DAVID SIDESTEPPED A PUDDLE of melted ice cream. The trees overhead created shade through most of the park. He stepped over a discarded bag of popcorn. People jostled him as he traveled the main fairway toward the gazebo.
Chairs arranged in gentle arcs offered a relaxing atmosphere. A local folk band played a rendition of an old hymn: On Jordan’s Stormy Bank. The familiar tune drifted his way, along with the aroma of funnel cakes. And cotton candy. He smiled.
He would never find Maggie in this Saturday afternoon crowd. The auction was supposed to start in thirty minutes, and he wanted to sit beside her.
A hand landed on his shoulder. “David, you finally showed. Figured you wouldn‘t come until it was time for the ballgame.”
David turned around. Sam stood with his arm around a tall brunette sporting a splash of bright red across her lips. His friend sure loved the high-maintenance gals. “I wanted to see the auction. Couple of things caught my eye.”
“It’s been delayed. Heard the mayor had some announcement or whatnot, so the auction won’t start until four thirty.” Sam waved a hand at his date. “Hey, this is Tiffany. She’s from Southaven. Tiff, this is David. Friend and boss man, at least, sometimes boss.”
Tiffany held out a long, skinny, manicured hand. Some expensive, spicy scent reached him. “Hi, David. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
David shook her hand and grimaced. “Coming from Sam, I don’t know whether I should apologize and run the other way or what.”
A childlike giggle grated against his ears as her blue eyes crinkled. “Oh, it was all good. He told me you just came back from St. Louis.”
“I did.”
Sam clapped him on the arm. “Why don’t you swing by The Mudslide later this evening? Play a game of pool?”
“I might. Really depends.” He looked over their shoulders. A little blonde head came into view and then disappeared. Should have known to look in the crafts section first. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Tiffany. Sam, I see someone. I’ll catch you later before the game.”
“It wouldn’t happen to be someone blonde, would it?” Sam smiled and allowed him to pass. His small chuckle followed David through the throngs of people.
Amazing how many people actually lived in Jasper City. David angled his body to miss the flight of two preteens as they barreled past. The horde thinned somewhat, and David glimpsed the little woman, her pink sleeveless shirt billowing in the breeze around her. Maggie and her color pink. Too bad she wasn’t wearing that little sundress she had on when they first met. Man, she was beautiful that day.
She ventured down to another booth. A bump against his back woke David from his spell. Sheesh. He’d get run over in this hoopla.
To his left was a small glass-blowing booth. He ducked underneath the tent and perused the items. He’d surprise her.
“How you doin’, sir?” The vendor rose from his sports chair, pushing the legs of his overalls down over his boots. He grabbed his cane from nearby and tilted his straw hat back. “Looking for anything in particular?”
David smiled. “Yeah. Looking for something pink, delicate, and absolutely beautiful.”
The older man huffed into his white mustache and smiled. “Well, I’ve got beautiful things. Lots of pink, and they’re all delicate. All done by hand.”
“Seriously?” David fingered a small hummingbird that hung on a string from the rail overhead. Light shot through it, casting rainbows over the inside of the tent. “That’s amazing. Must take a lot of patience.”
“Very much so.” The man hobbled to the far end of the glass counter. “Here are some of the newer items I made. Anything among them you think would do? This for a lady friend?”
David smiled again. The old coot really knew how to drum up a sale. “Yeah. Actually. . .” He turned and spotted Maggie across the path at a tent selling totes. He pointed to her. “That’s her in the pink.”
“Oh, Maggie Goddard. She’s a sweet woman.” He held out his hand to David. “I’m Buster Fields. Funny name, I know. Maggie sells some of these items for me in her shop.”
“David Boyette.” David shook the man’s hand. “Apparently, she is well known in the town.”
Buster laughed, reminding David of thunder rumbling across the sky. “Don’t know about that, but Maggie is a dear heart. Wonderful woman. But–” He eased away from the counter. “Things on display won’t do for your woman. A classy female like her needs something special.”
Buster picked up a small cardboard box and set it on the counter. He opened the flaps. David peered in. Nestled inside was an array of colorful creations.
“May I make a suggestion?”
David nodded. “Sure. There’s a lot to choose from.”
“Go for the butterflies.”
“Yeah, she likes those.” He replayed the images of the butterflies that dangled from her earlobes and the anklet that wrapped around her soft, smooth ankle.
He reached forward and ran a finger over the smooth glass of a red and white butterfly, wings folded up above the body. Its neighbor gleamed at him. The pink and aqua colors flowed in a lazy swirl around the wings. “May I?”
Buster nodded. “Go ahead.”
