Spencer (The Ninth Inning: Season Three #8) Read online

  “Shut up. Your dad just up and left? What a bastard. See, this is why I don’t want anyone. You never really know someone until something major happens. It’s easier to be alone because you know what you can and can’t handle. Don’t get me wrong; I love my family, but even they can only handle so much.”

  “Trust me, I know what you mean. I think it bothers me more that her family did the same thing to her than him. She had zero help. Well, actually, she ended up living next door to an elderly lady, Mrs. Edith, and she helped my mom out sometimes. But she didn’t get it from the people who you would think should help her.”

  “Wow, Spencer, that’s just…wow. Your mother sounds amazing and look at how great you turned out. She must be so proud. Does she come to a lot of your games?”

  “I fly her out whenever she wants to come, yeah. She always wanted to take a vacation in Hawaii, so with my first big paycheck, I sent her. She loved it so much, I moved her out there once I was settled and could convince her I would be okay without her next door. I always fly out and spend a lot of the offseason with her.”

  “Aw, Spence, look at you being all kind and sweet to your mom. I’m in awe. I’m sure she loves it. My parents never, ever needed me, nor does Sofia, so all my love goes into my purses and shoes.”

  This confuses me because I always thought they were a close-knit family. It’s just an odd statement. “What do you mean they never needed you? You’ll pretty much take over once your dad is done, right? And I know you’re on the babysitting rotation.”

  “Please, my dad is the most independent person I know, and my mom is a close second. Sofia is level-headed and has a soul made of spun gold threads. When, and if, Dad ever retires, I’m not sure how he’ll feel handing it all over to me.” She almost sounds as if she wouldn’t inherit it. “And Grant doesn’t count because he’s not even cut his first tooth yet. I don’t think he’ll need me for anything in the near future.”

  “Aren’t you like his second in command? Why wouldn’t he give it to you? And, for what it’s worth, I think you’re underestimating yourself.” Greatly underestimating herself.

  “I guess you can give me the title of second in command, but who knows, right?” She shrugs and seems to brush it off.

  I make a show of glancing at my watch. “It’s about time for me to remind you that you’re Harmony Gardner, kind of a big deal, and you look amazing.” I take the opportunity to look her over again. Damn. “Like, seriously.”

  She looks at me for a second and then laughs. “Mr. O’Dell, I will give you props for that line. I think I’ll buy the next round for it, too.” She tips her wine glass in my direction.

  “That is no line, but if it must be, I should get bonus points for thinking of it on the spot.”

  Harmony leans over to kiss my cheek. “There. Now, you’ve had a kiss from the ever-amazing Harmony Gardner.” She smirks, and I grin.

  “Well, I’m sad to say I’m not impressed.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because it was a kiss on the cheek. Do you know who gives me a kiss on the cheek? My mom and Mrs. Edith. Is that what you’re going for?” I raise an eyebrow at her.

  “Depends on how the rest of the night goes.”

  “How’s it going so far?”

  “Well, I kissed your cheek. So, it’s going okay. You may have to step it up a bit. More flirting, more chivalry, and don’t comment on how much food I eat, and I might give you some tongue by the end of this thing.”

  I laugh. “Okay. Want to check out what’s up for auction?”

  “Sure.”

  I stand, hold out my hand for her to take, which she does, and lead her around the room. “Do you have to do a lot of these things for work, too?”

  “Some,” she nods. “However, Mom is the one who is constantly doing fundraisers. It’s not a bad thing, but it gets boring. I’d rather just write a check and enjoy the open bar.”

  “Yeah, I get that.”

  “I’m sure you’ve done your fair share over the years.”

  “Yep. This organization seems to be more hands on and does more than some of the others I’ve been a part of. It’s good, though, because they’re doing good things and helping a lot of people.”

  “I’m proud of all the projects my parents have raised money and awareness for, but it still doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the open bar more.”

  “What do you like to drink? I’d guess you’re a big fan of wine.” Wine seems to be more for classier people, and Harmony definitely fits that category, I think.

