Beyond the Game (Out of Reach, #2)

by Kaylee Ryan

“Nothing wrong with being passionate about something,” I reply.

The truth is, if Paisley were mine, I’d never hide her away. I’d scream it from the fucking rooftops that she was my girl.

“Do you make it a habit of kissing strangers like that?” “Like what?” I ask, feigning innocence when we both know that it’s complete bullshit. “Like he’s your air.” I pull away so I can get a good look at him. “I wasn’t,” I defend. “Paisley,” he says in his dad voice. “I’ve watched that replay more times than I care to admit. I know what I saw.”

“You’ve set the bar high, Dad. I’ve watched you love Mom, Parker, Peyton, and me, and I won’t settle for a man who won’t love me the same way.”

I want a man who has to kiss me as soon as he walks in the door from a long day because he’s missed me so much he can’t think of anything else. I want a man who will run to the store for tampons and chocolate for his wife or daughters and not blink an eye. I want a man who wants to be my partner and stand beside me in life.

“He’s not going to make it easy for you.” “Nothing in life worth having is easy.” “Like our girl here.” Willow nods to where I’m sitting. “Like our girl.”

She’s more than just the sexy trainer. She’s Paisley, a woman who loves the game as much as I do. She’s the woman who charmed me one Sunday afternoon at a Blaze game. She’s the only woman who could ever make me think about her over the game. Unable to help myself, I press a kiss to her temple.

“I do want to be your friend. But, Paisley, it’s more than that. I want to be your everything.” She sucks in a breath. “That’s a bold statement, Taylor.” “I’m well aware.”

“If I happen to see you, then I see you.” “Oh, baby, I’ll make sure of it. Night, beautiful.”

“I told a few of the guys to let me know which bus you were on.” “Why?” “Because this is two hours that I get to spend with you.” “But your teammates may get the wrong idea.” “What idea is that, Paisley? That I’m into you? That fate put me in the stands and seated next to you that day, and we shared a kiss that rocked my world? That the thought of one of those fuckers getting this time with you had my gut twisted in a knot?” I open my mouth to reply, but I’ve got nothing. I have no response to his speech. All I can do is stare at him as the truth of his words reflects back at me.

You see, my agenda here isn’t the movie, Paisley. It’s you. I just want to be close to you. I want to spend time with you and get to know you. I want you to see that when I tell you that I want you, it’s not just your body I want. I want you in my life. I can’t explain it, but you’re different, and I want us to see where this goes.”

“I want you, Paisley. I’m with you for more than just a good time. I want all of you. I want our lives intertwined so we can’t differentiate what’s mine and what’s yours.”

I’m in deep, and even though that scares the hell out of me, I’m pushing forward. For the first time in my life, I’m not letting the fear of the unknown dictate my future. Instead, I’m letting my heart guide me.

I’m just about asleep when his lips press to the top of my head. “I’m gone for you, Paisley.”

My game is on fire, and I know it has a lot to do with her. Baseball players are superstitious, and Paisley is not only my person. She’s my good luck charm.

“That’s just going to make it worse,” I whisper. “I don’t care, Paisley. What I care about is you. If you’re over this, we’ll leave.” “That’s going to give him more ammunition,” I tell him. He drops his fork and lifts his hand to cradle my face. I hear Mom sigh and Dad grunt, but I ignore them. “You are my priority,” Cameron says. This time, his voice is strong and no longer a whisper. “Say the word, baby. I’ve got you always,” he says, leaning in to press his lips to my forehead.

“Your daughter is the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. She’s kind, loving, and her smile lights up my world. I happen to agree with you. I’m not good enough for her, but you’re missing something.” Cameron pulls his gaze from my dad and turns to look at me. His eyes soften before he looks back at my dad. “I’ll fight every damn day to be the man who she deserves.

“You told me you would have my back, and you did. You didn’t let the fact that you were sitting at dinner with Easton Monroe sway you. You were really there for me. Not my father.” “Of course I was there for you.” He pulls back and stares deep into my eyes. “I’m in love with you, Paisley. I meant every word I said to him. I know I don’t deserve you, but I’ll do my best to be a better man every day. A better man for you.”

“You’re it for me. This is my last first time,” I tell her. She swallows hard. “That’s… a big claim.” “The biggest,” I confirm.

“I can’t believe she’s mine.” Easton reaches over and pats me on the shoulder, and I turn to look at him, and he’s grinning. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” I ask him. “You did. You’re good for her.” “She’s good for me.”

“I choose her. Every fucking time. I choose Paisley. So, I need out. I don’t care what we have to do to make it happen. I just need it to happen.”

“I can’t do this, baby. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can’t do life without you.”