Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Cole

Leaving Adriana’s, I walk down the stairs to make my way home with a smile on my face when the back door of my brother’s house opens. Heather appears in the doorway, crooking her finger for me to come to the house.

Oh lord, here we go.

I walk over into the house, closing the door behind me. Ty is standing next to Heather with his arm around her shoulder and a huge ass grin on his face like he knows something I don’t.

“What’s up?” I ask the two of them.

“Don’t what’s up me! What was that about?” Heather throws her sass at me.

“I just wanted to make sure she was okay from earlier. Is that a crime now?” I ask her.

“No, but you could have just asked Ty or myself. But, no you wanted to see her, didn’t you?”she pushes.

“Sis, I was here hanging with my brother when you texted him. I just went along for the ride.” I insist.

“Mmhhhhmmm. I’m sure you wish that ride ended differently.” Heather waggles her eyebrows up and down and laughs.

“Lord, give me strength.” I mutter under my breath, hoping Heather heard me before continuing. “I told her we are friends and I’m just in the next house over. She was upset earlier. Am I just supposed to be an asshole and not make sure she’s okay?”

“Whoa! Brother, relax, we’re just busting your chops. But you do have to admit you seem into her.” Ty states.

“Listen, is she gorgeous and down to Earth? Yes. Is she a pretentious bitch just trying to further her name? No. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to really get back out there. Do I have a crush on her? Maybe. But my only current focus is baseball. Do I want to hangout with her though? Of course. Will I? Duh, I spend so much time with you guys that I know we will and honestly, I’ll most likely enjoy it. But please let whatever happens happen naturally. Don’t push just because we are around each other a lot. I love you both but you are not Millionaire Dollar Matchmaker . Now, I’m going to go home because I’m tired.” I finish my tangent and go to hug them both.

Just as my foot crosses over the doorway, Heather starts to sing “Cole and Adriana sitting in a tree.” I shake my head at her because really, what else can I do? She closes the door behind me so I can make my way home.

The night air is helping me unwind from today. This week is going to be a long one with the team heading out on the road after tomorrow’s game. Now more than ever am I regretting moving at the beginning of the season. Getting the house settled has been more difficult to say the least.

Heather and Adriana offered to finish whatever is needed at the house while the team is traveling. While it is much appreciated, my mind can’t help but worry that Heather will make it more girly than manly, but who am I to turn down help?

Ty is sitting next me to on the plane as we make our way back home. My leg hasn’t stopped bouncing since the screen in front of me showed how close we are to landing.

“Why are you so anxious?” Ty asks, looking at my leg that’s moving.

“I just want to get home. I’m nervous about what the girls did. You know how I don’t always like surprises. The house is the start to living my life for me again.” I tell him.

“Well, it is Heather we are talking about here. I’d be nervous too.” he jokes.

Turning my head towards him with my eyes wide and eyebrows up. He stops me before I can speak.

“I’m joking, bro. I can imagine. Now that you have your own life back, I’m happy that you can finally be yourself.

“Me too. I didn’t realize how suffocating it was until now.” I tell him truthfully.

“Did you hear that Dylan Crawford is looking to be traded?” Ty changes the subject.

“No shit. This early in the season? I wonder why.” I question out loud.

“I was just about to say that, bro. We’re only two weeks into the season, so it doesn’t make sense to me.” Ty responds.

“Do you think The Grizzlies are going to put their hat in the ring for him? We have a solid group in the outfield, but the guy has hands of gold.” I say.

“Who knows? I’m trying not to think about it. His ego can be overbearing, the guy just doesn’t seem to know the meaning of no. He likes to be caught up with the media and it’s not always good press.” Ty says with annoyance in his voice.

“That’s for sure.” I agree.

The intercom of the airplane dings and the pilot lets us know we are preparing for landing.

Twenty minutes later, we are taxied into the area where we deplane. Ty and I grab our bags and head off the plane.

