Dare to Kiss (The Maxwell Series Book 1) (8 page)

“Holy flippin’ crap,” Kelton said from behind me at shortstop.

Kross whistled.

I went through the same moves again. Pitching was a unique combination of many movements, and all of them needed to be in sync to deliver the perfect pitch. If the moves were fluid and performed correctly, then I could add velocity to my fastball. My mind and body weren’t quite in sync yet to throw the perfect pitch. I had to remember to relax. Pitching always reminded me of dancing.

My parents had insisted that all of us kids take ballroom dancing at an early age. They believed that learning dance moves helped to learn balance and coordination. My mom had said it instilled confidence and grace, which was what every girl needed to learn. I’d hated ballroom dancing. It interfered with baseball on Saturday mornings. But as I got better at pitching, I thanked my parents for forcing me to dance with boys. The results had helped me to gain the stamina needed for pitching.

I threw a few more fastballs and curveballs.

“Did I tell you that I love you?” Kelton teased from behind me. “So I take back what I said. Are you sure you’re a girl?”

I turned. “You realize you just said you love me but doubt that I’m a girl. Is there something you’d like to share?” I asked, smiling the whole time.

He flipped me the finger. Kross and Tyler laughed.

Maybe it wasn’t an apology, but it didn’t matter. Kelton and I were going to have a very tense friendship. Sometimes guys showed how they felt about girls in different ways and Kelton’s way, I was starting to see, was sarcasm. I could handle him. After all, I was just as feisty.

We practiced for over two hours. I pitched, and each of them took turns batting. Kross struck out. Kelton hit my fastball into the outfield. Tyler hit a homerun off my slider. I still had work to do on that pitch. Then I played shortstop and outfield. Pitching wasn’t my only position. I’d learn to play just about every one, growing up. I’d even played left field for a women’s softball team when I was twelve. I only settled on pitching because the ability to strike out a batter gave me a high—when the batter would swing, then realize he’d swung at nothing.

When we decided to call it quits, I looked around. Until that moment I hadn’t seen the audience who had gathered. A group of boys sat in the front row of the stands along the first base line. Several girls congregated in seats behind the dugout on the third base side. I laughed as we packed up.

“What’s so funny?” Kross asked.

“I’m always amazed at the number of girls you guys seem to draw. It’s like they found out some hot music group was down on the field, so they dressed up and came down to get an autograph or something.” I couldn’t blame them for their interest in hot guys. But surely they must have other things to do on a Saturday morning.

Kross laughed, as did Kelton. Tyler, however, remained straight-faced. Maybe he was used to all the attention.

“It’s flattering, but I try to ignore them.” Kross handed me a Gatorade out of his bag.

“Wow, thanks.” I’d brought water, but Gatorade was way better, especially since it was the orange flavor.

“I am a nice guy.”

Kelton stuck his finger in his mouth as though he were forcing himself to puke.

“Shut up.” Kross glared at his brother.

Kelton picked up his sports bag. “Meet you at the car, bro. I have a fan base to attend to. Lacey, nice job, girl. You’re ready. Tyler, later, dude.” Then he swaggered into the crowd of girls who were calling his name.

“Close your mouth, Lacey,” Kross said, tapping my chin. “My brother may be an ass most of the time, but he knows when to give a compliment. And he’s right. You’re amazing. Tyler was right too. I’ve never seen a girl who can pitch like that. How fast is your fastball?”

“She throws at about seventy miles per hour,” Tyler said as he tucked his catcher’s mitt in his bag.

“I gotta run. Let’s practice one more time before tryouts on Wednesday,” Kross said. “Until then, see you around.” He patted me on the shoulder, then half the girls around Kelton swarmed Kross like bees to a hive.

Silence stretched between Tyler and me. I helped him pick up the handful of baseballs sitting next to the backstop and pile them into the bucket.

“Are you going to the Cave tonight?” I asked, swinging my bag over my shoulder. Girls tittered loudly around Kelton and Kross.

“My dad and I are having dinner with a scout from Florida State.” Tyler lifted the bucket by the handle. “Lace, can we talk?”

“Becca’s waiting for me,” I said. “I have to go.” I wasn’t prepared to discuss that awkward almost kiss. Besides, with the gossipy girls hanging close by, this definitely wasn’t the place to talk. “Good luck with the scout.” I jogged off the field.

As I ran, I thought more about the compliments Kross and Kelton had given me. They were validation, which was what I needed to stay focused and to boost my confidence. I just had to keep that swagger intact and through tryouts on Wednesday.

