Foul Pole by Tina Gallagher
Chapter Eleven
Leo
I glancedover at Anjannette before shifting my attention back to the curving country road. For most of the half-hour ride she’s been staring out the passenger-side window, seemingly lost in thought. The scenery is much more picturesque now that we’ve left the highway, but I doubt it’s that or the lingering fall foliage that’s holding her attention. My attempts to pull her into a conversation at the beginning of the ride were met with one-word answers so I gave up and listened to my 90’s playlist while I focused on the road.
We’re grabbing lunch before the train ride and according to the nav system, the restaurant is only ten minutes away. I’ll give her that much longer to sit with her thoughts. After that, I’m going to have to find out what’s on her mind. We’ll be together for the rest of the afternoon. Spending it in silence will make for a long day.
After following the road for a few more miles, I turned onto Main Street, found a spot right in front of the restaurant, and pulled in. I turned off the engine and looked over at Anjannette, who continued to look out her window. Without the music and hum of the engine in the background, the silence in the truck felt oppressive.
I removed my seatbelt and shifted to rest my elbow on the console.
“Anjannette?”
She turned her head in my direction, but didn’t meet my gaze. Instead she focused on her left hand as she twisted the silver ring on her middle finger around and around. I gave her a second to look at me or at least say something and when she didn’t, I repeated her name and waited until she finally looked over at me.
“What’s wrong?”
She blinked and shook her head, offering a forced smile.
“Nothing.”
“You’ve been quiet since I picked you up and it’s pretty obvious something is on your mind. I wish you’d just be honest and tell me what it is.” When she stayed silent, I asked, “Did I do something to upset you?”
“No.” Her eyes widened and she shook her head. “No, you haven’t done anything. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be a downer. I’ll be better the rest of the day, I promise.”
She unbuckled her seatbelt, grabbed her purse off the floor, and started to open the door. I put my hand on her arm, stalling her movement. Releasing the door handle, she dropped the purse onto her lap, and rubbed her forehead.
“Just tell me. We’ll both feel better.”
Shaking her head, she nibbled her bottom lip, and focused on the dashboard before meeting my gaze.
“It’s silly and I’m sorry I’ve let it ruin our day.”
“It hasn’t ruined our day and if it’s bothering you, it’s not silly.”
Letting out a sigh, she shook her head again. I wasn’t sure she was going to answer and was relieved when she finally did.
“This is our third date.”
“Yeah?”
“Our third date.”
I raised my brow.
She put her hands over her face and peeked over at me through her fingers.
“Are you going to make me spell it out?”
“I guess I am because I’m not sure what this being our third date means beyond the fact it’s the third time we’ve gone out together.”
Dropping her hands onto her lap, she looked over at me and sighed. Focusing on my chin she said, “I’m talking about the third date rule. You know, it’s customary for people to have sex on the third date.”
Her face practically matched her red hair and I would have smiled at how adorable she looked if the subject wasn’t so serious. I was trying to figure out what to say when she continued.
“I know it’s kind of expected, but…” Trailing off, she looked down at her hands and twisted her fingers together. “It’s just not something I’m ready for just yet.” Meeting my gaze again, she added, “Full disclosure, you’re the first guy I’ve dated in three years.” She let out a nervous chuckle. “Actually that seems more like a reason for why I would be ready to have sex.” She shook her head. “But I’m not.” Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to babble. Honestly, I wasn’t even going to bring it up.”
“I’m glad you did because you need to understand something.” I reached over and placed my hand over her white knuckles. “I’m not expecting anything from you today or any other day. Whatever happens between us will happen because we both want it to, not because some idiot wrote an article in Cosmo making a rule that it has to.”
Holding her gaze, I leaned closer.
“I like you, Anjannette. Really like you. And I’m most definitely attracted to you, but you don’t have to worry that I’m going to try to push you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. This isn’t high school and I’m not some horny teenager ruled by his hormones.” She looked confused by my words, but also a little bit hopeful. “We’re not on a specific timeline here. I’d like for us to spend time and get to know each other better, but I don’t want you to be afraid that there are strings attached to that.” I chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m hoping to experience more amazing kisses like we shared the other night, but it can stop at that if you’re not ready for more.”
Her lips curled into a small smile.
“You’re not at all what I expected, Leo Marakis.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“It’s good,” she said. “Definitely good.”
I traced my fingers along her jaw and pulled her in for a quick kiss. Our lips lingered and
the temptation to deepen it was strong, but considering the conversation we just had and the fact that we’re sitting in my truck on Main Street, I fought the urge and pulled back.
Nudging my head toward the windshield, I smiled and said, “Come on, let’s go grab some lunch. We have a train to catch.”
