Fastball: A Second Chance Secret Relationship Sports Romance (For the Love of the Game Book 1) Read online

  Fastball

  FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME SERIES

  BOOK 1

  BY: NADINE HUDSON

  Copyright © 2021 Nadine Hudson

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Description

  Quinn

  Are you insane? You know this is going to end badly! You have zero business getting involved with him.

  If being a hot freaking mess were an olympic sport then bring on the gold because I would reign supreme in that category! Not only am I trapped being a victim of my unfortunate circumstances, but now the secrets keep piling up around me left and right, quicker than I can keep track of them. I am in no position to be falling for the campus baseball stud. No way! My predicament, my secrets, make it impossible for us to be happy together. This cannot happen.

  Tucker

  She can pretend not to be interested all she wants, but those stormy blue eyes already gave her away. I recognize the lust dancing behind them and I won’t stop until she finally admits it too. Her resistance only serves to peak my intrigue. After all, I do love a good game of hardball.

  Another steamy read from her special Blackbox Collection, Nadine Hudson gives you more of what you love in this Second Chance, Secret Relationship, Sports Romance that has sizzling heat and the games you love, but you have never seen them played like this before! HEA Guaranteed!

  *** FREE GIFT ***

  My FREE gift to you….

  CLICK HERE to get access to the Surviving Love and War Prequel:

  The Love of a Lieutenant

  Table of Contents

  One

  Quinn

  “Holy shit, girl! You’re still asleep? You know it’s almost noon, right?” Chastity’s voice boomed through my room intensifying my headache brought on by my overindulgence the night before. I immediately cradled my head with my hands.

  “Ugghh…” I groaned and rolled over in my bed, wrapping a pillow tightly around my head attempting to block her out. An act I knew would be pointless considering my roommate had always been a morning person and had fought the fact that I am not our entire first semester together. Granted it was well past morning, I was still not feeling recovered enough to attempt to take on the day.

  “C’mon, Quinn. I’m starving. Let’s go to Catalina’s!” She plopped down on my bed and lifted up my pillow so that she was peeking under it at my face. My eyes reluctantly cracked open to find an overly pouty face staring back at me. Chastity’s big green eyes were wide open and her bottom lip was pushed out, pleading for me to just give in already. Her short black hair perfectly curtained her oval-shaped face.

  I knew there was no way she was going to relent until I was on my feet so leaving out a ragged breath I pushed myself up to sitting and released a drawn out groan, “ffiiiinnee…”

  She clapped excitedly and hopped off my bed. Usually I love her vivacious, ball of fire personality, but right then I had to fight the urge to beat it out of her. Dragging one foot, then the other to the floor I shambled to my dresser, pulled out some clothes, and shuffled my way to the bathroom to shower.

  “Hurry up! I want to get there before the Saturday classes let out so we miss the lines!” Chastity yelled at my back. Without answering I grumpily slammed the bathroom door behind me.

  After my shower I felt a bit better. The queasiness in my stomach had mostly subsided and all that was left was the guilt I felt for acting the way I did toward Chastity. Admittedly, I’m no ray of sunshine in the mornings anyway, but add a hangover in there and I’m one head spin away from needing an exorcist. Especially when I didn’t want to drink last night to begin with.

  I dried off and grudgingly got dressed, tugging on my ripped jeans and slipping my v-neck tank top over my head. I swept my long chestnut locks up into my towel, twisted, and flipped it over on top of my head before exiting the bathroom. I knocked on Chastity’s bedroom door while passing it in the hallway.

  “Hey, I’m about ready. How ‘bout you?”

  “Girl, I’ve been ready! I told you I was starving like an hour ago.” Her door

  whipped open and she was tight on my heels, following me to my room where she watched as I slid on my sandals.

  I laughed. “I was only in the shower for fifteen minutes,” I replied, rolling my eyes at her exaggeration. She crossed her arms and tapped an impatient foot at me, the way she does when she's waiting to get her way, as I untwisted my hair from my towel and shook it around. Without bothering to brush it out, I pulled it together into a messy bun on top of my head. “Okay! Let’s go.”

  Luckily, we got to Catalina’s in time to miss the rush, just like Chastity wanted. She found us seats in an open booth and we slid onto the cold, red leather covered cushions across from each other. The smell of fresh baked sub rolls filled the space. A young blonde approached our table, handing over two laminated menus. We’d been here enough times that we didn’t actually need menus. We already knew what we wanted so we gave her our orders and waited. Chastity pulled out her phone and started punching away on the screen. I watched her, smirking and shaking my head as she got lost in her virtual world.

  If I were as outwardly social as she was, I probably would’ve been able to occupy myself with my phone as well, but truth was Chastity was my only real friend here. As bossy and high strung as she could be sometimes, I was grateful to have her. Even though we only met a few months ago, we had an instant connection. She was a business major too and we both rushed the same sorority. We’re prime examples of opposites attract, though. She’s the extrovert to my introvert. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  The blonde returned a short time later with our food and Chastity dove in, not caring in the slightest that she’d dripped cheese and grease down her chin. Seeing all the grease floating on top of the pizza reminded me of my upset stomach and I decided to just pick at a few bread sticks instead.