Chapter 6

B
ecca and I had a great time at the mall. After I’d left the guys in the crowd of girls, I’d bolted home, showered, and changed, then picked up Becca. Dad gave me five hundred dollars to buy clothes. I couldn’t buy a whole wardrobe, and I didn’t want to. If I was only going to be here until the end of the school year then there was no sense in investing too much money in winter clothes. I bought a winter jacket, a pair of knee high leather boots, two pairs of Buckle jeans, a couple of sweaters, and gloves—I wasn’t leaving the mall without gloves. Becca tried to coax me into buying a crocheted mini skirt, but I chickened out. I wasn’t that brave yet.

Dad had to work that evening at his club, Rumors, but before he headed out, he had to stop by the Cave. He’d secured the band
Two for Two
to play at the club, and Mr. Young, Becca’s dad, was stoked.

“I might see you over there, Sweet Pea,” he’d said as he grabbed his keys from the kitchen counter. “If not, don’t stay out too late.”

“I won’t, Dad.”

“Let me know how the band does, too. I have high hopes for them. They’ve only played a few venues. They’re still trying to find their groove,” he said, pocketing his phone. “My cell is on vibrate, so if you need me, I’ll have it in my pocket.”

“I know, Dad. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

He’d gotten in the habit of reiterating the same message every night he went to work. Guilt was etched on his face. He couldn’t babysit me every minute of the day.

When Dad left, I went upstairs and changed. I figured I would wear my new Buckle jeans. They were straight through the legs—perfect to wear with my new boots. The style I bought was their Rock Revival, which had that worn out look with little nick marks just below the front pockets, and heavy cream colored stitching around the pockets and waistband. I decided on a short-sleeve, black cotton scoop-neck top that hung below my breasts. Underneath I wore a pink cami. I didn’t know if it would get stuffy in the club or not. I checked myself in the mirror.

My phone beeped as I was walking down the stairs. Pulling it out of my back pocket, I opened the text message.

Where are you?
It was from Becca.

On my way.

The band your father booked is hot.

No kidding.
Most of the boy bands Dad signed were hot. Turning on a few lights, I locked the front door then got into my car.

Darkness pressed in and the breeze carried the faint scent of grease as I pulled into the parking lot, looking for a place to park. There wasn’t a single spot open. Maybe it was always packed.

Abandoning the parking lot in front of the Cave, I drove into a lot across the street. More vehicles were filling up the empty spaces around me. I found one in the back, sandwiched between two large trucks, and facing an open field. I grabbed my purse and slid out. The area businesses catered to equipment rental companies and warehouses, with a deli and a pizza place nearby. Becca had mentioned that her dad wanted a place that wouldn’t complain about loud music or crowds.

The marquee blinked as I walked across the street.
Tonight: Two for Two.
I dodged cars as I made my way toward the factory-like building—two-story brick with tall thin windows and black bars across them. A lighted sign above the glass double doors read “The Cave.” I could already hear the beat of the music getting louder as I approached the entrance.

A hulking bouncer stood guard outside under the portico, with his massive arms crossed in front of him. “ID, please,” he said.

Flipping open my purse, I dug out my wallet and flashed my license.

He scanned it under a light on the small table he was standing next to. “Stop at the window and pay,” he said.

I kept my wallet in hand and did as I was told, waiting behind a group of boys. When they scurried away, I paid the five-dollar cover charge before the goth lady at the window stamped my hand with the word
cave
. Dumping my wallet into my purse, I strode up a carpeted incline leading into the mouth of the club.

A roped-off balcony with plush couches and chairs wrapped around three sides of the room. Dad’s club had a similar setup for VIP guests. I laughed, wondering who the VIP teenager guests would be. Bodies gyrated and swayed to the beat of the music. Since Dad had just signed
Two for Two,
I didn’t know this song.

Trying to find Becca in this melee was going to be a monumental task. It seemed the whole school was here. Standing near an empty table, I sent her a text to let her know where I was.

Then the band stopped. “We’ll take a break and be back in fifteen,” Lenny, the lead singer, said. I’d only met him a couple of times in the studio in LA.

The crowd dispersed as the jukebox took over, blaring a Kenny Chesney song. I checked my phone and Becca hadn’t responded.
Oh well
. Since the crowd thinned out a bit, I decided to walk around.

Then I stopped. Kade was stalking toward me. The closer he got, the more my pulse jumped. He didn’t strike me as the type of guy who hung out at a teen club. Something hot and wild heated up my insides, spreading like wildfire throughout my abdomen. His eyes fixed on me with such intensity that a bead of sweat rolled down my temple. A voice in my head told me to run out of the building, but another weaker voice whispered to run to him. The inner debate was settled when my feet wouldn’t move. Maybe it was the challenge in his eyes—if I did, he would chase me, and I believed that he desperately wanted to. Our recent encounters were far from over. I just wasn’t prepared to deal with him right now.

