Game On(70)

“I think Nathan wanted me here,” I told her, holding up the piece of paper that Mandy had sent me with the photographs. At least, I hoped that what he had intended.

“Of course he did,” Sara took my arm and led me to the front row where she and her family were seated. They all greeted me with the same warmth and excitement that Sara had and I took a seat, feeling both welcome and nervous.

“How is he?” I asked Matt, Nathan’s dad, who was next to me.

“He’s good.” He gave me a smile. “A little grumpy, but I’m pretty sure that will change the moment he sees you.”

“He missed you.” Sara leaned towards me.

“Oh,” I said needlessly. Before I could say anything else, the entire room broke out into whispers and cameras began flashing all around us.

Sara took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Here we go.” Her face was bright with motherly pride. I felt my own heart swell, knowing how huge this moment was for Nathan and his family.

But that same heart stopped when he stepped out onto the stage looking like he had just stepped straight out of a fantasy I never knew I had.

I had seen him in his uniform, in everyday clothes, and in the buff (my personal favorite, to be honest) but I had never seen him in a suit before. My pulse skipped as he crossed in front of me, the gray fabric perfectly molded to his body. And what a body it was, I thought, remembering the marble-cut muscles of his stomach, arms, and chest. If I was lucky, I would be taking that same beautiful suit off this evening and worshipping the body hidden beneath.

Nathan took a seat next to two other men, who I could only assume were his manager and press agent. Those green eyes of his scanned the crowd, and the tension on his face lifted when he found the row where his family was seated. And then his eyes found mine.

The entire room seemed to fade away, the flashing lights and chattering voices disappearing. For a moment it was just him and me, the two of us sharing this moment together. And I knew, without him saying anything, that I belonged here, that I belonged in the audience with his family, here to witness this incredibly important moment of his life. And I knew, without a single doubt, that I belonged with him.

He looked so handsome sitting up there, that gray suit begging to be stripped off, those lips begging to be kissed. Next time I would be patient. I would take my time with him.

His press agent raised a hand and the noise hushed to a murmur.

“We are happy to announce that Nathan Ryder has accepted an offer to join the Houston Astros as a starting pitcher for the upcoming season.”

The room erupted in applause, immediately followed by the scrambling of journalists, calling their questions out to the stage.

“Nathan! Are you excited to be returning to your hometown?”

“Nathan! How does your family feel about this new opportunity?”

“How do you feel about the Astros coach?”

“Are you worried you’re too inexperienced to be a starting pitcher?”

“Do you think the other players will welcome you onto the team?”

“How soon will you be moving back to Houston?”

“Nathan! How will this affect your personal life? You’re going to be a big star!”

He leaned forward into the microphone and the room quieted again.

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited for this opportunity. While Austin has been nothing but wonderful and supportive of me as a player, I am looking forward to returning to Houston, which will always be home to me.”

Clearly his manager had him prepare a speech. Very smart.

“I won’t be answering any questions today, but I will be holding a fundraiser for the Austin Animal Shelter next month and all of you are welcome to come—and donate. Raising money for my favorite charity tends to put me in a talkative mood.” He glanced at me when he said that and gave me a wink. “Thank you all again for your support, and I’ll see you in Houston.”

There was an audible groan of disappointment as Nathan waved and stood, following his manager and press agent off the stage with flashbulbs popping all around him.

“Come on.” Nathan’s mom grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet. “We’re going to meet him backstage.”

“It’s called the greenroom, Mom.” Maureen shook her head fondly.

“Whatever,” Sara waved her off. “Nathan is expecting us.” She looked at me. “All of us.”

***

By the time we pushed through the crowd and got past security, Nathan was already surrounded by a swarm of people. I watched with amusement as Chris crashed through all of them and grabbed Nathan in a huge bear hug, somehow managing to lift his six-foot-two friend off the floor and give him a big shake. Mandy was next, not as dramatic, but no less enthusiastic with her congratulations. Then Nathan’s family descended on him, wrapping him in hugs and proud smiles. I could see Sara wiping the tears from her cheeks as she cradled his face in her hands.

I wanted nothing more than to join the fray, but I knew it wasn’t my turn yet. That Nathan, when he was ready, would find me.

I didn’t have to wait long before those green eyes found mine. The crowd seemed to part as he came over to me, the room once again fading into nothingness as he swept me into his arms, claiming my mouth with a kiss.

Oh I had missed this, I thought, as I kissed him back, trying to put everything I had to say into that kiss. I vaguely heard the sound of cheers, but I ignored them, focusing on the wonderful, perfect feeling of his mouth against mine.