabloids showed up. But meeting with her agent was a good thing. They could take all the pictures they wanted, she supposed.

  She stepped out of the limo to many curious stares and a few double takes as people recognized her. But so far, people had left her alone. Quinn sat in the window. What was he doing? Trista was all about publicity, but this seemed a bit much. He must have something up his sleeve. Then Trevor Dayton stepped up to the table and shook Quinn’s hand.

  Ah. Trista tried to tamp down her annoyance. A bit of warning would have been nice. And honestly, she hated the whole publicity thing with her co-stars. Couldn’t the costars work professionally together without all the speculation that something was going on romantically? And then there was Ryker. How would this go down with Ryker?

  She shrugged. If anyone understood publicity, Ryker did. He and his friends were in the news all the time. Plus, she’d explained how she felt about Trevor to all the guys. He’d know nothing was really going on. She hoped.

  People started to point to Trevor, and then their phones were out, taking pictures of Trista. Oh boy. She pasted on her most charming smile and waved to Trevor through the window. He winked and waved her inside.

  When she entered the café, the staff rushed to lead her to her table. Trevor leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  “This is a surprise,” she said. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  He winked. “Last minute invite, but I wouldn’t miss a chance for lunch with you, Babe.” ‘Babe’ coming from Trevor was just annoying. They sat, and he put his arm around the back of her chair. “Honestly, I was telling Quinn here I’d rather work with you than almost anyone else. I think we could nail this
part. I want an Oscar—that’s no secret. And when I work across from you, everything’s easier. We have a chemistry on film I don’t always have with anyone else.”

  She nodded. Did he emphasize “chemistry”? Was he hoping for more? “I’d love to do the movie with you. We’re talking with the producer, but nothing’s been decided on our end.”

  “I’m almost a done deal. I’ll drop some obvious hints. I’m serious. I think you’re the key.”

  She felt flattered. And charmed. He’d worked with some of the bigger names in the business, the ones who were respected for their serious roles. But he preferred her. Maybe she was making her way in the world after all.

  She’d had one or two major movie deals, and the pressure was on to cling to the top. She felt it even though she tried not to. But this would put her solidly back up there and open doors for her in the future. “I’m in. What do we need to do?”

  Quinn grinned. “I knew you’d be excited. First, let’s just enjoy a delicious meal, shall we? Put on a little show for our fans.” She waved out the window and laughed. “They’re already gathering to watch the display.”

  Trevor shook his head, his grin plastered on his face. “This is good for me. Being seen with the beautiful Trista.” He leaned over, and in her ear, he breathed, “Though I’m beginning to think I’d enjoy time with you even when no one was watching.”

  She sucked in a breath and turned to him. She saw nothing untoward in his eyes, so she decided to assume he was just talking about a date, a private life, something she knew they never got enough of. “I’d be game. If we both get the part, I’d like to run lines, go through scenes, and get more immersive.”

  His eyes lit with something. “Then I’ll work harder to make sure they consider you.”

  “Thanks.” She wasn’t exactly sure where the conversation had gone, but Quinn couldn’t have been more thrilled.

  Lunch was fun. Trevor was charming and kept her laughing the entire time. When she looked outside again after an hour, she was shocked at how the crowd had grown. “What is happening?”

  “A few pointed tweets, and the fans took over. You two are trending.”

  Trista groaned.

  “No, this is good, trust me.” Quinn led them outside.

  As soon as they stepped out the door, the crowds’ phones were up, and cameras flashed. Someone called out, “Are you two seeing each other, or is this business?”

  Trevor put his hand at the small of Trista’s back. “Business, pleasure, what’s the difference?” He winked and positioned her at his side. They smiled and waved, and then she hopped into her limo and he into his.

  As she sat back against the seat, she felt deflated. This was a good thing, right? She nodded to herself. Right. But why were the words in her mind sounding hollow? Even to herself?

  She’d worry about that later. Now, she had another audition, and she had to work on lines for the quick part she’d gotten in a Broadway show. She never thought she’d do live theater, but she’d been asked to audition, and now she loved it. Her agent didn’t approve. She said Trista should stick to what she’d already nailed. But this one small part wouldn’t hurt anything. And she was having a blast. The thrill of no retakes rose the stakes for every scene. Her respect for the stage actors had grown a ton in the short time they’d been rehearsing.

  As her mind always did, it moved to thoughts of Ryker, replaying their last few moments together in LA. It had meant something, she was almost sure. His eyes had captured hers in a new intensity. She’d barely dared to breathe for fear he would change his mind.

  She let her smile take over her face, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes. Things were looking up.

  Her phone dinged.

  With a squeal, she swiped across Ryker’s picture. And then her heart clenched.

  Trevor Dayton? Should we invite him to join us for dinner?

  Her hands trembled as she typed a reply. Ryker Stone. As irritated as she was, she was also panicked. Not unless you have a thing for Trevor.

  Funny.

  Business. It’s all business.

  Okay, he’s not invited, but tell me if I need to third wheel you guys any time.

  She sighed. Was he back to the friend zone? Not on your life.

  He set an actual day though, and that was encouraging. They had a date. Can’t wait. Hey, when’s your next home game?

  Two days.

