Chapter 30

MATT

* * *

Darcy, Jay, Sammie, and I are ready to greet Chance when he gets to his house before the big New Year's Eve party. The caterers and bartenders will be here after lunch to set up, and he expects his guests to arrive later this evening.

But this moment is all about Darcy and Jay showcasing their hard work for their client, Chance Fuller. I tamp down my jealousy as Chance wraps her in a hug that lifts her feet off the ground when he greets her in the driveway.

"Darcy, just from the street view, it looks like a different house," Chance says. "You did good, beautiful."

"You haven't even seen the best part," she says as she swats at him.

He puts her down, and my heart beats steady again. I know Chance sees my girl as a little sister, but I saw her that way not too long ago too.

After Chance greets all of us, Darcy takes charge of the tour.

"I'm glad you like the color change. I can't take credit for the landscaping, but Jay's friend did a great job finding the right plants to complement the feel we're going for. Remember what you asked for?"

"I think I wanted a house that would put Tripp's Mexico house to shame," Chance says.

"You did," Darcy confirms. "You also wanted a place that felt comfortable and fun. Dare I say hygge with a touch of whimsical? You wanted the feel to be luxurious, but not so posh people can't relax. You wanted a retreat for your family. It needed to be livable and still have a resort feel."

"And is that what I have? Did I get hygge?" Chance asks. He cocks his head and challenges her for an answer.

"You tell me when we're done. And we'll save the best part for last, which is outside." Chance quirks an eyebrow at her. "Let's start inside."

"After you, beautiful," he says, following my girl. Sammie and I are like the proud parents, ready to trail behind, taking videos and pictures to document the reveal.

In every room, Chance notices and comments on the details and feel of the space. He correctly identifies the rooms inspired by each of his friends and loves the names she gave each suite. As they go room to room, Jay interjects with budget information and gives Chance information on how Darcy used a lot of recycled products and up-cycled items, saving money and the planet.

When she shows him the outdoor space, he's blown away. His laughter fills the air as he jumps up and down like a kid at Christmas. Darcy did it. She listened, connected, and exceeded her client's expectations. Chance isn't faking his reaction. It's honest, and he loves the house. I'm so fucking proud of my girl. Her talent is off the charts. As her radiant smile beams at Chance, I think she might finally believe me.

"Outside Chance? I absolutely love it!" He grabs Darcy into his fifth hug since the tour began. Not like I'm counting. He laughs at the large picture of him in the flamingo float from Mexico and looks tempted to jump in the same float now, despite the December temperatures. Jay takes a few minutes to show him the tech setup with the video doorbell, sound system, and all the features of the enormous outdoor TV.

I pull Darcy into the outdoor shower stall and kiss her while Jay shows off the tech setup.

"What's that for?" she asks.

"I'm so damn proud of you, pretty girl."

"Thanks. I'm glad he likes it. I can exhale now and enjoy the party tonight." Her shoulders visibly relax, an enormous weight lifted off her shoulders.

"You deserve every bit of joy tonight. You. Are. Amazing." I kiss her forehead, the tip of her nose, and her luscious lips.

"Stop, you're going to make me blush." She playfully pushes at my chest, and I capture her hands and hold them to my heart.

"And the blush of your cheeks is my second favorite color, remember? Wonder what that says about me now?" The color of her face, flushed with pleasure and satisfaction after an orgasm, is my favorite color now.

I give her another quick kiss and let her get back to Chance.

When the tour is over, we crash upstairs to get out of the way of the caterers. Jay and Sammie go for a walk on the beach, leaving Chance, Darcy, and me to relax before the party.

"Well, Darcy, you checked all the boxes and then some. The creativity and details are extraordinary. You've made this house cozy and inviting, exactly what I wanted. And I may greet all my guests from this massage chair. It's incredible," Chance says.

"You can thank Matt for the chair. He helped pick out a lot of the furniture," she says. "He liked these so much we got them for both levels. I hope it wasn't too much?" We're sitting on the couch, cuddling under a blanket. She squeezes my hand.

"Not too much at all. I think I want one for my place in Raleigh. Matt, thanks for stepping up and being there for Darcy. I know it may have been more work than a ballplayer like you is used to, but you did it." Chance likes to bust my balls for playing baseball, but I know better to engage him when I've gotten more from this project than he can imagine.

