The Closer (All About the Diamond #5) Read online

  The Closer

  An All About the Diamond Romance

  Naomi Springthorp

  The Closer

  An All About the Diamond Romance (Book 5)

  Copyright © 2019 Naomi Springthorp

  Published by Naomi Springthorp

  All rights reserved

  Digital Edition eBook ISBN 978-1-949243-21-5

  The Closer is a work of fiction and does not in any way advocate irresponsible behavior. This story contains content that is not suitable for readers 17 and under. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

  Any resemblance to actual things, events, locales, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental. Names, characters, places, brands, products, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and ownership of any location names or products mentioned in this book. The author received no compensation for any mention of said trademark. All references to the MLB are fictitious and there is no endorsement by the MLB.

  Cover Photographer: Tonya Clark - All About the Cover Photography

  Cover Model: Matt Carothers

  Graphic Designer: Irene Johnson [email protected]

  Editor: Katrina Fair

  Created with Vellum

  For my supportive friends. Team Naomi is strong. Let’s close this game!

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Acknowledgments

  Playlist

  About the Author

  Also by Naomi Springthorp

  Chapter One

  Houck

  It’s been a shitty week and it’s only Thursday. I’ve blown two saves and my girlfriend dumped me. She said I use her for sex and don’t care about her. Neither are true, but I compare everyone to Angie and nobody comes close. I never should’ve let her walk away from me. I didn’t know any better and she didn’t want to traipse around the country following a minor league player. Why would she? We were friends and nothing more. We were college kids. She had her own goals and she achieved them without me. She never needed me, not the way I need her. They say the last person you think about when you go to bed and the first person you think about when you wake up is the one who’s most important to you, it’s always been Angie. Nights like this when I’ve blown the save, I wish I had her with me. The girlfriends come and go. I keep hoping there’s one out there for me, I just haven’t met her yet.

  I swear Angie has a sixth sense. Most times I have her on my mind, she calls or something within a few days. Tonight a text comes in and it’s not her typical fun message.

  Text from Angie - I need to see you

  Text from Angie - Already checked your schedule

  Text to Angie - You want to get together over the All-Star Break?

  Text from Angie - Just landed in San Diego

  What the hell? I haven’t been in the same room with her in thirteen years.

  Text to Angie - I’ll be there to pick you up in twenty minutes or less

  Text from Angie - Thank you

  I can’t believe she’s here. I don’t have time to clean up, but I check the mirror to make sure I don’t look like a fool. I shouldn’t bother, she’s a friend and has never been interested in me for anything more. But, when I remember her my blood pressure rises and I envision her with her head full of long fluffy dark blonde hair, wearing her cheerleading uniform with the short pleated skirt. Her legs toned, her breasts round, her strength and intelligence obvious. An unsolicited smile graces my face.

  I slide into my car, voice texting her on the way to the airport, “On my way. Black Porsche 911.”

  Siri reads her reply to me, “Red dress.”

  I reply, “I know exactly what you look like,” sending the message before I can reconsider and imagining her in a fitted red dress.

  It’s late and the airport is empty. I pull up to arrivals and she’s standing in the beams of my headlights, gorgeous as always. I want to jump out and wrap my arms around her, kiss her senseless. I pull up calmly, hop out of my car and hug her, lifting her off her feet and kissing her cheek as I set her down. I load her suitcase into my backseat and chivalrously make sure she’s in my car before I close her door for her. Everything about her is the same except the effect she has on me, which has become more potent. I attempt to calm myself down as I walk around to get in the driver’s seat, but I’m consumed with how incredible she smells and how the kiss I gave her on the cheek should’ve been a closed mouth peck.

  “I’m sorry about the short notice. I hope I’m not interfering with anything.”

  “You’re always welcome. Is everything okay?” Wondering why she’s here on such short notice, when she’s always been prepared and calculated.

  “I needed to see you,” Her voice is different than I’ve ever heard. Her words pierce my heart with what I want her to mean, and I consider what the chances are that’s her intent.

  “Are you staying with me or do you have a hotel booked?” Please stay with me. Please say you’re staying with me.

  “I’d like to stay with you, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course, you can use my guest room for as long as you want,” unless you’d prefer to sleep in my bed, I will her to understand what I want and what she means to me.

  “I don’t have a plan, other than staying through the weekend and spending your off day with you. I’d like to watch you play. It’s been years since I’ve been to a game.”

  I want to find out why she’s here, but I’m happy to have her and don’t want to push. She’ll tell me when she’s ready. “I’m the closer for the Seals. I don’t get to pitch every game. I’m happy to get you a seat for the games this weekend.”

