Page 72 of Stroked Long
Bodi: Put the ribbon on ice. I’m picking you up at five. Wear something comfortable, something you can flap your angel wings in.
Ruby: *fans face* OMG!
***
I didn’t even have to knock on her door when I arrived at her apartment. She must have been looking through the peephole, waiting for me, because she opened the door immediately only to throw her entire body into mine and ask relentlessly if we were going to an Angels game.
The minute I saw the A’s were playing the Angels this week, I bought tickets in hopes of taking Ruby. Thankfully I didn’t have to persuade her to come. Actually there was no coaxing at all.
Seeing her in Angels gear was a serious fucking turn-on to me. She’s beautiful in dresses and colorful cardigans, but seeing her in a pair of jean shorts and a red Angels tank, paired with a worn Angels cap with her hair loosely braided to the side . . . yeah, fucking boner worthy. She sure as hell knows how to dress for sporting events.
Those shorts, with the loose frays and worn-out hole in the back are going to be the death of me though.
The drive to the stadium was ideal, we only ran into traffic for ten minutes, the rest of the trip was an easy drive with Ruby asking insane questions as I answered them. I was tempted to hold her hand on the way but I refrained, despite the burning need deep in my gut.
Lucky for us, I have some connections and got us parking in the players’ lot, along with seats I’m hoping are going to win me some extra brownie points.
“I’ve never parked here before. Look at you, knowing people,” she coos, her face plastered against her window, checking out all the fancy cars in the lot. My truck looks like pure shit next to the Lamborghinis, Lexuses, and Range Rovers that grace the rest of the parking area. I might have some great endorsements but, I don’t spend money on frivolous things like cars. Instead I’m the fucking weirdo spending my money on state-of-the-art security systems for myself and my family.
“Do you think we will run into any of the players?” Her excitement is contagious. I let my mind soak it in, trying to push away the negative thoughts I have of myself.
“Probably not. They’re already in the stadium warming up.”
“Oh yeah, that makes sense.”
Putting the vehicle in park, I get out just as Ruby does, making me wonder if I should have asked her to wait in the truck so I could open the door for her. But then I remember, this isn’t a date. It’s only an outing between friends.
Friends, that’s all we are.
I meet her at the tailgate. Her purse is slung over her shoulder like a messenger bag, her hands are in her pockets, and her eyes are bright with excitement.
“Are you ready?” I ask her, locking the truck and pocketing the keys. I made sure to wear my Oakland A’s gear: a jersey and baseball hat, paired with a comfortable pair of jeans, and my favorite Vans. We could not be more opposite in our attire.
“So ready.”
Just like every other time we’ve walked together, she loops her hand in the crook of my elbow and holds on tight as we walk toward the gate.
We quickly get through security, have our tickets scanned, and find our way to the field level where we are sitting a few rows from the backstop.
“Are these really our seats?” she asks, looking at our view of the field in awe.
“Yup. Have you ever sat this close before?”
“No. I’m always up in the nosebleeds.” She’s practically bouncing in her seat as she speaks. “Now I can daydream about all the players up close.”
Yeah, I don’t like that.
She must see the distaste for that comment on my face because she’s pushing my shoulder and laughing. “Hey, Mr. Jealousy, want to erase that scowl?”
“I’m not jealous.” I shift in my seat, pushing my hands down on my thighs to readjust my jeans.
“You are so jealous.” Ruby points at me with that endless smile of hers. “Don’t worry, Bodi Bear, I will make sure to give you equal attention.” With a wink, she turns back to the field, puts two fingers in her mouth and blows a loud whistle.
Bodi Bear?
Oh hell.
Chapter Fourteen