  “What’s wrong? Still hungover?” she asked, noticing my lack of interest in one of our favorite lunches.

  “Yeah, I think so,” I answered, grimacing at the pizza before popping a piece of breadstick into my mouth.

  “Well ya know, grease is supposed to be good for hangovers. I don’t understand how you got so sick anyway. You had what? Two, three drinks tops?” she asked, raising a brow at me.

  I shrugged. “Two. And they were very… strong,” I told her trying to hide the fact that I’m a complete light weight, but she already knew this and shook her head in disapproval. She has always tried to get me to party with her and I always resisted. Mostly because I ended up feeling like this on my morning afters and she ended up feeling fine. I never understood it. She could drink like a fish the night before and still wake up feeling like a million bucks. I have a few mixed drinks and I’m as sick as a dog.

  “Sure they were,” she taunted with a smirk.

  After a few more slices, Chastity seemed sufficiently stuffed.

  “You want to take care of the bill this time? I’ll wrap this up here,” she offered, circling a finger above the leftover pizza and I laughed. I usually foot the bill when we go places so when she said this time I knew she was being funny. Not that I minded at all. My parents, though they were complete assholes most days, were paying my way through college and tuition at Clayvale University was not cheap. Luckily they
could easily afford my tuition… and to buy my friends lunch every once in a while.

  I swiped the paper ticket off the table and playfully tapped Chastity on the head with it as I slid out of the booth and headed for the register. She stayed behind to box up our leftovers. As I approached the counter my breath was knocked from my chest when a perfect dark-complexioned angel of heaven, harboring fierce hunter green eyes and a sharp jawline turned around to face me. For a moment, I lost my ability to speak.

  A grin spread across his perfect face as he stared back at me. Holy shit! I felt a wave of heat wash over my body and I wasn’t sure how many seconds passed before he finally spoke, but his deep throaty voice ripped me from my comatose state. “Can I help you?” he asked as his brow lifted.

  “Yes, uh sorry.” Shit. Why am I apologizing? I immediately broke eye contact and stared at the ticket in my hand when I saw his lips twitch at my reaction. “I need to pay my bill,” I finally squeaked out as I slid him the ticket with my credit card on top.

  “Sure thing,” he answered, taking the receipt and my card from the counter. He started punching buttons on the register and I took this opportunity to admire the fine specimen that stood before me. I’m certain I’ve never seen him in here before. I definitely would have remembered if I had. He has a sharp nose to match the clean shaven jawline. His full lips were slightly parted as he worked and I held my breath when I spotted his tongue poke out ever so slightly, wetting them.

  It’s a shame he’s a pizza guy. My parents would never approve. I can hear them now, we sent you to a thirty thousand dollar a year college and you brought home a pizza boy? The thought of it pissing them off made me grin, but I already knew I could never go through with it. Unfortunately, they control my tuition and therefore control all aspects of my life. Not to mention, he seems like a nice enough guy. They would find some way to use or ruin him like they’ve done to every other guy I’ve ever been brave enough to introduce them to.

  “Here ya go. Just need you to sign at the bottom.” He pushed the slip over the counter to me, laying a pen on top. I suddenly felt hot under his gaze as he watched me scribble my name and slide it back to him.

  “So, Quinn is it?” he asked, catching me off guard.

  “Huh?”

  “Oh, I, uh, I read the name on the card.” He pointed to my credit card in my hand.

  “Ah. Yeah. It’s Quinn.” I offered a polite smile and tried to turn away, but he continued.

  “I’m Tucker,” he said, grinning proudly then narrowed his eyes at me as if trying to gauge my interest.

  Offering another quick smile, I nodded and tried to turn away again. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. He’s gorgeous, but I’ve already decided my parents would never allow it.

  “I’m sorry,” he started again, but now with an annoyed, or maybe confused look on his face, “Are you intentionally trying to get away from me?”

  My face burned red. Yes. “What? No. I-I just…”

  “Have to get back to your friend who seems lost without you?” he interrupted me, tilting his head at Chastity who was still sitting in our booth, grinning from ear to ear, completely lost in her phone.

  “Look, I'm sorry. I’m not trying to be rude, but I’m just not your type.” I started backing away slowly as I watched a playful smile curl on his lips. Why is he looking at me like that?!

  He crossed his arms over his chest, causing the muscles in his toned biceps to ripple, and began moving from behind the counter. “Well, that’s awfully presumptuous of you. How do you know what my type is?” he asked casually.

  My adrenaline started to pump through me as his eyes narrowed on me like he was a missile now fixed on it’s target. I felt like I’d just unintentionally started a very intense game of cat and mouse. I can’t let him know he’s affecting me, it will only encourage him further. I tried to remain calm and hold his smouldering gaze, but my armor cracked and I started to stumble over my words. “I-I don’t. I mean to be honest, I don’t think you’re my type either.”

  He froze at my words and I watched his tongue slip past his lips, wetting them again before he bit down on his bottom one. A grin turned up on his face as if he knew damn well I was lying. My lower half clenched instantly at the sight and I sucked in a breath.