Anjannette
After a light lunch,we walked a block to the quaint station and boarded the train. Leo had purchased tickets for the first-class car and it definitely lives up to that label. The cream-colored walls and ceiling are perfectly accented with rich golds and greens, with the dark wood trim making it look even more elegant. He gestured for me to sit and I settled into the plush seat next to the window. With its high back and sides, the bench offers a modicum of privacy.
“This car is gorgeous.”
He looked around and nodded.
“Have you ever gone on a ride from this station before?”
Shifting his body slightly toward me, he settled his arm across the back of the seat.
I shook my head.
“I went on a train ride at Steamtown years ago with my parents, but not here.”
“It’s a first for both of us then.”
His sexy smile had butterflies rioting in my stomach and I placed my hand over it to settle them. Like I said, Leo is not what I expected. Professional athletes have a certain reputation, but he doesn’t fit that mold at all. He doesn’t even fit the stereotype of a man with his good looks. Yes he’s sexy and charming, but he’s also very sweet, thoughtful, and attentive. It definitely makes for an attractive package. I planned on keeping things casual, but he’s not making it easy.
The train lurched forward, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Here we go,” Leo said as he leaned a little closer to look out the window.
The view of Main Street moved by slowly at first, but was quickly a memory as the train picked up speed. Soon we were surrounded by a breathtaking landscape painted in rustic reds, oranges, and golds. The colors are a little past peak, but still spectacular.
His arm was still draped over the back of the seat and initially I resisted the urge to lean back against him. But that seemed silly, so I shifted sideways and rested back, settling my shoulder into his armpit. Leo moved closer, repositioning me against his chest, with the top of my head just under his chin and wrapped his arm around my waist.
The train chugged along, its rhythm a soothing serenade as we made our way through the countryside, past fields and farms and a river decorated with fallen leaves.
“This is so beautiful,” I said, glancing back at Leo. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Thank you for saying yes.”
Again with the panty-dropping smile. The man really should come with a warning label. Before I got too pulled in, I turned my attention back to the scenery rushing past the window and soon my mind drifted back to our discussion in the truck earlier. That was both the most satisfying and embarrassing conversation I’ve ever had. I’ve never talked about sex with the guys I’ve dated, I’ve always just done it. Which in hindsight I realize is pretty pathetic.
“You okay?”
“Mmm Hmm. Why?”
“You stiffened, like you got stuck by a pin or something.”
I thought about telling him I bumped my foot or some other white lie, but that’s what I would have done in the past. And I’m trying to change and move forward, be more honest about my feelings. Maybe someday have a normal relationship instead of repeating the same mistakes.
Besides, something tells me that Leo would know I was lying.
“I was just thinking about stupid things I did in the past.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
“No, I just want to enjoy the day,” I said.
He kissed the top of my head and rested his chin against my temple. I pushed any thoughts out of my head and just focused on this moment with this amazing man.
“So what’s it really like playing professional baseball?” I asked.
“Amazing. Exhausting. A dream come true,” he said. “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love the game. My mom said I used to sit on my dad’s lap and watch the Yankees games with him when I was toddler. She said it was the only time I sat still.”
“It’s incredible that now some toddler is probably sitting on his father’s lap watching you play.”
“I never thought about that, but yeah, I guess it is.”
“So you’re a Yankees fan?”
“Growing up in New Jersey, it kind of went with the territory.”
“I know you said you just wanted to play somewhere, but would you have preferred staying with the RailRiders and eventually moving up to the Yankees?”
He shrugged.
“A few years ago, I may have said yes, but not now. I’m pretty happy playing for the Waves.”
“What do you like about it?”
“The owner, Mr. Hanover, runs a great team. He doesn’t put up with prima donnas, no
matter how good a player is. It makes a big difference with morale and gives the team a family feel. For the most part, things are tension-free and we’re all friends, or at least friendly. Which definitely makes things less stressful.”
“I guess it’s kind of like getting along with your coworkers.”
“It’s exactly like that,” he said. “I know it’s a game, but it’s also my job. And the other guys technically are my coworkers. The season is long and we spend a lot of time together. It helps that we all like each other, or at least respect each other.”
“What’s exhausting?”
“The schedule. We play a hundred and sixty-two games between April and September. That doesn’t include spring training or the postseason. Add in all the travel and it takes a toll. But I wouldn’t want to do anything else and I know how fortunate I am.” He kissed my temple. “Especially considering the fact that I’m sitting here with the most amazing woman in my arms, on a train ride through some awesome scenery.”
I tilted my head back and smiled up at him.
“You’re pretty smooth, Marakis.”
“I try.”
He leaned down and placed his mouth on mine. It was as sweet as the one we shared in the truck, but this time he didn’t immediately pull back. Instead he licked at my bottom lip asking for entry. I eagerly opened my mouth, allowing him to slip inside.
Our tongues twisted and twirled together as he took my mouth in a slow, steady kiss, its leisurely rhythm enhanced by the slow rocking of the train as we chugged along the tracks.