We carpooled since we are going to the same place essentially. Hopping into the driver's seat of my truck and Ty in the passenger side.

“Let’s blow this popsicle joint.” I say and put the truck in drive.

“Are we grabbing a snack on the way home?” Ty asks as we get onto the main street.

“Hell yes. This is why you’re my favorite brother.” I reply.

“Asshole, I’m your only brother.” He grips.

“I stand by my statement.” I tease him.

“Whatever. Burgers?” he suggests.

“Yeah, that sounds good.” I say in agreement.

We stop through the drive-thru and eat while making our way home. Just as we finish, I pull into my driveway and see that my lights inside are still on.

“So, don’t be mad. But Heather and Adriana asked me to stall.” he tells me carefully.

“Why would they do that?” I ask with curiosity.

“You’ll see. Let’s go twenty-four.” Ty says as he opens his door.

“Yeah, yeah twenty- three. Let’s go see what’s going on in my house.” I reply.

We both grab our bags, but before I can even go to take a step, Ty speaks up.

“Front door.” He motion for me to go instead of heading for the back door.

I look at him like he’s joking, but he points to the front door with a stern look.

“Fine.” I concede.

He’s lucky I don’t want to get him in trouble with his wife.

As we get closer to the front door, Ty steps ahead of me to open the door.

“We’re here!’ he shouts while blocking the doorway so I can’t get in.

“Oh, brother of mine. I need you to close your eyes.” Heather says coming from the kitchen.

“Why do I need to that?” I question her.

“Because I fucking said so.” she says adamantly.

“Well, alright then. I’m not making you angry tonight.” I retort while closing my eyes.

Someone grabs my arm. It must be Heather because they aren’t gigantic hands like Ty’s, but soft and small. I let her guide me, wondering where my brother and Adriana are, but before I can question her, we’ve stopped walking.

“Okay, you can now open them.” She tells me with a happy voice.

My eyes open and blink to adjust to the lighting. Once they focus, I’m floored by what’s in front of me. First of all, my kitchen is set up. All the boxes that littered the counter space are now gone, and my sister-in-law and Adriana put everything away and they even went shopping, too. There is decor all around that makes it feel like a home. Second, my eyes land on Adriana and damn, she is looking amazing. She has on a Grizzlies t-shirt and jean shorts that fit her perfectly but aren’t too short. Her hair is up in a messy bun and she has no makeup on.

Damn. She really is the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. .

“Holy shit. I know you guys offered to help, but I would’ve gone shopping with you.” I tell them.

“Now, why would we bring you with us? You would just get in the way.” Adriana says with a smile.

“Me? In the way? I have no clue what you mean.” I say with a smirk.

“Mmmhhhmmm. So what do you think?” Adriana questions.

“It looks better than I ever could have made it. The color scheme is perfect.” I say in awe.

They chose gray and sage to play off each other throughout the kitchen.

“That was all Adriana. She’s a pro.” Heather tells me.

“I just like Pintrest.” Adriana says as though it’s nothing.

“Well, it’s amazing.” I compliment.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet buddy. Let’s go on the bathroom tour.” Heather informs me.

We all head on the tour of the four and half bathrooms that are throughout the house. Each one is perfectly executed, homey but masculine. The girls save the master bathroom for last.

“This was all Adriana. She did this one while I did the other three and half.” Heather lets me know before walking in.

This bathroom made me want to buy this house besides it being next door to my brother and his wife. The shower is ginormous, with a bench the width of it, four showerheads and built-in shelving for all my shower shit. There is also a soaking tub with jets for when I need to soak my muscles. Looking inside of the shower, Adriana set it up just the way I would have. My body soap and hair products are exactly where I wanted them. There are black and gray towels that are hung up nice and neat as the accent colors to the tan paint. The rug that is in front of the shower is the same as the one in front of the tub. Then there is the soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and the bag that holds all of my shaving items. She has my face wash, lotion and shaving cream all laid out on the counter. I turn to find Adriana and she seems as if is holding her breath, waiting for my reaction. I can’t help but smile at her.

