Playing for Keeps/Body Check (Rules of the Game) by Heather Peters

their child.
    She turned off her phone, her stomach still a bit queasy, and decided to take a nap.
    The next thing she knew she was being jostled by Gracie. "Jen, wake up, come see the TV.   John just called and said we have to watch Sports Scene."
    Jenna opened her eyes, felt her hair sticking to her cheek and pushed it way. How long had she slept?
    "What's going on?" she yawned, as Gracie stepped into the living room, barefoot and wearing Nick's jersey. "I would have to guess it's about Nicky."
    Grace grabbed the remote, turned to Sports Scene, then held Jenna's hand. "Feel better?"
    Jenna smiled. "Yes, thanks, the nap helped."
    "I made homemade chicken soup."
    Before Jenna could thank Grace for her thoughtfulness, her heart fluttered and blood rushed through her veins, pounding like a hammer. Her hands shook slightly, when she saw Nick in a suit and tie, looking like a cover model.
    He was so beautiful.   I love him so much.
    "Put up the volume, Gracie."
    And then they heard the newscaster.
    "…Today, Nick Dante, star pitcher of the California Condors, suddenly announced his retirement. Dante stated that even with the off-season surgery he had in late October, his shoulder just didn’t feel right in spring training camp. He made a live statement early this morning in Orlando. This is a sad day in sports. Again, Nick Dante, star pitcher for the California Condors, has announced his retirement…"
    Jenna sat on the couch, stunned. "Retired? That can't be true. His shoulder was in great shape. It was perfect."
    Gracie shrugged. "Shh, Nick's going to make a statement."
    Jenna sat frozen. Nick stepped up to the microphone, cleared his voice.   His eyes were red and his mouth fixed in a sad frown.
    "…It is with great regret and sadness that I announce my retirement," his voice cracked. "My shoulder did not heal as it should have, and the last thing I want to do is hurt the club and my teammates if I'm not 110 percent. Retiring today allows me to walk away from the game with pride, rather than having the game walk away from me. Thanks to all my fans, friends and family for their support through the years…"
    The doorbell rang and Grace touched Jenna's shoulder. "John said he'd stop by. I'll be right back."
    Jenna nodded, as if in a fog. "What the hell is going on with him?"
    She was in the same position a few minutes later when she heard the footsteps behind her entering the room. "Is it John?"
    "No, it's your husband."
    Nick.
    Jenna turned and jumped from the sofa. "Nicky, what are you doing here? Why did you retire? Did you injure your shoulder again? Why did you…"
    He approached her and put his finger against her lips. "One thing at a time. First of all, why do you look so tired? Your eyes are red. Are you getting enough sleep? Am I the reason for this?"
    Jenna felt so sorry for him. She threw her arms around his neck. "I'm fine now. I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you so much.   Why are you here?"
    He circled her hips and brought her body close to his. "Because I want to be here, I love you, I want you; I want a life with you."
    "But you can still play baseball. I'll move to California. I'll do anything to be with you, Nico. I love you so much."
    "Love you too, Red. Now kiss me and hold me ok?"
    Their lips fused and warmth ran through Jenna's body. She opened her mouth to his insistent tongue and gave him everything she had. Nico was home.
    The kiss ended, she leaned back. "Do you forgive me? I'm so sorry I pushed you away. I hope one day you can understand why I did…"
    He silenced her with another kiss.
    They just held each other for long moments. Jenna inhaled the clean, familiar scent of him. "I have something to show you."
    Nick grabbed her hips and pressed her into his obvious erection. "Ah, I was just going to say the same thing." He wiggled his eyebrows, making her laugh. It felt good to laugh and smile again.
    "Seriously, Nico, you can't retire."
    He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. "Look, I've