Flirting With First Read online

  “Um, Trevor.”

  He put his arm around her shoulder. “Just smile. Our agents arranged this. They’re trying to keep up the momentum.”

  “This is too much.”

  “Let’s talk about it later. I’ll be out of your hair in two seconds. Maybe even before lover boy gets out of the locker room.”

  “Lover boy?” Bree frowned.

  Trista shook her head. “No, Bree.”

  But she had turned from them.

  “Sorry, it’s the job.” He backed away and winked. “Call you later?”

  She turned from the whole mess of cameras, grateful at least that Ryker had missed it all.

  But he hadn’t. Before he could change his expression, the frown across his face said it all.

  Levi clapped him on the back. “Dinner? I think I owe myself a good steak.”

  Ryker nudged him. “Come to think of it, I owe myself one too.” They walked ahead, leaving Trista to walk with Bree, who wouldn’t stand at her side.

  Ryker turned to his friend, “I love those shoes. They’re not all scruffy. You take care of them.”

  “Rabbit, no one cares about shoes.”

  Trista turned to Bree, ready to laugh, but the girl was firmly not looking at her. “Bree?”

  She shook her head.

  Trista sighed. She’d clear this up as soon as she and Ryker had a minute to talk. Hopefully.

  Chapter 8

  Ryker had never felt so hopeful and so dashed in only a matter of minutes.

  Levi looked at him twice before he spoke. “You know she had nothing to do with that.”

  He sighed. “I know.”

  “But you’re not happy about it.”

  “Why would I be?”

  “Well, it’s like Cole. Remember his situation? It’s almost impossible for that guy to convince anyone to stick with him.” Cole’s team manager went overboard with publicity, trying to set Cole up with famous women and encouraging him to garner press attention by partying.

  “She’s not like Cole.” He stuck his hands in his pockets, looking for the lucky rock. “I hope.”

  “Cole’s great. You know he only looks for attention ‘cause he has to.”

  “I know.” He kicked at the ground. “I’m just not sure how to take the next step with her.” He frowned. “Or if I want to.”

  “Well, there’s that whole first base thing.” Levi nudged him.

  “Yeah.”

  The ladies caught up to them, and they all climbed into his car. Bree took the front seat. He raised his eyebrows at that, but Trista wouldn’t look at him.

  He eyed his sister, quieter than ever. “How’d I do, sis?”

  Her face lit. “Home run, Rabbit!”

  “Your legs blurred.” Levi bumped fists with him from the backseat.

  Trista was quiet. He met her eyes, and they were filled with uncertainty, sadness. That wouldn’t do. As he turned on the car, he asked. “Did I impress the famous movie star? That’s the real question.”

  She winced. “I was amazed at the whole thing. When you tagged that guy out at first and the homerun. Bree and I were jumping up and down.” She laughed. "I’ve never hugged someone so much in my life.”

  He smiled. He liked the sound of that. But when his gaze met Bree’s, she frowned.

  Trista added, “We’re going to have a spa day tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

  Bree was silent.

  “I’m happy to hear it. Are Levi and I invited? Or is this an exclusive kind of thing?”

  Trista shrugged. “You are more than welcome. I wouldn’t put it past you to get a manicure.”

  He laughed. He loved nice, trim, clean nails. But maybe the girls needed time on their own. Bree’s eyes opened in desperation, but he shook his head. “I think this one’s for the ladies, but I reserve the right to join you for lunch.”

  Trista’s face lit up. “You’re on.”

  They pulled up to the restaurant, and the valet leapt to park their car. Levi draped his arm across Bree’s shoulders. “So, how’s school? Any punks I need to beat up for you?”

  She laughed. “They’re all punks. It’s high school.”

  Levi eyed him over his shoulder. “She’s got a point there.”

  They went up ahead, and Ryker stayed back to walk beside Trista. She reached for him. “Ryker, about Trevor…”

  He turned to her, his eyes searching her face. “What about Trevor?” He waited.

