Page 38 of Fair Trade (New York Monarchs #2)
thirty-four
Miami wins the World Series.
The office is getting settled into the offseason. Many people think that this period would count as my downtime. And those people would be dead wrong.
The offseason is when my team and I need to hustle and regroup so we can come back stronger and ready for spring training.
The trading deadline for free agency is January fifteenth, which means my ass will be working through the holidays. Something I don’t mind doing, since I need the distraction from my home life.
The one where I go toe to toe with Nick’s dad and not so subtly threaten to cut off his cojones. I’m surprised I haven’t been hit with a lawsuit. Though I’m sure Nick and his team of attorneys would have no problem tackling anything his father throws our way.
After our little showdown last week, Nick clearly needed some alone time to cool down.
Even though I have taken up the role of that man’s personal peace disturber, I respected his space and made sure to keep my teasing to a minimum.
I’ve even been wearing more conservative pajamas to bed, hoping not to stoke the fires burning inside us.
Because the kiss on the night of the charity event will be seared into my brain for the rest of time.
I’ve had to resort to sneaking into random guest bedrooms with one of my special toys to get myself off before bed since I don’t trust myself to lie next to that man with all the tension that builds in my body after spending the whole day with him.
But as the days go on, even my strongest contender isn’t doing enough for me. I blame the stupid hunk of a man I’m currently not having sex with for that.
Because I know how it feels to be taken by him in every position possible, and it’s only with the thoughts of our first night together that I can reach my release.
Maybe one more time wouldn’t be so bad.
The thought has crossed my mind more than once. Okay, more like a million times, if I’m honest. And maybe I would have succumbed to the feeling a few weeks ago.
But after facing off with his father, I find myself questioning more than my increased sexual desires.
Because the moment I saw the way George Stonehaven looked at Nick, I felt an indescribable surge of protectiveness within me. The feral need to defend a man who clearly needs defending from no one.
What’s more confusing is that I felt like it was my rightful place to do so. As if I were a real wife, protecting her husband.
But there was nothing fake about the way I wanted to inflict real violence on that man or how quickly I wanted to get Nick’s mind off his sorry excuse of a dad and focused back on me.
When I pulled him onto that dance floor, I could still feel his chest heaving with unstrained fury, his eyes unseeing.
But when my hands drifted up and tickled the tiny hairs on the nape of his neck, I felt his shoulders drop. When I placed his hands low on my hips, his frown disappeared. And when I leaned up on my toes and sealed my lips to his in front of event photographers, I felt him come back to life.
And now I’m drowning myself in an unhealthy amount of work and depleting my vibrators of battery to keep myself from doing something I might not be able to come back from.
Luckily, the best distraction has come in the form of the World Baseball Classic games, now to be hosted at Monarchs Stadium.
The series was scheduled to be played in Puerto Rico, but with the current hurricane season devastation, the organization thought it best to streamline aid and resources to the island and have the game played elsewhere.
And since we recently had a spectacular turnout during the charity game we hosted for the same cause, it was a no-brainer to offer to host.
And this truly couldn’t come at a better time, because not only do I need time away from my infuriatingly hot fake husband, but I also get the opportunity to meet the players that are currently on my radar for the next season and see up close how well they are playing.
The teams are split into players who are born in or descendants of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Japan.
I have my eye on at least one player from each team and am looking forward to seeing how our own Monarch players perform now that the season is over.
I’m sure Mateo Martinez will be putting on quite the family-friendly show, given that the last time he was on the field, he was pummeling Isabella’s douchey ex into the ground.
Not our proudest moment as a team, but what can I say? We’re a protective bunch.
As if my thoughts have summoned him, number thirty-five knocks on my open door, wearing a wide smile. “Hey, you got a minute?”
I wave for him to enter, and he closes the door behind him. “And to what do I owe the pleasure, Martinez? Have my friend and your daughter finally kicked you out of the house so they can make their sprinkle cakes in peace? Or is it pancakes for dinner night?”
His eyes soften at the mention of Isabella and his daughter Anna. “Actually, that’s kinda why I’m here.” He leans forward and rubs his hands together. “I’m proposing to Isa, and I need your help.”
I shoot out of my seat and let out a happy shriek. “Yes! I’m so excited. Anything you need. Do you have a plan? Want me to take her out to get a manicure? What about the ring? Do you need—”
“Okay, boss. Slow down.” He chuckles as he stands.
I round my desk and give him a big hug. I don’t make it a habit of being this close to my players, but I’ve gotten to know Mateo better since he started dating Isabella, and he now feels more like family.
“I need you to rally the troops and have them waiting at my place. If she says yes, I want to have a small party with our friends and family.” He smiles to himself.
