Page 37 of Embers in the Outfield

Also, don’t fucking dare take anything off tonight without me as your audience. That dress is getting peeled off by me and only me ;)

Also, the heels stay on…

I see her look down at her watch, reading the text that just came through. She smiles at the message and then looks my way, winking in my direction with a sly smile on her her lips.

“Whatcha doin’?” Ashton creeps up next to me and looks to be solving a puzzle.

“Nothing.” I feign innocence, but I have a feeling I better be more careful, or this whole thing is going to be blown.

“Doesn’t look like nothing,” Ash continues, swinging his gaze from me to the dance floor. “Kennedy seems to be calling attention tonight, wouldn’t you say?” He pushes, and I try to keep my response simple, much like I would have before all this started between her and me.

“I didn’t notice,” I respond, taking another swig of my beer and letting my gaze look around, trying hard not to look her way.

“I see,” he says, then focuses on the bartender and asks for another IPA.

Luckily, my brother saves me yet again, although I know it will not go without a favor in the future. He’s been watching me all night to make sure I don’t make my fling with Kennedy too obvious.

“Well, boys, it’s been fun, but I think Sam is about to take a nap in the middle of the dance floor if you don’t go get her. She may not be drinking, but she still knows how to party. I think your baby mama needs to go home,” Clay says, and Ashton wastes no time looking for his wife in the crowd.

“I guess I better call it a night. Fuck, I knew coming out was a bit much, but she’s sort of scary while pregnant,” he says, his body shuddering at the thought of her new angry persona.

My brother and I laugh as we watch our friend retrieve an exhausted Sam and nearly carry her out the door.

“I think I’m going to head out too, man,” Clay says. I can’t help but wish Clay would stay. I love Addy but a part of me wishes Clay would move on and start dating again. He needs to start getting himself out there. As much as he’s trying to find happiness again, I see so much heartache in him still.

“You gonna be okay, Clay?” I ask because no matter how much time seems to pass, that wave of sadness has been a permanent fixture in his demeanor since Abby left.

“Yeah, just need to get up early tomorrow. I promised Mom I would take her to the farmer’s market. You in?”

I look toward the dance floor and see Kennedy dancing, and the only plan I have in the near future is one where I watch that silver dress fall to the floor while those heels wrap around my middle.

A smile stretches over my face. “Naw, I think I’ve got plans in the morning.”

I hear my brother chuckle and walk away. My eyes stay fixed on the blonde who is slowly captivating every second of my attention when she’s around. I can’t really ignore the fact that even if she’s not around, my thoughts are slowly creeping toward her any chance they get.

CHAPTER 15

Kennedy

Boston,we’ve got a problem.

Tonight, when I saw that woman dancing with River, even with a full understanding of what he was doing, I felt pure jealous rage come over me. I swear, I saw red. I wanted to be the one openly touching him and feeling his muscular body against mine.

I won’t lie, I was pissed, and I truly wanted to haul him into a corner and remind him who he woke up to between his legs a few mornings ago. I can’t ignore the pull we feel toward one another whenever we are in close proximity. The moment our eyes connected at the restaurant tonight, the heat that doused my skin was instantaneous for me. It felt like he was undressing me with his stare.

Of course, I had to act like he did nothing to me as I said my hellos at the table, but the moment I got near him, I felt my fucking pussy fluttering at the thought that she might get some attention tonight.

Now, as I stand outside waiting for an Uber, trying to get Jessa situated in Ashton’s car, I only hope I can jump into River’s truck and have my way with him. I’ve never been thisway, and yet, here I am, needing a release like my life depends on it.

Jessa is squealing as we get her situated in the car, her body having a hard time staying seated upright. She keeps laughing and falling over in the backseat. I keep myself from rolling my eyes, but I can’t overlook the fact she is an absolute mess.

Before I close the passenger door, I hear River’s voice carry over.

“Here, for the ride home.” He runs over and hands a large disposable cup to Sam, who looks at him like he may have saved her life.

“You’re a lifesaver, River. Thank you.” She lays Jessa’s head on Samara’s lap. I think Jessa has gone from hysterically laughing to full-on passed out.

“You okay with her, Ash?” River asks, giving his best friend a look of pity, knowing he’s going to have to transport a belligerent Jessa into his home.

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