Chapter 29

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Cole

“How are we doing?” I ask Adriana.

She’s been quiet, and her tears have stopped falling. I need to make sure she is okay.

“I’m okay, sorry.” She says.

“You have nothing to apologize for. We hit some heavy areas tonight. I don’t want you to think you can’t show or feel your emotions in front of me. You can tell me about anything. You can use my shoulder to lean or cry on. I got you.”

Adriana just shakes her head with a small smile. Even with tears, she is the most beautiful woman.

“Do you still want to watch a movie or do you want me to walk you home?” I ask her.

I don’t want her to feel like she has to stay if she doesn’t want to. If talking about her parents and Toby was too much for her and she’s just done for the day, I would understand that. Making sure she knows she always has a choice and her opinions matter is something I want her to know from the start.

I need A to know that I will listen and can meet her in the middle.

“You still want to watch a movie with me?” She asks with a shocked look.

“I do. I think we both could use a little time to just be and relax a little and it’d be nice to do that with you. But, I understand if you want to go back to your place. We can always watch a movie another night.” I tell her.

“Okay, Casanova. What are we watching?”

“You’ll see.”

I grab the remote from behind me where I had stashed it while Adriana was in the bathroom. I told her I would watch all the Harry Potter movies with her when we were in Colorado and I meant it. We got through the first two and so I thought I’d surprise her with us watching the third one tonight.

“I need you to close your eyes for me. So you don’t see what I’m putting on.”

“Really?” Adriana laughs. “Okay.” she says and closes her eyes.

“No peeking.” I tell her.

As I turn the screen on, she shakes her head in agreement not to peek while her eyes are still closed. I go to the app that has the movie to stream and select it.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now.”

Just as she opens her eyes, the movie plays and the iconic instrumental song starts. Adriana pulls her head back and looks at me.

“You remembered which movie we needed to watch next?” she asks.

“I told you I would watch them with you. They aren’t that bad.” I confess.

“Told you! I’m so going to get you to read the books at some point.”

“That might be pushing it.” I laugh.

Adriana joins in to laugh with me. The mood has shifted away from sadness. Who knew a movie and book talk could do that?

Adriana stops laughing, gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and moves to turn her body.

She now has the front of her body facing the screen. She moves back until her back is almost touching my front.

Fuck, this isn’t going to be good.

She lays her head on my right arm that is stretched out on the couch seat so I move my left arm so that my hand rests on her hip. It’s a comfortable feeling just being here with her like this. It's like we’ve been doing this for a while.

I don’t have to feel that I live up to a name or thought of who I am because I’m a professional baseball player. This is what I was missing with Layla. She never wanted to stay home; she always wanted to be out and about. Adriana is at the other end of the spectrum. She was happy we were staying in.

I don’t want to hide her, but I also want to make sure we are on solid ground. When we go public and I get asked who she is I want to be able to say this is my girlfriend. I just need to get us there because I’d really like to have her as my date for the gala.

As we keep watching the movie, I feel her move back further into me. Do not get turned on, Cole. Have some restraint . Adriana wiggles a little to fix her t-shirt so that she was more comfortable and I let out a small groan.

“Sorry.” Adriana says as she yawns.

“You’re good. You want to stop here and I can get you home?”

“Not unless you need to get to bed for tomorrow or just want some alone time.”

I chuckle at her words. I guess that groan might have been louder than I thought.

“I don’t need alone time. I’m enjoying my A time. I’m good if you are.”

“I am. Now shush, I’m watching a movie.” She says.

Adriana doesn’t move when the movie ends. I squeeze her hip and give her a slight shake. She says nothing, she just moves her body to turn to face me with her head on my shoulder and cuddling in my neck. She moves her right arm to snake under my hand and to my back.

I guess we aren’t moving from this couch. With that thought, I grab my phone and make sure to set the alarm before placing it on the arm of the couch. As the credits start, I lower the volume on the movie. The screen will turn off on its own.

I kiss the top of her head and make sure we are both covered by the blanket. I hold Adriana a little tighter as I close my eyes and sleep finds me easily.

We both wake up to the sound of my alarm going off. Adriana seems startled, so I just hold her a little closer. Her back is to my front.

“Good Morning A.” I whisper.

I can feel her relax in my arms now that she knows she is here with me.

“Morning Co. I fell asleep, huh?”

“Yeah, right before the movie ended. I tried to wake you up. But you just got even more comfortable. You looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to wake you up.” I tell her.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. You didn’t have to sleep down here too. I can’t imagine that sleeping down here on the couch is good for you for today’s game.”

“I bought this couch in particular just in case I fell asleep on it. I’m good. If I wasn’t, I would have moved us both.”

