My Unexpected Vow: California Billionaires Book 2 by Harlow James (top 10 inspirational books txt) 📕

me back anymore—and I honestly don’t know. Maybe I’ve been waiting for a sign, or maybe I’m just too afraid to be rejected.

But as I sit here next to him, appreciatively eating him up in his baseball hat, orange O.C. Rays shirt, and navy shorts, and my clit throbs, it’s safe to say I don’t think I can stand wondering much longer.

As the players take the field, Hayes shouts and hollers from the seat next to me. “Yeah, boys! Let’s go.”

I snort as I laugh, almost choking on my beer.

“What’s so funny?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just so weird seeing you like this.”

“Well, Wave, get used to it.” He smirks at me from his chair, leaning in just close enough that I can see the light yellow flecks in his dark brown eyes. “And if you really want to make me happy, join in on the fun.”

“Well, you might want to explain a few things to me then so I know when to cheer. I don’t want to look like a fool.”

He wraps his arm around me, which sends a rush of butterflies through my body, and then pulls me into him. “No problem.”

Hayes explains the rules to me and points out key players as the O.C. Rays take the field. “Number twenty-three, the third baseman, Jake Calhoun… he’s the shit.”

“Do you have a man-crush on Jake Calhoun?” I say in a teasing lilt.

“Damn right I do. The man is a beast. Although, he probably only has a few more years until he retires at this point.”

I take a moment to appreciate the stature of Mr. Calhoun on the field, the way his muscular arms bulge underneath the sleeves of his shirt, the way his ass looks in those pants. Damn, I wonder what Hayes would look like in baseball pants?

“Well, I can definitely see why all the ladies and men love him. The man is fine.”

Hayes nudges me playfully, almost causing me to spill my beer. “Better watch it, Wave.”

“Don’t worry. I already have a husband. Juggling a boyfriend too might be a bit much.”

He chuckles and then focuses on the game, checking in with me every time something happens so I don’t feel lost.

It feels so natural, the two of us at a ball game, talking and laughing, enjoying processed food and the cool night breeze. As the sun sets and night falls, the bright stadium lights cast a glow over the field and the sky. It’s beautiful, magic—like you’re in this completely different world just right inside the stadium.

“I have to pee,” I announce as I move to stand.

Hayes peers up at me beneath the rim of his hat. “Do you want me to go with you?”

“No, no. You stay. Watch the game. The restrooms are just right up at the top of the stairs, right?” I ask, pointing above me.

“Yeah, make a left at the top.”

“Got it.”

“Be safe, Wave,” he calls after me as I glance back at him over my shoulder and smile appreciatively.

“I will.”

When I reach the top of the stairs, I locate the restroom with ease and walk inside to do my business. I wash my hands and then check myself in the mirror, making sure I still look presentable. The one beer I drank has made my body warm and relaxed and I know that Hayes’s beer was gone too, so I decide to get us a refill before I head back down to our seats.

As I’m waiting in line at the concession stand, a familiar voice pipes up from behind me, making the hair on my arms stand up.

“Hey, Wave.”

I spin around and gasp as I see Brett standing there, looking almost sheepish with his hands in his pockets. His dirty blonde hair is ruffled and his eyes look sunken in, almost like he’s hungover or has been drinking profusely already.

My eyes drift around me as I wonder if there is any security near. I’m not sure what Brett is capable of, but my gut is telling me to err on the side of caution.

“What do you want, Brett?” I ask, clutching my purse to my side.

“I just want to talk, Wave. You won’t even let me apologize. How are you supposed to forgive me if I can’t tell you how sorry I am?”

I narrow my eyes at him in confusion. “Brett, it’s been eight months since we broke up, first of all. And secondly, you didn’t seem so apologetic after the fact, so what’s changed now?”

He steps closer to me and I feel myself retreat with each of his movements. Turning so I’m out of the line at the concession stand, I find myself up against a cement cylinder as Brett stalks closer.

“I made a mistake. I want you back. We were so good together, baby.” He reaches up to touch me, but I swat his hand away.

“Don’t touch me, Brett. And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m married now.” I jut my chin up so he can sense my strength in that statement.

But then he scoffs. “Ha, yeah. Waverly Morgan all shacked up with her brother’s best friend. I know it’s not real.”

My stomach drops with his accusation. “What do you mean?” My back finds the pillar behind me as he moves a few inches closer.

“He doesn’t love you like I do, Waverly. He just probably felt sorry for you that I didn’t want you anymore.”

“What?” I push him away while my blood boils. “You make no fucking sense, Brett. You say you still want me, and then now you’re saying you don’t?”

“Fuck you, Waverly. You’re such a slut, a rich bitch who thinks she can get whatever she wants. You’re…” he continues just as a fist comes flying between us and knocks Brett in the face with such brutal force, I watch the blood spatter from his nose as his body falls to the ground.

“You motherfucker!” Hayes shouts as he rushes over to Brett on the ground and then continues to get a few jabs in on his face.

It takes me