David pulled the delicate butterfly out of its foam bedding. A loop on its back allowed for a string to be threaded through it. Unlike the others, this butterfly’s wings were fully spread open. Light shot through the glass, highlighting the masterpiece. Other colors danced among the pink and aqua. Red specks. Blue veins. Purple swirls. All mingled in a kaleidoscope of gems.
“I think you found the one.”
David held it out to him. “Can you string it for me? It would be nice for her to be able to hang it up.”
“I can.” Buster took the small glass butterfly. “She’s a mighty lucky lady to have someone like you.”
“No.” David smiled and glanced over at Maggie, who had moved down two more tents. No. She wasn’t lucky to have him. “No. It’s more like I’m blessed to have her.”
: : : : :
Maggie handed the vendor a ten and thanked him. She smiled as she slung the pink flamingo motif tote over her shoulder. At this rate, she wouldn’t have any money left. Good thing she was at the end of the line.
She stepped onto the straw-covered path as she stuffed her pocket book and keys into her new tote. She loved these events. Until the next day, when she would realize how much she spent.
A pair of well-worn boots stopped in front of her.
“I know those boots.” She looked up into emerald eyes. “And I know you.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled his Cheshire cat grin. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey back at you, handsome.” Maggie brushed an eyelash from his cheek. “Thought you weren’t going to be here until the ballgame.”
Could the man not look any better with his white button down rolled up to reveal strong forearms and carpenter jeans that hugged him nicely? A pair of aviator glasses sat on top of his head where his short, blond strands glistened in the sun.
David offered her his arm. She rested her hand lightly in the crook of his elbow. “I decided to come a little early. See the sights. Listen to the music.” He guided her along the outskirts of the crowd and through the picnic-table-strewn park.
“That I don’t believe. Folk music isn’t your kind of music, or did you forget what you said the other day?”
He snorted and ducked his head, hiding his face. “Well, I can listen to it for a little while. Besides, they’re playing regular music now.”
Maggie cocked her head. Sure enough, the band played eighties music. Talk about retro.
They ambled toward an empty picnic table not too far behind the gazebo seating. He hopped up on the surface and patted the top beside him. “Actually, Maggie, I thought I would sit with you during the auction.”
“Did you now?” She slid beside him and nudged his shoulder with hers. “What if I told you that another man had asked me to sit with him?”
He sniffed. His mouth turned downward in a fake scowl. “Then I would tell him to buzz off. But not in those exact words.”
Maggie laughed. “I would love for you to sit with me. Oh–” She clapped her hands together and bounced up and down. He would love to know this. “I got Sarah to agree to bid for those records.”
A small light gleamed in his eyes. “Really? That’s cool.”
“Yeah. Maybe she’ll be able to get them.” She brushed at a piece of dirt that marred the knees of her capris. Heat from his body burned against her side. The man ran hot like a raging fire. She cleared her throat as her thoughts slipped into a place they had no business traveling. She glanced at him. “Anyway, I thought that if I got them, you might want to listen to them with me.”
“Are you asking me out on a date, Miss Maggie?” Green fire danced in his eyes as he leaned closer to her, one hand on the table behind her.
She smiled. “Maybe. I put a down payment on a cottage by the river. Should close on it next week. I thought you might like to . . .” She shrugged. What was she doing?
“To what?” His hand reached for hers. Long, hard fingers intertwined with her small, short ones. “Dance in the moonlight?”
“Are you really that romantic?” Her body sighed in relief for the way out of the conversation. “I think you’ve been in the sun too long to talk about moonlight and dancing.”
He chuckled. “Probably. Here, got something for you.” His fingers left hers and dug a small package from the side cargo pocket of his jeans.
She held the small, brown paper gift in her hands. “Oh, David.”
“Um . . .” He scratched his head and gave her a lopsided grin. “It’s prettier than the wrapping. You might want to open it. But if brown paper wrapping floats your boat . . .”
A giggle escaped her. Her fingers shook as they pulled the wrapping away. A small gasp filled the air between them. She picked up the butterfly by its dark pink ribbon. The sunlight brought the glass figurine to life.
She held it higher. Rainbows danced across her lap. She followed the small specks of color over his lap, up his chest, and on his face.
“Do you like it?” His voice spoke in barely a whisper as he leaned closer to her.
Reds, yellows, and oranges played a complex game over his lips.
“I do.” She cradled the butterfly in her hand, ending the light show. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. Thank you.”
His finger caressed her cheek. “I’m glad you like it.” He lowered his head toward her.
Her breath caught. In public? He had to be crazy, but his lips drew nearer. The lure of his scent, a woodsy spice, pulled her closer. The yells, shouts, and laughter faded away. Music from the gazebo–some Kenny Rogers song–grew louder in her ears, competing with the drumming of her heartbeat.
His lips grazed hers for one split second before the world slammed down around her as someone called his name.