  “I didn’t ask him to come.”

  “I know.”

  “But our agents are working up a promo for a movie, and I guess they plan to make the most of every situation. My picture at the game got posted somewhere, I don’t know, I haven’t seen it yet, and Trevor showed up to add to the conversation. Wanted to grab some of the trend.”

  “I see that.”

  “So, are we good?” Her eyes asked far more than her words, and Ryker kicked himself for not noticing. She was into him. How much, he didn’t know, but enough that even with famous co-stars showing up, she still chose him.

  He reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “I’m good.”

  She squeezed him back. “Then I’m so good.” Her smile made him happy.

  Bree and Levi waited for them, and his sister eyed their hands.

  Ryker just smiled back. Bree would love her, eventually, he hoped.

  They were seated immediately. And Ryker and Levi’s phones starting dinging like crazy.

  He pulled out his phone. “It’s the guys.”

  Grizz: Twinkle-Nose Trevor got nothing on you.

  Sawyer: Twinkle, what?

  Axel: Some punk showing up after the game, thinking he’s a star or something.

  Levi held up his phone and sent a selfie of the table to the group. It immediately got a flurry of replies.

  Bree!

  It’s Bree!

  Ryker smiled. Homerun steal. He sent the picture of them in the muumuus.

  They all razzed them some more.

  Sawyer: Nice HR yourself, Rabbit. Carmichael was pitching slow until you, and then he whipped out his number, but you still caught it.

  Ryker: Thanks man. Now I gotta have dinner with my girls.

  Sawyer: And Levi.

  He turned the phone over. Trista raised her eyebrows.

  “It’s nothing you need to be worrying over. But Trevor’s got a new name.”

  Levi laughed. “Twinkle-Nose Trevor.”

  Trista choked. “What!”

  “Well, they don’t take too kindly when guys show up, mooching in on my woman.”

  Trista flushed in surprise. He loved when he could get some real emotion on her face.

  “Your woman?” Her eyes lifted to his, her long lashes lining their brilliant green.

  He lifted her hand in his. “I think we should talk about it.”

  Levi and Bree coughed. They looked from Ryker to Trista and then laughed at their silliness. Levi was great with his sister. All the guys were. But he worried about Bree. She never took care of herself. She didn’t reach out to anyone. He didn’t know if she had friends. But she was a riot with the guys. She was super pretty when she smiled and he knew if she just put in a little effort, could have lots of fun friends. But he didn’t know. Maybe she didn’t want friends. Everybody wanted friends, right?

  The waiter came and took their orders. Dinner was nice. Trista touched him whenever she could, and he enjoyed watching her. Her profile. The little dip on the end of her nose, the curl at the top of her lips. She had one dimple on her right cheek that appeared and disappeared depending on what she said. And her hair did cool things.

  Levi cleared his throat, eyebrows raised. Ryker had missed whatever they all had been talking about. Levi shook his head. “I’ve got to call it a night. It’s a great day for Belltown when the only two guys to hit it out of the park are from the SixPack. Oooooh.” He held out his hand.

  “Timber!” Ryker high-fived him. “We should probably get going too.”
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br />   “I’ll drop off Bree if you want.”

  Trista put a hand on his arm. “I’d like to, if we could. We’ve got plans tomorrow that we need to talk about.”

  Ryker shrugged. “Mind if I third-wheel, then?”

  Bree shook her head. “You’re driving.”

  “Oh right.” He winked at her. “Just feeling a little bit like a third wheel already with you two.”

  Bree didn’t live far, and she seemed cheerful enough when she said goodbye. She and Trista were meeting up in the morning. When she shut the door, he asked, “You guys have a three-hour appointment before lunch?”

  “Well, that’s just for the highlights and cut.”

  “Then you’re doing more after lunch?”

  “Nails, facials, clothes.”

  “Clothes? She might start wearing something other than yoga pants everywhere?”

  Trista shrugged. “Maybe. It’s good for her to have her own style. At least she rocks them.”