  She laughs, “I know you’re the closer. I follow your career and your stats. I watch the highlights every time you pitch.”

  She watched me blow the last two saves. Is that why she’s here? She thinks I need help getting it together? “Look, I don’t need a keeper. I’ll bounce back from the blown saves. I’m perfectly fine by myself. The team’s got my back. This isn’t like back in college. I’m a confident grown man and I can take care of myself.” I hear my words accompanied by my annoyed tone and wish I could suck them all back in before they reach her ears. I add quickly, “But, I’m happy to have you visit.” I drive into the parking garage and park in my spot.

  “I’m not here because you’re off your game. You know how I feel about that, it’s still just a game. No pitcher is perfect. Besides, when you need the baseball talk you always tell me you need it somehow and you haven’t in years.”

  I shouldn’t ask, “Then why are you here?” I offer her a hand out of my car and unload her suitcase.

  “We’re turning 35 this year. I’m not baby crazy, I’m not worried about my biological clock being a ticking time bomb. But, I do want things in my life and time is getting away from me. Every time a guy I’m dating starts to get serious, I dump him. Why are you still single?” Her big bright blue eyes search mine, waiting for an answer.

  I’ve been waiting for you. Nobody compares to you. “I guess I haven’t clicked with the right woman.” Our conversation continues as we take the elevator up to my high-rise penthouse and I realize she’s never been here. I hope she loves it, maybe she’ll stay longer.


  She nods her head, “What if we dumped the right one and we don’t get another chance?”

  “I didn’t dump the right one. I found her. She never found me.” Find me. Find me.

  “You know who the one is?” She questions me and her voice gets higher pitched.

  “Yes. I mean, I haven’t tested the theory. I’ve never kissed her or held her all night.” I’ve wanted to since college. It’s you, Angie. Tell me you want me, too.

  Her voice is angry, “If there’s a woman out there for you, why haven’t you gone after her?”

  “She lives far away and she’s never been interested in me.” The elevator opens and I lead her into my living room.

  She stops in her tracks, not paying any attention to her surroundings, “Does she know how you feel?”

  “She always seems to know everything.”

  “D, have you told her?” She shakes her head, “You’re a major league baseball player and your record this year is 21 for 23, for Pete’s sake!”

  “My game has nothing to do with it, it can’t be why she wants me. I’ve had too many of those and I’ve been dumped by the last one.”

  “Have you told her or not?”

  “No.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better if you were with her?”

  “Yes. She’s not interested.”

  “You can’t be sure. You haven’t told her.”

  “What if I tell her and she’s not interested? Then I don’t have her at all? I don’t want to lose her completely.”

  “What are you losing out on by not telling her?”

  She makes a good point. She probably wouldn’t if she knew it was her. “Let me show you to your room,” I refuse to respond to her question but bring her into the moment and she finally glances around.

  “This is nice. Awesome view. I bet you spend a lot of time out on your balcony.”

  I smile, “Your room is on this side of the condo and you have your own bathroom. My master suite is on the other side of the condo, if you need me for anything.” Fuck I’d love it if she needed me. “Please make yourself at home.” I lay her suitcase on the bed and flip the light on in the bathroom. I open the closet door, showing her she has room to hang up her clothes.

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll leave you to get unpacked and get some rest.” I turn to walk away, but before I leave the room I continue with my back to her, “I’m happy to have you here with me. Stay as long as you want. Don’t hesitate, if you need me.”

  I walk to my room and sit on the edge of my bed. I pick up the framed photo of us together from my nightstand, remembering the night it was taken. Her arms were wrapped around me and she was proud of me for pitching the complete game. I was a starter back then and I threw the complete game in 101 pitches. The experience wouldn’t have been the same if she wasn’t there with me. It was a milestone in my college baseball career and the part I remember in most detail is her. The excitement in her hands as she touched me. The natural curve of her lips as she squealed in celebration with me. Her fresh gaze on me, deep into my eyes. It was all going to change that night. I was sure she wanted to kiss me. I wished she wanted more from me, but it didn’t happen. I should’ve known the game wouldn’t have an affect on her, it never has. It’s just a game.

  Chapter Two

  Houck

  I wake up early Friday morning and get up, quietly going about my morning routine. I don’t want to disturb my houseguest. I wander into my kitchen after something to eat, wearing only my pajama pants and notice Angie’s already up and enjoying my balcony. I change my plan and join her.

  “Good morning, I hope you slept well.” She’s breathtaking standing there in the morning light with her hair blowing in the breeze. “Can I get you some breakfast? I need to go for a run, do you want to join me?” It’s one of the things we used to do together in college.

