Pitch Perfect: A Cricket Creek Novel Read online

  “And I will keep on doing it.”

  “Coming to my rescue?”

  “If you need it.” He grinned. “And you probably will. We haven’t tackled things like washing clothes.” He didn’t add that he was still worried about someone following her but would be damn sure to keep an eye on her. Truthfully, he was going to suggest sleeping on her sofa if this situation hadn’t presented itself.

  Cam lowered her gently to his bed. He was falling in love with Mia Money. He knew it because he had never felt like this before. He was falling hard and fast, and he realized that something so good in his life would make him a stronger athlete; make him a better man. Cam remembered Jack Nicholson saying that line in a movie, and he had thought it was cheesy. Well, it wasn’t. Having someone care about him would surely help his game, not get in the way.

  “What are you thinking?” Mia asked softly.

  Cam smiled. “Every cheesy line from every sappy movie or love song is going through my head right about now.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, but mostly I’m thinking about doing this.” Cam dipped his head and captured her lush mouth with his, and when she arched her back and wrapped her arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss and pressed his body against hers, loving the feel of her curves molding to his chest. Ever since the elevator, Cam had fantasized about this moment, and although passion had simmered between them, nothing could have prepared him for the sweet and tender feelings welling up inside his chest. He touched her gently, caressing her cheeks, her shoulders, before sliding his hands beneath her top. Her skin felt deliciously warm and silky soft, making him long to have her naked beneath him.

  Ah, Cam wanted to take this loving slow and savor each kiss, each caress. He wanted to taste every inch of Mia’s gorgeous body, but her touch excited him so much that he had to concentrate on keeping control.

  And above all else, Cam wanted to please her. He wanted to see the flush of pleasure on her face and feel her body tremble beneath him. He wanted to please her in every way possible, over and over, until she all but melted.

  “Take your clothes off for me,” Cam said, and then watched with pure fascination when she came up to her knees and tugged her top over her head. Her bra was a peach-colored sexy thing that pushed up and made her breasts swell over the lace trim. Her bikini panties matched, and for a moment he could only stare. “God, Mia, you’re amazing.”

  “You think so?” When she smiled shyly, it blew Cam away that she wasn’t cockier about her looks. He reached over and ran a fingertip over the swell of her breasts, and she shivered and tilted her head to the side.

  “Surely you know how pretty you are.”

  “People I know obsess over their looks. I guess that mentality had rubbed off on me and made me worry.”

  “Well, baby, worry no more. You damned sure blow me away.” When she shrugged, he reached over and slid the satin straps over her shoulders, exposing most of her breasts. Instead of tugging the bra down the rest of the way, he pulled his own shirt over his head, hoping she liked what she saw as well. Cam had spent many a day shirtless while cleaning pools and always knew he turned heads, but this was the first time it really mattered to him, and he knew why. This wasn’t about how he looked. It was about how he felt.

  When Mia reached out and ran her fingertips over his chest and down to his navel, Cam’s abs tightened. He was already superaroused, and when her fingers found his zipper he sucked in a sharp breath. She looked up at the sound and smiled. “This going-slow stuff is for the birds,” she said.

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Mia laughed, and for the next few seconds their clothes went flying off the bed, landing haphazardly all across the room. Cam loved this side of her … carefree and without pretense. After quickly reaching for a condom, he rolled it on and then was back in her arms.

  “I wanted this to last for a long time, but damn, girl, you get me going with a simple touch.” Cam was surprised that he admitted this to her, but after holding back, it felt great to be able to tell her how he felt. “I’m just being honest,” he said, and when she turned her head he gently pulled her back. “I’m serious, Mia,” he said, but when she opened her mouth as if to protest, he pulled her flush against his naked body and kissed her. They all but fell onto the pillows without breaking contact and continued to kiss wildly, madly. Cam ran his hands down her back and over the sweet curve of her ass. “You’re driving me nuts,” he whispered in her ear and then eased her onto her back. He cupped one breast with the palm of his hand and then captured the other one with his mouth. When he licked her nipple, she gasped and threaded her fingers through his hair. He licked gently and then harder, switching from one breast to the other until she was arching her back, offering him more.

