Spring Training

SPRING TRAINING

by

Parker Kincade

Copyright © 2013 by Parker Kincade

ISBN: 978-0-9894407-0-7

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Editor

Lacey Thacker

Cover Artist

Aimee Benson

Formatted by

JTLW Design

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, places, brands and dialogues in this book are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This book contains content that is not suitable for readers who are 17 and under.

Also by Parker Kincade

The Martin Family Series:

One Night Stand

Anthologies:

Lucky’s Charms

Game On Series:

Spring Training

Next expected title in series:

Southern Heat

Dedication

To Peg, for raising me, for always believing in me, and for being my biggest fan. I’m the person I am today because of you. I love you.

To Deni Golden, for your friendship and unwavering support. And for loving Garrett as much as I do!

And, of course, to Garrett. Your wicked smile and smooth southern charm get me every time.

Acknowledgements

There are so many people that helped put this book together and deserve recognition for their mad skills:

Lacey Thacker, thank you for all the writing dates, the reads and re-reads, and for doing the final editing. You’re my peanut butter! JT Lacy, for being my technology guru, book formatter, all around go-to guy, and, most of all, for all the years of friendship you’ve blessed me with. Vanessa North, for the awesome cover. Monette Michaels, for being a great critique partner and not kicking my ass the first go-round. To all the ladies of the Diamond State Romance Authors for their support and counsel.

Mandy Harbin, thank you for your guidance, support and friendship. I don’t know how I did all this before I met you.

Rome, my kids, Ty, and my entire family. You guys rock!

And finally, a special thanks to Brian Bednarz for naming my beloved New York Empire baseball team. Next beer is on me, brother!

Chapter One

Dread coursed through Jessa Montgomery’s body. She rubbed her forehead, hoping like hell she wouldn’t get a headache. She pressed her back against the cool concrete, its chill strangely soothing through her thin blouse.

She had no idea what she was doing here. Standing outside the locker room like a damn groupie. This wasn’t her job. Her father, TJ Montgomery, owned the New York Empire major league baseball team. He had people to do this kind of thing. People that weren’t her.

TJ was known for his unorthodox methods when it came to his players, treating them all like the favored sons he’d never had. He’d only had her. And even though he’d raised her in ballparks around the country, instilling his love for the game deep in her heart, she’d never quite felt as if she were enough.

And it still didn’t explain why he’d sent her here. He’d been adamant that she not be directly involved with the players, and that suited her just fine. She knew the games men played. Especially those who were young, talented, and had their pick of women. Setting aside the fact that she had an uncanny ability to track talent and spot weaknesses in a player’s game, Jessa preferred to be a behind-the-scenes kind of girl. Give her a game tape and a quiet office any day. She handled the administrative side of her father’s life. She managed finances and paperwork from behind a desk. In New York.

She didn’t attend spring training to babysit. Ever.

So, why this player? Why now?

One thing was for certain, TJ had never gotten as excited about anything Jessa had done as he was about the man she was here to meet. Her dad’s new star player.

Jealousy left a bitter taste in her mouth as she glanced at her watch. A star player with a shitty sense of time.

Jessa inhaled deeply and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. God save her from spoiled athletes with more talent than sense. And damn her dad for putting her in the position to deal with a guy who probably thought the world revolved around him. They’d shelled out enough cash to fund a small country to make sure Garrett Donovan played for New York; the least he could do was show up on time.

Unable to stand still any longer, Jessa strolled up the tunnel, dragging her fingertips along the painted cinder blocks as she went. What the hell was she going to do? Keeping track of Garrett on the field was one thing, but off the field … why the hell would her dad want her to keep an eye on his extracurricular activities? There were few who could match her knowledge of the game, but there had to be someone more qualified to deal with this man after-hours.

Jessa wasn’t socially inept, but she chose to keep to herself. Her experience with men was limited, primarily because she hated being treated like a piece of meat. Female friendships were even harder to form. It seemed as if no one could look past her name or her dad’s money to see who Jessa really was. Everyone wanted something from her. Call her cynical, but been there, done that.

Just once, she’d like to meet someone who would look past all that and realize there was so much more to her. But that wasn’t going to happen this week. Not here and not in this place. Maybe not ever.

Which was why she’d prefer to spend every night in her hotel room, going over stats, preparing reports, hell, even watching a movie. Not keeping her dad’s new best friend out of trouble. The last thing she wanted to do was subject herself to the wild Tampa nightlife. Whatever Garrett did in his spare time was his own business. She didn’t want any part of it.

As much as she’d like to go with that, she knew it would never happen. What was it her dad had said?

“You’re too much like me, baby girl. Focused. Driven. Responsible.”

Translation? Boring. He’d made her sound like a damn car.