  He nodded slowly.

  “What?”

  “Thanks for doing this.”

  “I hope we can be friends.” Trista bit her lower lip. “She hates me a little bit after today.”

  “And she loves you. It’s complicated.”

  “Well, I’m trying to shift the balance over closer to love.” She leaned across the console between them, her eyes asking.

  Ryker swallowed. “Wanna go for a walk?”

  “Yes.”

  “The harbor has an active nightlife, but I bet it’s calmed down a bit by now.”

  “I’m game. I have all night.” Her face immediately colored, but she just looked out the window. “Do you like playing in Baltimore?”

  “I do. I’m from Jersey. So this is close to family and friends; it kind of feels like home. Though my folks moved down here.”

  “Jersey near New York City?”

  “Right across the water.”

  “Beautiful neighborhoods there.”

  “We never had much growing up. We moved there before all the commuters discovered the place. But we stuck through it.”

  Ryker found a place to park faster than he thought he would. The night air was chilly and the crowds were dispersed enough that Ryker and Trista were almost alone on this beautiful, starlit night. He opened her door and reached for her hand. “I love the harbor at night.”

  “Have you ever toured the submarine Torsk or the USS Constellation?”

  Could Trista to be a history buff? “Now that’s something we should do next time you’re down here. And I hope there is a next time.” He waited for her response, his eyes widening just a little bit.

  “I think there’ll be a few more next times.”

  A comfortable peace settled over him as they walked along the shoreline. Up ahead, a lone man with a saxophone played some jazz, his hat on the ground in front of him. When they approached, Ryker reached into his pocket and dropped his extra cash into the hat. Ryker pulled Trista into his arms as he swayed back and forth, “Would you like to dance?” he murmured in her ear. “Because I’ve been trying to find an excuse to get you in my arms all night.”

  Everything seemed so right. Everything that had worried him and seemed so wrong in the past didn’t seem to matter at all as he held Trista his arms.

  They danced and swayed, and the saxophone player continued. The night darkened, and the moon came out. He laughed to himself. Who was Trevor? He must have been blind not to notice how Trista’s eyes lit up when she looked at Ryker, how she watched him. His arms held her closer, cradling her near.

  Then the music stopped. “Sorry folks, but I’m gonna call it a night.”

  Ryker hardly heard, but Trista laughed and turned to the man. “You have gifted us with something important tonight. Thank you.”

  His long beard shone in the moonlight, glowing almost silver. His eyes twinkled, and he dipped his head. “It was a pleasure. And your tips”—he shuffled through the cash—“will help greatly.”

  Ryker watched him as he packed up. The lines in the man’s face hid pain, and the sparkle in his eyes belied the hardship those lines evidenced. “Hey, you got a place to go?”

  He packed up his instrument, carefully separating the mouthpiece and laying it in the tattered velvet. “I got a place.”

  “You ever come to a baseball game?”

  “Who?”

  “The Jays.”

  He snorted. “I used to. When I was a kid.”

  “Come next home game. I’ll leave a ticket for you.”

  His eyes held suspicion. “Just who are you, anyway?”

  “Come and find out. You got a way to get there?”

  “Sure, the bus. I haven’t been to a game in years. You sure about this?”

  “Yes, I am. And I’d like to talk to you after if that’s alright.”

  He hesitated, watching Ryker like he might disappear. “I think I’ll take you up on that. Next Thursday?”

  “That’s right. You know our schedule?”

  “I’ve been following every game. Those two Belltown boys were something tonight, hitting homeruns.”

  Ryker grinned, and Trista leaned up against him. “Yup, it was something.” He held out his hand. “Tell me your name. Your ticket will be waiting.”

  “Sebastian Trumbull.” His grip was firm and his eyes clear.

  They said goodnight, and Ryker led Trista out along the water. “You know, I need to get some sleep tonight, but I don’t feel like saying goodnight.”

  She sighed. “I love what you did for Sebastian back there.”