"I should thank you for the assist," I tell him sincerely. I give Darcy a little kiss on the temple.

"So, are you two…"

I look at Darcy, and we both smile at each other.

"It's complicated," she says.

"How so?" Chance asks.

"Well?" She bites her lip and plays with the fringe on the blanket. "We haven't really gone public."

"Why not?" Chance sure asks a lot of questions. A look of understanding finally hits him. "Cole doesn't know, does he?"

We both shake our heads no.

"I'm going to head down and check on the setup," Darcy says. "Can I get you guys anything?"

"All good," we both say.

When Darcy leaves, Chance turns off his massage chair and looks at me. "Well, tonight's a party. And fair warning, I'll be keeping Darcy by my side because I need to share her talents with the world. I'm doing it for her. And you. I'm fond of that girl in all the non-romantic kinds of ways and want to help her soar. Just so you know, we're both team Darcy."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you young baseball boys seem to jump to the wrong conclusions when it comes to your girls. I think of Darcy like Ash. Incredible, beautiful, talented, smart, and fucking adorable. But like in a kid sister kind of protective way. So, I'm not making a move, and I won't allow anyone else to either. I've got her. But if you hurt her, just know I get most of my minutes in the penalty box for fighting. I'm team Darcy all the way. Got it?"

When he puts it that way, it's hard to be jealous of Chance. He's a protector, like me. He cares for his people, and I'm strangely comforted that Darcy is one of his people now. He's also helping me tonight by keeping her close in case anyone else has the wrong idea and wants to hit on her.

"I'm catching what you're throwing. Doesn't mean I won't be watching out for her, too, just so you know."

"I wouldn't doubt it. Listen, I'm not going to tell you what to do, but if you want to tell him, Jules and I have your back. We'll keep you safe, Matty boy."

I'm a little surprised after the Team Darcy talk. "I thought you'd be team Cole, since he's practically a Decker now."

"Nah, we're Team True Love, all the way." I can't miss how Chance talks in the collective ‘we' regarding him and Julian.

Team True Love? I scoff at this label. I love her, but I haven't told her because we're complicated, as she so eloquently put it. Does Chance think this is me and Darcy?

"I'm not sure what to do. I want to tell him, but I'm not sure how he's going to react. He's got a bit of a temper."

"Yeah, he's got a bit of a protective streak. I like that about him, especially with Ash. But listen, this isn't our first rodeo. Team True Love is just that. We're all about a happily ever after. Sometimes, you need someone to believe in your love, even when you can't see it yourself. You need someone to walk beside you during the process. Just know we've got you. Cole may have a temper, but deep down, he's a softie."

I don't know what the hell he's talking about. Team True Love? Who's ever heard of a hockey player being a matchmaker? But even with their support, can they save a friendship? Because that's what's at risk. I've known him longer than anyone and I'm pretty confident how he'll react. But maybe they see something I don't. Like not seeing the forest through the trees kind of thing. I can only hope.

"I can't believe that sap writes love songs now."

"You talking about me, brother?" Cole says as he steps into the room.

I freeze, wondering how much he heard of our conversation.

Chance and I both greet him with a half hug.

"Where's Ash?" Chance asks.

"Downstairs with Darcy. This place is amazing," Cole says, eyeing the massage chairs.

"That's one talented sister you've got there," I say.

"Damn straight. She's amazing. Thanks for being by her side through this. She was really stressed and doubting herself. I'm glad you could be there for her during this vulnerable time." Cole is thanking me for being a surrogate brother.

"I'm glad I was there for her," I say quietly.

Chance is behind Cole, giving me a WTF look and making enormous eyes and arm gestures. I should tell him. But he just described her as being vulnerable. Will he think I took advantage of her? Did I? I give a slight shake of my head to Chance.

"Drink?" Chance offers. We all congregate around the bar in the corner while Chance pulls beers out of the cooler. I wonder if this will be a manned bar tonight?

"How many bars did she put in this place?" Cole asks.

"Three, I think," Chance replies. "She didn't want anyone too far from supplies. And the outdoor kitchen is brilliant. It's like she knows how we like to eat or something."