Yeah, she’d do her job. But if Garrett thought to drag her all over town while he played the night away, he had another thing coming.

As if she’d conjured him, the man in question rounded the corner, hesitating for a second when their eyes met. Tall and lean, with muscles that strained his practice uniform, Garrett Donovan was gorgeous. Sandy blond curls met the back of his collar, the mass of hair she’d seen in photos contained by the cap on his head. Crystal blue eyes gleamed against tanned skin as his lips turned up into the sexiest grin Jessa had never witnessed.

Holy shit.

His gaze burned a trail across her face, drinking her in before moving over the rest of her body. Her skin warmed under his perusal and she lifted her chin as he looked his fill. It wasn’t something she’d normally tolerate, but the warmth in his eyes, the appreciation in his smile, didn’t make her feel cheap. He’d made her feel beautiful.

What the heck was wrong with her?

She’d watched hours of footage of this man. Had watched the hard lines of his body as he swung a bat or fielded a ball. That man was nothing compared to the live and in person version walking toward her. She’d have to be dead not to notice his sensual energy, and her heart was beating just fine, thank you very much.

She needed to get a grip.

“Ms. Montgomery?” His smile filled with amusement as he extended his hand.

He knew his effect on her. The jackass was already trying to play her with his bedroom eyes and sultry smile. Like an idiot, she’d almost bought into it.

Jessa placed her hand in his and shook firmly, ignoring the jolt of awareness that sizzled up her arm, into her chest and straight to her nipples. “Mr. Donovan, you’re late.”

He nodded once, his hand lingering in hers. A hand that was large, warm, and tanned from long hours in the sun. He caressed her inner wrist and palm as he released her. “My apologies, Ms. Montgomery. I didn’t realize you’d be waiting down here for me. Your father said —”

The mention of her dad ramped up her anger. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think I’ve never been to a locker room before?”

He held his hands up, as if to defend himself. “Easy, princess. That’s not what I meant at all.”

Jessa squared her shoulders. “I’ll have you know, I’ve spent more time on the dirt than you, so let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your
princess
. My name is Jessa. And you owe me an apology. I’ve been waiting here for over an hour.”

His lips thinned as he leaned against the wall. He crossed his arms over his chest, the muscled lines of his biceps straining his sleeves.

“All right,
Jessa
.” His deep Southern drawl rolled over her. “How about we try this again. I’m Garrett. Sorry I’m late, but I have a good reason. If you’re willing to hear it, that is.”

Jessa was going to scream if he didn’t stop staring at her as if he knew what she looked like naked. It made her want to show him, which wouldn’t be good for either of them. She fisted her hands on her hips. “I’m sure I’ll hear all about it on the six o’clock news. I hope you wore protection.”

Jesus, what was wrong with her? She didn’t give a shit who he got busy with. And she wasn’t the kind of person to be rude to others. And yet … “You should feel lucky I’m not going to fine you.”

He shook his head, lazy smile back in place. “I never fuck without a glove, darlin’, but thanks for the concern.”

“Oh, my God, you did not just say that.” She covered her face with her hands to hide her mortification. She’d never had a guy — a virtual stranger — talk to her that way before. Even if she had deserved it. If he’d meant to embarrass her, he’d succeeded.

“You’re the one that brought it up. I was just trying to reassure you.”

Her fingers itched to wipe that stupid grin off his face. Arrogant son of a bitch. “Just keep it off the news.” She snapped.

“You think you’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?”

She gave him a smile of her own, inwardly pleased when his eyes flared in response. “Let’s see if I can get this right. Garrett Donovan, golden boy from Mississippi, played college ball for four years, forgoing early draft in lieu of receiving a degree in agriculture.” She considered him. “Although I’m not sure why you would do that. Anyway, batting average four-hundred-and-three. You run the sixty in under six-point-three. You had twenty-three home runs, fifty-six RBI’s and twenty-nine stolen bases your senior year alone. How am I doing so far?”

“Golden boy, huh?” His lips curled into a wicked grin. “You sure have a mess of stats in that pretty head of yours. What else ya got?”

Jessa bit back a smile. Oh, he was charming. Dangerous. The kind of man she should avoid. “You never used the standard aluminum bat, preferring the wooden bats you knew you’d be using if you got to the big club.” Which, okay, impressed her a little. Not that she’d tell
him
that.

Before she could continue, Jim Freeman, longtime pitcher for the Empire, entered the tunnel. Jessa’s tension eased somewhat as Jim strolled over, his gaze friendly and warm.

“Hi, Jessa.” Jim held out his fist to Garrett. “What’s up, G?”

Garrett fist bumped the guy. “Hey, Jim. How was the workout?”

“Brutal.” Jim laughed. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

Garrett actually beamed. “You got that right. Seven pounds, six ounces of beautiful baby girl.” Their high-five resonated through the walkway.