His hand grazed my thigh as he passed me. Disappointment and relief whisked through me until his fingers brushed along my thigh again. I sucked in air, lots of it. Then his hand crawled up my hip, pressing lightly as though he wanted me to face him. If I hadn’t been caught like a girl in heat, off-guard, and standing in a public place, I would’ve kicked him in the groin again.

“Walk with me,” he whispered. “And don’t make a scene.”

What was with this guy? Was he here to settle the score for me kicking him in the balls? Or all the other things I’d done to him?

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” I turned slightly and locked eyes with him.

He grinned. “Wanna bet?”

Kids walked past us, oblivious to our exchange. I moved out of the way of incoming traffic, closer to a round table against the wall. “Yeah. And you’ll lose.”

“How so?” One stride, and he was close to me again.

“Are you thick or something?”

His eyes darkened, and the amused look transformed into that blank expression again—the kind my mom told me to be careful of.

I didn’t flinch. I didn’t run. I didn’t even move. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Becca bouncing toward us.

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t even take his gaze from mine. I wanted to slap him out of his unnerving glare.

“Too much tension between you two.” Becca’s voice was chipper. “Lacey, let’s go. Your dad is backstage with the band. Oh, my God, I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done.” Her white sweetheart-neckline top glowed in the lights.

Kade blinked. Then he tipped his head, brows knitted.

I didn’t want too many people knowing Dad owned a record label. Like Becca, I didn’t want people to suck up to me to get an audition, like some of the kids had at Crestview. I waved mockingly at Kade as Becca tugged me with her.

“I think he wants to kick your ass,” Becca said, plowing through standing bodies.

“Now you believe me?”

“Nah. I was just kidding. Christ, girl. The lust between you two was off the charts.” Her dark eyes sparkled with delight.

“Shut up. Where’s my dad?”

“Oh, change the subject. Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Whatever.”

I was so confused. Kade wanted something from me, but if he had lustful intentions, then he had a funny way of showing it. I mean, why not just ask me out? Or why couldn’t he just say what was on his mind? Why did he have to send Hunt to talk to me while I was in Lancaster yesterday?

Slowly, we made our way toward the back of the club. “I saw you out on the field today, Lacey,” one of a group of boys said. “You were awesome.”

I nodded silent thanks at them. I had no idea who they were. Then someone grasped my arm. Thinking it was Kade, I balled my hand into a fist. Tammy Reese had her dirty fingers around my arm.

“What is it with you and my arm? Do you want to date me or something?”

“Ha ha. You’re so funny.”

“Back off, Tammy,” Becca said.

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll have the bouncer throw your ass out of here. Better yet, I’ll make sure you’re not allowed in the club again.”

“Fine.” Tammy let go of my arm, and leaned toward me. “The guys are never going to let you play baseball. They’re going to make your life hell, like they did the last girl.” Then she disappeared back into the crowd.

“Don’t worry about her. The scuttlebutt around school is that you’re better than some of the guys on the team. Plus she’s jealous of the attention you’re getting from Kade. Come on.” Becca flicked her head toward the stage.

Tammy could have the attention. I was more concerned about what they’d done to the last girl. After all, she was supposedly killed.

Strong hands landed on my waist, lifting me in the air.
What was it with the people in this club
?

Becca’s eyes went wide as she smoothed her hands down her mini skirt, looking past me with puppy dog eyes.

My feet barely touched the ground as my attacker spun me around to face him as if he and I were ice dancers. “Put me down, jerk.”

“Now, girl.” Kelton’s lips curled into a wolfish grin. “Don’t get nasty. I was just going to say hi.”

“Then tap me on the shoulder if you want to get my attention.”

His arms were cemented on me as my feet dangled. The guys standing next to him were laughing.

“Kelton,” I said in my sweetest voice. “Please set me down.” Kids were staring.

“Don’t make a scene. My father will cream your ass.” Becca laid delicate fingers on Kelton’s biceps.

His handsome face darkened into a frown. “I’m not letting you down until you apologize.”

I wasn’t buying his feigned pouting. “Apologize for what?” My voice hitched higher.

He lowered me until my feet touched his. “The longer I hold you, Gorgeous, the harder I’m going to get, if you catch my drift.”

Every muscle in me tightened. The crowd behind Kelton parted and Kade strode up.

“Let her go, Kel,” Kade said. “Her dad is coming this way. I don’t want any trouble.”

“I’d say you’re screwed.” I grinned.

“I just want an apology. She called me a jerk, and I was being nice,” Kelton said.

“Poor baby.” I stuck out my lower lip.

