Sliding Into Second Read Online Free

made his way out of the busy Manhattan hotel elevator. The city was bustling with the holiday crowds. The past six weeks were a blur. After winning the series, he had many television and print interviews, local appearances, and meetings for endorsement deals. He was one of the longest running team members on the Crushers. He started his major league career there, and hoped to stay for as long as they would have him. He became more of a commodity for endorsements when Pax had to have shoulder surgery shortly after the last game. The pitcher would be out of the spotlight, so the companies were looking for others to fill his shoes. Nic had a ruthless agent who stopped at nothing to make sure he signed the big deals.
    New York City wasn’t his favorite place to be around the holidays. It was full of tourists, and during the off-season he liked to stay low-key. The sneaker retailer who he had just signed with was based in the city and they wanted to shoot promo spots with him wearing their brand new line of baseball attire for the upcoming season. The trip worked in his favor, because he had planned to meet Sage in the hotel bar. She didn’t know it yet, but thanks to the help of her younger sister, Rosalie, they were about to have a chance meeting.
    “Nicky!” A remarkable young woman with long, dark hair and the same unique gray eyes as Sage came running toward him.
    Could it be? Before he had time to verbally respond, she jumped into his arms. His reflexes kicked in, catching her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him just as she had done when she was a kid.
    “Rosalie?” He held her tight for a few seconds, remembering her as an awkward teenager before placing her on her feet. “Wow.” He looked over all her curves and everything that made her a woman. “You’re, um...”
    “All grown up?” She giggled. “I’m not fourteen anymore.”
    “So I see.” He glanced at the bar. “I guess that means I can buy you a drink?”
    “Sure.” She took his hand and led him to the posh bar that overlooked Times Square. “I was so excited when you messaged me. I never expected you even knew I was following you, much less that you would send me a direct message.”
    He hadn’t realized she was following him on social media, but looked her up a few weeks ago on the off chance that she might be able to help him with Sage.
    “I’m glad we were able to connect.” He pulled a stool out for her. “I’m sorry we lost touch.”
    “You’ve been busy.” She set her small clutch down on the bar. “We’ve watched you ever since you left Florida. My mom still points you out when she sees you on TV. She loves seeing you.”
    “We?” He couldn’t imagine Sage keeping track of his career in those early years after they broke up. And her father was never a fan of his. Nic wasn’t even sure he had any interest in sports.
    “Don’t let Sage fool you. She never gave up on you.”
    “I find that hard to believe.” He waved the bartender over. “She didn’t seem real pleased with me back in October at the stadium. She couldn’t wait to get away from me.”
    “Well, she’s still strong-willed. That hasn’t changed.” Rosalie studied the drink menu. “You did break her heart.”
    “I never meant to.”
    “It was a long time ago. She was younger than me when that happened. I don’t know what I want in life, so how could you have? You had so much going on. You were kids. It wasn’t supposed to work out then.”
    “And now what do you think, insightful one?”
    “I think you’re friggin’ hot.” She let her gaze take in every inch of him. “Much hotter than I remember. You’ve improved with age.”
    “Thank you.” He laughed. “So have you.”
    The bartender placed two beverage napkins in front of them. “I’m Joe,” he said in a husky voice. “What can I get—” He stopped and stared before speaking. “Hey, Cordova.” He laughed, his Brooklyn accent apparent.
    “Hi,” Nic said to the