“David!”
Sarah.
“Dang it all!” Maggie clamped her hands over her mouth as David chuckled. Oh, Lord, she shouldn’t have said that.
“My thoughts exactly.”
Maggie smiled at him. “Although I don’t think those were the words you were thinking.”
“No. More R-rated than yours.”
They turned as Sarah approached them, her long legs eating up the distance. “David, I thought I saw your motorcycle earlier. What are y’all doing over here? The family’s over there.”
She pointed across the park on the other side of the chairs. “I was heading over to the Lovejoy’s tent for a bag–” She spied Maggie’s tote. “Oh, I like that.”
Maggie held it up. “They have another one over there.”
“Nah. I’m going for the blue daisies.” Sarah’s glance slid between the two of them. “Did I interrupt something?”
Maggie smiled and cut her eyes toward David. His arms were crossed against his chest, and a dirty snarl twisted his lips as he stared Sarah down. She giggled. “No. Not really. We were just talking.”
David rolled his eyes at her statement and leaned against his knees. “Yeah. Just ‘talking.’”
She nudged her shoulder against him. He got the message and pulled her closer to his side. “Oh, let me show you what David bought me.”
Sarah let out a small gasp as she held up the glass butterfly. “It’s beautiful.” She batted her eyes at David. “How romantic.”
He rolled his eyes again and turned to Maggie. “You want to go with Sarah? I can meet you at the family table later.”
She reached up and laid a hand against his cheek. “Okay. Save me a seat for the auction?”
“I will.” He gave Sarah one last dirty look and hopped off the table. He threw Maggie a wink. “Try not to spend too much.”
She watched as he stuck his hands in his pockets and disappeared into the crowd.
Sarah turned to her. “I did interrupt something, didn’t I?”
Maggie scooted off the table with a sigh. “Sort of. But it’s okay–oomph!”
She broke off as her world whirled about her. An arm wrapped around her waist as a hand cupped the back of her head. Soft, hot lips settled over hers in a bone-melting smooch. Just as quickly, she was set back on her feet.
David tipped a nonexistent hat, winked at Sarah, and disappeared again.
Maggie blew out a breath. Amazing she even had any left. Oh, boy, that man knew how to surprise her. She turned wide eyes onto Sarah.
Her cousin’s face lit into a wide grin. “Like Jeremy said, David always upped the ante.”
“I’ll say.” Maggie eased forward on trembling legs. “I don’t know if he’s good for my health or not, though.”
Sarah’s laughter floated through the crowd as she led Maggie back to the crafts.
: : : : :
David flicked a bug off Maggie’s leg and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “You think he’ll shut up pretty soon? I’m getting pretty tired of his rattling on and on.”
Maggie thumped his knee with a fist before letting her hand settle on his. “Hush. He’s almost through.”
David leaned back against the plastic chair and crossed an ankle over his knee. He scrubbed at his face and then let his arm fall onto the back of Maggie’s chair. Most of the crowd had settled into the chairs, waiting for the auction. A motion at the front of the rows caught his attention.
Jeremy, decked out in full dress uniform, sat at the edge. That had to be hot. Even with the sun sinking below the horizon, the air hung over them in a hot, humid sheet.
Maggie was right. The mayor finally wound down.
“. . .and this city is better for it. So it is with great pride and tremendous honor that we can award two fine officers of Jasper City. Please, let’s give a warm welcome for Sergeant Thaddeus Baers and Sergeant Jeremy Boyette.”
David narrowed his eyes as his brother climbed the short steps to stand beside the mayor. Baers’ tall form dwarfed the two others. Mayor Wellington raised his hands to quiet the crowd.
“Sergeants Baers and Boyette, it is a privilege to award you both for a job performed above and beyond the call of duty. Because of your brave and fast action, this town is one step closer to ending its war on drugs. Please accept these plaques as Jasper City’s appreciation. . .”
David turned away from the proceedings. Great. He risked his life to save the little twerp, and Jeremy gets the recognition. A burning knot built inside his stomach. Figures that the city would hail his brother as the hero. Always Jeremy. Never him.
He clenched his fists. The anger fought back, but he forced it down. Down past the pit of his stomach. Slowly the feeling receded, leaving in its wake a bitter taste on his tongue.
It didn’t matter. It was just a piece of paper. His nostrils flared. He had to reign in his thoughts.
People stood around him. Maggie glanced down at him, questions burning in her eyes. He stood and clapped along with the others. Acting was like lying. Recently, he had gotten better and better at it.
They sat as the mayor reclaimed the microphone. “Now, what everyone had been waiting for, Jasper City’s Charity Auction. Let’s welcome Michael Dunbar as emcee.”