  “Invite him to a game?” He turned back to the space where the man had been. “You might be sitting by him if you come again.” He watched her face.

  “Oh, I’m coming. I’ll come until there are no more tickets at the office with my name on them.”

  He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.

  “Or if I have to be on set,” she amended.

  Ryker turned out to the water. “See those lights out there?”

  “Ships?”

  The lapping against the pier beams below them made a rhythmic background. “Sometimes ships, sometimes beacons. Sailors know which is a light of warning and which directs them closer.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  He pulled her closer. “And I’m seeing all kinds of beacons that draw me in here, Trista.” He toyed with a strand of her hair hanging over her shoulder. “Can you let me know if I’m missing any that should be warning me away?”

  “I—"

  A sharp smell wafted over on the breeze. Body odor, musty clothes, and was that urine? Ryker instinctively pulled Trista closer and stood in front of her.

  “Am I interrupting something?” A tall man with yellow teeth and clothes that hung off of him, swayed to their front. His hand, greasy with dirt and sweat, clutched a knife pointed in their direction.

  Trista clutched Ryker’s arm, peering around his back.

  He stood taller, his six-foot-four eye to eye with this guy, but the knife looked sharp enough and dirty enough to do plenty of damage. Ryker gently pushed Trista further back behind him.

  “Hey, easy now,” Ryker said, holding out his hand. “What do you want? No one needs to get hurt.” His mind ran through the possible scenarios. His cell phone was in his back pocket. He still had an arm behind him that Trista clutched. He pointed to his phone.

  She squeezed his hand twice.

  “What do you want Sir? Money? Let me get my wallet out for you.”

  The guy started shaking, the hand that held the knife wavering. No, he couldn’t go crazy on them. Ryker wondered how fast Trista was. He could no doubt outrun this guy if they avoided the first deadly swing of the knife. Ryker pushed Trista back a couple steps while he backed away, speaking calmly. “Hey, I’m here to help. Look.” He stepped back further, and the guy moved forward, still shaking. “I’m gonna reach for my wallet, look.” He opened it and pulled out some bills. Then he dropped a pile of them on the ground in front of
him. He turned , reached for Trista’s hand and took off running down the boardwalk.

  She was surprisingly quick for such a small person. “Can you see him?” he asked.

  “Yeah. He’s not following.”

  “I’ll just go a few more blocks and then call for a car. We can leave the Infiniti here.”

  She clutched tighter but was quiet until he rounded the corner and made his way to a busier street. Almost immediately, four police cars pulled up in front of them, lights flashing. He placed Trista down on her feet. “Did you call them?”

  “I texted my security team. They must have called the police.”

  “You have a security team?”

  She shrugged. She seemed shaken, and she wouldn’t look at him.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  She nodded, but the eyes she turned to him were troubled.

  The officers approached. “Trista McKinney?”

  She nodded.

  “Is this man bothering you?”

  She shook her head. “No. He saved me. Another man had a knife. He’s back there by the water.” She described him remarkably well.

  The officer talked into his radio, and two of the others ran back the way they’d come.

  A loud crowd with cameras flashing came running from the other direction. Ryker pulled Trista behind him again. “What do you want to do about this?”

  She trembled a little bit, and his protective instincts kicked in. “Officer, we’re gonna need some help with this crowd.”

  A black sedan pulled up. “Oh, here’s the car.”

  “I’m gonna need you two to answer a few questions.”

  They ran for the black car, with cameras flashing around them. “Call us,” Trista called over her shoulder. “And thanks for coming.”

  They jumped into the car, and it backed up and drove away.

  Ryker reached for Trista’s hand as they sat back in the seat. “Whoa.”

  “Yeah.” Trist scooted closer and rested her head on his shoulder.

  He told the driver to take them back to Trista’s hotel. He would come back and get his car after he dropped her off.

  They pulled up in front of the Waldorf and he told the driver to wait while he walked her in.

  “You don’t have to come up. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’m gonna walk you to your door. Especially tonight.”