Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) (24 page)

“No, I’m not happy!” He raises his voice and shakes his head. “I knew I didn’t like him for a good reason.”

“Keep your blood pressure down, okay? I handled it. I threw his ass out and told him to lose my number. I haven’t heard from him or seen him around campus. I didn’t ask you up here to talk about Warren, you know.”

“Why did you ask me up here, Abigail?”

I’m quiet for a moment. I need to tell him the truth. I need to open up to him. In the words of Annie, I need to grow up.

“I’m an idiot. I’m not sure if you received that memo, but Annie and LA keep reminding me of it daily. I...I miss you. These last three weeks have been horrible and it’s because I don’t have you in my life. I’d rather us be friends, then to not have you at all.” There. I told him what I’m feeling. Now, he knows the truth, but I’m scared of what he’s going to say.

“You’re not an idiot. Your reaction was justified, but the rest of what you said? That, I agree with. I miss you, too.” He pushes his beer away and looks at me.

“I was so mad at you, Felix. My reaction was from rage because you weren’t there and embarrassment as I stood in an empty parking lot with my therapist. I felt like a fool and I hate that feeling. You deserved to be yelled at, but I should have never left you that day. I can’t sleep. I barely eat. I don’t like me without you in my life.

“I don’t think you realize how much you really helped me. I know it’s sound insane because we hardly know each other, but it’s true. I felt different with you. I was safe. You made me feel like me again. That’s why I fell in love with you.” I swallow back the lump of emotions that’s about to choke me.

“If I had given you my complete attention when you called, I would have heard all of what you said and I would have been there. I never wanted you to be there alone. I don’t think it sounds insane either. I know I didn’t say it before, but I love you, too.”

“You do?” My jaw falls open in shock. “Why the hell do you love me? I’m a basket case, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Because you’re more than just a basket case. You’re kind, smart, a good sister, and an overall incredible person. Being a basket case is just icing on the cake.” Felix winks and grins at me.

I laugh and it feels good. “This whole time I thought you only wanted me for the black lace thong and bra I wear to the home games.”

“That’s like having a whole extra cake you don’t have to share.” Felix pauses and his face grows serious. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there, Abigail.”

“It’s okay. I’m sorry I flew off the handle at you. However, we don’t have to worry about me driving ever again and you can be my chauffeur when school comes back in session.”

I stand and dump the crappy beer down the drain. Felix follows me into the kitchen.

“Wait, what? You’re not still trying to drive? Why not? You need to try, for you, for your sisters, and for your parents.”

“I can’t, Felix. There’s no way I’ll be a safe driver on the road.” I lean against the counter, crossing my arms, and shake my head. I close my eyes tight and will the tears away.

“You can’t or you won’t?” His tone is soft. “There’s no such thing as a completely safe driver. That doesn’t mean we should all stop driving, stop flying planes, and start walking everywhere. You didn’t kill them, Abigail, and it wasn’t your fault.”

“Will you be there?” I whisper, half hoping he didn’t hear me. “If I try again, will you be there?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. So, what do you say?” He takes a step closer to me.

“I will try one more time, but if no progress happens, I’m getting that chauffeur's hat for you and then you’re stuck with me,” I joke with him.

“There will be progress, I’m sure of it. You can do it.” I can feel his body heat because he’s so close to me.

“Thank you, Felix. I’ve really missed you.” I lean in closer to his lips.

“I’ve really missed you.” Felix’s warm breath makes my skin sizzle.

I close the distance between and we both moan at our connection. He fists his hands in my hair. I open my mouth wider and our tongues entwine. I feel his hardness growing between my legs and I rock my hips, teasing him.

“Please tell me you have a condom.” I lay my forehead against his.

“In my wallet.”

I pop my eyes open. “Take me to the bedroom, Felix.”

He grasps my thighs and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around his hips and he carries me off to the bedroom.

Felix tosses me on the bed and we both strip out of our clothes as fast as we can, only pausing for a quick kiss or touch. Once we are completely naked, there isn’t time for foreplay. That can come later, because right now, we need animalistic sex, not sweet lovemaking. It’s been over three weeks for us both and our hormones want this as much as we do. Felix rolls on the condom as I take off my thong and lie on the bed, waiting for him.

“I really should take my time with you, but I don’t want to.”

“Felix,” I arch myself closer to him. “Please, I need you now.”

He says nothing else. He positions himself at my opening and slams me into me. I’ve never been one to have rough sex, but after these past weeks without him, I’d let him do just about anything he wanted to me at this point.

We quickly find our rhythm and it’s almost like we’ve always been connected to each other. Our love surrounds us as we both find our release in a few short minutes. I knew we wouldn’t last long. Not because of the roughness or the quickness of our motions, but because we missed each other so much.

“Sorry,” Felix pants in my ear.

“For what?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.

“The second round will last longer.”

“Well, my legs aren’t shaking because I didn’t get off; I can tell you that much.” I giggle and Felix laughs.

THE TENSION THAT has been present in my muscles every game since Abigail broke things off with me is completely gone as I take my place on the mound. In fact, my body feels loose as if I just had a full-body massage. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m relaxed and confident because Abigail is among the crowd. Still, I roll my shoulders, fiddle with my hat, and take a deep breath.