David leaned over to Maggie. “I’ll be back in a little bit.”
Worry flooded her eyes. “Something wrong?”
He shook his head. “No. I’ll be back.” He patted her knee and then excused himself past the older couple seated next to him.
Eyes watched his every move, piercing him with their gazes, following his every step. He shook his head at his imaginings. No one watched. As fast as his legs allowed, David skirted past the assembly and through the throngs of people standing at the back.
He eased toward the parking lot. Once through the gates of the park, he sank down on the wooden fence rail along the sidewalk. What was wrong with him?
He needed a drink, that was it. He hadn’t had one in almost a week.
He wiped the sweat off his lip and drew in a deep breath. His mom should have told him that Jeremy was getting an award tonight. He would have made sure to miss it.
Jeremy the hero. Jeremy the Great. David the–he cut off the thought.
Buck up. No revisiting that memory. He buried the thoughts back into the black depths of his mind. He could get through this. He had to get through this.
He stood and dried his hands on his jeans. He’d grab a drink and something to eat before rejoining Maggie. An excuse as to why he got up and left. He stuck his hands in his back pockets and leaned his head back.
A few stars peeked through the dusky sky. Streetlamps kept their bright glow at bay. The park scents of sugary confections, corn dogs, and popcorn drifted along the small breeze. A chill crept across his arms. The weather was turning again. Maybe it’d cool off by the time the ballgame started.
He blew out a breath. Calm replaced his turmoil. He turned and took a step, almost colliding with an older couple leaving the park.
He looked up to murmur his apology and stopped. Panic set in as Mrs. Johansen stumbled to a stop. Shock rooted him to the spot.
Rebecca’s parents were here? They had moved. What–?
Mr. Johansen placed a steady hand on his wife’s arm. They looked well. David brought his eyes to Mr. Johansen’s watery blue eyes. They looked old.
“David.” He held his hand out to him.
David automatically shook the man’s hand. “Victor.”
Mrs. Johansen stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug. Shock morphed into utter horror. Was she searching for a place to bury the knife?
She pulled back. Her eyes, so much like Rebecca’s, searched his face. “Oh, David. I have been waiting for this day. I’ve been wanting to see you again.”
“Come again?” He shook his head. Did he fall into another dimension? First Jeremy, and now this.
Mr. Johansen pulled his wife to his side, an arm around her waist. “We parted on horrible terms, David. We regret the things we said to you. We’ve prayed for a time to personally say that we’re sorry.”
David’s voice croaked. “I don’t know what to say.” He buried his hands in his pockets. “I . . . I never thought I would run into you. Mom said you had moved to Canton.”
Mrs. Johansen smiled, tears glistened in her eyes. A perfectly manicured hand with those French style nails brushed at her nose. “I heard you left for St. Louis. Did you like it there?”
“I did. For a while. But decided big city life wasn’t for me.” He swallowed against the lump in his throat. What was he supposed to say to them? What did they want from him? “Y’all opened a gallery down there?”
“We did. Showcasing a lot of Rebecca’s work. Picked up a few more local artists.” Mr. Johansen turned to his wife. Wariness leaked through his expression as he glanced at David. “Come on, Madeline, we’ll be late for the dinner. It was good to see you, David.”
They nodded to him and turned towards a line of parked cars at the end. David watched them. Nerves in his legs jumped around. His stomach jack hammered against his spine. He should go to them. He had forgiven them long ago. He needed to tell them that. They would have been family, and didn’t family forgive?
He clenched his fists. He couldn’t do it. It was asking too much of him. They approached a sleek, gray Jaguar.
He had to stop them before they got into the car. David bit back a curse and hurried to their side.
“Victor! Madeline! Wait.”
Their surprised faces turned to him. He slowed to a more sedate walk.
Mrs. Johansen rounded the front of the car and met him halfway. Without thought, David wrapped her in a hug. Her pouf hairdo wobbled dangerously on her head. She buried her face into his chest.
“Thank you, David.” Her whisper was a sweet balm to his ears.
She pulled away, patted his chest once, and hurried back to the car. Mr. Johansen squeezed David’s shoulder as his wife slid into the passenger seat.
“That meant a lot to her.”
David pressed his lips together for a second and then sniffed. “I couldn’t let her think I hated her. I know we said awful things to each other. I won’t ask you to forgive me. What I said was hateful, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”
Mr. Johansen gave him a sad smile. “No one deserves forgiveness, David. But we love you like a son and still care about you. I wish we could stay longer and at least have dinner, but we have to be back in Canton tomorrow.” His hand slid from David’s shoulder. “Maybe someday.”
“Maybe.” David waited until Mr. Johansen got into his car and backed up before turning toward the park.
What a night. He really needed that drink about now.
