Beyond the Bases (Out of Reach #1)

by Kaylee Ryan

I’ve had my fair share of fun, but some of these guys make hooking up into a sport all of its own. Dad was a family man. I’m sure before he met Mom he was wild and crazy, but those stories are buried under a rock somewhere.

“I’m not back in the game. It’s not a game, and if it was, I could say I never left. I don’t make a sport of dating and hooking up.”

“It’s not the chase, Ris.” He reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. “From the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve felt off-center. Like I need to get to know you for my world to be righted once again. I can’t explain it, even if I tried. All I know is that it’s not the chase, gorgeous, it’s you.”

“I like you, Larissa. I’m not playing games. I know you’re a single mom and that Paisley is, as she should be, the most important person in your world. I just want the chance to be a part of that world. To spend time with you, and her. To get to know you and see if this electricity I feel every time I’m with you is what I imagine it to be.”

I choke back my tears when she places her little hands on his cheeks and focuses all her attention on him. “You’re my best friend,” she tells him sweetly.

Easton slows the kiss and rests his forehead against mine. “You slay me, both of you. I hope that was okay. I just… she’s easy to love.”

Careful not to wake them, I slide over and wrap my arms around both of them. Once I have them where they are meant to be, I’m able to fall asleep.

“I’m the last,” I tell her. Her hands are under my arms, gripping my back, her legs locked tight around my ass. Confusion mars her beautiful face. I need to move. My cock is pulsing inside her, begging me to move. I need to make sure she understands before I do. “He was your first, Ris, and I’m your last.”

“I can’t tell you what you’re doing, but I can tell you what I’m doing.” He pauses, waiting for me to look at him. When my eyes are locked on his, he moves on. “I met this woman… she’s gorgeous. I mean ‘take my breath away’ gorgeous. She’s also smart as hell, hard-working, and somehow balancing working and school. She’s cast a spell on me, so much so that I can’t get her out of my head. A spell so profound that I don’t even want to. Then, one day I find out she has a kid. A little girl, who resembles her momma in so many ways. A little girl who is living, breathing proof of how amazing this woman is. She’s raised her with little help, supports both of them, and never once have I heard her complain about being tired or being ready to give up. Instead, I get this woman, who makes me want to be a better man, for her and her daughter.”

“I’m not playing games with you or with her. I know my lifestyle can be a pain in the ass, and it’s not for everyone, but I’m asking you, Larissa. Please, let me in. Let’s make us official. I want to be able to call you mine. I want to know that I can stop by to see the two of you whenever I want. I want you to do the same at my place, even if I’m not there. Take P swimming or just be there, in my space. I want our lives so entwined that none of us will be able to remember what life was like before we met.”

“Death by orgasm. What a way to go.”

And her mom, Larissa, I just want her. My heart wants her. My soul wants her. Every part of me wants her. I love my girls.

“I know life with me won’t be easy. I have five or six years left before I won’t be able to play anymore. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need you to take a leap of faith. Trust that we can do that. That we can be a family. I want to be her daddy, and I want you to be my wife.”