“You are very sweet,” she tells me.

“I’m just me.” I tell her.

Adriana laughs.

“So humble. I know you have to get ready for today’s game, so I’m going to head home.”

“Give me a few minutes and I will walk you next door.”

“You don’t need to, Cole. It’s next door.” She says with a roll of her eyes.

I laugh at her eye roll. She is sassy in the morning.

“I don’t know if you know this, but a proper gentleman always walks his date to her door when it is over. So, I will walk you next door. I just need to use the bathroom.”

“Well then, I won’t stop you.”

Adriana sits up and moves over to the next seat on the couch so I can get up. I head to the bathroom to relieve myself. I wash my hands and come back out into the movie room. Adriana has her shoes on and the clothes she changed out of folded next to her.

“That’s no longer my shirt now either, huh?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“You are correct, sir.”

I walk the few steps to stand in front of her. I put my hands out to help her up. Once she is up, I give her a quick hug.

“Ready?” I ask.

“Let’s go.”

We walk side by side until we get to the stairs that go up to her place. I let her go in front of me. Lucky for me. Whoever invented leggings was a genius. Adriana’s curves are on full display in front of me and my thoughts run wild.

Get it together, Evans.

Luckily, it’s not a lot of steps. We reach her door and before she opens it, she turns around.

“Thank you for last night, Cole. Even though there were a lot of tears, I had a great time with you.”

“Thank you for joining me. I enjoyed spending the night with you.”

I reach out for her and pull her into me. Gently, I cup her cheek and angle her head up to meet my gaze. I take my time thoroughly kissing her before I pull away.

I remember I need to ask her a question sooner than later.

“I have a question before I leave, though.”

“Okay, what is it?” she asks.

“I was hoping you would want to be my date to the gala.”

“I haven’t scared you off yet?” she asks.

“I wouldn’t be asking if you did.”

“Well, you didn’t really ask…so.”

I laugh. She is absolutely more sassy in the morning.

“Adriana, will you please be my date to the Grizzlies gala?”

“Are you sure you want to make that statement?”

“I am. But if you aren’t, I understand. I know it comes with a lot.”

“So you are telling me you are all in?”

I grab her hands to hold them and bring them up to my lips and kiss her knuckles. I look her dead in her eyes before I respond.

“Yes, I’m all in A. I really feel that we have something here and I’m ready to dive in headfirst. I get that might not be where you are, but like I told you last night, I got you. If you want to wait a while longer before we make a public appearance, that is okay with me, too. I told you we would go at your pace and I meant that. So this is entirely up to you.”

I can tell Adriana is taking in what I just told her. She smiles at me and I know everything is going to work out.

“I’m all in. You don’t make it easy to say otherwise. Not that I want to. I feel the connection. Last night, while I know it wasn’t a conventional first date in terms of our conversation, it’s been a really long time since I’ve felt that comfortable speaking about my past that way. As far as the team goes, that works until the gala.

“Cole, since coming here, I feel that I’ve gotten to know you well. So I know when you say something, you say it because you mean it. So yes, if you are all in, then so am I.”

She finishes and comes right back to me to kiss me. We break apart from our kiss and we are both smiling like high schoolers.

“Now go because you have a game to win, Casanova.”

“Fine. I’ll go but only because I have to work. I’ll call you later.”

“Bye Casanova. Play hard today.”

I give her a quick peck on the lips and turn to head home.

It’s been a great week so far. I got to wake up to Adriana in my arms, solidify our relationship and we won our last two games. Hopefully, the good keeps rolling into this guys night with the team.

I am bringing the ice outside to put into the coolers when my phone pings with a text notification. I grab it from my pocket and see it’s from King.

King: Be there in two minutes.

Cole: Cool. You can park in the driveway. I’m in the backyard just come through the gate and up the stairs.

I pocket my phone and go back to opening the bags of ice and adding them to the cooler when I hear King.

“Yo!” King says.

“What’s up, man?” I say so he can follow my voice to where I am.

I finish pouring the ice into the cooler just as he comes up to me. I ball up the bag now that it’s empty and turn to King.

“How was the ride?” I ask him.

“Not too bad. It’s peaceful. I can see why you and Ty moved out here.”

“Yeah, it is definitely different from the city. Having a yard and a pool is nice.”

“Oh, I’m sure. I don’t think I’m ready to give up city life just yet.”

“And why is that?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

King laughs at my question because he knows what I’m thinking.

“Why do you think?” He answers my question with a question.

“I think you enjoy the life of being a starting pitcher on a professional baseball team and the perks that come with it.” I laugh.

King nods his head and laughs right along with me.