“Thank you Adriana. This is perfect. I couldn’t have set up this room any better myself. It’s like you saw my thoughts.”

She smiles and lets the breath out that she was holding.

“Good. I was a little nervous.” She tells me.

“No need for that.” I say as I walk over to her and Heather. Ty is behind them, just smiling. He’s going to be busting my chops later.

I reach out to Heather first and give her a big hug and once I let go of her, Adriana is next.

With my arms around her, I take in her smell. I didn’t the last two times because those hugs were about comforting her. But tonight I am. This hug is not about comforting her.

She smells of vanilla, almond and spices. It’s like what you would think home smells like. Letting a slight sigh out before letting her go and taking a step back.

“Thank you both so much. Ask Ty, I was anxious as hell to see what you two did.”

“He was. I asked him what was going on while we were in the air and I knew that you guys would make his night.” He confirms.

“You knew about this and said nothing? You’re an asshat.” I state.

“It was their surprise. I just told the ladies where the key was for the house.” Ty replies.

“Well, thank you both again. How about we break in my grill tomorrow? As a thank you.” I suggest.

“You don’t have to do anything for us, but who says no to having someone else cook for them?” Heather answers.

“That sounds good. It’s supposed to be beautiful out.” Adriana agrees.

“Oh, we can lay out by the pool! P.S. we had the pool guy come by while you were on the road too. You’ll get the invoice and don’t worry, it’s the same guy we used so I know the pricing isn’t bad.” Heather informs me.

“Damn, sis, you are the best.” I boost her ego.

“I know. Don’t forget it because you’d be lost without me.” She teases.

“Yeah, you’re not wrong there.” I say with a chuckle.

“Alright, we’re heading home. I’m ready for bed.” Ty tells us and grabs Heather’s hand to leave.

“I’m sure you’re ready for bed.” I laugh.

They both look back at me. Heather smiles and my brother gives me the middle finger.

“I’m going to head out, too. I’m glad you liked everything.” Adriana says softly.

“Thank you again. This was one of the best surprises. I know it’s only next door, but I’ll walk you home.” I tell her.

“It really is just next door. You don’t have to.” She states.

“Nonsense. Let’s go.” I insist, motioning for her to lead the way.

Adriana walks in front of me out of the house. I can’t help but sneak a look at her ass in those shorts. She really has all the right curves in the right places. She is all woman, and it’s a nice change from thin models who think they need to be a size zero. Adriana waits for me to close the front door before we walk side by side towards her apartment next door. I place my hand on her back and she steps a little closer to me.

Maybe she does like me.

We reach the steps that lead up to her door when she stops.

“Thanks, Cole, even though you didn’t have to.” She tells me.

“I’m nothing if not a gentleman. Now come on, up the steps. I need to make sure you lock up before I leave.” I state.

She rolls her eyes, but it’s with a smile, and heads up the stairs as I follow her.

She unlocks her door, cracks it open, and then turns to me.

“Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I voice.

“You too, Cole.” Adriana says as she moves towards me.

She surprises me by hugging me. It takes me less than a second to snap out of it before moving my arms to hug her back. For some reason, I drop a kiss on the top of her head again, like I’m supposed to do it. She steps back and smiles and heads inside. I hear her lock the door and head back to my house.

Tomorrow should be interesting.

Once back at my place, I lock up and head to my bedroom. Getting comfortable in my new bed, the realization hits me that while I may be alone, my life is now my own and I can finally move forward. I’ve been suffocating for the last three months. Holding my breath waiting for the freedom to live that way I see fit without backlash. Not that I was looking to go on dates or hook up but, continuing with mine and Layla’s facade out of protection for her image really put a damper on me being me.

Sinking deeper into the bed my eyes close and as I breathe in Adriana’s signature spicy vanilla fragrance consumes me. She must have been the one to make my bed because all I smell is her. As if this woman wasn’t already in my head more than she should be.