Kade shot me a glare, jaw clenched. Then his eyes softened, as though he were pleading with me to give Kelton what he wanted. It was clear to me Kade didn’t want to make a scene. I didn’t either, but I couldn’t help myself. Kelton was a pain in the butt.

People were staring. “Fine. I’m sorry, Kelton.”

“I don’t like your tone, but I’ll let you off the hook for now. Besides, I’ll have plenty of time to get under your skin, anyway,” he drawled, the muscles in his face relaxing.
Asshat.

He relaxed his arms, and I slowly backed away into a solid wall of muscle.

“What the hell, Kelton?” Becca grabbed his arm, dragging him away.

“Hey, Sweet Pea,” Dad said from behind me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded at Kade before turning to Dad. A deep line creased the spot between his eyebrows.

“I’m good. Just a little bantering with one of the ball players—you know how guys can be.”

“Who’s the boy?” Dad asked, gesturing at him with his chin.

“Kade’s brother. Believe it or not, there are two more of him—triplets.”

Dad harrumphed. “Do I have to be worried about them?”

“Da-a-ad. We’re not having this conversation right now.”
No way. Not in a room full of high school kids
.

“Hey, Kade,” he said, looking past me. Was Kade still behind us?
Oh, God. Was he stalking me
?

“Mr. Robinson,” Kade answered.

The band began their sound check, and the fans made their way to the front of the stage.

“I need to run. I’m sure you want to hang out with your friends. The band did great their first set. Why don’t you say hi to Lenny?”

“Sure, Dad.”

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said in a low voice. He didn’t like people knowing our business either, especially when I stayed home alone. My mom and sister were home by themselves when they were murdered. “Don’t stay out too late.”

“Sure, Dad.”

He kissed me on the forehead, and then he was gone.

I was about to move when Kade whispered, “I just want to talk.”

I shivered.
Oh hell.

For a second, I thought of turning around to read him the riot act. Instead, I leaned into his chest, twisting my neck so his lips were an inch from mine. A jolt of lightning zinged through me. “Can I at least spend a few minutes with my friend? And I have to talk to the band before they go on again.”

His mouth slid to my ear again, the feel of his hot breath blanketing me with goosebumps. “Why? Do you know them?”

“Yes.” I was now waving at Lenny, who was watching me.
Maybe he did remember me.

“You do?”

My body tensed. “Do you think I’m lying?”

He laughed softly. “When it comes to you, Lacey, I don’t know what to think.”

“If you don’t believe me, why don’t you come with?”

“Now that I have you, I’m not sure I should let you go,” he whispered.

At any second my solid state of being would be nothing more than a bowl of red-hot liquid. “Kade, I promise I won’t tell anyone I gave you the black eye.” Although I’d already told Becca.

He chuckled. “I don’t care if you broadcast it to the world.”

Was he proud of a girl giving him a shiner
?

“Let’s go visit your friend.”

Kade didn’t let go of my hand as we weaved through the throng of people. As we did, I bumped into a group of girls accidentally. I was about to apologize when Tammy bared her teeth at me, as did Grace.

Tammy narrowed eyes heavy with mascara at Kade, then at our joined hands. “You’re dating her?” she asked. “Are you kidding me?” She put her hands on her hips. “Grace told me you were, but I didn’t believe her.”

Anger bubbled to the surface. I hated rumors. When I’d started playing baseball at Crestview, I was supposedly sleeping with the boys on the team. I tried to pull my hand from his, but he squeezed it tighter.
Oookay
.

“Tammy,” he said. “Don’t make a scene.”

Grace whispered something in her ear, and she huffed, disappearing between bodies. Grace shuffled behind her.

“Can I have my hand back?” I asked, looking up at him. “You’re cutting off my blood supply.”

He grinned. My stomach flipped a few times. Then he let go.

“Excuse me,” I said to three guys who were chatting near the stage. They moved out of the way.

“Lacey,” Lenny said, jumping down. Lenny was a good-looking guy in his late twenties with shoulder-length, cinnamon-colored hair, a strong jaw, and a nice smile. Unlike J.J. from Zeal, Lenny had more of a male following. His style of music was bluesy rock, and all of them in the band hailed from New Orleans. I wasn’t surprised that some of the girls were infatuated with him. He’d just released a killer song, appealing to the young female audience. Dad had suggested he write a ballad or two to help increase his female fan base.

“Wow. You look amazing. The last time I saw you…well…”

The last time I’d seen Lenny, I’d been in Eko’s studio in California. Occasionally I would visit Dad after school, when one of the bands was recording. He liked to use me as a gauge, especially if it was a band who played to my age group. On the day I’d met Lenny, I was in a

major funk. I couldn’t remember what I wore, but most of the time I was wearing baggy clothes and a ball cap. Who dressed up after a losing two loved ones?