Grand Slam: (Love for the Game Book 5) Read online

  “Sara.”

  Hearing my name made me jump. I prepared to see my mom or another interviewer requesting comment, but instead I saw Helen in a sleeveless black gown, simple but elegant. “What are you doing here alone?”

  “Taking advantage,” I said, raising my glass.

  “I like the way you think,” Helen said before placing an order of her own. “Has, uh…” She trailed. The way her eyes darted suspiciously before whispering made me anxious. “Anyone talked to you tonight?”

  “Just about everybody,” I responded, making a face. “Why? No, who exactly would I need to talk to tonight? A reporter or something because I’ve had my fair share of facetime tonight.” I took another sip of my drink.

  “Nothing,” she concluded with a large grin. “Let’s go mingle.”

  “Helen, I love you but no.”

  This caught her off guard. “I know it’s your job to talk to people and network or whatever, but I found my seat until dinner is served.”

  She paused undefeated and calmly said, “Sara Benson, seated at the bar all night at a charity event last night.” A headline. She loved to do this with me whenever something I did would give me and thus my brother’s organization bad press “Is it a drinking problem? More on page ten.”

  I rolled my eyes and then sighed. “Fine. I’ll mingle.”

  She smiled, satisfied, and then grabbed my hand, leading me away from the bar and toward the center of the chaos. “Ah, here we go,” she said in a low voice. Then, “Martin!” She leaned in for a hug. Martin, a man in his mid-forties with a thin smile and receding hairline, beamed at her.

  “Martin, this is Sara Benson. Sara, this is Martin. He’s actually the manager to a lot of my athletes.”

  “Helen’s basically my work wife!” They both had a hearty guffaw at this. I forced a laugh after realizing it was a joke. “And look here come our sons.” Both Helen and I turned our heads to see two men politely greeting some of the donors before making their way over.

  Suddenly, I felt my heart starting to race, pounding in my chest like a door it was begging to let open. Tyson. His crisp dark suit made him look like money while his kind eyes and genuine smile made the entire room light up. When he looked at me, a chill ran over my body and forced me to turn away, tucking a hair behind my ear to distract myself from the fact that he was standing right next to me. I finished off my glass and grabbed another from a server who passed by us.

  “Ray and Tyson,” Helen said. “What a pleasure.”

  “The pleasure is all ours,” Ray said with a smile. He turned to me. “Once we heard about the event and how it was to commemorate your brother by giving back to a cause that he would’ve truly believed in, it was hard not to support.” Although he meant well, it felt like a small shot when he directly mentioned Ian. What he would’ve believed in?

  Like everyone else in the room would’ve liked me to reply, I smiled and said, “Thank you.” A long swig of the wine floated me more into oblivion.

  “This whole event is pretty amazing. Seeing how his values are still being withheld makes me feel honored to even work in sports. We’re more than just an award or a ring… We’re a movement. A movement working toward bettering the world around us. You must be proud, Sara.” I held my breath. Another shot.

  I could sense Tyson shifting beside me. I opened my mouth to speak. I am very proud, I knew they wanted from me.

  “You know, as beautiful as this event is, the real beauty is in the guests of honor. Sara,” he turned to me. I looked at him in gratitude for the diversion while his eyes kept me sane. “Thank you for taking the time to be here. And thank you for this beautiful sight.” I looked down at my sparkling dress and smiled up at him.

  “Indeed, it is so beautiful!” Martin exclaimed.

  More to me than the crowd, he continued with, “And I’m not talking about the dress.”

  I felt the heat rush to my face. Surely, I was turning beet red. At least I’d match the dress.

  “I’m gonna get another drink,” I said to the group. I parted before Helen could get the chance to agree or disagree. As I made my way to the bar, two women were waiting for drinks with their back turned toward me.

  “I feel bad for the guy,” one of them said. “Out of everything that could’ve taken you out. A baseball. He was a friggin’ baseball player. Life’s so cruel it had to be ironic.”

  They both shook their heads. The lightness of their tones made me freeze and slowly back away. Suddenly, I didn’t care what I was supposed to do or say. I just knew that I couldn’t stay here anymore.

  Chapter 4

  Tyson

  I was lucky enough to have been looking in the direction of the bar when Sara suddenly froze. Ray was rambling on about a play at practice when I held my hand up to get his attention, my head looking back at Sara who seemed to not move. “Sorry, I’ve gotta go.” As soon as the words escaped my lips, from a distance I saw Sara darting from the bar and through the crowd, zigzagging without any regard.

  I removed myself from the group and started to follow her in the same patterns she had traced through the crowd. I didn’t think of the cameras taking in every second of the event and the potential headlines with shots of Sara in the forefront with me trailing close behind, but of Sara. The way she looked like a statue in the middle of all the commotion. The way she flew out.

  I realized that I had lost her. My mind went in circles as I attempted to pinpoint the direction in which she’d gone. She could’ve taken a left and made it to the entrance where most of the cameras were or she could’ve taken a right. The right… I began thinking of the logic behind this option then the lake!