  “Oh!” Mia said when he sucked harder. He trailed his fingers lightly down her abdomen and then parted her thighs. She gasped while he teased her mound with a light caress, getting closer and closer to where she wanted. Finally, when she arched her hips, he sank one finger into her slick, wet heat. He caressed her clit with a light touch but stopped short of bring her to orgasm. Instead he rolled over and kissed her deeply and then entered her with one sure stroke.

  Cam loved the feeling of being inside of her body but had to pause and gather his composure while buried deep. He wanted to please her and make the moment last. Sweat broke out on his forehead and trickled down his chest. He just about had himself under control, but when she slid her hands down his back to his ass and then squeezed, he just about lost it.

  “You have a great butt—made for baseball pants.”

  Cam’s laughter was strained, and he gave her a gruff, “Thanks.” He moved slowly at first, easing in and out of her silky heat, but when she wrapped her legs around his waist, all bets were off. Cam thrust deeply, and although she was a little thing, she matched his rhythm and urged him on, giving as much as taking. He kissed her wildly, loving the feeling of her breasts crushed to his chest. She held on tightly with her arms and legs and he gave her a wild ride. A moment later his name was a throaty, sexy cry of pleasure, and when Cam felt her pulse and squeeze, he let go of his restraint and felt an incredible rush of pleasure that seemed to come from his toes. The intensity of his orgasm left him shaken, and when he rolled over he took Mia with him and held her in his embrace. He kissed her deeply, tenderly, and after brushing her damp hair from her face said, “That was amazing.”

  “I agree.” Her smile trembled a bit at the corners, telling Cam that she felt the same way. “I do believe the earth moved,” she admitted, making Cam chuckle. She tucked her head in the crook of his arm and for a few moments neither of them spoke.

  After a while he asked, “Do you want me to look for Madison or Bella and get a master key for your place?”

  “That can wait until morning,” Mia replied drowsily and snuggled closer. Her soft sigh made him smile.

  “I was really hoping you’d say that,” Cam admitted but then wondered if he was taking this a little bit too fast. When she failed to respond, he knew she had fallen asleep, and although Cam was tired he wanted to stay awake a little bit longer in order to enjoy holding her in his arms. He kissed her on top of the head and then caressed her bare shoulder. I could get used to this, he thought just before he drifted off to sleep.

  21

  I Hope You Dance!

  MITCH LOOKED AT THE SMILE OF SATISFACTION ON Nicolina’s face after she placed the last ring in the display case in her jewelry store and was flooded with a warm rush of happiness. He suddenly knew without a doubt that he wanted to marry her. Just like that the thought that had been swirling around in his head for months took root and held fast. When Mitch Monroe knew that something felt right, he never hesitated to take action. Acting upon his instinct had made him millions, but this time his heart beat in his chest and he felt a flash of worry, not because he didn’t adore Nicolina but …

  What if she said no?

  As if feeling his gaze upon her, Nicol
ina raised her head from where she’d started to rearrange the jewelry once more. “Oh, sweetie.” Her smile faded and she set her reading glasses down on top of the glass case. “You look as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. What’s wrong?”

  “I’m fine,” he assured her, but his voice sounded strained even to his own ears.

  “You can’t fool me. Are you worried about Mia?”

  Mitch felt another warm rush of love for Nicolina. She was so caring, and it moved him beyond all reason. Most of his life he had lived with the knowledge that all anyone ever wanted was what he could provide, but Nicolina was a giver, a nurturer, and the concern in her soulful eyes caused a lump in his throat. Except toward his daughter, Mitch was slow to show emotion, but he wanted to give himself freely to Nicolina, and so he decided it was time to be straightforward. “No, I do think my baby girl is going to be just fine. Noah thinks that she’s going to do a bang-up job as promotions manager. And seeing the smile on her face last night with that young baseball player put my mind at rest.” He chuckled. “When she turned and looked right at me, I thought for sure she recognized me, even in that crazy getup that you had me parading around in.”

