Page 3 of Grand Slam

“Well, I can’t really determine if it is nose hair, or if his mustache is so out of control that it’s now curling upward making it appear as if it’s growing outward.” She makes a hm sound. “I’m so confused by it that it’s disturbing. But Joey has freckles, and they are adorable. So I am going with Joey.”

“You aren’t dating him.” She has a tendency to ramble.

“No, but I’m in town for a week and a girl is entitled to have a little fun, if you know what I’m saying.”

“Alizabeth,” I practically growl.

“Oh please, stop treating me like I’m a child.”

“You are.” She’s not a lot younger than me but she’ll always be my little sis with pigtails.

“Whatever,” she blows past my displeasure. “Get me two tickets to fly out on the eleventh.”

“Don’t you think that you should wait for the okay from Emerson?”

“Nope, she already agreed,” Liz assures me. “See you soon.” Ending the call I’m left staring down wondering if Emerson did actually agree to spend a week here, with me, or if my sister just snowballed her and she has no choice.

CHAPTER THREE

Emerson

“Areyou sure this is a good idea?” I ask as I continue to put the items Alizabeth is tossing my way into my bag. I’m so lost in thought that I’m not actually even registering what exactly she is packing for me.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” she asks with a shrug, and then her eyes lock with mine. “Oh,” she then laughs, “because the two of you got it on in the cab of my dad’s truck after our going away party for him.”

I narrow my eyes at her.

“He doesn’t know that I know by the way,” she adds. “It’s so fun to watch him squirm every time I bring up your name.”

“He does not squirm.” She is ridiculous.

“Believe me he squirms. When I told him I was bringing you with me he went radio silent. His voice got all shaky and deeper. He thought he was playing it cool, but he may as well have shouted.Hey, sis, do you really think your bff that I devirginized then left behind will want to come here and hang out for a week?”

“Do you have to put it like that?” I hang my head. This is going to end badly. Liz has no filter, she is just like her Granny June, it’s scary. I swear her, her mom, and her gran were all cut from the same cloth. Being in a room with her and her gran, there are never secrets untold.

Liz sits down on the edge the bed. “Tell me how else to put it.” She is fighting a smile.

“You are enjoying my discomfort way too much.”

“It’s not the discomfort I am enjoying. It’s the fact that my big brother who I love more than anything and my best friend have hidden feelings for one another.”

“You exaggerate so much,” I say, covering my face with my hands. My stomach is in knots. Ignoring the truth was easier when I was hundreds of miles apart from him. But being in his city, his state, in his home, there would be no way around it.

“I adore my brother, he is my best friend, the one I turn to and count on. He has been my hero from day one. We both know after Mom passed a part of my father died with her. My sister, she was never one I could rely on, but one thing’s never changed and that was Kelton. He may complain and groan, but deep down he wouldn’t ever turn me away. I know no matter what, I will always have him. So yes, the idea of my second favorite person on this planet and the first having a possible chance of having something makes me tremendously happy.”

“It’s been more than three years,” I tell her. “It was one time.”

“Was it though?” She arches a brow. “Fine, two times,” I say with a laugh. “But we’d been drinking, emotions were high, and?—”

“The buildup was heavy and had been ongoing for months.”

“I can’t talk to you about this.” I wave her off and stand. This is her brother, she doesn’t want to hear this stuff. I know if I had a brother I wouldn’t want to know anything about his sex life.

“Besides he’s a famous ballplayer, living several states away. He makes millions, I’m sure by now he’s got more than enough women to keep him busy.” Though I’ve never seen him with one. I’m not too proud to admit I have followed his life over the last few years. He’s only gotten more handsome and appealing.

“Kelton isn’t the kind that treats women like they are disposable, you know that as much as I do.” It’s true. “I’m not going to say he hasn’t been involved since he left but he’s careful. Most women find out what he does for a living and that’s all it takes. He’s been around too many guys that have had too many close calls. He’s careful.”

“What’s the worst thing that happens?” She stands placing her hands on her hips. “We go to Nashville, have a killer time, find my brother an amazing house, go to a kick ass concert and a couple games. We sit in the best seats, cheer for a great guy and his team, and then we come home. We have lasting memories and get a mini vacation in the process.”

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