  “I’m up for a run. I love your view. It’s a nice place you have here.”

  “Thanks,” I get warm all over, and I catch her checking out my abs. “I have a few hours until I need to be at the stadium. Should be plenty of time to run and eat. There’s a set of extra keys hanging on the refrigerator for you.” We part to get ready and meet back in the living room ready to run.

  I catch her staring at me again. There must be something different about me. It has been thirteen years. I hope it’s not a bad thing. “What distance do you want to run?”

  “I can always go for another run after you go to the stadium if we don’t go far enough.”

  I glare at her and shake my head while we stretch, “I have stairs in my run. Let’s go.” We start off slow and pick up speed as we go. I lead and take her running through the East Village to the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge. We run up the stairs and across the bridge, then down the other side. I watch in case she wants to stop and take in the view, but she seems to be more focused on me. Probably her competitive spirit making sure she keeps up with me. We run along the marina, then up and over the stairs at the convention center a few times before we take the paths at the marina parks. I lead her out the Embarcadero to Survivor’s Park and back to run the Harbor path. “Too much?”

  “It’s a start,” she winks at me and laughs.

  We get home and she watches me in my kitchen, “What are you doing? I’m easy. Where’s the cereal?”

  I open the cabinet, “Which one would you like?” She points, choosing the healthy granola. I hand it to her with the milk. We sit and eat cereal together comfortably without words. I’m happy having her here, but my head keeps running possibilities. Is she right? Should I tell her she’s the one? I wish she’d tell me why she’s here.

  Angie

  This was a crazy idea. Why did I fly to San Diego? I’ve never done anything this spontaneous. I shouldn’t ask why. I’m fully aware and I blame my business partner, Lucy. She’s getting married and taking a class with her fiancé through their church. She’s such a good girl. I could never take a class at the church. Honestly, I’m not sure I’m marriage material. She shared the lessons they did in the class and one of them hit me hard. If it was a rock, my windshield would be shattered into a zillion pieces. As it is, it sent my heart and brain into a tizzy. It’s a workbook page with questions and you have to fill in the answers. Then you take the answers, only the answers, and create a list.

  Who’s presence makes you feel calm?

  When you have something to celebrate, who do you want to tell?

  Who’s the first person you think of when you wake up in the morning?

  Who do you enjoy spending time with?

  Who has the same fitness and eating habits as you?

  Who do you see when you think of the future?

  Who’s the last person you think of when you go to sleep?

  Who do you dream about?

  Who can’t you live without?

  Who makes you feel protected?

  If you answered the same name to all of these questions with the name of your fiancé, congrats! You’ve found the right one.

  If you answered multiple names and not only your fiancé, you might want to explore your options and make sure you’re doing what’s right for you.

  If you answered the same name to all or most of these questions and you’re not engaged, consider the following and don’t waste time you could be spending with the one:

  Does this person make you feel special?

  Is this person always available for you and ready to do whatever they can for you?

  Do you have a solid foundation of friendship?

  What has stopped a relationship with this person from progressing in the past?

  Have you ever been in a romantic relationship with this person? If no, it might be worth exploring.

  Go kiss them already!

  Anyway, point is, hell I don’t need to explain to you. I’m sure you already get it. The answer to the first ten questions were the same—Super D. And, yes, it did occur to me that this pre-marital exercise feels a lot li
ke a quiz from a fashion magazine. Regardless, it left me reflecting on the time I’ve spent with him and how much time I spend working and how the years keep flying by. I don’t know if I want kids or not, it might depend on who the guy is. But, at this rate I’ll never find out because I’ll never pick the guy. Truth is, he’s only a friend, though I’ve compared other men to him. Why shouldn’t I consider him as a potential mate? Seriously, he checks off all the insignificant boxes, too. He has money, he won’t be mooching off me and if he did, he’d be let down because I can’t support his lifestyle with the penthouse he lives in. He’s handsome and has a hot bod. I don’t remember him having all those abs the last time I saw him. He should really think twice before he exposes a woman to his shirtless body. And those pajama pants? They left nothing to the imagination. I’m pretty sure he was going commando. He’s a professional athlete. What more could I want?

  I was going to spend today getting comfortable with the surroundings and kiss him tomorrow. But, who’s this woman he’s meant to be with? How have I never heard of this person before? Maybe he’s wrong? He’s a guy, he’s most likely wrong part of the time. He doesn’t think she’s interested, that’s in my favor. How’d he say it? ‘He’s never tested the theory.’ I’d like him to kiss me and hold me all night. It would answer all of my questions.

  “Did you hear me?” He asks.

  “What?”