  “Yes, I drink mostly wine. If I go to bars, then I’m more of a vodka girl. You? Are you a big beer guy? Or do you mix it up with shots of Crown Royal?”

  “Just beer. I keep it simple. Plus, no matter where I go, I can almost guarantee I can get a beer.”

  “Good plan. Did you go to college or just jump into the pros?”

  I chuckle. “My mom threatened my life if I didn’t go to college. So, I went. I got a degree. If this goes south, I can be a health fitness specialist.”

  “Isn’t that a fancy word for personal trainer?”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, if it all goes south, then it’s good to have a backup plan. I don’t have one if I ever get fired from Dad’s firm.”

  “You’d just find a new job, right? Because you have the education and obvious experience needed to do something similar with a different company. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another company wishing they could lure you away.”

  “I have a bachelor’s degree and I earned my master’s in secret. I’m sure I’d find something. I’m not too worried. Besides, Dad loves me because I’m just like him. I really don’t think he’d let me go, unless I lost him a ton of money, then it might change.” She laughs.

  “So, what exactly do you do as his right hand woman?”

  “Everything. I go over all the contracts, keep in contact with all the managers of the departments, and any investments Dad makes, we go over them first. Together.”

  “And when you aren’t working or drinking wine, what do you do for fun?” I can’t believe I’m actually curious and want to know.

  “Fun?” She pulls her brows together and mocks confusion. “Fun? This word sounds so familiar, but I just can’t place it.”

  I laugh at her theatrics. “You should get out more and reacquaint yourself with it. There are lots of ways to go about doing that, too.” I grin, thinking of all the ways we could possibly have fun. It flies right over her head.

  “And when would I have time, Spence? What do you do for fun?”

  “You make time, Harmony. I hang out with the guys, make stupid bets, and apparently go on dates your sister sets me up with.”

  “Stupid bets? I didn’t think you could bet on sports?”

  “I don’t. Just random things. And I may or may not have an addiction to scratch off lotto tickets.” I shrug.

  “Are you kidding me? Like…what?” I’ve completely shocked her it seems, and she’s trying not to laugh, as if she’s imagining me buying loads of scratch off tickets.

  “Like, for example, I’m down two hundred bucks because Zoey got knocked up, and I didn’t pick her to be next. Like, I won money from Roman because I beat him in a game of darts. Or how I guessed Tanner could run longer at a faster pace than Blake.”

  “I didn’t realize how serious you took your teammates’ pain or pleasure in their relationships.” She pauses. “Wait, did you bet on us?”

  “No, I don’t bet on things like that for myself.”

  She leans in close. Close enough that her lips brush my ear as she speaks. “You didn’t bet on how far we would get on this forced date?” She stands upright again. “I’m not sure if I should be offended or not.”

  “No, but if I did, it would only be that you would go. It would be arrogant of me to expect or assume more than that, especially since it’s forced.”

  “Hhhmm…I feel you’re giving me a nice explanation, and the truth is you and the team
bet on more than I think.” Another pause. “How much would you bet if they wanted us to have sex? What are the odds?”

  “If they want us to or if I want us to, or if you want us to? Odds are that you wouldn’t turn me down.”

  Harmony laughs loudly. “You’re so full of it. I’d totally turn you down.”

  “You seem so sure, and yet, I don’t believe you,” I say. “You work all the time and don’t have time for fun. Unless I was a terrible option, which I’m not, why would you turn me down when the odds are it’s been a little while since the last time you had sex?”

  “You seem to think I’m a sure thing. Hate to break it to ya, Spunky, I’m not.”

  “I never made out like it was a sure thing. You’re the one who brought it up. All I planned to do was pick you up, hope for a decent time, and take you home.”

  “Well, goodness Spence, I would have least kissed you,” she jokes.

  “And on the cheek I bet.” I grin.

  “Oh, I see what you did there. Okay, you win the bet. I would have kissed you on the cheek. However, maybe next time, I’ll change up my moves.”