"She's grown up around baseball players her whole life. She gets it," Cole says. "I'm sure someday she'll be glad to settle down with a regular guy who eats normal meals and doesn't live like a nomad."

"You think that's what she wants?" I ask. Yes, that life would be better for her. The reality is, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be in Charleston. I could get traded at any time, and we play over 160 games a year. That isn't the foundation for a new relationship. Sure, Leigh and Cole are doing it, but she's been raised around Major League Baseball all her life. She's used to it. I think about the picture of The Wreck and Darce being at home there. Home is important to her. She didn't even leave town to go to college. I turn that thought over in my mind, and a seed of doubt grows. Am I what's best for Darcy?

"Probably," Cole says, taking a long pull of his beer. "It's gotta be why she stayed with Ryan for so long. He represented that stability she's seeking."

"Playing Dr. Phil again," Julian says as he enters the room. "You and that damn psychology degree." He laughs as he embraces Chance and gives me and Cole a smile and a head nod. "Who are we talking about?"

"Darcy," Chance says, quirking an eyebrow at Julian.

"Ohhhh," Julian says. "What do YOU think she wants, Matt?" Shit. Team True Love is ganging up on me.

I clear my throat and wish I had something stronger than this beer in my hand. I finish it while I think about how I want to respond. "I think, I, um, think, she wants to be happy and have the freedom to be uniquely Darcy. She's so special. She deserves to be loved fiercely because that's the way she loves. I wouldn't think logistics would matter to her, do you?"

Cole looks at me with his mouth hanging open. "Damn, bro. That's insightful for a physics major." He likes to tease me about my logical brain. He's the emotional one, and I'm the practical thinker.

"I agree," says Julian, throwing his arms around our shoulders. "Come on, let's go downstairs, and I'll introduce you to some of the guys while the ladies get ready."

* * *

Chance's exclusive guests are here, and the party is in full swing. His intimate gathering of one hundred or so include MLB, NHL, NBA, and NFL athletes at the top of their game. New Year's Eve falling on a Sunday gave most everyone a day off. An A-list actress is on Julian Decker's arm, and a few Sports Illustrated models are sprinkled in for good measure. Even though the dress code is casual, all the girls elevate it a bit. While the guys mostly wear henleys or high-end hoodies, the girls make casual look sexy, especially my girl.

Despite all the celebrities here, Darcy is the belle of the ball. Chance keeps his word, introducing her to everyone and bragging about her talent. He's kept her by his side most of the night, and if it weren't for the earlier conversation, I'd be worried. Occasionally, his arm drapes casually over her shoulder, mostly when someone's eyes linger a little too long on her. I start to approach when he gives me a quirk of his eyebrow. Is he challenging me? Nah. He's Team True Love, right?

Darcy looks absolutely gorgeous in her tight, ripped jeans that hug her perfect ass. The same ass I spanked this morning. The red sequined sweater and her red kitten heels give her a pop of color and contrast. It's a mix of dressy and casual, and I'm not sure anyone but Darce could pull off that look the same way. On her, it looks fun, carefree, and runway ready. That sparkly red sweater clings in all the right places like a beacon calling me to put my hands and mouth on those parts. Her hair is in a high ponytail, and I want to wrap it around my hand and pull her in for a deep kiss. The girl is killing me tonight, and I'm working hard to keep my distance. The best way to do that is to stick with my guy Cole, a constant reminder of why I'm avoiding my girl tonight.

I need to talk to him, but the timing doesn't feel right. And how do I approach the topic? Yeah, you told me to get laid, but guess what? You know your sister? Nah. She's more than that. But how do I convey that to Cole? Would he believe me? Or would he see me as someone who took advantage when he thinks she's vulnerable? His words, not mine.

I'm not sure Darcy has ever been vulnerable. She was confident and self-reliant until this extensive project. Was she a little overwhelmed? Sure. But vulnerable? Never. That girl has the world by the nuts and is squeezing hard.

The partygoers flock to her like moths to a flame gushing over the house. They're getting her socials, and I'm watching her followers multiply by the thousands tonight. Everyone takes selfies with her and posts them with hashtags like #DesignsbyDarcy, #DesignGoddess, and even #Ifoundherfirst. I think Ashleigh posted that to Chance's account, and I wonder if I should thank or kill her.