  I swerved to the right and headed straight for the back where people were gathered in groups conversing calmly as if a girl in a red dress hadn’t run past them a few seconds earlier. Once I made it outside, the brisk air hit my cheeks. Luckily, I had on a suit, and my jacket sufficed in keeping me warm.

  No one was out here except for two people smoking in the corner, but they walked past me and into the building just as I arrived. I sighed. Sara wasn’t here. Standing on the patio with the intricate border lining the edge, lifted me to a view of the distant lake. It drew me closer to it and I admired the reflection of the moon on its ripples. The water calmed me in a way, its tiny waves creating a canvas for the lily pads and pebbles. There was a melody playing in its orchestra--croaking, buzzing, sniffling…

  The new sound jolted me. I turned my head to the right and saw that there was more patio space. Slowly, I explored the further end of it and paused when I saw Sara sitting on a bench and staring out at the same lake I had been.

  She jumped up when she saw me, straightening up and flattening her dress. “What are you doing out here?” she asked softly.

  I moved a little closer. “I should be asking you the same question. You went for a drink and kinda never came back.” She laughed lightly. “Mind if I sit?”

  She nodded and made room, shivering just after I got comfortable. “Here,” I said taking off my jacket.

  “I’m not cold,” she insisted.

  “Come on, I can see your teeth chattering,” I exaggerated which made her laugh. I swung it over her shoulders, and she sank in it. “Warmer?” She nodded. For a long while we both just looked out to the lake.

  Then, she said, “Thank you.”

  “What for?” I asked.

  “For what you did inside. I couldn’t see myself talking about… you know,” she explained. “I know this whole thing is because of him but I still can’t seem to--”

  “You don’t have to explain yourself,” I assured, okay if she simply wanted to be still and not say anything. I’d just be here.

  “You’re the one guy who doesn’t just see me as Ian Benson’s sister. People always want me to speak about him. They’re now interested in what I wear and how I do my makeup. They never cared before. It was all about Ian. And I didn’t mind...because he was my brother and I love him. I loved him. It feels l
ike we have all this stuff now--the house, the cars, the fancy dresses, the attention--and Ian’s just...gone.”

  She furrowed her eyebrows and looked down at her hands. She was quiet for a long while before adding “I bet you don’t hear much about him in the soccer world. And it’s funny because I can’t imagine a world where my life doesn’t revolve around Ian. Where if I’m at a bar for too long, I’ll make a lot of people mad.”

  She gave a short dry laugh. “I’m supposed to be happy that this is a charity event that is going to help people but, I mean, what do they really know about my brother? They say it’s what he would’ve wanted. That it’s so on brand for him. A publicist said that to me earlier, can you believe it? On brand? Like marketing is so important for him now. And it’s like, you don’t know him! My own mother didn’t even know him! He loved baseball but he also loved music. He loved art. He loved black and white movies and brownies with milk. He loved life so much but didn’t get a chance to really live it.”

  You could hear the pain in her voice. She looked so small as she spoke. “But you know, he would’ve just loved this event,” she retorted.

  “And I just bore my soul to a complete stranger. Great,” she added after glancing at me. “This is embarrassing. Really.”

  “I’m here to listen,” I said.

  “Well, I don’t want to talk anymore,” she said, her eyes lingering over mine. She leaned in and embraced me, taking in my bottom lip and sucking on it as her tongue grazed mine. She tasted sweet and a lot like alcohol. I pulled away reluctantly.

  “Are you sure you want to do this? Let me take you home, okay?” I said.

  She shied away from me. “Fuck. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to--”

  “I want to,” I confessed. She whipped around to look at me again. Damn, she was beautiful. A strand of her dark hair fell in front of her face and played on her rosy cheeks. Her pouty pink lips called my name, but I couldn’t. As much as I wanted her I couldn’t.

  “Please not to my house. If my mom finds out I left this early…”

  I took her hand and said, “I got you. Come with me.”

  Chapter 5

  Sara

  Gentle sun rays painted the entire room in a faint yellow. I stretched out my core, relieving the knots and sighing. Suddenly, I sat up in a panic and scanned the room. It didn’t help that I didn’t recognize the strange painting on the wall or the hardwood on the floor. My eyes zoomed down to the navy silk sheets covering my lower body, my heart raced the longer I was here—confused, hungover, naked? I peered down at my bare legs. Thankfully I still had on panties. My oversized shirt covered it, however. Except… this wasn’t my shirt.

  I swiveled my head around and saw Tyson standing at the doorway. He had a skillet in his hand and a lopsided grin on his face. I pulled the sheets up, shielding myself from the shame I felt inside. I could feel the heat glowing from the pit of my stomach and rising like a wildfire to the apples of my cheeks. It all came back to me in a rush and I felt like disappearing. “I cooked some breakfast. Join me?”

  I reached for my phone for an excuse. Helen wanted to get lunch, or my mom needs me. Something. But I couldn’t find it. Flailing about and swinging the sheets to explore his California King size bed felt like discovering the ocean. Except I was drowning. I couldn’t find it. It was like I was competing with myself for who could look more foolish.