  “Oh, you had fun. Admit it.”

  “Okay.” Mitch chuckled. “I did.”

  “Isn’t that amazing, though? Mia must have actually felt your presence. That tells me how strong your bond is with her, Mitch. And the fact that she’s doing a good job says that she’s learned a lot more from you than you gave her credit for.”

  “I know.” Mitch felt another rush of emotion. “She’s going to find her way, I’m sure of it,” he said gruffly. “And as soon as I know she has her feet planted firmly on the ground, I’ll make my presence known.”

  “Well, then.” Nicolina cupped her hands over his cheeks in that typical Italian way that he loved so much. “If it isn’t Mia’s welfare, then what’s on your mind?”

  “I want you to design something for me.”

  “Oh, what fun.” Nicolina smiled brightly. “What is it? Something for Mia?”

  “No.” Mitch cleared his throat and was hit with another attack of nerves. Being nervous was a weird feeling for him, but he embraced it and lifted his chin. “An engagement ring.”

  “Oh.” Nicolina’s eyes widened and she took a step back. “For who? A friend?”

  “Yes, a very dear friend. This friend makes me laugh and feel young at heart. In fact, she means the world to me. I love her very much.”

  “Oh,” she repeated, and then her eyes opened even wider.

  “I want you to draw the design, and then I will buy the setting and stones.”

  “Mitch …” Nicolina put a hand to her chest and swallowed hard. “W-what are you saying?”

  Mitch scrubbed a hand down his face. “Oh, Nicolina, I’m bungling this terribly.”

  “Bungling what?”

  “I love you and want you to be my wife.”

  Relief washed over her features and she gave him a nervous little laugh. “Oh, for a terrifying moment I thought you were talking about another woman!”

  “Nicolina, you are the one and only woman for me,” he insisted, and when her eyes misted over, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ask you to marry me this way.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I should have been more romantic. Taken you off to … to Paris! Monte Carlo. Wherever you want to go.”

  “No!”

  “No?” He squeezed his eyes shut. “You’re saying … no?”

  Nicolina laughed. “No! Mitch, what I’m saying is that you didn’t need to fly me to Paris.” She shook her head and her hands returned to his cheeks. “All I want is … you. Not your company jet or fancy jewelry. Just … you.” She looked up into his eyes. “I don’t want your money. You can give it all away as far as I’m concerned, and I wouldn’t care a flying fig.” She waved her hands in her dramatic way that he found both amusing and delightful. “I’m dead serious.”

  “I believe you.”

  “I’ll even sign something that says so.” Her waving hands moved up to his shoulders and she squeezed hard. “Mitch, I know you’ve been hurt and you’ve felt that you have to prove yourself by making millions, but all I want from you is love,” she said but then glanced away. “But …”

  “But what?” he asked gruffly, and fear snaked down his spine. “Tell me.”

  “I need for you to be here, Mitch. I love this little town and I want to be near my daughter even though she will most likely follow Logan to whatever team he ends up with.” Her hands waved through the air again. “I come here to be with her and she leaves! Go figure!”

  “She is in love and following her man.”

  “Yes, but I can’t do the same thing. Mitch, this little jewelry store means so much to me. Designs by Diamante is my dream come true. I don’t want to move back to Chicago.” She shook her head sadly. “I love you dearly, but I don’t see how this can work out.”

  Mitch took her hands in his. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, now. Your idea of Wedding Row is golden, Nicolina. Adding additional wedding-themed shops is timely and brilliant. And there really isn’t anywhere for wedding receptions except for the outdoor gazebo at Wine and Diner. I want to add a hotel and reception hall and a convention center. This is a small town, but there are larger cities close by and it’s a central location for both the Midwest and the South. We could draw business from all over.”