Even Tripp Stevenson invited her to Mexico to work on his house there. He conceded that Chance's house is better and now wants a rematch. That's my superstar. She's laughing with a group of girls, and my heart swells watching her live her best life. It's killing me being across the room from her, but every time our eyes meet, she gives me a smile and wink, and my heart calms a little.

Cole is getting handsy with Ashleigh, and I figure I should mix and mingle a little. After all, I never know when this surreal "this can't be my life" bubble will burst.

I go downstairs to Outside Chance, which Julian Decker has dubbed the No Chance Bar. There I find Julian, his brother Alexander, the GM for the Reapers and my boss, Tripp Stevenson, star pitcher for the Reapers, and Trevor Lewis, owner of the Savannah Pajamas.

I wouldn't have believed it if anyone had told me last year that I would be part of the circle with these people at a party.

"There's my money maker," Julian says as I approach the group. Since he's the sports agent to most of the superstars at this party tonight, I seriously doubt I'm the money maker he's referring to, so I look around to see if someone is behind me.

"Not quite," I laugh.

"Not YET," he emphasizes. "I can't wait to make my brother pay you handsomely when you go to the show." He puts his arm around Alexander, who gives him a scowl.

"In due time," Alexander says. "I don't want you wishing ill on my current third baseman, Jules."

"It's good to see you again, Hartman," Trevor says.

"Yeah, man, looking forward to you joining us at spring training this year," Tripp says. "I remember my rookie camp. It scared me shitless."

"Um, thanks, I think." Julian said they might invite me to spring training, but nothing is official yet.

Everyone laughs, and the conversation flows around baseball, prank wars, and the other party guests.

"As much as I hate to admit it, I love this house," Tripp says. "I hear you had a hand in it, Hartman?"

"I guess. I was Darcy's lackey and errand boy, but she did all the heavy lifting on this project. It kept me busy these past few months. It's the first downtime I've ever had, and I didn't know what to do with myself."

"Haven't you been working out with your teammates?" Alexander asks.

I don't want him to think I'm not a team player, so I answer carefully. "No, not really. I've been volunteering with my dad at the high school and working out with them. I'm not gonna lie. Jumping into an established team mid-season was tough. It's also the first time I've played without Cole, and, well, I had some adjustments to make."

Trevor joins us with a tray full of shot glasses. "We're on the countdown to midnight, so shots are in order!" It goes down smoothly and doesn't give me the usual shiver that accompanies a tequila shot. So this is what expensive liquor tastes like? I'm living in the reality of the big leagues.

"I get it," Tripp says. "It's hard coming in and taking over someone's spot who had it before you. But remember, someone else is gunning for your spot too. Keep working hard and stay focused, and you'll earn their respect."

Trevor throws his arm around me. "This kid here is one of the hardest working guys I know. You've got what it takes. You'll be moving on before you know it."

And there it is again. Moving on.

Chance joins us with another tray of shots.

"Where's Darcy?" I ask. I look around to see if she followed him downstairs.

"She said she needed a minute, and I told her to use my bedroom to catch her breath." He gives me a wink, clinks his glass against mine, and takes the shot. I down the second shot with everyone and shift side to side, indecision written on my face.

"Hey, let's all get upstairs for the countdown," Chance says. "I'm sure those of you with dates would like a midnight kiss."

We all make our way upstairs, and I go to find Darcy. I lightly knock on Chance's bedroom door and hearing nothing, I crack open the door. She's alone on the balcony, her ponytail blowing in the breeze. I'm not sure she heard me, so I go out to meet her at the rail.

"Hey, pretty girl." I wrap her in my arms and pull her in tight. The edginess I've felt all night slips away, and I can breathe normally for the first time since this party started. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just needed a break. It's been a crazy night."

"You're the star of the party, baby. I'm so proud of you."

She looks up, and her eyes meet mine. Her tongue darts out, and that's all it takes to break my willpower to stay away tonight. I wrap my hand in her ponytail and pull her face to mine as I kiss her hard, my tongue demanding entry. I'm tired of sharing this girl tonight. I want her. All of her.

I kiss her jaw and nibble on her ear. I kiss down her neck and find that sensitive place where her neck joins her shoulders. She leans her head back, giving me better access. My tongue trails up her neck, and I find her lips again.

