Page 71 of The Curveball
Picking up a plate, I glance back to see my girl smiling and laughing.
With every single day that passes, it feels more and more like Sage was meant to be a part of my life. And I think she’s starting to see that too.
28
SAGE
A massive yawntakes over as I stumble to the door of the apartment. It’s early morning, and all I can think about is falling into bed and sleeping the day away.
As if pregnancy wasn’t tiring enough, I’m just finishing my last night shift for a while. I managed to trade the rest of them until I go on maternity leave, and thank God for that.
I unlock and push open the door, then come to an abrupt stop, blinking my eyes to see if I’m already asleep and dreaming. Because the man in front of me is straight out of my fantasies.
Shirtless, barefoot, and wearing nothing but a pair of low-slung grey sweatpants, Brady is stretched out on the couch, grinning up at me.
Resting on his chest is another one of his pregnancy books. And perched on his face are those wire-framed glasses I first saw sitting on his bedside table.
“If I’m dreaming, don’t let me wake up,” I mumble, letting my bag fall to thefloor.
Fantasy Brady laughs, swings his legs around, and stands up. I stay where I am, frozen with exhaustion and horniness warring inside of me. He walks right up to me, takes my hands, and drapes them on top of his shoulders before leaning down and kissing my lips lightly.
“Not a dream, Hurricane.”
He kisses me again, deeper this time, and lets out a low rumble of appreciation. His fingers find the end of my braid and he slowly untangles my hair before raking his fingers through the length.
“Oh my God, that feels good,” I moan, tipping my head back. Brady dips his head down, nipping at my neck. His lips travel up and along my jaw until I get too impatient and tug his face to mine, pouring myself into the kiss.
Except Brady pulls back after not nearly long enough. He tucks my hair behind my ears, a satisfied smirk on his stupidly handsome face.
“By the way, something arrived for you yesterday evening.” He looks weirdly pleased by this, making me wonder if it’s something he ordered for me, or…
“Oh!” I exclaim, pushing at his chest. I crane my neck around until I spy the package on the counter beside us. I grab it and hold it out in front of me. “Here. This is for you. Well, sort of.”
I try to contain my excitement as he looks at the small flat package, then back at me, a myriad of emotions playing across his face.
He opens it slowly, his eyes widening. To my surprise, they start to glisten with tears as he lifts the book out.
“Baseball Baby?” Brady croaks.
“I thought her first book should be about the most important thing in her daddy’s life,” I say quietly, twisting my hands together. “It’s got different textures and stuff inside, too, for her to play with and feel.”
“Sage,” he says hoarsely, before putting the book down and grabbing my hands, pulling me back into his arms. He buries his head into my shoulder. “I love it. Thank you.” He holds me close for a moment before backing off slightly and grasping the back of my neck.
“But baseball isn’t the most important thing to me anymore.” His free hand goes to my stomach. “This is. Her. You. Us.”
It’s my turn for misty eyes. I lean in and kiss him. “Wait, why did you look excited that I got a package?” I ask.
Brady ducks his head. “Um, it’s gonna sound dumb.”
“Tell me, please?”
He looks back up at me with a chagrined expression. “I liked that you felt comfortable ordering something to the apartment. I don’t know, it felt like you were seeing this as your home, too.” His cheeks grow red. “Told you it was dumb.”
“Brady,” I murmur, cupping his face in my hands. “That’s not dumb, it’s sweet.” I kiss his lips softly. “You’re sweet.”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in as close as he can with our baby bump between us. “You’re important to me. Seeing you relaxed and happy makes me happy.”
We kiss again, and this time, it quickly turns fromsweet to something much more. My earlier exhaustion is replaced with need as I shiver with anticipation. Until I remember two very important things.
