Playing Hardball: Part 4 Read online

  Playing Hardball, Part 4

  By Sharon Cummin

  Copyright © 2016 Sharon Cummin

  All Rights Reserved

  Warning: This story contains explicit sexual content that is not intended for those under the age of 18. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious and the age of 18 and older. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 1

  Lucy

  I was on my back on my bed looking up at the ceiling with my phone still buzzing in my hand. It hadn't stopped at all in however long I'd been there. I knew it was about fun with us. I really did. My mind was moving from one thought to the next. Had he forgotten she was coming? Did he want me to see her? Was she early? How many times before had he gone from me straight to another woman? I felt so used and cheap. It was all part of the plan. We were only fucking. Neither of us wanted more with the other. Why had I let myself feel cared about? The way he grabbed me right away made me feel more than I ever had since Brad.

  Nothing about Lance was the same as Brad. I was in love with Brad. He was all I had known, and he cared about me. He never would have done that to me. Brad was sweet and catered to me every second. I knew where I stood with him. He was the only one that ever cared about me. We were best friends. I could count on him. He was all I had known.

  Lance was cocky and demanding. He didn't take shit from anyone. I never felt for a second that he was sweet, and he definitely never catered to me. Even though we weren't a couple, I always felt safe in his arms. I didn't dream as much when I was with him either. He held me tight and kept me close when we were together. The demanding tone he always seemed to have had me wanting to please him. That was something I hadn't experienced with Brad at all. He wasn't alpha in any kind of way. That was one of the things I felt was sexy about Lance though. When he acted that way, I didn't feel like he was trying to say he was better than me or anything. It was more about him knowing what he wanted.

  Sex with Lance wasn't soft and loving. It was explosive and so damn sexy. I felt guilty when I thought about it. There was something in his touch that sent shivers through my whole body. That wasn't something I'd felt before him. When we had sex, I felt like my world had been rocked. All of my emotions came into play, and it drained every bit of energy from me. That was something that had never happened with Brad. That was why I'd felt guilty. Brad was supposed to be my best when it came to everything, and I had a hard time with the fact that in certain ways, Lance did things to me he hadn't. I knew Brad cared for me. I knew he was always there. I knew he'd never hurt me. He was special.

  My phone buzzed again, and I let out a loud cry. Why couldn't he just leave me alone? Between texts and calls, I was going crazy. How could I have been stupid enough to think for one second that he gave a shit about me? He was Lance Smith. He was a famous, sexy ballplayer. He could have any woman he wanted. That was obvious from the waitress he'd met at the hotel bar just a few hours before I'd shown up. How could I have even considered letting him in? He'd never settle for someone like me, I thought. There was no way. I didn't want to be with him. I was just pissed at myself for being so damn stupid and weak when he opened that door looking the way he did.

  There was no way for me to undo leaving that picture. I just had to figure out how to handle it. Maybe I should just answer the phone and get it over with, I thought. He was probably freaking out thinking that it needed to stay quiet. There was no way he'd want anyone else to know. I just needed to let him know that I wouldn't tell anyone. It wouldn't be in the paper. It wouldn't impact his career. That was all I needed to do. Then he'd be on his way and leave me alone.

  I turned the phone so I could see it.

  Lance: It's not what you think? She means nothing to me. I need to talk to you.

  Lance: Please come back, Lucy.

  Lance: I can't drive over there. I won't drive drunk. I need to see you.

  Lance: I can explain why she was here.

  Lance: I sent her away.

  Lance: What the fuck, Lucy. You can't leave what you did and walk out like that. I have to leave tomorrow. I need to see you, babe.

  My phone stopped. He wasn't calling anymore. Just when my eyes began to close a pounding on my door rattled the whole place.

  “Shit!” I yelled out, as I jumped up and took off for the door.

  Chapter 2

  Lance

  I pulled on my boxers and walked out of the bathroom with a smile on my face. Being around her seemed to be the only thing putting that smile there.

  “What did you want to talk about?” I asked.

  When I rounded the bend and looked at my bed, I jumped. Lucy wasn't there. On my bed was the waitress from the hotel bar, and she was naked. My smile was gone, and my blood was boiling. It had taken me that damn long to be able to see her, and she was gone. Seeing the woman in my bed, I knew Lucy was either beyond pissed or hurt.

  “Why the fuck are you naked in my bed?” I yelled. “Where is Lucy?”

  “Who's Lucy?” she asked in that quiet, trying to be sexy voice I'd heard a million times before. “You mean that woman that was here when I knocked on the door. Come over here with me. I'll have you forgetting about her in no time. She said you saved plenty of that cock for me. Get over here and show me what you've got.”

  “Shit!”

  “What?” she asked.

  “You have to go. I have to find her. Fuck!”

  I moved as quick as I could, grabbing her clothes before throwing them at her. Then I pulled on a pair of jeans, t-shirt, socks, and shoes. I began frantically looking around my room. There was no sign of her.