  “Next time?” What next time? This is a one-time thing? Good time or not. Is she planning for us to start attending these things together or something?

  “Hypothetically speaking.”

  “Mhm.”

  “Calm down. You and I are in the same boat. I’m pulling your leg, and you can wipe the panicked look from your face. You’re cool and I like you, but it ends there. I’m not one of those ball hoes or groupies.”

  “Well, I knew that. And I wasn’t panicked; I was just surprised by your hypothetical.” Nope. Not panicked at all.

  “How about we just go and enjoy the rest of the dinner and not worry about anything else?”

  “Then I’ll take you home so you can kiss my cheek and get back to work.” I grin, and I swear she turns her head because she’s hiding a smile.

  ***

  IT ISN’T LONG before Sofia and Blake join us and soon the conversation turns to baseball and Grant. It’s not even depressing how I can go on and on about my nephew. I can’t wait for Sofia to tell everyone about the new baby. My credit card will take a hit, but it’s okay. I have nothing else to spend it on.

  When the fundraiser is over, Spencer drive me back to my house. He’s a nice looking guy, but not overly cute. He’s seems to be the type to take home to the parents, but not one you see on GQ in the latest fashions. He walks me to my door, and I’m half tempted to ask him in, but I remember he’s Blake’s teammate, and my sister sees him on the daily. Even though they both know how I am, I decide to be an adult and not do it.

  “Thanks for making this night less boring.”

  “I’m glad I went, Spence.” The streetlight highlights his coal black hair and makes it shiny. I think it’s his steel gray eyes I like the most. It’s like he can see right through me.

  “Okay, I’m just going to say this, but do you want to hook up when I come back from the road game?”

  He’s blunt and I like it. He’s already told me he isn’t into relationships and right there is a positive for me. “You have my number.”

  “Good, then this won’t seem rude.” Before I hear everything he says, his lips are on mine.

  The abruptness takes me back for a second, but then I let my hormones take over. Then again, I usually let them. I push my tongue in his mouth, and his moan is more like a sexy growl.

  “Damn,” he pulls back. “The one night I don’t have condoms on me.”

  I giggle. My arms are still around his neck, tangled in his hair, and he squeezes my waist. “Who says I don’t have any in my nightstand?”

  Spencer gives me another sexy growl. It’s making me tingle. Usually, the guys I’ve been with grunt or pant, but this noise is doing all sorts of thing to my hormones.

  “Hold that thought until I come back?”

  I bite down on my lip when an evil, but fun, idea comes to mind. “How long will you be gone?”

  “Three days. We leave tomorrow morning. Why?”

  I giggle and then put on my serious face. “I’ll make you a bet.”

  “A bet?” He’s suddenly very interested.

  “Yes, a bet. Mainly, it’s to see if you’ll do it, but also to see if you’re nutty as I am,” I explain.

  Spencer stares at me for a second, but his smirk returns. “I’m game. What is it?”

  “You told me to hold onto the thought, and I want you to do the same.”

  He seems perplexed. “What do you mean?”

  My hands are still laced in his hair, and I begin to toy with it. He’s either going to run away or play along. There’s only one way to find out. “You cannot masturbate, fuck, or receive oral sex until you come back in three days, and when you do return I’ll be the one to relieve the tension. I agree to the same terms.”

  Spencer stares at me, and I loosen my grip on him, sure he will bolt any second.

  “How much?”

  But I have been wrong before.

  “One hundred dollars.”

  “How will you know if I do?”

  I lean in close to his ear. “A girl always knows. Good night, Spence.” I kiss him, right below his ear, and I’m rewarded with his sexy growl before I head inside to my house.

  Tuesday comes quicker than I thought it would. I’m dying here, and I wish I’d not included myself in the same bet as Spencer. I think my vibrator is actually calling my name, and I am in a foul mood, but I get to see him tonight.

  Right now, I need to get my game face on because I have a meeting with Dad. I’m never nervous with Dad and his meetings. Yes, he’s a big-time billionaire, but to me he’s Dad. He told me just to bring myself, because it was personal business, which is what I’m curious about. Dad is pretty upfront with business, and I’m not sure what personal business he wants to discuss.