Jessa stared in shock. Baby? What baby?
Her brain rifled through all the information she had on Garrett and came up blank. No girlfriend that she’d heard about, and certainly no wife.

“Jessa?” Garrett was calling her name, waving his hand in front of her face.

“What? Sorry.”

“Where’d you go?”

Her face heated again. She’d never blushed so much as in the last few minutes with this man. “Never mind. What were we talking about?” She ran her sweaty palms down the front of her shorts.

“You were thinkin’ you had me all figured out.” He was dangerously close to her now, one arm propped on the wall above her head.

When had he moved so close?

“I know what I need to know.” She looked around for Jim, only to discover they were once again alone.

His laugh was deep, husky. “I guess we’ll see about that.” He leaned in, the rim of his cap teasing her hair. “You smell good. Like strawberries.” His breath was warm against her face. “Makes me hungry.”

Jessa couldn’t control the shudder that traveled down her spine. Moisture pooled between her legs, her body practically begging to feed him.

Jessa was horrified by her response. He was just like all the rest. Flirting with her while his baby-mama was off taking care of their child.

She’d be damned if she’d become another of his conquests.

She offered him her sweetest smile, batting her eyelashes a few times for good measure. “Congratulations on your new baby, Garrett. When was she born?”

Garrett pushed away from her. That damned grin took her breath away.

“About ten hours ago. And she’s my niece.” His smile vanished. “My brother-in-law was killed in combat six months ago, so I had to be there to stand in with my sister. That’s why I was late.” He started down the tunnel, then turned to give her a parting shot. “See you on the dirt,
princess
.”

Jessa stared after him, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole. It looked like Garrett wasn’t the only one who would be apologizing today.

* * *

Strawberries.

You’re such a dumbass.

What the hell was he thinking? If there was one
thing every baseball player knew, it was that you didn’t fuck with the owner’s daughter. Ever.

And there he was … talking goddamned condoms and telling her she’d made him hungry.

Jesus Christ.

Garrett scrubbed his hand down his face. He’d heard about the beautiful Jessa Montgomery. From what he’d seen just now, she’d earned every ounce of praise. She was a total knockout. Her hair was a gorgeous shade of blonde and copper, long enough to drape over her breasts. Breasts that weren’t overly large, but perfect to fill his hands.

And her eyes. Garrett bit back a moan. Her eyes were mesmerizing. Not quite blue, not quite green.

But when she started rattling off stats with that voice as smooth as honey, sweet mercy, he’d gone rock hard. Which was damned uncomfortable when his junk was crammed into a protective cup.

Not even his mother could rattle off stats like that and know what they meant. The fact that Jessa understood the game he loved? Fucking. Sexy.

Garrett reached down to adjust himself, hoping to get some relief from the pinch currently nagging his balls.

Two weeks. He’d better chill the fuck out if he was going to survive two weeks with Jessa. Garrett respected the hell out of TJ Montgomery. It was rare for TJ to take a personal interest to the extent he had with him. He still hadn’t figured that one out, but Garrett liked the man. And he needed this job. He had his mom and Leah to worry about. And now little Georgia Grace.

His dad had died years ago, and now that his brother-in-law was gone, Garrett was all they had. The family farm in Mississippi had been his parents’ dream, and Garrett worked hard to make sure it would continue to provide for them. But there was only so much he could do by himself.

Baseball was his ticket to securing a future for his family. He couldn’t afford to screw that up. He had no business thinking about strawberries and wondering if Jessa’s nipples would taste the same as she smelled.

Shit.

Garrett made his way onto the field. He didn’t know what she was getting all bent out of shape about anyway. Even being a few hours later than he’d scheduled, he was still two days early for team practice. If anything,
he
should be offended about the crack she’d made about him wearing protection. As if he was some kind of man whore.

Ah, if only he’d had that kind of time to waste.

He scanned the growing crowd. He smiled and waved to the fans calling his name. He took in the excitement like the ground soaked up the sun, giving himself a moment to revel in the fact that he was here. All the years of hard work and sacrifice had finally paid off.

“Hey, Donovan!” Garrett turned to see the batting coach signaling him over. “You planning to stand around all day, or you gonna show these folks whatcha got?”

He caught sight of Jessa, already sitting in the first row with her bare feet propped up on the rail. He couldn’t resist stretching his neck to check out her long, lean legs. He cursed as she eased out of the short-sleeved button down, leaving her in a tight top with tiny straps. He wondered how easily those straps would snap if he wrapped his hands around them and tugged.

As if she sensed him watching, her gaze locked on him. Her smile was almost apologetic. Then she laughed and waved her clipboard — her demand for him to get busy.

“Donovan!”

Garrett grabbed his bat and sighed. It was going to be a very long two weeks.