  “Are you serious?” the woman yelled out, as she put her clothes on way to slowly for me. “I thought I was going to ride a famous ballplayer.”

  “Not tonight,” I said. “Get your ass dressed and out of my room. Move faster, or you'll be standing naked in the hallway.”

  “You don't need to be mean,” she snapped.

  “Don't try to act like your this woman to be respected. You know as well as I do you only came up here so you could brag to your damn friends tomorrow. Get the fuck out of my room.”

  I grabbed my phone without looking down and began sending her messages. Then I called her over and over. She was going to face me one way or the other. I called a cab after she hadn't answered. Then I turned back to the woman still in my fucking room. She was putting on her last piece of clothing. I hurried over, opened the door, and waited for her to get the point.

  “You're an asshole,” she said, as she walked by me into the hallway.

  “Not the first time I've heard that. I'm pretty sure I'm going to hear it again in a few minutes.”

  I let the door shut and hurried back to my room. When I reached down to grab my wallet, I saw something and picked it up. I lifted it closer to get a better look, and my ass hit the bed. I might not have been all that, but I knew
damn well what I was looking at. Seeing her name in the corner of the picture confirmed it was hers. I felt my chest tighten. I couldn't fucking breathe. I called her phone over and over again, and she still wouldn't answer. I sent one more text as I took off for the elevator and then out the front door of the hotel. I ran for the cab, swung the door open, gave the guy the address, and called Scott. That wasn't what I wanted to do, but I had to talk to someone right away.

  “Hey, what's up,” he said the second he answered.

  “Carrie,” I said. “I need to talk to Carrie.”

  “You okay, man?” he asked.

  “I need Carrie now, Scott,” I yelled into the phone.

  I heard a rustling sound before I heard her voice.

  “Lance,” she said nervously.

  “Did you know?” I asked.

  “What?” she said, but I could tell she was full of shit.

  “She's pregnant. Oh shit! She's fucking pregnant, Carrie. I don't know what to do. Is the baby mine?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she answered.

  “I don't know what to do. What am I going to do? She's fucking pissed,” I said through scrambled words I hoped she could figure out.

  “Slow down, Lance,” she said. “What are you talking about? What happened?”

  I began rattling everything off to her about trying to see Lucy, sleeping with Lucy, the waitress showing up while I was in the bathroom, Lucy leaving, me finding the picture, and me being in a cab on my way to the apartment.

  “Shit,” she mumbled. “She's probably so upset. I'm sure she won't show it though.”

  “Who's Brad?” I asked.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked.

  “Has she ever said anything to you about a guy named Brad?” I asked.

  “No,” she said. “Why?”

  “Nevermind,” I said. “Don't ever ask her about it or mention it. I saw her at a cemetery at a grave. I think it's her brother. I am begging you to keep that between the two of us. If she wanted us to know, we would.”

  “I won't mention it, Lance,” she said.

  “A baby, Carrie. A father. Do you hear me? How can I be a father?” I asked.

  “You can be whatever you want, Lance,” she said. “That is totally up to you.”

  “She doesn't want a relationship,” I said.

  “Are you sure about that?” she asked. “Are you sure she's not just saying that so she doesn't get hurt? Think about it. The two of you both said you didn't want a relationship. I've never seen her be with a guy more than once or twice before. I'm not sure why. That was just who she was. You're a damn star pitcher. We've all seen pictures of you with women around you. Think about it. How do you think she feels? I can tell you this hasn't been easy on her. She was so afraid to tell you. She didn't do it on purpose.”

  “I know it,” I said. “The first time we were together, we never used a condom. I've never done that with anyone but her.”

  Neither of us spoke for a moment.

  “Who all knows?” I asked.

  “My mom and Scott,” she said. “Don't get mad about my mom. She was the one that told Lucy to get a test. I didn't even know. It was right after you guys left from the wedding. Scott told her she could live in his house if she wanted and that she could work here for the company.”

  “Bullshit,” I yelled into the phone. “Why the fuck does he feel the need to protect her from me. That's not fucking happening. My child will be here with me, not two states away in Scott's house. I can protect her just fine. His ass needs to cut the shit.”

  “It's not like that, Lance. We offered so she knew she had that option. I just want her and the baby safe. You're not around that much during certain months. We were being nice. I love her. She's my best friend.”

  “I know,” I said. “I'm sorry. This is all too much right now. I'm leaving in the morning. I don't want to hear his ass giving me shit while I'm there. He's acting like she's given me choices here. She's a stubborn woman. I don't need your man acting like he's going to protect her from me. Have a talk with him before I get there. I'm fucking serious, Carrie. That shit won't fly. I've done nothing wrong. Until I do, he needs to step the fuck back. I have to go.”