As he entered the park, the emcee’s voice floated above the din. He hoped he hadn’t missed the auction on the records yet. He stopped by a food cart and grabbed a large cola and some cotton candy.
He excused his way through the people again and fell into his seat.
“Where’ve you been?” Maggie’s eyes sparkled as he handed her the sugary treat. “Never mind. You came bearing gifts!”
“For you. Sweet cotton candy for my sweet cotton candy girl.” He plucked off a piece of the spun confection and let it melt on his tongue.
She leaned over and whispered. “I ain’t your girl yet.”
So she thought. He waited until she sat up before whispering back. “You’re wrong.”
She smiled and punched his knee. “The records are up! Oh, where’s Sarah?”
: : : : :
Jeremy peered through the chain link of the dugout. His wife sat beside Maggie on the wooden bleachers. Maggie clutched her small stack of records to her chest, chatting nonstop. Jeremy smiled. Sarah worked hard to make sure no one had outbid her on those vinyls.
“Jer! You’re on deck, man.”
Jeremy climbed the short set of steps and squinted against the bright ball field lights.
“Knock it outta the park.” Baers smacked his rear as he passed by.
He picked up the bat and practiced a couple of swings as Dillon Ross batted. He glanced at the scoreboard. In the lead by one. That wouldn’t last long. The Jasper City Polecats fought the JC Demons without either one gaining the advantage.
The metallic crack of the bat echoed as the ball flew high into the air in a foul behind home plate. Jeremy sighed. So much for Dillon at bat. Any pop foul in that area never got past his brother.
David knocked off his mask and scurried toward the fence, easily catching the softball.
“Good try, Dillon.” Jeremy slapped the officer’s shoulder as he shuffled past.
The man shook his head. “Watch those insides. Toby’s killing us tonight.”
Jeremy smiled and popped his gum. “Those are the ones I can hit, man.” He stepped up into the batter‘s box.
Sarah’s voice shouted over the crowd’s roar. “Go, Jer!”
He gave her a one finger salute.
“Batter up!” The umpire bent over behind David’s squatting form. His brother’s green eyes flared behind the catcher’s mask.
Jeremy sighed. Here they went again.
David stood. “Hold up.” He motioned to the umpire. “Need a dusting.”
Jeremy stepped back as the umpire dusted off the plate. Red dust floated into the air and tickled his nose. He snorted and rubbed his face against his sleeve. He would not give David the satisfaction of a sneeze.
The umpire resumed his place. Jeremy rocked into position and brought his bat back.
“Time.”
Jeremy stepped back and glared at David. His brother winked and trotted out to Toby on the mound. Ingrate did that on purpose. Both of the men glanced in his direction. Toby nodded.
David ambled back to the plate and squatted. “Getting tired, old man?”
“No. You?” Jeremy spat in front of his brother’s spot, barely missing David’s left foot. David sneered at him.
He readied himself in position. Without warning, David hopped up and held out his glove to the side. The ball sailed into David’s hand.
They were walking him. Figured. He’d hit a home run during the last inning, and suddenly they were scared. Again, the ball sailed into David’s outstretched glove. Jeremy sighed and held his position through two more throws.
He spun the bat towards his dugout and turned to David as he jogged away. “Pansy!”
David glared. He held up his glove to shield the obscene gesture he made.
Jeremy waited on first base as one of their rookies stepped up to the plate. An inside ball whistled past the man’s bat. Jeremy groaned. David threw the ball back to Toby. This was murder.
The crowd hooted. Sarah sat on the edge of her seat, knee bouncing up and down. Maggie held her hand over her mouth. No doubt rooting for David.
“Strike three! Out!”
Jeremy hung his head. Time to change over. David neared him. Payback time. He stuck out his foot. David stumbled but then righted himself.
“Oh, you’ll pay for that.”
Jeremy smirked. “See you back on the plate.”
David glared at him and hurried to his team’s dugout.
Baers threw him his glove as he rolled his batting helmet into the hole. “You trying to pick a fight, Jer?”
He pulled his hat low over his eyes as he followed Baers onto the field. “No. Not really. Make him mad, and he’ll screw up. Two more innings. We got this one.”
Jeremy paused at the mound where Dillon stood, chalking his hands. “When David comes up, right and low, then a change up, then right and high.”
“He’ll miss?”
“Most times. It’s the change up that throws him off.”
Dillon nodded as Jeremy rushed to second base. The umpire called for the first batter.
Toby sauntered to the plate. Within moments, the first hit sounded through the night. A high pop fly to left field where Markston caught it. One down, two more to go.
Jeremy grinned as David stepped up. His brother rotated the cap until the bill pointed backwards and slammed the batting helmet down. He pointed the bat in Jeremy’s direction.