  Save me a ticket. I’ll be there.

  Maybe we can have a pre-date dinner, with my sister after the game?

  Now things were looking back up. I’d love to meet her. You’re on.

  It’s a plan. Thanks, remember I’m in over my head, here.

  She smiled and put the phone back in her purse. Though things seemed better with Ryker, she knew she was nowhere near a sure thing with this guy. She crossed her fingers that she’d get along with his sister.

  Chapter 6

  Ryker woke with pre-game jitters. He still got them, even five years into the majors. He played against Levi Cox today with the Minnesota Ice. The SixPack guys were already texting, razzing each other. Cole and Grizz were going head to head also. The others were in random games across the country. Ryker had to get Levi out at first or he’d be buying dinner. But Ryker thought Levi would get a homerun today. Fritz seemed to be pitching light, and Ryker couldn’t explain it, he just knew it was coming.

  Grizz: Levi’s gonna hit it outta the park today.

  Ryker smiled. So he wasn’t the only one getting homerun vibes for Levi.

  Levi: You know I will. How’s Fritz? He gonna hit me?

  Ryker snorted. Not if he knows what’s good for him.

  Axel: Soooo. Trista…

  Ryker: Coming. Bree too.

  The guys erupted in all the ways to say hi to his sister, and Ryker laughed. They were the brothers he’d never had, every one of them.

  He packed his bag and headed to the stadium. The fake fur rabbit foot dangling from his rearview mirror made him smile. It just fit. His white Infiniti, his nickname—the guys and everyone called him rabbit. It was all working for him. He adjusted the cuffs on his shirt. His clothes were pressed, crisp creases down the front of his tan pants, and a bit of starch to his shirt. His shoes had a slight shine to them, and not a smudge. He lifted his chin.

  His phone dinged. From Levi. “Ryker, you wearing a tie today?”

  He craned his neck. Levi. Where are you?

  Look behind you.

  Levi approached with half his team. Ryker waited for him and then hugged his brother. They may not be brothers by blood, but Levi was as much a brother as anyone, all of the SixPack were.

  “Not a tie,” Ryker said.

  “But you look like you’re going to a business meeting.”

  “Better than looking like I’m going to a locker room.”

  Levi raised one eyebrow.

  Ryker just shook his head. They parted at the entrance, doing a quiet Belltown handshake and a murmured “Oooooh Timber.”

  Ryker dressed and headed out to the infield. His base was white, almost soft looking. The turf a brilliant green, the dirt a perfect taupe color. He rotated his shoulders, loosening his whole upper body. He bounced on his toes. Game time. And Trista was coming.

  “What is that goofy smile about?” Nickle, the Jay’s second baseman, passed him the ball in their pre-game warm up.

  Ryker threw it back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He couldn’t let the team know about Trista. Things would get all sorts of complicated. He’d never hear the end of it, and he’d never be able to keep her on friend status. Even if they were slowly creeping toward something more than friends, as soon as the team picked it up, he knew things would escalate.

  The thump of the ball in his mitt was comforting. He rotated the soft leather in his hand a couple times, feeling the seams. Throwing it back to Nickle, he said, “You know what they say?”

  The second baseman through it to the pitcher. “I’m sure you’ll tell me.�
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  “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

  The guy snorted. “Do you know everything Yogi Berra ever said?”

  Ryker shrugged. “Just the profound stuff.”

  The coach called them into the dugout.

  After the pep talk and the lineup, Ryker checked his phone. He’d told Bree to look for Trista. Their tickets were together, but when he’d arrived this morning, Trista hadn’t answered yet. He powered up his device, hoping she was coming.

  His phone dinged. And he winced as his notifications shot up. His sister was in full anxiety mode about meeting a new person. Is she sitting, like, right next to me? What am I gonna say to her for nine innings?

  He scrolled through her messages, and she’d left an earful. “Oh boy.”

  Nickle nudged him. “Bad news?”

  Ryker shook his head. “Nope.” He pocketed his phone. Then he shook his head as he pulled it back out. He typed, You’re gonna love her. Have you ever seen Beautiful Game?

  Yes…

  Good. Trista had starred in that one. He pocketed the phone again, smiling at the buzzing from his pocket. Then he threw it in his cubby with his bag. He checked his pocket for his lucky rock. His thumb rubbed over its smooth surface and he started to get his head where it needed to be. Then he pulled out his two favorite mitts and weighed them, one in each had. Did he want to go with the previous Minnesota win or the time he beat Grizz to a pop flyball? He chose the Minnesota win and placed the other mitt back into his cubby.

  He tried to put Trista out of his mind. He couldn’t be thinking about her in the seats right above his dugout. Couldn’t think about her talking to Bree. Is that why Sawyer had taken a break from his girl? Because he’d been totally freaking out? He sympathized with the guy. Focus meant everything in this game. He exhaled slowly. The home game announcer barely registered in the back of his mind as Ryker quieted the world and focused.

  He ran with the guys out onto the field. Making his way to first base, he held his hands up in the air, kissed his mitt, and waved to the crowd near him. Even though he felt a bit like Cole, drinking up the crowds, first base had its own group and plenty of hecklers to prove it. Half the fun for these people was player reaction.