  “Goodness! You really have been thinking this over?”

  “You bet I have.” Mitch smiled. “A convention center would bring business here in the winter months. I’ve already started looking for investors and I’ve begun the process of getting permits. It’s a huge project, but that should tell you how invested I am. Nicolina, I can sell my house and make the move here without a qualm. I want to and will be with you. I promise you this. Well, if you’ll let me.”

  She ducked her head again.

  “What?” he asked gently.

  “Well, it makes me feel really bad that I just said I wouldn’t move for you and here you are willing to give up so much! I wouldn’t give up one little store and you’re willing to give up an empire!”

  “Well, that should tell you how I feel,” he said with a grin and then laughed. “Oh, Nicolina, this shop is more than just making money for you. You are incredibly talented. I would never ask you to give up your dream. I can make money anywhere. It sure isn’t a sacrifice to be with you.”

  “But what are you going to do about your other business dealings? Your office in Chicago?”

  He shrugged. “I won’t have any trouble selling any of my assets, Nicolina, and I don’t care about making money. I want to be with you. Spend the rest of my life with you. Period. I don’t care what it takes.” He tilted her chin up. “Listen, you are the first person who wants me for who I am and nothing more. And I have to tell you that it feels—simply amazing. It sounds trite, but you are amazing.”

  “And so are you.”

  When her eyes fluttered shut, Mitch dipped his head and captured her lips with a tender kiss. “Well, then, can I take that as a yes?” He pulled back and looked at her expectantly while his heart pounded like he had just run a marathon.

  “What was the question again?”

  “Nicolina! You’re killing me.”

  “Yes!” She raised both hands skyward and then spun around in a circle. “Yes, I will marry you!”

  “You little minx.” Mitch laughed and then caught her around the waist and danced with her. “We look silly.”

  “Who cares?”

  “Not me,” Mitch said and spun her around again. He had spent so many years being intense and serious that he really did feel like dancing. “What is this dance called?”

  “The Snoopy dance of happiness! Put your nose up in the air!”

  Mitch followed her lead, laughing and spinning until he felt dizzy. But when they stopped, breathless and still laughing, Mitch looked at her with serious eyes. “You have made
me a very happy man. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Nicolina’s smile trembled at the corners, and a big, fat tear slid down her cheek.

  “I love you so much.” Mitch swiped the tear away with his thumb and then kissed her once more. “It is going to be hard not to call Mia and tell her the news.”

  “Perhaps you should.”

  Mitch considered her suggestion for a moment. “I’ll wait until opening day. I don’t want to interfere with the work she’s putting into getting the season set up.”

  “Okay.” Nicolina nodded but looked at him as if she wasn’t quite convinced. But after a moment she grabbed his hand and then picked up a sketch pad. “Now I think I will design my very own engagement ring!”

  Mitch looked at the happiness glowing in her eyes and smiled. He vowed to himself that he would keep that glow in her eyes forever and always.

  While Nicolina sketched, Mitch’s thoughts drifted to Mia and the young man she had been strolling with in the park last night. Hearing his daughter’s laughter had been music to his ears, and he wondered if she too had found someone special in Cricket Creek, Kentucky, of all places. He smiled, thinking how his love of baseball had been the catalyst to becoming a partner with Noah Falcon and Ty McKenna. The decision had been more about having fun and helping his friends than making money, but it had been the best decision he had made in a long time. In a roundabout way, his love of the game had led him to the love of his life, and perhaps it would lead his daughter to hers too.

  Mitch suddenly thought about Clarisse, and he wondered if she ever regretted her decision to run off with another man, leaving him and her small child for the sake of money. But as he gazed at Nicolina’s bent head while she sketched her ring, Mitch no longer felt the old resentment rise and threaten to choke him. He had been healed by the love of a good woman. It was time to let go of the past and embrace the future.