The man actually dared to pull a Babe Ruth. Dillon let go with the first throw. David’s bat soared above it, tipping the ball into the left foul line. Jeremy grimaced. His brother was getting better at those right and lows.
The change up sailed passed without a hitch. David snarled and backed out of the batter’s box. He tapped his cleats with the bat, looked at the spectators, and then returned to the plate.
Jeremy risked a glance. Sure enough, Maggie half stood, hand over mouth.
Dillon’s pitch soared through the air. David’s bat met it with a thwack. Jeremy cursed and ducked as the white ball whistled inches above him. His blasted brother nearly took off his head.
Jeremy stretched out with a foot tagging the base, waiting for Baers to pitch the ball in. David’s thundering feet reached his ears. The ground vibrated.
Baers scooped the ball off the ground and side-armed it to Jeremy. The softball smacked into his gloved palm. He whirled, brushed his brother across the shoulders with the glove, and leapt out of the way as David’s body slid across the base.
Dust flew into the air.
Jeremy landed on his feet. David’s hand on the base halted his slide, and he rose to his feet. Both of them turned to the umpire.
The umpire pumped his arm down. “Out!”
“What?” David stepped up to the umpire as he dusted off his uniform. “You got eyes? I was safe. Touched the base before he touched me.”
Thomas Dearborn hurried down the lane. “David!”
“Just back off.” Jeremy placed a hand on David’s chest. His brother didn’t need to get thrown out of the game.
David knocked Jeremy’s hand off. “You back off.”
The umpire rose to his full five feet eight inches. “My call. I saw his tag. You’re out.” He stood nose to chest to David. “Accept it, or you’re out of the game.”
Heartbeats passed. Thomas slid between the umpire and David. “Let it go, David. It was a good call.”
David’s eyes went from the little man, to Jeremy, to his chief. He pushed past Thomas. “Fine. Lousy ump.”
He rammed his shoulder against Jeremy’s as he stalked past. Jeremy rolled his eyes and threw the ball to Dillon. The umpire backed up to his spot.
Stupid brother was going to get himself thrown out of the game. Figured. Sam came up to bat, and Jeremy stood through one more out. Maybe they would actually win this game.
He shuffled down the dugout’s steps and collapsed on the bench. His cold bottle of water greeted him. The liquid washed the dry dust down his throat.
“Jeremy.” Sarah’s voice called to him.
He smiled at her and pushed himself up to meet her at the end of the dugout. She threaded her fingers through the fencing.
“Nice play.” Her smile outshone the lights.
He laughed. “I thought so. See the Babe Ruth he pulled?”
“Yeah. And it went exactly where he said it would go.”
“Nearly took my head off.” He downed another swig of his water.
Laughter danced in her eyes. “Oh, I wish we had instant replay. You should have seen yourself. I thought your eyes were going to pop out.”
Jeremy shook his head. “You rooting for him?”
“No, baby. The Polecats always have my loyalty. But Maggie is going crazy. She’s Demons all the way.” She pressed her face to the fence. “Kiss?”
So much like high school. He leaned down. His lips grazed hers through the diamond opening of the chain link.
“Jeremy! Man, save it for later.” Baers hitched a thumb towards Captain Conners. “There’s a change in the line up. Felts hurt his ankle, and Smith had a toilet emergency. Conners needs you on deck.”
Jeremy smiled at Sarah. He claimed one more quick peck. “See ya, honeybee.”
“Jock.” Her giggle followed him as he hurried away.
Baers handed him his batting helmet and bat. Jeremy stepped out on deck as Markston swung and missed.
“Strike two!”
Jeremy hooked the bat over his shoulder and watched the stands. Sarah returned to her seat by Maggie. She looked up and gave a small wave. He smiled. Man, this felt too much like high school.
The metal ring of the bat as it met the ball shattered the night air. The ball soared into the air over deep center. Markston half ran, half skipped towards first as the ball arced and then plummeted to the ground. It landed near the fence. As two of the firemen raced towards it, Markston flew around the bases. He rounded second as the ball shot to third. A dust cloud flew into the air as Markston slid into third base.
Jeremy held his breath. Oh, man, he had to be safe. The dust settled. The umpire spread out his arms.
“Safe!”
Jeremy whooped. “Yes!”
If he could get Markston home, then the game would be theirs. He hurried to the batting box and tapped home plate.
David huffed behind his mask. “Not going to make it.”
“Just squat there. I don’t plan on you catching Toby’s pitches.”
“Hold!” David held out his hand.
Jeremy blew out an irritated breath. He backed up as the umpire dusted off the plate. Again. Once through, Jeremy settled back into his stance.
Before Toby wound up for his pitch, David stood. “Time.” He backed up and showed his glove to the umpire.
