Blake (Season One: The Ninth Inning #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in Memphis and we seem to be about the same age. Where did you go to high school?” I finish my burger and wipe my hands.
    “I went to a private school, Memphis University School. My mom wanted me to go there since it’s one of the best.”
    “Oh, well we wouldn’t have crossed then. I’m closer to Germantown and grew up there.” I shake my head wondering what Blake had been like in high school. Had he been this hot?
    “You had a great childhood then,” he says deadpanned, pushing his empty plate away.
    “I guess. I mean, Mom put us into every sport you could imagine, but when Harmony and I were about twelve, we stopped all that. Thankfully, they never really pushed us into anything we didn’t like. They’re very supportive. I’m sure your parents are the same way.”
    Blake glances away when I bring up his parents. “What made you become a massage therapist?”
    “Well, it didn’t start out that way.” I grin at my chaotic career choices. “I wanted to be a doctor, then a nurse, then I put my hat into real estate, and then business. As you can tell, all of those I failed at. So, I was talking to a lady one day about being a massage therapist, and I thought ‘why not?’ Then voila. Here I am.” I smile at him.
    “That’s it? You talked to a woman, thought ‘why not,’ and that was that?” He seems perplexed.
    “I’m strange. I know, but after I looked into it more, it’s didn’t sound gruesome and it helps people. That’s something I’ve cared about; even through all my original choices, my goal was to help others. My dad and Mom are always helping people out and I wanted to be like that. What about you? Did you want to do anything else besides baseball?”
    “I was born to play baseball.” He shrugs as if doesn’t matter.
    “I born to eat all the chocolate chip cookies in the world, but it doesn’t mean I do. Didn’t you ever dream doing something else?” I shouldn’t push him, but I want to know at least one thing about him.
    “No, I—” He stops again, shaking his head. “No, nothing other than baseball.”
    “You’re very good at it.” I smile encouragingly and look at my watch. It’s late. “Well, I’ve enjoyed our evening. Thanks, Blakey, but I have to go to bed because I’m having a meeting with the doctor about some of the evaluations.” I nod at him, sign the receipt for my bill, and head off to the elevators. I can feel Blake behind me and I turn to him. “Um, are you following me now?”
    “I’m making sure you make it to your room.”
    “Okay.” I’m not sure why he needs to walk me to my room. We silently ride the elevator to my floor and walk quietly down the hall. “Well, this is me.” I take the card key from my back pocket. “Thanks for inviting yourself to my dinner,” I joke.
    Blake smiles. A full smile. “You’re welcome.”
    “Wait. Did I just see Blakey Foster smile? No way.” I gasp in fake shock seeing the real him for a second.
    He laughs this time, and I smile. Maybe there had been a small breakthrough after all.
    “It does happen occasionally if there’s a good reason.”
    “You should do it more often. You’re kind of cute when you’re not being an ass.”
    Before I can even register what is happening, Blake softly, but firmly, grabs my face and pushes me up against the door. His lips are on mine. I tense for a second, but relax as I feel his skin against mine. Since his hands are still on my face, I grip his biceps, squeezing them tightly.
    I open my mouth wider, and he moans when our tongues touch. I’ve never thought of myself as being the world’s greatest kisser, but Blake sure holds that title. My knees grow weak as he continues working my mouth.
    “I’m not that big of an ass when I’m around a pretty girl.”
    Before I can catch my breath and respond, his grumpy look returns, and he storms off.

 
     
    THE CALM THAT usually comes when playing hasn’t made its appearance today. It’s no match for my frayed nerves,