“I know she would spend the rest of the night FaceTiming you guys anyway, so I figured she’d like for all of us to celebrate together. ”
I nod repeatedly, laughing hysterically when I realize a tear is running down my cheek. “Oh God. Now I’m crying at work. I should fine you for this, Martinez.” Our combined laughter only causes more tears to form, and before I know it, I’m a weepy mess.
A soft knock sounds on my door before Nick strides in with a reusable bag in hand.
Most likely another home-cooked meal for me, since he’s been supplying me with lunch since we got married.
I know he passes it off as if it’s nothing, leftovers of his meals, but I’m no dummy.
Because every meal he’s delivered consists of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. A PCOS friendly diet.
He usually strolls in and tries to keep the focus off the nice gesture, but one look at my tear-stricken face, and his relaxed stance turns lethal.
“What happened?” He drops the bag and is already pulling me away from Mateo before I’m able to speak.
“Calm down, I’m fine.” I hiccup as I wipe away my tears. The sight seems to anger Nick further and he makes to move toward Mateo. I hold him back by his arm and give him a strong tug back toward me. “Husband,” I singsong, but Nick isn’t having it.
He points at Mateo without breaking eye contact with me. “He made you cry.”
I realize that we have an audience, and Mateo’s amused chuckle is only making matters worse.
Before Nick lunges at my star player, I slip my arms around his neck and lift to give him a kiss on his cheek in hopes of defusing the situation.
We haven’t really shown any PDA in front of our friends, and I use the weak excuse to place another kiss on his opposite cheek.
Nick blinks a few times, most likely taken aback by my sudden show of affection, then dives down to place a kiss worthy of alerting HR on my lips.
I allow myself to indulge for a few moments—I’m only human after all—then slowly push back from Nick’s intoxicating touch.
“Mateo’s asking Isabella to marry him. He’s asked me to help out. That’s why I was crying.”
He lifts a large hand and cradles my face, swiping away a fresh tear. His voice drops to a whisper. “These are your happy tears?” I bite my lip and nod. “Good.” A soft kiss lands on my cheek, where the tear was wiped seconds ago.
“Wait till I tell Isabella about this. She’s going to ask me to replay this scenario a million times over.
” He chuckles. “She’s going to be so pissed she missed out on your little make-out session.
My woman has been trying to find a way to casually invite you guys to a double date.
But if I’m being honest, I’m pretty sure she was going to use the opportunity to interrogate you, Nick.
Glad I have enough material to hold her over for a week or so. ”
Nick finally makes eye contact with Mateo, but not before tucking me into his side.
“We’d love to double date, and I welcome a good ole interrogation.
” Nick looks between the two of us, gauging the room before he offers, “Actually, how about I do you one better? In honor of your upcoming nuptials, I’ll host a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.
” He stares down at me, as if I should know the next words that are coming out of his mouth.
Unfortunately, my telepathy skills have yet to kick in, so I’m in the dark and he continues.
“Actually, if you don’t mind, maybe Luisa and I will join in the festivities, since we eloped and never had the opportunity to celebrate beforehand.
” He quirks a brow at me. “What do you say?”
“Of course,” I answer, catching on that this is part of our arrangement, where we need to convince our friends that we’re madly in love.
The kiss we shared earlier should set off the group chat once Mateo talks to Isabella, and the rest we can take care of once we’re out celebrating as a group.
“Sounds like a fun night out. Maybe we should also celebrate Daisy and her fiancé that night as well. A triple bachelor and bachelorette party?”
Nick and Mateo share the same unimpressed look. “I’m pretty easy-going. I’m fine with whatever you all decide.” He looks at Nick. “But with all due respect, that guy is a tool.”
“What did he do now?” Nick all but growls, his brotherly instincts flaring to life.
I feel myself tense up as well. I’ve come to see Daisy more like a little sister, and even though I’ve only met Daisy’s fiancé in passing, it was more than enough to firmly place him at the top of my shit list. He even had Nick beat.
Mateo shakes his head. “Nothing crazy. Seemed a bit passive aggressive when we chatted during the charity game a while back. And from what Isa tells me, it seems like he treats Daisy more like a prop than a priority.” He sighs as he looks around the room.
“I’ve only known Daisy for a short period of time, but even I know that she has a heart of gold.
Any man who doesn’t kiss the ground she walks on isn’t worthy of her time.
” His eyes bounce between Nick and me, a small smile playing on his lips.
“But I guess Nick and I are the same in that regard. When we found the right woman for us, there was no turning back.”
Nick’s hold on me tightens as his gaze lands on mine. “You have no idea how right you are.”