Ask Me Why(55)

After finding one of the last available spots, we get out and walk to the pay station. I spot Braelyn almost immediately. She stands out in the swarm of people milling about. A bright blue hat hides half her face, but I’d recognize that ass anywhere. Especially in white cutoff shorts. Twin braids dangle over her shoulders, a red tank covers her tits and torso. She’s wearing the perfect outfit for a ballgame.

I have to force my feet to keep moving without stopping to gawk. Ollie tugs on my hand, dragging me faster.

“Miss Braelyn!” His loud squeal carries above the rowdy groups of people between us.

She turns toward us with a wide grin. My son ditches me in a flash and latches himself around her bare legs. Braelyn hugs him in return, bending low to whisper something in his ear. A piercing bolt strikes my gut. For a split second, I’m jealous of their open affection. Would it be so bad to crash my lips down on hers? Yes, it sure as hell would be.

Braelyn waves at me. “Hey, Brance. Thanks for the invite.”

“It was Ollie’s idea.” That’s not true, but I’m good with giving him credit.

She ruffles his hair. “You’re sweet to think of me, kiddo.”

“Always.” His smile is megawatt.

With a sigh, I leave them to catch up on the last twenty-four hours. I pay our round-trip fares and motion to the platform.

“All set. Let’s go.”

Braelyn digs out her wallet. “How much do I—”

I hold up a palm. “I took care of it.”

“You’re treating me?”

“Don’t read into it. By showing up, you’ve made Ollie’s day.”

She leans close, pretending to dust lint off my shoulder. “We’ll see if I can make your night later.”

And just like that, I’m harder than stone. Dammit.

“Wicked woman,” I growl.

Her grin is all knowing. “You’re welcome.”

She reaches for Ollie’s hand and they skip into the nearest rail car. The entire ride, he chats her ear off. He talks nonstop about baseball and all the batting average stats in his memory. Braelyn keeps her attention locked on him, but sneaks glances at me every so often. Those quick peeks are a jolt straight to my cock. I adjust in the plastic seat, spreading my legs apart to hide any evidence. A sense of ease settles around me while Ollie’s excited voice rambles on and on. It should be relaxing. But I can’t help feeling as though we’re on the tracks leading to epic disaster.

When we arrive, the stadium is bustling with pre-game activity. People clad in red, white, and blue gather in every available pocket of space. The smell of hot dogs and victory cling in the early evening air. My blood pumps faster being here. I’ll always miss the thrill and hype of playing.

We make an initial lap around the outer edge, checking out our options. Ollie settles on cheese curds to start. I give him some cash, and he hops in line.

Braelyn digs in her purse and pulls out a pouch of Big League Chew. I feel my eyes bulge.

“No way. I haven’t had that stuff in years.”

Her grin speaks of secrets. “I actually carry it in stock at Thicket during baseball season. There isn’t a more appropriate occasion to have some than now.”

I blink at her, trying to process this curveball. “You’re pretty fucking epic, Braelyn. Bonus points for the throwback.”

She holds the package open for me. “Want some?”

Like a moth, I swoop into Braelyn’s flame. It’s not bubblegum I’m after. I tug on the hem of her tiny shorts. “I like your outfit.”

She glances down at what she’s wearing. “Yeah? I wasn’t sure about the dress code standard.”

“You nailed it. You’ve been breaking necks since we walked in.”

Braelyn tucks her chin. “I mostly care about snapping yours.”

I release a rumble into her ear. “You make that sound sexy.”

“You’re sexy period.”

I skim my fingers over the strip of exposed skin between her waistband and shirt. “I better make sure Jordan is up for watching Ollie after this.”

“Please do.” Her voice is a low rasp that wraps around every part of my body. When she tips against me, it’s a fight to keep my hands off her.

Ollie finishes ordering and grabs his food. He saves us from being arrested for indecent exposure. Braelyn leaps sideways, separating us by a few feet. I chuckle and stuff my fists deep into my pockets. My son seems none the wiser and eats his second cheesy snack of the day.

Between bites, Ollie glances at Braelyn’s outfit. “Why aren’t you wearing a Blues shirt?”

She shrugs. “I don’t have any official memorabilia. I’ve never been to a game before.”

His mouth pops open. I pat him on the back, encouraging him to keep walking. Braelyn gets a wink from me. “During the seventh inning, we’ll get you some swag.”

Ollie claps. “Or you can win something from the cannon.”

I nod slowly. “You can definitely take that chance.”

She giggles. “I’m good with buying something. Then I’ll have it for next time.”

My chest tightens, but I don’t comment. What’s there to say with my son around? Promises with Braelyn are fleeting.

We continue wandering until everyone has something. After stopping for popcorn and peanuts, I guide us to the front row near the team’s dugout.