Read Online Too Hot to Handle: A Boys of Summer Novel by Katie Rose - Free Book Online

periwinkle blue deepened with purple.
    Strangely enough, he felt an urge to beat the crap out of the guy who had caused her grief. Surprised at the surge of protective instinct she aroused, he distracted himself by taking strawberries out of the basket, and placed the dish between them.
    “It was a long time ago.” Nikki accepted a berry. “I guess we were both too young. But it all worked out. I love what I do, even if the ballplayers don’t.”
    “I think your talent and passion for your work is very sexy.”
    She picked up the glass quickly and swallowed the wine. He was pleased to see her color deepen even as she averted her eyes. He could tell that she liked what he said, even though she’d never admit it.
    And that was more telling than if she had responded.
    They enjoyed the food and each other’s company. With sex off the table, they focused on the little things. What movies they both loved. Bars they favored. Restaurants they enjoyed, and sports they played. Nikki appeared surprised to learn that baseball wasn’t Jake’s first choice in college; he played football first, then switched when their high school baseball team needed players.
    “That’s amazing,” she said, finishing her dinner. “Most guys wouldn’t make the major leagues no matter how hard they tried. Yet for you it was your second choice.”
    He shrugged. “My father died when I was young, and our high school didn’t have a lot of money to invest in sports. Baseball is easy; all you need is a sandlot, a bat, a glove and a ball. Most of the people in my family are athletes, so I think it just comes easily to us. What you do is second nature to you. You know how to write, communicate, can envision a story from whatever’s happening around you. Do you know how many people would struggle to do that?”
    Strangely enough, she seemed much more disconcerted by a compliment than the prospect of having wild sex on the beach. Idly, Jake wondered what had transpired between her and her ex-husband. It couldn’t have been good to have left her so black and white, and so unsure of herself.
    The first stars began to emerge in the darkening sky and she rose to her knees. “I have to go. After all, I don’t know what I’m going to face next week when the team returns to New Jersey.”
    “I’ll walk you back.” He reached for her hand and helped her to her feet. Together they picked up the cloth and the picnic basket.
    She was pensive on the way to the hotel, and Jake knew better than to try and draw her out. He knew she didn’t understand his choice tonight, but he couldn’t explain it to her. It wasn’t about the bet. At least not entirely. What he had said to her was true.
    He wanted to know her.
    “Good night.” Placing a kiss on her forehead, he walked away only after she had inserted her key and was safe inside.
    Over the next few weeks, he was certain she would do everything within her power to put as much distance between them as possible. Given the time to think, she’d decide that since he was not willing to be her personal Chippendale, it was time to move on. Nikki would fight him every step of the way, and herself just as much.
    Damned if he wasn’t looking forward to it.
    —
    The hotel room seemed very quiet when she closed the door. Nikki changed into a tee shirt and bikini bottoms, and then ventured to the balcony.
    The moon had risen, painting the ocean with silver as the stars twinkled overhead. A lush breeze blew, enveloping her with the scent of spring flowers and salt air, and she envisioned her erotic kiss on the beach. Yet the conclusion, or lack of it, left her far from satisfied.
    He didn’t want her. There was no other explanation. An embarrassed flush stained her cheeks as she realized that she’d let him know in no uncertain terms that she was his. And yet he passed her up as easily as if choosing the salmon over the steak.
    Why? Wasn’t she good enough? Pretty enough? Sexy enough? The moon didn’t answer her,