Once Removed (Carolina Waves #3) by Tina Gallagher

Author:Tina Gallagher [Gallagher, Tina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Galsalla Press
Published: 2020-06-17T04:00:00+00:00

Cal

We lay still side-by-side and Barb’s breathing became slower and quieter. After making love for the third time, this is how we ended up, facing each other, our legs entwined. Without disturbing her, I reached behind me and pulled a tissue from the box on the nightstand and disposed of the condom.

I’ll have to make it a point to have a conversation about contraception with her sooner rather than later. Barb said she hasn’t been with anyone in a long time and neither have I. With any potential health risk eliminated, I’m hoping she’s taking some form of birth control so we can forego the condoms sometime soon.

Barb wrapped her arm further around my waist.

“Mmm.”

There was an abundance of satisfaction in that little sound and I couldn’t help the smug grin that crossed my face. Snuggling my head further into the pillow, I studied her every feature. She looked peaceful in a way she hadn’t in the past six weeks. And while I’m sure the orgasms have something to do with that, I hope they’re not the only reason.

When Barb broke up with me, I tried to get her to change her mind, but finally gave up when it was obvious she wasn’t going to. She wanted me but not the baseball lifestyle, and looking back, I understand that now better than I did back then. Everyone handles grief differently, and she dealt with hers by nesting in place.

Once I knew I didn’t have a chance of getting her back, I moved on and didn’t look back. I put all my energy into working out and honing my skills. So in a way, I owe my career and every award I ever won to her. Without that single-minded focus, I may not have ended up where I did.

Baseball was never just a game to me, it’s my passion and I loved playing more than anything else. The fact that I can’t play anymore has left a gaping hole. I miss it. Every second of every day.

I played those last thoughts in my head as I watched her sleep. My mother always says that everything happens for a reason and for the first time, I’m thinking she might be right. Because no matter how much I loved Barb, I probably wouldn’t have been able to be what she needed and be successful professionally. Hell, I hadn’t been able to do it years later with Marsha.

Reaching up, I caressed her cheek and watched her lips curve into a small smile. Her eyes slowly opened and she blinked a few times before finally focusing on me. She frowned at first then her smile widened.

“I was afraid I was dreaming and you weren’t real,” she said, her voice hoarse.

“Nope, I’m real.”

“Good.”

She snuggled closer and kissed my chest before resting her head against my shoulder.

And for the first time since I was forced to retire, I felt like I could truly be happy again.

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