  I hung up without even saying goodbye, threw a hundred dollar bill in the front, and took off for her apartment. My knocks were probably much louder than they needed to be. I just needed to get to her. A few seconds later, I knew she was on the other side.

  “Fuck you, Lance,” came through the door.

  It wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I'd take it just to hear her voice and know she was there.

  Chapter 3

  Lucy

  “Open the door, Firecracker,” he said from the other side.

  “Go away,” I said.

  “It's not beneath me to bust the fucker down,” he growled out.

  “Don't you dare. I can't afford it.”

  “Then I suggest you open it. I am going to see you. Are we doing this the hard way?” he asked.

  “Fucker,” I mumbled, as I unlocked the door and walked away.

  The door opened slowly. I think maybe he thought I had a weapon on the other side of it. He knew me well enough.

  “What do you want?” I snapped out.

  I was going to be as bad ass as I needed to be. My red, puffy eyes and splotchy face weren't going to stop me. There was no way I was letting him see me sweat. It was bad enough I'd let my guard down enough to think he'd cared. That shit was getting locked up tight. I would not feel for him.

  He reached out and pulled me into his arms.

  “A baby,” he mumbled. “You're having our baby.”

  I pushed against his chest and stepped back.

  “Yes, I'm having a baby,” I said. “Before you even ask, the baby is yours. You are the only one I've been with since we started having fun. I can't say the same for you.”

  When I turned to walk away, he grabbed my arm.

  “No,” he said.

  “Yes,” I said. “Now you can go right back to that bitch from the bar.”

  “Stop,” he growled out. “It's not what you think.”

  “How did she know what room you were in?” I asked.

  “Lucy,” he said.

  “How!!!”

  “I gave it to her, but,” he began, but I cut him right off.

  “Did you think you'd get me out in time, or had you forgotten you had plans? What if I'd have shown up just a bit later?”

  “I didn't intend on meeting up with her. I had no intention of doing anything with her,” he argued.

  “Then why did you give her the number?” I asked.

  “Scott was fucking pissing me off. I don't know who he thinks he is,” he started rambling, but I cut that shit off too.

  “You know what,” I said. “Just stop. I know there are no feelings between us. This was all just for fun. I went to the hotel to tell you about the baby. I had no intention of falling onto your cock. When I opened the door to see her asking about riding that same cock, I was pissed. I let it get to me. That is not something I'll make the mistake of doing again. Your sex life has nothing to do with me. I told her you'd be right out and left. Be glad I didn't fuck her up. Like I said, it won't happen again.”

  “All about fun,” he said.

  “Yes,” I said with confidence. “Do you think I'm stupid enough to think there would ever be anything between us? You're fucking Lance Smith. You're the star pitcher of the Pittsburgh Pirates. I've been told that's pretty important and impressive. I'm not dumb enough to think you'd ever settle for someone like me. I saw what that woman looked like. I'd never compare to her. I'm just me.”

  “That's what you really think?” he asked in a low tone.

  “Sure do,” I said. “You're going to Michigan and taking all of them to a game. I wasn't invited. I get it, and I don't really care. I'm just saying, I wouldn't want me there either.”

  “Wait just a damn minute,” he said, as he turned me and held both of my sh
oulders in his hands. “Look at me, woman.”

  When I didn't look up at him, he took my chin in his hand and lifted it until my eyes were connected with his.

  “I invited you not only to go to a game but to sit with all the wives and girlfriends. If I was fucking embarrassed of you, would I have done that? I didn't invite you because you bailed on me the last time. I didn't think you'd go. That is the only reason. That and the fact that I couldn't even get your ass to talk to me.”

  “Whatever,” I said with a shrug.

  “You crack me up,” he said. “You want to sit here and act like this thing between us doesn't mean shit to you. What the fuck are my jersey and hat still doing in your drawer? I thought you sold them to the highest bidder.”

  “You had no business going through my drawer,” I snapped.

  “I was trying to take care of you when you were sick,” he snapped back.

  “You know what,” I said with a shake of my head. “It doesn't matter. You can have them. I have to start thinking differently now. Don't worry, I don't want a damn thing from you. I won't have my baby around your craziness. You have a busy life and a career that's looking up. You have a long way to go. I know you'll make it. I know all of your dreams are going to come true. You really are good at what you do. I would never do anything to hold you back, Lance. Please don't think I would. I would never throw your name out there or anything. I do not expect anything from you. I just wanted to make sure you knew. I would never hold that information from you. I will be the best mom there is. Please know that I'll take care of the baby.”

  “That is bullshit,” he snapped. “I didn't say any of that, you did. You're acting like I wouldn't want to claim the baby as mine. How can you stand there and say that? Do you really think that little of me?”

  “I don't know what to think anymore,” I said, as I burst into tears. “It wasn't supposed to be like this. You don't understand. I never should have been with you.”

  He shook his head and took a deep breath.