“Yeah. You aren’t wrong there. I’m not ready to get rid of the bachelor pad,” King says.

“Come on, I’ll show you around.” I nod my head towards the door to go into the house.

King follows me into the house, straight into the kitchen. I walk through the living room to head upstairs. Once we go through the top floor, we make our way back down to the first floor and then end in the basement in the movie room.

“You did good for yourself, Cole.” King tells me as we sit on the couch.

“Thanks. I’m glad it worked out.” I tell him.

“Oh, I bet,” he laughs.

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“Don’t play dumb. That’s not you.” King calls me out.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m not mad at how it all went down. Adriana is amazing.” I confirm.

“I’ve never seen you want to fight someone over a woman before. How’s that going for you?” he asks.

“Yeah, her ex is an asshole. Too bad for him. It’s good so far. We had actually talked the night before we went out in Colorado. We had our first official date the other night.” I tell him.

“Look at you getting back into the dating world. I know Layla fucked up, and it was hell for you not to say anything. But you seem a lot happier these days.”

I take a moment to think about what King says. He’s not wrong. I struggled for a bit after agreeing to help Layla by not speaking up about our breakup. I was fine after the first couple of weeks and did a lot of self reflecting.

“Yeah, it was good until it wasn’t. It sucked even more because the relationship itself wasn’t that long for it to have ended the way it did honestly. But, it’s all good. I’ve moved on and I’m a lot happier now.” I reply.

“Good, you deserve it, bro.”

“Let’s head back upstairs before everyone gets here.”

King and I make our way to the kitchen to find Ty in it.

“Well, look it’s my least favorite Evans.” Kings says as he slaps Ty’s shoulder.

“Oh, fuck off, King. You know deep down I’m really number one.” Ty replies to him.

“You wish. Ty, tell me how you felt when Cole let you in on him inviting Crawford today.” King says to Ty.

“I wasn’t happy until he explained he wanted to get a read on him before we let the girls around him. I know there won’t be a choice in the matter because of the foundation, but it’ll be nice to have a read on him off the field. So I only punched him in his arm.” Ty laughs.

King laughs with him.

“I told him you were going to punch him.” King tells Ty.

“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes at King.

We all laugh together. I’ve missed hanging out with these idiots. I’m glad the two of them are here early to just shoot the shit with.

“Help me get all this food and alcohol outside before the rest of the heathens get here.” I tell them as I gather items to take to the patio.

By the time we have everything outside, Dane and Dean are walking into the backyard. Right behind them are Sean and Crawford. Interesting. I guess he really is welcoming him to the team and getting a new wingman.

“What’s up, fellas?” I ask.

They all say hi and come to where Ty, King and I are. I get everyone here situated with a drink.

The rest of the guys trickle in and we all just chill out. We shoot the shit about the season so far and how we hope to keep it up through the rest of the season. It’s nice to just be with the guys in a relaxing environment.

I get up to use the bathroom and when I get back, Heather and Adriana are here talking to Ty, Dean, Crawford, and Sean. What are they doing here? Adriana said they were going shopping.

Ty catches my eyes and I can tell he isn’t happy either that they’re here. I’m just glad that he is with them. Crawford has been okay so far, but I don’t know if I trust him with the girls.

I walk over to the group and put my arm around Adriana’s shoulder.

“Ladies, what’s going on?” I ask.

“I baked cookies and wanted to drop them off before we head out.” Heather tells me.

“Thanks, sis. That was sweet of you.”

Adriana moves her arm around my waist in a sideways hug.

“Hi Cole.” she says.

“How are you?” I ask.

“I’m good,” she tells me.

I already know she’s good. We talked after the game on my way home. I’m glad I get to lay my eyes on her, but I wish everyone else was gone now. She has on a red sundress and she looks gorgeous. I just want to wrap her up in my arms.

“I put the cookies on the table. We are going to head out now,” Heather speaks up.

“Where are you ladies headed? You don’t want to hang out with us?” Crawford asks.

What the fuck?

“Shopping. We still have stuff to get for the gala.” Heather replies.

“I love the theme for it.” Crawford tells her.

“That was all Adriana.” Heather says.

“No shit, beautiful and has brilliant ideas? Adriana, you sound like a keeper.” Crawford says as he smiles at her.

Oh, fuck no. He better look elsewhere.

“Thanks, Heather. We should get on the road. Lots to do.” Adriana tells Heather.

That’s my girl.

“You’re right. Bye, guys.” Heather waves.

Heather hugs Ty and gives him a quick peck and then comes over to me to hug me goodbye.

Adriana is next to hug me, and she kisses my cheek.