Blake gives me the signal and I pitch, hearing the sweetest sounds in the world. The thump of the ball landing in the glove followed by, “Strike!” I try not to get too excited. My terrible playing these past few games could be all my fault. I could still play subpar today. But who am I kidding? My lucky charm is here and losing while she’s here is rare. Plus, I can tell this is going to be a good game.

If Blake, with his nickname of Grumpy, can walk into the locker room with a wide grin on his face for the first time ever, I mean,
come on
. How can we lose when that guy comes in happy? We make it through the first few innings with little issues. Even my batting is better than it was at the start of the season. Granted, I have been working on it more.

I steal glances at Abigail when I can and wink at her. I’ve been full of happiness since we worked things out. She told me two days ago when we’re going for her to drive again. She asked if I wanted her to remind me, and I told her no. I’m certain I would have remembered the first time around had I been listening. I heard her this time and I won’t forget about it. I set up an email alert and posted sticky notes in my bedroom, bathroom, locker, and in my car as a precaution though.

With a shake of my head, I clear my thoughts. I need to focus on the game right now. Sweat trickles down my back causing my shirt to stick to my skin. Damn, it’s getting hotter by the second out here. My dry throat makes me wish I’d had some water before we took to the field again. I roll my shoulders, turn the ball over in my hand, and wait for Blake to give me a sign I like.

His chin lifts slightly. I rub my palm on my pants, sneaking a glance at the player on second. Something in me doubts he’ll make a run for it. I find the grip I want on the ball, relax my shoulder, and throw a fastball. The batter swings too late and misses.

Strike three.

Game over.

Back in the locker room, I’m grinning like a fool. Hector slaps me on the shoulder as he heads to his locker. “About time you learned how to pitch a decent game,” he jokes.

“He doesn’t deserve the credit. His lucky charm showed up. Give her our thanks,” Blake says with a chuckle.

I smile, deciding not to reply. I will definitely show Abigail how thankful I am for her later. Once we’re dismissed for the day, I drive to the complex, park, and take off to Abigail’s apartment.

Tomorrow is the big day. She’s going to drive. I’m excited for her because this is a big step, one she probably needed to take long before now. It doesn’t matter though, because she is moving forward. I jog up to her floor and knock. When she answers, I grin. Abigail smiles in return and steps aside for me to come in.

“You have to be a believer now,” I say, taking a seat on her couch.

Abigail sits down next to me, rolling her eyes. “Yes, I believe I’m your lucky charm.”

“The team sends their thanks.” She laughs. I lean toward her to give her a soft, slow kiss. “So do I.” I lean against the back of the couch and take her hand. “How nervous are you about tomorrow?” Her eyes widen just a little and I add, “Did you think I’d forget twice?”

“No, but you can’t blame me for being unsure. I’m really nervous already. Are we sure I should do this?”

“Don’t be nervous. I’ll be there and it’s a super short driving trip, so nothing will go wrong. Don’t you think you need to do this?” At least if she thinks she does, then she’ll be a step closer to being ready and losing just a bit of her nervousness.

Abigail sighs. “Knowing that I need to do it doesn’t make me want to do it.”

“Yeah, but just think, you don’t have to drive from here to California tomorrow. You’re taking baby steps, so it’ll easier to do.”

She nods. “You’re right.” After a moment, she says, “Let’s talk about something else now. I don’t want to think about it any more than I have to.”

I stand, pulling her up with me. “How about we celebrate instead?”

Abigail smiles before leading me to her bedroom.

WE’RE IN AN abandoned parking lot, leaning against the driver’s side and waiting for her therapist to get here. Abigail has her arms folded across her chest, her foot tapping against the ground. She hasn’t spoken since we arrived almost five minutes ago. I move to stand in front of her, unfold her arms, and wrap them around my waist as I hug her back. I’m hoping to somehow pass along a little strength since the therapist is running late.

“Here she is,” I say when she finally arrives. “Ready?” I ask, glancing down at Abigail.

She looks a little pale, and she shakes her head. I give her one last squeeze before letting her go as her therapist approaches us.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Abigail.”

“It’s fine.”

She turns toward me. “You must be Felix. I’m Tamara. I’m happy you’re joining us today.”

“Nice to meet you,” I tell her, shaking her outstretched hand.

“How about we start by just sitting in the car, Abigail?”

Abigail nods. I open the driver’s door for her and Tamara tells me to leave it open for now. Then, I take the seat behind Abigail while Tamara takes the passenger seat. Her eyes find mine in the rearview mirror and I smile.

“How are you doing?” Tamara asks after a few minutes.

“Okay, I guess.”

“Let’s shut the doors then.”

We close our doors and Abigail takes a deep breath. Tamara waits another few minutes before asking her how she’s doing again. When Abigail gives her the same answer, Tamara’s next step is putting on our seatbelts.

“You’re doing well, Abigail,” I say, earning a grateful glance from her.

“Yes, you are,” Tamara agrees. “Let’s crank it now.”

I can hear the keys rattling in her shaky hand, but she starts the car.

“I don’t know about this,” Abigail tells us, the nerves clear in her tone.

Tamara beats me to reassuring her. “Yes, you do. Look around, Abigail. There’s no one else here but us. You are in complete control. You got into the car, put on your seatbelt, and started the car. When we take the next step, you’ll have the power to move it into gear, drive however far you want to go, and then stop.”