I’m willing to admit that I shouldn’t read spicy scenes in public. But in my defense, the opportunity rarely rises elsewhere. As a single mom and farm owner, my time is stretched thinner than horse hair. Besides, I’d reached a pivotal peak in the story and couldn’t put it down.
That is until someone bumps into me. My phone launches into the air like a base hit, but the device is caught before smashing into the ground. It comes as no surprise considering the guy is a professional baseball star.
Drake Granger isn’t the boy I remember, but I could still pick him out of the roster while blindfolded. This charming man doesn’t hesitate to tease me about what he spies on my screen. He also doesn’t break stride before asking me out on a date.
But as previously mentioned, spare time isn’t a luxury I possess…
Drake claims that whatever I’m willing to give is plenty. It doesn’t take long to prove that’s not the game he’s playing. This pro is done striking out, and headed straight for home.
And I have an excerpt for you. This is from Cassidy’s point of view when she bumps into Drake for the first time in seventeen years…
Drake clears his throat to knock me from that lost cause. An awkward minute has undoubtedly ticked by while I shamefully ogled him. Based on the curve of his smirk, he doesn’t seem to mind the attention.
It’s only then I recall he had said something that resembled a question. Maybe. One fact sticks out in the lustful fog my brain has become.
“You remember me?”
The notion is more presumptuous than I’d ever give myself credit for. I haven’t seen Drake since we were teenagers. Not only that but he went on to become a famous athlete who’s undoubtedly met more people than I can count.
His gaze heats on mine. “As if I’d ever forget my first kiss.”
I feel my eyes bulge. “We were just kids.”
“Doesn’t make it any less meaningful.” Drake’s blatant interest roves over me. “So?”
“Buttons,” I reply automatically.
“What?” His laugh is rich and bolder than the coffee aroma wafting around the cafe.
My cheeks get warm while fellow Bean Me Up patrons send us curious glances. “It’s just this silly retort my grandma used to toss out whenever someone used ‘so’ as a full sentence.” I chew on my bottom lip at his look of confusion. “Because you sew buttons on stuff…”
“Ah.” He nods.
My face flames hotter. “Told you it was silly.”
“I like it.” Drake’s shrug is carefree. “But what I’d like more is to know if your last name is still Brooks.”
“Is that your not-so-subtle way of asking if I’m married?”
“Can you blame me? You look…” His throat works hard to finish the statement. “Better than faded memories.”
“Should I take that as a compliment?”
His eyes remain glued on my curvy waist. “Definitely. Why didn’t we ever date?”
I squint at him. “Probably because you transferred to Edina before ninth grade.”
“Great decision for baseball,” he muses. “Not so great for us.”
“As if you have any regrets.”
He’s quiet for a pregnant pause. “Would you believe me if I said I think about you often?”
Flutters erupt in my stomach, but I can’t allow myself to get swept away in a long-lost fantasy. “Probably not.”
“It’s true, Cassidy…”
“Brooks,” I relent. “Never been married.”
Drake’s stare hasn’t wavered. “Me either.”
ONE WEEK TO WAIT! I can’t wait to hear what you think of my favorite couple!
✔️steamy romcom ✔️small town standalone ✔️baseball pro turned bar owner ✔️single mom cowgirl (her twins are adorable!) ✔️childhood crush to reunion meet-cute to fling to forever ✔️found family ✔️obsessed and protective hero ✔️‘it’s always been you’ vibes
𝙱𝙻𝚄𝚁𝙱 ↓ I’m willing to admit that I shouldn’t read spicy scenes in public. But in my defense, the opportunity rarely rises elsewhere. As a single mom and farm owner, my time is stretched thinner than horse hair. Besides, I’d reached a pivotal peak in the story and couldn’t put it down.
That is until someone bumps into me. My phone launches into the air like a base hit, but the device is caught before smashing into the ground. It comes as no surprise considering the guy is a professional baseball star.
Drake Granger isn’t the boy I remember, but I could still pick him out of the roster while blindfolded. This charming man doesn’t hesitate to tease me about what he spies on my screen. He also doesn’t break stride before asking me out on a date.
But as previously mentioned, spare time isn’t a luxury I possess…
Drake claims that whatever I’m willing to give is plenty. It doesn’t take long to prove that’s not the game he’s playing. This pro is done striking out, and headed straight for home.