“I’ll talk to you later, Cole. Bye, guys! See you later Ty!” comes from Adriana as she and Heather walk out of the backyard.

The guys on the team, minus Crawford, know who Adriana is, obviously, and that we are good friends because of my brother and his wife. They all have been respectful about her since she started coming around the team.

“Adriana is fucking hot. She single?” Crawford asks.

My hands turn to fists at my side. Before I can even say anything, Crawford continues.

“Cole, hook me up with her. You two seem tight.” He states.

Ty barks out a laugh. Sean is looking like a deer in headlights because his new buddy likes the same girl he knows I do. Dean looks over at me with a is-he-kidding-me-face.

“We are.” I tell him.

“Crawford, I’ll tell you like I told the other guys on the team. Adriana is off limits to you in that way. She’s my wife’s personal assistant, and I will have none of you running her off.” Ty tells him.

“What if she wants to get to know me? I won’t run her off, not right away at least.” He laughs.

Is he fucking kidding me? Yeah, no. I’m not putting up with that. He doesn’t know how to read the room.

“Crawford.” I bark.

“What? I’m joking. It’s not that serious. Scared she might be interested in me and not you?” he retorts.

“We don’t do that here. I don’t know what went on with the teams you’ve played for before coming here but, we don’t disrespect each other or our families. She is not only Heather’s employee but also one of her best friends. She might not work directly for the organization but she works under the foundation and that makes her family. Me being interested in her or not isn’t relevant.” I state.

“We all respect each other here and it’s why we are a tight club. It’s why we can work so well on the field because we bring those same values off the field too. No one here will care if you put up numbers if they can’t trust and count on you.” Dean says with a bite. “You are only here because I’m injured. Remember that. If you can’t make it work with the team until I’m back, you most likely won’t be here next year.”

Holy shit. I’ve never heard Dean talk like that. He is normally a glass half full kind of guy. This is his way of letting Ty and I know he has our back.

“Message received loud and clear.” Crawford says and then walks away to talk to some of the other guys.

“Was that needed? You guys basically ganged up on him.” Sean says.

“We don’t talk like that about anyone that’s brought into the group. He’s been here for five seconds and you’re taking his side, Sean?” Ty asks.

“Well, the three of you weren’t exactly being welcoming.” Sean snaps back.

“Sean, we’re a family. You know this,” Dean tells him.

“Yeah, whatever. Afraid of competition, Cole?” Sean replies and walks over to where Crawford is with a few of the relief pitchers talking.

What the fuck just happened? Did Sean really just defend him? Sure, he didn’t do anything, but for him to joke about not running Adriana off yet was not cool. And for Sean to defend him when he knows that I’m interested in Adriana and taking his side is fucked. I’m not afraid of competition. What they don’t know is that she is already mine.

“Let’s get back to enjoying the night.” Ty says.

“Yeah, that sounds good.” I reply.

While I try to have a good time, I’m still fuming at Crawford and Sean. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out.

Adriana: Found a dress.

Cole: What color?

Adriana: Why?

Cole: To make sure my accent color doesn’t clash with yours.

Adriana: It’s black and red.

Cole: Do I get a sneak peek?

Adriana: Nope.

Cole: Really? Glad I got to see you for a minute today.

Adriana: Me too.

Cole: Any chance I can come by later after these guys leave?

Adriana: Let’s see how late it is when that happens

Cole: I’ll text you to see if you’re up?

Adriana: Sounds good Casanova.

I pocket my phone and now I’m hoping these guys leave to go to a bar soon. My mood is better after texting with Adriana and so I go to chat with everyone.

Not long after, the guys trickle out, since we have a game tomorrow. The last to leave outside of King and Ty are surprisingly Sean and Crawford. The two of them approach the three of us.

“Listen, I want to apologize for earlier. I’m just trying to find my place within the team. That’s how some guys have talked on my last few teams. It won’t happen again.” Crawford says to us.

I don’t know if he means it, but at least he knows he needed to make it right.

“Thanks man. We appreciate it.” I tell him.

“We start fresh from here.” Ty tells him.

“Thanks for inviting me. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Glad we can all get along. See ya tomorrow.” Sean says.

They leave and it’s just King, Ty and I. We all look at each other like we just came out of the twilight zone.

“Well, that was an interesting night. But I have a bed with a gorgeous model in it waiting for me. See ya at the ballpark.” King says as he gets up. He shakes both Ty's and I’s hands and he’s out.

“I’m going home. My wife said they should be there in about ten minutes. Who’s driving tomorrow?”

“I’ll drive. See you later.”

“Sounds good.” Ty says and heads over to his place.

I’m left alone sitting on the deck, just staring up at the stars that have made their way out.