  I head down the hall to the small conference room. It’s a small table with six chairs, and it’s rather relaxed compared to the more formal boardrooms.

  “Hey.” I greet Sofia and Blake, who’s holding Grant. It excites me to know the Angels are back in town because that means Spencer is home. “There’s my big guy.” I reach for Grant who, in turn, reaches for me. It melts my heart when he does. “What are y’all doing here?”

  “Dad told us he’s having a family meeting,” Sofia explains.

  “He told me it was just personal. Now, it’s family. What’s going on?”

  Sofia shrugs. “I have no idea. We just got back this morning.”

  I grab a couple toys from Blake’s hands and take Grant to the seat across from Sofia and sit him on the table, shaking and rattling the toys to play with him.

  A moment later Dad and Mom come in, with our attorney, Mr. White. I catch Sofia’s eyes and she’s confused as I am. Why is our attorney here?

  “There’s my grandson.” Dad quickly swoops in and grabs Grant, who releases a high-pitch laugh. Grant sure does love his grandpa.

  “Dad, be careful, he’s drooling everywhere.” Sofia tries to hand him a cloth, but Dad shoos it away.

  “My big boy can drool on me if he wants.”

  “Art, let me have the baby.” Mom reaches for Grant, but Dad dodges her.

  “No, you got to see him last night when Caroline brought him over. It’s my turn.” Dad carries Grant to the seat at the head of the table.

  “You better hurry up and have another one, Sofia, so Mom has one to play with,” I tease my sister who narrows her glare at me, but I just stifle a laugh.

  Mom sits down next to me. “I’ll get my chance with Grant.” Mom states, staring at Dad, who isn’t paying attention to her.

  We all watch Dad and Grant, until I can’t take it anymore. “All right, Dad tell us why we’re all here.”

  “Oh, right.” He suddenly looks up from playing. “Well, I have made a very big decision, and it involves everyone in this room. Now, first, Mr. White is here because it has some legal aspects, and while I know there will
be no fighting among you girls, some things need to be put down on paper.”

  “What?” Sofia asks. “What are you talking about, Dad?’

  “I need to ask a few questions first. I need the truth from you girls; I mean it.” Dad’s voice is low, and we all know he means business now.

  We both nod.

  “Sofia, are you happy with your position with the Angels?” Dad begins.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Do you see yourself working here?”

  “At Gardner Enterprise?” She shakes her head. “Dad, you know I don’t want to. I have no business sense of this manner. That’s Harmony’s job.”

  “Okay.” Dad hands Grant the toy he drops. “Well, Blake, your turn.”

  Blake suddenly seems baffled. “I think I’m good in my career.”

  Dad laughs. “I know you are. My question is, do you ever intend to marry Sofia?”

  Before Blake can say anything, Sofia jumps in. “Dad, I have told you Blake and I are happy without being married. I’m not going to do this again.”

  “Sofia, I’m merely asking. Nothing more. I want to make sure I know everything before Mr. White writes up the paperwork. Blake, I care for you as my own son. You have done nothing but proven yourself time and time again. I think you’re an amazing father and companion to Sofia. I mean no disrespect.”

  Blake seems speechless for a moment. “That’s means a lot, Art. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. And you, Sofia, you’re an outstanding mother, and you balance that and your career beautifully. I’m very proud of you.”

  Sofia tears up. “Dad, why are you saying these things?”

  Before he can answer, I jump in. “Are you dying or something?”

  Sofia gasps.

  “No. No. No.” He shakes his head. “I promise you, I’m healthy as a horse. Let me get this all out, and then I will tell you everything.”

  I glance at Sofia, who’s staring at me. There’s something going on. I can feel it in my bones.

  “Harmony.” He turns his attention to me. “I see a lot of myself in you. I’m not sure how that happened, and I’m as proud of you as I am Sofia. You’re strong, independent, bright, and very accomplished.”