Spring Training Read Online Free

count, his eyes were drawn to Teri, curling up like a cat in the corner of the couch. When he’d opened the door, expecting to see some over-the-top baseball groupie, he’d been caught off guard by Teri’s wholesome, unembellished beauty. A quick, hot flash of unexpected jealousy had spiked through him at the thought of her being here for Em and not him.
    Aaron rolled his eyes. He should’ve known who she was right away by her coloring—a petite, feminine version of his new responsibility, with the same rich, dark hair and whiskey eyes. But no way did she look old enough to have a full-grown son. She was short—probably a foot shorter than his six-two—and fit, with a youthful, positive energy that radiated from her. With her hair pulled back into a long ponytail and no makeup to cover the smattering of freckles across her cheekbones and nose, she could walk around on a college campus without a second glance. He wouldn’t be surprised if she still got carded for alcohol. Aaron frowned a bit as he wondered just how young she’d been when she’d had Emery.
    Teri was currently directing a look at Emery that Aaron remembered being on the receiving end of a few times with his own parents, and he decided to make himself scarce for the coming clash.
    “Sorry to bail, but I need to get my run in.” Aaron turned to Teri and a conspiratorial shine in her eye told him she knew why he was heading out. Sharp lady. The more he saw of her, the more he liked.
    He hurried to his bedroom and washed up, then laced his running shoes. He hadn’t really planned on a run today, but he’d at least jog for a while and give the duo some privacy. Maybe he’d go down to the park and run by the river.
    Aaron walked back out into the living room and Teri smiled at him when he appeared. There was just something about her…
    He cleared his throat. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
    “Thanks, Aaron. Have a good run.” The sound of his real name on her lips continued to whisper in his head long after his departure.
     
    As soon as the door closed behind Aaron, Teri turned to study Em. He stared back at her, his expression growing more defensive by the second.
    Trying to keep things non-confrontational, she nonetheless opened with what was foremost in her mind. “You’ve only been here for one night—”
    “Ma, I really don’t need a lecture. So I went out with the guys. They were just welcoming me to the team.”
    “Until noon?” she asked wryly.
    Emery had the grace to flush. He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off, really not wanting to hear anything about some groupie, or worse, a lie.
    “Okay. Em, you’re an adult. I don’t have to agree with everything you do, any more than you have to answer to me for anything. Just…try to focus on what you came here for. All right? That’s all I ask.” She scooted closer to him on the couch and patted his jittering knee. “So, evidently you had no idea that Aaron was Hank Reynolds?”
    As she’d intended, Emery relaxed and exclaimed, “I know! Oh my God. That’s just crazy. I don’t get it. And wow. I’m staying in Hank Reynolds’ condo!” He dropped back against the cushion dramatically. “Though, I don’t get why he has a condo here. But still.” Emery sat back up with his typical energy and nearly bounced. “Hank Reynolds is my roommate. Whoa.”
    “Yeah. So you behave and be an extra-specially good roomie. Got it?” she ordered.
    He nodded agreeably. “Got it. So how’s Alex?”
    She smiled at how eager Emery seemed to keep the subject off his behavior, and let it go for now. “He’s good. Cross country just wrapped up with their last meet yesterday.” Which was why she hadn’t been able to come with Emery when he’d driven up with his belongings the day before, but Emery knew that. “He placed fifth, so a good showing. Busy with school and work, of course, with tax season.” Alex had interned at a well-known accounting firm