Page 74 of Love's Home Run

She laughed. “I’ll wait for you there.”

Melissa went into the kitchen, fixed herself a glass of ice water, and went to the media room. While waiting for Ross, she wondered what they’d do about their houses if they ever decided to live together. She loved her kitchen. He loved his media room. Somehow, they’d have to make it work. If only …

Ross came into the room and took a seat on the couch beside her. He smelled of the citrus aftershave lotion she loved—clean, fresh, and appealing. When he leaned toward her and kissed her, she responded with enthusiasm. He always made her feel so alive.

He turned on the game, and they sat back to watch. It became a different game as every time the Yankees got a hit, Ross kissed her. They laughed and then grew grim as the Yankees got behind.

At the end of the game, with a Yankee loss, Melissa sighed unhappily.

“Wow, you really got into it,” said Ross. “You’re such an old softie.”

“That big screen makes it seem even more real,” she said as he lowered his lips to hers.

“Come with me. I’ll make you feel better,” he said, giving her a sexy smile that she couldn’t resist. He knew exactly what she needed.

###

The next morning, still in Ross’s bed, Melissa stirred when he sat beside her and handed her a cup of coffee. “ ’Morning, Sleepyhead.”

She sat up, not caring that the sheet had slipped down, and sipped the coffee. “Is this something you do for damsels you rescue from unhappy baseball games?” she teased.

He grinned and then grew serious. “There’s only one damsel, and I’ve heard delivering coffee in bed is not a bad idea for someone you care about.”

Disappointment washed through her. He’d had an opportunity to say he loved her, but he hadn’t. A voice in her head said, “Relax,” and she sighed. She was growing in confidence but had moments of insecurity like this.

“Hey, what’s up?” Ross asked softly, gazing into her eyes.

“Nothing,” she said, shaking off her concern. “Thanks for the coffee. It was sweet of you to do it.”

He gave her a little salute. “Mike’s hoping you’ll cook up some breakfast.”

“Ah, an ulterior motive,” she said.

“Not from me,” Ross said. “I just wanted to help you start the day. Last night was … well, superb.”

As he left the room, she took another sip of coffee and then got out of bed.

###

A few minutes later, freshly showered, Melissa appeared in the kitchen.

Mike looked up at her and grinned. “Hungry?”

“No, but I hear you might be,” said Melissa. “I’ll be happy to fix breakfast.”

“You’re the best,” said Mike. “Ross is a lucky man.”

Ross gave him a little punch on the arm. “You’re sounding like a male chauvinist pig.”

Mike gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that.”

“No worries, as long as you leave a clean plate,” she said, shaking a finger at him and making him laugh.

Later, sitting at the breakfast table with the men, listening to them talk about the sports center, Melissa thought about the possibilities of gourmet dinners, a catering service, something to keep her busy. She was sure Crystal wouldn’t want to sell the café to see it become a different kind of restaurant. It was a cherished spot for breakfast and lunch for every local.

Thinking of preparing food, she got to her feet.

“I’ve got to take off if I’m going to have company for dinner tonight. We’ll start with drinks at six. It will be an early evening because Crystal has to get up early, and Ross and I are leaving for New Jersey.”

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