Jeremy narrowed his eyes as David worked at the glove, tightening the laces with his teeth. He smirked at Jeremy and then squatted.
“You’re such a jerk.”
“Takes one to know one.” David smacked his leg with his glove. “That was a bad call earlier.”
Jeremy stepped back out of the box. Two could play that game. He thumped his shoes, ignoring his brother’s scathing glares. The umpire pointed to the plate.
“Batter up.”
Jeremy stepped forward and brought his bat into position. Toby pitched. The ball hurled towards him. He swung. Too late. The bat vibrated as it connected with the ball and sent it over the right side fence.
“Foul! Strike one!”
Jeremy brought the bat to his shoulder. “Told you. Not going to get the chance to catch them.”
Another slap against his shin. He lowered his bat and tapped David’s chest guard. “Stop being a jerk.”
David jumped to his feet, knocking his mask off his head. “I ain’t being the jerk. You want a go, old man?”
Jeremy met his brother, stepping closer until they were practically nose to nose. “Play ball, David.”
The umpire pushed at them. “Break it off or you’re out. Both of you.” He bent and brushed at the plate as David retrieved his mask.
David glared one more time at Jeremy and settled the mask back onto his face. Jeremy shook his head.
“Play ball!”
Once again, Jeremy settled into position. Toby grunted as the pitch spliced through the air. Jeremy swung and grimaced as the ball soared into a high fly, landing midway between first base and home plate. Well outside the line.
“Foul! Strike two.”
David drove a fist into his glove. “That’s two strikes.”
“And none for you.” Jeremy snarled as David whacked his leg with the glove. He whirled around and smacked David’s mask with the bat. “Cut that out.”
David jumped to his feet and ripped the bat from Jeremy’s hands. Jeremy made a grab at it, but David chucked it to the side. The umpire backed up a few feet and stood with his hands propped on his hips, shaking his head.
“You are such a jerk, David.” Jeremy pushed past his brother to retrieve the bat, but David’s hand latched onto the back of his shirt and yanked. The jarring thud of landing on the ground drove the breath from his lungs.
Anger flooded his mind. Jeremy kicked and swiped at David’s feet, knocking them aside. His brother hit hard, sending up a small plume of dust. Jeremy rolled to his feet just as a fist pummeled into his side. He grimaced. An oath spilled from his lips.
The town had waited for the yearly game fight. Might as well give it to them. Jeremy lashed out with another kick. His foot met the back of David’s knee, sending him once again into the dirt. He pounced onto his brother’s back and forced David’s face into the coarse, red soil.
“You’re a–” The curse cut short as Jeremy pressed David’s mouth further into the dirt. David mumbled curses through the soil that coated his face.
Might as well make that mouth just as filthy as the words that came out.
An elbow rammed his stomach. Jeremy rolled off his brother. Before David gained his footing, hands latched onto Jeremy’s arms and pulled him away. Firemen pulled at David, who bucked against them. Toby wrapped his arm into a choke hold around David.
Jeremy grinned, tasting blood in his mouth. Another split lip.
The umpire glared at them both. “You’re out of here!”
The crowd cheered. Jeremy shook his head. Whatever they thought, he and David didn’t do this for their benefit. Pure anger poured from his brother’s eyes as his team dragged him towards the dugout. Jeremy allowed his own teammates to herd him away.
Conners met him at the steps. “Thanks a lot, Boyette. Better be glad we were already up by one.” He gave Jeremy one last, hard look and jerked his thumb to the deck. “Baers, you’re up. Boyette’s out, so you gotta take his place.”
Jeremy hobbled to the corner of the bench and collapsed, ignoring the harsh stares of his teammates. He didn’t mean to get so riled at his brother, but the man could try the patience of Job.
: : : : :
Maggie watched David as he sat with his back against the dugout’s fence, packing his bat bag. She admired his muscles as they rippled along his forearms. The overhead lights silhouetted his strong jaw line and angular nose when he turned his head.
Maggie sneaked up behind him, reached through the chain link, and thumped an ear.
He whirled. The anger that flashed died a quick death. A smile lit his dirty face. Sweat ran in little, red rivers along the side of his temples.
“Maggie!”
“Hey, handsome.” She gripped the chain link and smiled at him as his fingers folded over hers. “So, I didn’t think it would be you and Jeremy doing the yearly game fight. What gives?”
He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. Look, I was about to leave and head home to clean up. Meet me at the gates?”
She searched his eyes. Something dangerous swam beneath them. Something cold and hungry. “Okay.”
He turned and zipped his bag. “Let me tell the guys, and I’ll be right over.”
Maggie pushed away from the dugout as he walked over to his teammates. She hurried to the gates. Most of the people still watched the game, but she didn’t need to see the last inning. Jasper City Polecats were going to win this year.