  “Well,” he said, moving towards me again. This time I didn't back away, but tried to hold my ground. He lowered his head to keep my gaze and strands of dark brown hair fell to the sides of his face. “If you tell me what your type is, maybe I can find a way to be that for you.” His face was now just inches from mine, his breath fanning my face, and I realized I was forcing my thighs together. Damn he’s good. I’ve gotta get out of here.

  I left out a nervous laugh and finally pulled myself out from under his glare. “Maybe next time, Tucker.” I smiled at him shyly and gave him one more look-over from top to bottom before turning on my heels, grabbing Chastity by the arm, and ripping her out the door. I had to leave before he had the chance to change my mind… because it probably would’ve worked. Jesus.

  I wanted to tell Chastity about Tucker immediately after leaving, but I held back. She hated my parents even more than I did and she’d never even met them. I already knew she wouldn’t let me use them as an excuse for not going after Tucker. Instead, I just listened to her ramble on about the latest gossip and who slept with who at the party last night. All the while, my mind was still back at Catalina’s. I probably analyzed what had happened back there at least one hundred times over before we got back to our building.

  We reached our dorm and I had every intention of going back to bed and analyzing some more, but as soon as I opened the door I found a letter on the floor just inside the threshold. It was addressed to me. I opened it up and started to read.

  “Hmm… who’s that from?” Chastity rested her chin on my shoulder as she read along with me,

  Good evening Kappa Delta Phi Pledge,

  We’re officially at the start of our spring semester and our records indicate you’re one senior student ID short of your eligibility requirements for full acceptance into Kappa Delta Phi. Please submit said ID no later than the Alpha Gamma Xi Mixer or you will forfeit your acceptance to Kappa Delta Phi.

  With love,

  Your Kappa Delta Phi President,

  Amanda Charleston

  My heart sank in my chest. I was kind of hoping they would forget about it or maybe lose track of who completed it and who didn’t. The eligibility requirement she was referring to was the one that stated all freshman pledges must find a senior, sleep with him, steal his student ID and submit it to Amanda as proof. Though Chastity and I rushed this sorority in the fall, my acceptance remained in pending status until I fulfilled all the requirements.

  “Damn girl! You still haven’t done that yet? What are you waiting for?” Chastity asked, surprise ringing in her voice.

  My eyes narrowed on her and I shook my head. It was easy for her to say. She’s stunning in every aspect of the word. She had no problem attracting men. Not to mention she lost her virginity in high school, a virtue I still secretly clung to. One that I wouldn’t mind releasing my grip on, however, for the right guy. I’ve experimented plenty sexually, but none of the boys I’d been with had that… wow factor. That missing link that drove me to completely give into my desires.

  I don’t think I’m asking for much. Just the fairytale. A guy who makes my world stand still. One who can make me weak with just a touch and can intoxicate me with a kiss. You know. The usual stuff. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt either that Chastity’s standards didn't extend much further than simply having a dick. Yes, for a girl named Chastity, she sure knew how to party. The irony was not lost on her either. I believe she fulfilled her requirement within the first week of school, before she even knew it was a requirement.

  Regardless, she was right. Kappa Delta Phi was the sorority to pledge at Clayvale University. Any other greek house would be reported for hazing, but I wasn’t dumb enough to report KDP. The members
and their families had the best post grad connections in the city. If you wanted to be any kind of force in the business world in this city, you needed those connections. Not that I wanted to be a force, but rather my parents required it of me.

  Amanda Charleston, for instance. She’s the KDP president and her dad is the CEO of Target Technologies, the single biggest security technology company in the country. If I could network with her, it could open so many doors for my dad’s company, maybe even a partnership. Afterall, that’s what we’re all here for in the business world—to be stepping stones for other people's success. My parents were using me as a pawn to expand their business, I’m expected to use Kappa Delta Phi in the same way.

  Being an only child, my dad was counting on me to contribute to his multimillion dollar enterprise in just four years. Regardless, going into it with a few CEO’s in my back pocket would make my life so much easier. Well, at least easier in regards to my professional life. As far as my personal life went, I couldn’t help but think the only reason my parents had been pushing me to be involved in the family business was so they could continue controlling my life. Whatever the reason, the only thing that stood in my way from fulfilling their purpose for me now was one senior student ID. And I hadn’t the slightest idea how to get one.

  Two

  Tucker

  “What do you mean I still need a business credit? I’m not even a business major?” I could feel my body temperature skyrocketing as my hands balled themselves into fists.

  “I’m sorry, Tucker, but with the curriculum changes, it's a general education requirement now. Whether you like it or not, it needs to be fulfilled before you graduate.” Professor Harrison’s tone was matter-of-fact which only served to piss me off more, but I knew it wasn’t his fault. He’d actually been a really great advisor and one that I’d had since my freshman year. I let him know early on that it was my plan to take two extra classes each semester so that I would have as much free time my senior year as possible to focus on spring training and my senior season and he’d been very helpful with that. He helped me navigate which classes would be best to take as additions to each semester's requirements to make sure I didn’t struggle academically.