"I want more," she says. She's pressing her thighs together, and I know her need is building.

I don't have time to give her the proper attention she deserves, not to mention the party of people downstairs, but I can give her an orgasm to ring in the new year.

I unbutton her jeans and slide my hand in, my calloused finger finding her sensitive spot and circling it.

"You're so wet for me," I growl in her ear.

As I finger her slit and work her clit, her breathing hitches.

"Oh Matt, yes, right there," she moans.

Even though the music is loud, I don't need anyone to hear her moans. They're mine and mine alone. I kiss her, swallowing her sounds. I'm so hard I could hammer nails, but this isn't about me. I need to make my girl feel good. She comes around my fingers, and I kiss her hard and deep.

I lick her taste off my fingers as I give her a smirk.

"Feel better?" I ask.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?"

Darcy flinches, and I stand protectively in front of her to keep her from exposure and embarrassment.

Cole storms into the room and comes at me with a look of rage I've never seen before.

I step away from Darcy because I know what's coming next, and I can't let her get hurt. Cole swings and lands a punch square against my jaw. He pulls back to land another one on my face, and I don't fight back. I deserve this. I broke the code.

The countdown starts from the partygoers downstairs. Ten, nine, eight. Darcy is crying, and I reach for her hand as I get my balance, only to find air where I thought she was. I shake my head to get my thoughts to form. Seven, six, five. Where's Darcy? Four, three, two, one. Happy New Year! I see red sparkles in my blurred vision. My eye is swelling shut, but I think Darcy is wrapped in Ashleigh's arms. As long as she's okay.

"I can't believe you." Cole takes another swing at my gut, and I double over. Man, this guy can punch.

"It's not what you think," I say, trying to catch my breath.

"Oh, it's exactly what I think," he snarls. "You took advantage of her crush when she was vulnerable and moved in on her because you were lonely."

"No." My hands are on my knees as I pull air into my lungs to speak. "I…." I what? I love her.

Ashleigh comes back into the room and puts herself between us.

"Sweetheart, go back to Darcy," he growls.

"She's with Sammie. She's fine. That's enough, Cole. Come on. You owe me a New Year's kiss." She puts her hand on his chest, and he moves back.

"I trusted you, man. How could you? You were supposed to watch out for her." He turns his back to me. "You were my friend." Were. Yep. There it is.

His voice drips with disdain as Ashleigh leads him out of the room. She looks back at me and mouths, "Sorry."

I guess no amount of talking to him prepared him for what he saw. I admit it wasn't how I wanted him to find out about us. But is he right? Does she need someone better than me?

Jay finds me cleaning the blood off my face in the bathroom.

"Oh man, let me get you some ice," he says.

"No, it's okay. I'm going to head home."

He pulls out his phone, and seconds later, Darcy and Sammie come flying into the room.

"Oh my god, oh my god, Matt," Darcy cries. She reaches for my face, and I flinch at her gentle touch. "I can't believe he did this." Tears run down her cheeks, and I only want to comfort her.

I lean down and kiss the top of her head. "It's okay, pretty girl. It's okay." I hug her and wince at the pain in my side. I hope I didn't crack a rib.

"No, it's not," she cries.

I look down and wipe the tears from her cheeks. I'm grateful for the tequila shots because I'm sure they're killing some of the pain.

"Listen, I'm gonna head home and let him cool down. It's going to be alright."

"Okay, I'll go with you."

I peel her arms away from me. "No, not tonight. Stay with your friends. This is your night, pretty girl. Celebrate, okay?" The pain in my chest is worse than any physical pain I've endured tonight. Walking away from her is tearing my heart in two, but I know it's the right thing to do. It's best for her.

"I can't. Not without you." Her plea damn near breaks me.

"You can. You've taken on today all by your fierce self. Keep it up. I'll see you later. Okay?"

"No. Don't go." She's begging me, her eyes full of unshed tears.

Sammie steps in and puts her arms around her, giving me a nod. She's got her. I kiss Darcy on the temple. "Happy New Year, pretty girl," I whisper. "This is your year." I walk out and head for the front door. Chance looks up and tries to stop me, but I'm out the door faster than stealing home plate.

Happy New Year, indeed.