Page 77 of Love's Home Run

Jack ordered pizza, and soon after, they sat outside by the pool, eating some of the best pizza Melissa had ever had.

“Okay, time to relax,” said Jack, standing. “I’m going to change.”

“We won’t be far behind you,” said Jenn.

Melissa helped Jenn clean up from lunch and went to the room she shared with Ross to change. He’d already put on his swim trunks. Seeing him standing there, observing his broad shoulders and trim waist, the scars on both legs, she couldn’t resist smiling.

He saw her and walked over. “Hey, mermaid,” he said, wrapping an arm around her.

She nestled against his chest and gazed up at him.

He lowered his lips to hers, and she felt her body melt.

Ross pulled away and said, “Guess I’d better go cool off. I hear the girls. They must be home early from school.”

###

Downstairs, Nan and Kate were in the kitchen eating slices of pizza.

“Hello,” said Melissa, feeling self-conscious in her bikini. She wasn’t as thin as the teenagers before her.

“You look terrific,” said Nan.

“I hear you’re good at sports,” said Kate. “Is that how you stay in shape? I’m thinking of going out for track, but I’m not certain.”

“Girls? Are you finishing up here?” asked Jenn, coming into the room. “Hurry and get changed.” Jenn gazed at Melissa. “I wish I had your figure. But being on the short side, I will never be as tall or thin as I’d like.”

“You’re lovely,” said Melissa sincerely. Jenn was beautiful.

When the two of them stepped outside, both men stopped splashing each other like the brothers they were and stared.

“Wow!” Jack said. “You two are hot. Really hot.”

“Thanks, honey,” said Jenn, walking to the steps at the shallow end of the pool and dipping a toe in the water.

Nervous and unsure of what to do, Melissa found a place to sit on the pool's edge and lowered herself onto the pool deck.

Ross swam up to her. “I thought mermaids loved to swim.”

“I have to get used to the water first,” she said.

He gently tugged on her leg, and she slipped into the water beside him. Facing him, it seemed natural for them to kiss.

When they pulled apart, Jenn caught Melissa’s attention and gave her a subtle thumbs-up sign. At Melissa’s soft giggle, Ross said, “What's going on between you two?”

Jenn spoke up. “I’m just letting her know I think you two are perfect together.”

Melissa started to say something, held back, and then blurted, “Me too.”

###

That night as she lay in bed with Ross, he faced her. “So, you think we’re perfect together, huh?”

“Yes, I do,” she answered boldly for her.

“Good. Because I know a game about a sea captain and a mermaid,” he said, making her laugh as he drew her close.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

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