Over the Fence: Lyssa Layne's Baseball Romances by Lyssa Layne Page A

think of the last time I took a birth control pill, but I soon realized that I couldn’t even remember the last time I had the prescription filled. This is exactly why I shouldn’t be dating right now.
    Instead of having the meltdown I deserve, I simply shrug and respond, “Of course, Meg.”
    She stares me down, trying to read if I’m telling the truth. I pick up a mimosa and take a long drink, hoping to distract her.
    “You know, Nicole, you have a perfectly good man waiting for you at home, in the same city even.”
    “Oh come on, Meg. At home? Are you kidding me? We’re roommates and that’s all. I’m flying back this afternoon and then…”
    And then what? My building is still condemned. I might have slept with Jace Richards but I’m still homeless and there’s no way I can stay with Grant now.
    Meg pats my hand. “You can stay with us, little sister.”
    I mumble my thanks. Of course my big sister has to come to my rescue. We eat our meal in silence. When our plates are cleared away, Meg begins her harping again. “Look, Colie, I’m not an expert, but I don’t think Jace is right for you. Mark and I...” Of course, she and Mark and their perfect relationship. I fight the urge to roll my eyes as she continues, “will support you in whatever choice you make, but Colie, be smart.”
    Forcing my biggest sister-knows-best smile, I nod. Too bad all I can think about is the shower I took with Jace before brunch.
     
    ***
     
    My stomach is in knots as I pull onto the street of the condo. I’m not looking forward to facing Grant. He has to know I’ve stayed the night at Jace’s. He’s probably seen the article by now, but the thing that really irks me is that he didn’t even fight for me.
    I hit the garage door button and see his rental is gone. I park my car and head inside, calling out his name, but I get no response. Tossing my keys on the counter, I see an envelope and a small box.
    Picking up the paper, I put it to my nose and inhale Grant’s musky scent. I’ve grown accustomed to it over the past six weeks. I sigh as I open it up and read: Nicole, congrats on surviving spring training. Good luck, G
    I read the note over and over, trying not to analyze it too much. My heart hurts from the finality of his words. I know our relationship will never be the same and I already miss him. Setting it aside, I slowly open the box and see a small charm—a bottle with SPF 50 on it. I palm the charm in my hand and wonder if Grant will ever touch it again.
     
    ***
     
    Staring at the tarmac, I think back to my flight to Florida. Was that really only six weeks ago? So much has changed in that short amount of time, and I have no idea where anything stands—my job, my apartment, my relationships. My fingers find the newest charm on my bracelet and I roll it between my thumb and forefinger.
    Pulling out my phone, I try to find the words to text Grant my appreciation. Behind me, I hear the click of cameras and turn around to see what player is being chased by fans. As I turn, hands find my cheeks and pull me into a kiss. Shocked, I stare into the eyes of the assailant and slip my tongue between his lips. We both pull away grinning, my arms wrapped around his neck.
    “Thought you might want some company on your flight,” Jace says.
    I grin and nod as my body floods with excitement.
    “Good. I switched your seat to first class and I’m yours for the weekend.”
    I giggle and don’t even care about the iPhones videotaping us. I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity with Jace Richards, famous or not.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 12

     
    After a cuddle-filled, make out session thirty-five thousand feet in the air, we land in New York. Jace drapes his arm around my shoulders as though it’s the most natural thing in the world and he does it all the time. As we wait for our luggage, Jace breaks our kiss and asks, “Your place or mine?”
    Since my place is technically my sister’s, I quickly reply,