  “Erm, it’s on the nightstand.” He gestured to it with a head nod and an amused expression playing on his handsome face. I paused over his face attempting to collect myself but really taking him in. He really was handsome. I leaned over and grabbed my phone.

  “Thanks…”

  “Now come eat breakfast with me.” His puppy dog eyes made it hard for me to say no. That and the intense growling at the pit of my stomach. “I made pancakes.”

  He said the magic word, so I stood up immediately before realizing I wasn’t wearing any pants. I flopped back down and threw the sheets over me. “I’ll let you change.” He kept his eyes trained on mine, respectfully dismissing the whole bare-legged-with-panties thing and then left the room.

  Once I was dressed, I moved to his kitchen where he had a breakfast nook with pancakes, eggs, and bacon arranged neatly. I sat down across from him. “And we’ve got orange juice and coffee. Whatever you like.” Another charming smile from him that made me melt.

  As we ate, I was more aware of everything that I did, how I sat, how I ate, how I spoke. I was nervous. The way his eyes would hold mine made me shiver in a way I couldn’t explain. His smell was all over—when he passed me or leaned over for something, all over his room, on his shirt. That reminded me of something. After cutting into and taking a bite of the thick pancakes dribbling with syrup and topped with whipped cream, I spoke up. “Did you dress me?” Sure, I could’ve phrased it better. The way he almost choked on the bit he was chewing before replying let me know.

  “Yes…” he said with an eyebrow raised. “Why? You’re not pleased with my selection?”

  I glanced down at the top. “I mean I’m more of a Backstreet Boys kinda girl but NSYNC’s cool too.” He laughed before taking a bite from his eggs. I smiled at him as he did so, admiring the little things he did. Like how easily he returned it after catching my eye and how he managed to make me feel like me. Sara.

  I helped him move the dishes into the sink before we settled on his couch, the television droning on without purpose.

  “Thank you for yesterday,” I said after a few beats. I could remember how the liquor had pulled out the truth from me and surrendered it before him. And I could remember him listening. “It meant a lot.”

  “Of course.”

  He was just a few inches away, a distance respectable enough for comfort but one that taunted me with a clear view of his full lips and penetrating gaze. The way a strand of his dark hair fell into his face, painting him like the man I saw at the party—kind, patient, strong—made me want to lean in and kiss him. Something shifted in his eyes—like he was thinking the same thing but hadn’t found his voice to express it. Then, like a wave meeting the shore we slowly met in the middle, with me taking him in like the water that had been missing—addicting in small doses and overwhelming in large ones. But I just wanted more of him.

  He moved his hand over my body, down my hips and wrapping around my thigh. The distance had shrunk from what felt like miles to chest to chest as I fell back onto the couch. I found solace with him, lips locked, hands playing in his hair. His tongue danced with mine before I moved my hand down his chest and past his belt buckle. I gripped him once under his pants, moving my hand up and down like a wave.

  This motivated him as he embraced me even harder. My heart thumped against my chest, the heat overwhelming me like a thousand suns. It felt good to have the attention. It felt good to be loved.

  My hand rode on his cock until I felt the explosion that took it over. He grabbed my thighs and drew me closer to him. “Let me do something for you.” He whispered before lowering himself under my waist. I could feel the heartbeat in my pussy without him even touching it.

  The kisses he planted along my inner thigh were nothing but a tease, and I was getting impatient until he moved onto the main course meal, licking and slurping as if he hadn’t eaten in years.

  Shivers ran down my body. My legs vibrated uncontrollably. As moans escaped my lips, my pussy throbbed harder like a drum and as my head tilted back to the pillow, I realized that he was the only one not only gifted enough to play it but the only one I wanted to.

  Chapter 6

  Tyson

  As soon as Sara left, that was the only thing I could think about. Her. The way she smelled, the way she tasted, her lips, her eyes, her hips… More than anything, I thought about our conversation. Maybe it was because I remembered more of it than her, but I just kept replaying what she had said in my mind and I could only feel for her. I wish I could’ve held her even more.

  “Tyson.”

  “What?”

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p; I looked up to see Helen eyeing me from above. She moved from behind her desk and stood in front of me. “I was telling you about the photoshoot Friday afternoon. Be ready to look pretty because this press is going to be one of the most important events before your signing.”

  I nodded.

  She sighed, “Get excited, Tyson! I mean, you worked hard for this. What’s been on your mind?” As soon as she asked, an answer came to her. “Is it a girl? No, wait, wait, is it...damn it, Tyson.” Her face fell. “No,” she groaned. “Sara?”

  I tried to appear neutral but the thought of her instantly made a smile pull at my lips. “I’m sorry, okay?” I said in defense. “I really like her.”

  “I don’t care.” She was serious. “Listen,” She took a breath. “Sara still hasn’t...gotten over the whole thing. I only caped at first for you because I wasn’t thinking straight at the time.”