Page 26 of Big Obsession

He chuckles. “If you didn’t know that, then I’m really off my game. Yes, I love you. This is serious between us, baby, and I won’t be hurting you. I’m going to love you so hard that you’ll never ever regret loving me.”

We kiss some more, and I can hear the chatter behind me, letting me know that people are talking about us, but I don’t care.

When the game is over and Ace’s team wins five to one, Tucker picks up our chairs, and then we walk over to wait on the players. As we’re waiting, Tucker looks at me worriedly. “Shit, I’m sorry, Dolly.”

I raise my eyebrows. “What is it?”

He gestures toward the couple walking toward us. “I forgot that Gina and Tom were picking up Ace for a sleepover.”

I saw the bag that Tucker put in my car when I picked them up, but I just thought it was something he needed for baseball.

I look toward Karla’s parents and register the surprise on their faces when they see me. I’m holding Tucker’s hand, and my first instinct is to let go, but the fact that Tucker loves me gives me the courage to keep holding it.

They walk up to us, and I’m not sure what is about to happen, but I’m surprised when Gina walks straight up to me and hugs me. “Dolly, we haven’t seen you forever. How you doing, honey?”

Tom pats me on the shoulder and then shakes Tucker’s hand.

I stutter at the warm reception, which makes me wonder if Gina knows that her daughter and I are on the outs. “I’m good, Gina. It’s good to see you.”

Immediately, she starts in. “We’ve been so worried about Karla. Have you heard from her? She’s getting my messages, and I know she’s reading them, but she won’t return any texts or calls.”

I shake my head. “No, I’m sorry. I haven’t talked to Karla in over a year.”

She seems taken aback by that. “Oh.”

There’s silence after that, but luckily, Ace comes running up to us. “Did you see that hit?”

Tucker gives him a high-five, and I lean down to hug him. “I saw it! You did awesome, buddy.”

He is grinning ear to ear as he looks up at Gina and Tom. “Did you see it?”

Tom shakes his head. “No, son. We just got here.”

Ace’s face falls, and I hate seeing the disappointment in his expression. He looks at his dad. “Are they taking me out to dinner?”

Tucker tugs on Ace’s hat. “No, remember, tonight is the night you spend with your grandparents. We’ll go celebrate with pizza tomorrow night.”

Ace doesn’t look happy, but he agrees. “Okay. Grandpa, are you going to take me home early in the morning?”

He nods his head. “I sure will, buddy.”

I point to my car. “I’ll go grab Ace’s overnight bag.”

I pull from Tucker’s hold and walk to my car, happy to get away from the awkward moment. I grab Ace’s bag, and they’re walking toward me, so I stay where I’m at. Tucker and Tom are talking, and Gina has her arm around Ace’s shoulder.

I hold the bag out to Ace. “I’ll see you soon, Ace.”

“Tomorrow? Will you go to have pizza with me and Dad?”

I look toward Tucker, and he’s smiling. “You sort of have to. We have to celebrate that hit.”

I squat down to hug Ace. “Yeah, I’ll be there, Ace.”

He hugs me. “Love you, Dolly.”

I clench my eyes shut, savoring his words. “I love you too, Ace.”

He lets go of me, and after goodbyes, Tucker holds my hand until we get to my car, then opens the door for me.

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