She nodded a greeting to a couple walking past and carrying heavily laden bags. Most of the vendors left earlier in the evening. Now only couples strolled the well-traveled path, enjoying the night air. She bumped into Officer Darryl.
He smiled as he steadied her. “Hi, Miss Maggie. Enjoying the game?”
“Oh, yeah.” She motioned at the ball field across the park. “Looks like the Polecats have it this year. Jeremy was thrown out, by the way.”
The older man laughed, his paunch shaking above his belt. “Figured as much. Guess that means he’ll be on duty earlier than expected.”
“He’s working tonight?” She fell in step beside him.
“He switched with Benson Myers. You heard about Benson’s wife?” He waved towards a crowd of teenagers huddled at one of the food carts.
“No. Don’t tell me, she went into labor?”
“Twins.”
Maggie clapped her hands together. “That’s great. I need to make sure I send a card. Benita always came to the shop every week.” She spotted David heading her way. “Take care, Officer Darryl. And go catch the rest of the game.”
He dipped his head her way. “Good night, Miss Maggie.”
As he veered away from her, an arm snaked around her waist. A deep, velvet voice tickled her ear. “Leave you alone for a few minutes, and other men are accosting you.”
She plowed a fist into David’s shoulder. “Silly. Officer Darryl was just telling me about Benson’s wife. She had twins. Isn’t that great?”
“Heaven help them.” He guided her through the gates, his hand resting on the small of her back.
Heat radiated from his palm, spreading across her lower back. She peered up at him. In the dark, his eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire. Something in the set of his face created a cold lump within her stomach.
He stopped beside his motorcycle. His hand left her back as he straddled the seat and turned to her, helmet in hand. “Here.”
She held the helmet. “What?”
Was he wanting something? Needing her to do something?
“Put it on. Take a ride with me.”
His eyes bored into her heart. She swallowed. A ruthlessness rose to the surface of his face. She shook her head as she stepped closer. “I can’t tonight, David.”
He accepted the helmet back from her with a scowl. “Why not? We’ve been trying to make plans to go out, but nothing ever comes of it. Tonight’s as good a time as any.”
Maggie took a deep breath. Oh, how she wanted this, but right now, he scared her.
“David.” She touched his cheek and stroked the coarse beginning of whiskers along his jaw. Even with a layer of red dust, even with a faint undercurrent of anger, his face captivated her. “It’s late. Why not stop by my place tomorrow, and we’ll listen to my records?”
He smiled slightly. “What if I want more? Tell you what. Why don’t you come with me tonight? We’ll listen to them together, just you and me, tonight. All night?”
He snagged her belt loop and reeled her closer. She stumbled across the rocks in the lot. Her hands splayed across his chest. His hand traveled over her shoulder and up her neck, heat trailing in its wake.
Her fingers dug into his muscles. “No. I can’t do that, David.”
His eyes clouded over. Good gracious, he was changing before her. A part of her melted at the wildness that he exhibited. Oh boy, she needed help in staying strong.
“Can’t or won’t?” His fingers wrapped in her hair, forcing her head down. His lips met hers in a crushing kiss.
She whimpered. Everything inside turned to pudding. Her hands curled around his head. Oh, let it happen. She couldn’t hold back any longer.
A truck backfired. Maggie jumped. She pushed against him as she sent a quick thank-you heavenward. This would have been a huge mistake.
“David.”
“Just a backfire. Come on, hop on.” His green eyes burned.
She stepped back. Her hand still held his. When did she grab it? “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
He stared at her for a moment and then pulled away and started his bike. Every emotion fled from his face with each rev of the motor. “Fine. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Maggie held a hand over her fluttering heart. Something was so wrong with this. What changed? “I can call you later tonight.”
He shook his head and then slammed the helmet down onto it, the strap dangling below his chin. “No need. I won’t be home until late. See ya, Margaret Allison.” He gave her one last hard look and then backed away.
She blinked against the spray of rocks from the motorcycle’s tires. Tears pricked her eyelids. What had just happened? What was wrong with David? Was the change in him because she wouldn’t stay the night with him? She took a deep breath.
“You’re a big girl, Maggie.” She kicked a rock with a foot and frowned. The man could make her all gooey inside and then, in a flash, turn cold like an arctic iceberg.
“Maggie! There you are.” Sarah’s voice shouted from the gates. Dennis and Sophie trailed behind her, laughing.
She heaved another sigh and slapped at a mosquito that buzzed her neck. Her fingers caressed the spot where David’s fingers had been. The heat from his touch still lingered, even though a cold wind blew across the parking lot.
Oh, Lord, be with him tonight. Something beyond her understanding churned within him.