Daddy's Perfect Game: A Single Dad Baseball Fauxmance, page 9
I raise an eyebrow. “So, that means…no more fake relationship?”
Avery nods, a mix of nerves and anticipation in her expression. “No more pretending. Just us.”
I study her for a moment before a small smile tugs at my lips. "I can get on board with that.”
As we walk along the shoreline, the gravity of Avery's words settles in. The sea, once a witness to our scripted romance, now seems to echo the genuine sentiment in the air. I take a deep breath, exhaling the remnants of the role I've played.
“It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?” I comment, my gaze fixed on the horizon.
Avery chuckles, her laughter carrying a blend of relief and newfound freedom. “Definitely not what I expected when I roped you into this fake dating charade.”
“Roped me in?” I playfully feign offense. “I think I brought my own set of complications to the table.”
She nudges me with her shoulder, a playful glint in her eyes. “Maybe. No more slutty girls now, you hear me?”
I frown at that, thinking about how Skylar had almost ruined everything. I take her hand and lead her down to the sandy shore, where we sit side by side, looking at the ocean.
“Avery, since I met you, there really wasn’t any other girls,” I admit. “It was only you. Skylar was nothing, I promise you that. And now that we are together, officially, there won’t be any others.” I reach out and caress her cheek gently. “Just you,” I finish.
She breathes a small sigh of relief and closes her eyes. “Thank you,” I say. “I guess it all worked out, didn’t it?”
“It did,” I admit, the honesty flowing effortlessly. “And now, here we are.”
Avery opens her eyes and searches my face. “So, what now, Austin?”
I take a moment, considering the question. The waves continue their eternal dance, a backdrop to this pivotal moment. “Now, we see where this real thing takes us. No scripts, no roles. Just us, figuring it out together.”
Avery smiles, a genuine warmth that transcends any act we've put on. “I like the sound of that.”
Her lips part slightly, and I can’t help my gaze from drifting to them. I feel a sudden urge to press my lips to hers, and do so much more. I stand up and take her hand, pulling her to her feet.
“Come with me,” I say, leading her away from the shore and onto a more secluded nook of the beach.
We walk in silence, the Hawaii sun shining over our footprints. Avery’s dark hair whips around her hair in the breeze and the towel still wrapped around her body tangles between her legs with each step. I lead her to a place nearby, a small inlet surrounded by leafy trees and full bushes.
“Sit down,” I say, gesturing to the secluded patch of sand.
Avery’s wide eyes reflect the sunlight as she slowly lowers herself to the ground, her gaze never breaking.
“Take off your bathing suit,” I whisper, my voice almost getting lost in the sound of the lapping waves. “Let me show you how much you mean to me.”
She hesitates, and my heart beats loudly. For a moment, I’m afraid that I’ve said too much.
Was I too direct? I wonder.
Then, without a sound, Avery lets the towel slip away. Without breaking eye contact, she reaches over her head and unties the straps of that tiny bikini. It falls to the sand and as it does, her bare breasts bounce with the movement. The sunlight shines over each one in a way that makes her hard to resist.
“Oh, my God,” I whisper as I kneel down beside her. I put one hand over the back of her neck and pull her closer. As she does, her bare breasts brush against my chest, causing goosebumps to form on my arms. I kiss her tenderly, passionately, as deeply as I can.
Avery, I love you, I think as I tangle my hands into her hair. The involuntary thought makes my body go stiff. Love? The idea came so unexpectedly, so sudden, I can’t quite process it.
Avery pulls away as if sensing my hesitation. Her eyes are wide and shine in the sunlight. “What?” she whispers, her voice laced with concern.
I reach out and cup one of her breasts. I let a thumb run over her nipples, and she instinctively arches her back, filling my hand with her softness.
“Nothing,” I say, leaning forward to kiss her neck. “You’re just so beautiful.”
I push her to the ground so she lies in the soft sand. I continue to kiss her neck, then move down to her collarbone and breasts. I let my tongue flick across one nipple, then the other, before continuing down. One kiss to her stomach and one just below her belly button. Then, with a gentle tug, I remove her little bikini bottom. She’s already hot and wet when my lips meet her skin. She lets out a moan and arches her back as I kiss her folds, letting my tongue slowly enter her.
“Oh, Austin,” Avery moans as I let my tongue do the work, expressing my passions through each lick and nibble.
I feel myself getting harder and harder as her body writhes beneath my touch. I put one hand on her stomach to steady her as her body shudders and convulses with pleasure. Finally, I let her reach her climax. I look up to watch her face as she stares up at the bright blue sky, letting pleasure ripple through her body.
Slowly, I lower my own bathing suit. I lean over her so that my hardness grazes her wetness, teasing her ever so slightly. My lips find hers, and I kiss her deeply, pressing myself to her closely, as though I can’t get enough. Then, when I can’t take it any longer, I press myself into her. Slowly, slowly, drawing out every moment of rippling passion.
“This is how much I care about you,” I whisper in her ear, suddenly plunging deep.
She lets out a gasp and stares into my eyes as I thrust inside, deeper, harder, over and over until she is left breathless. As if she has no other way to contain herself, her nails scratch at my back as I continue to move. I grab one breast as I move with more purpose, more passion.
“You are incredible,” I whisper to her as I play with her nipple. “You are passionate, you are smart, you are everything I could ever want.”
“Austin, I—” She tries to speak, but at that moment, she experiences a rippling climax, letting out a long cry that echoes into the sea breeze.
Afterward, we recline in the soft embrace of the sand. The rhythmic melody of the waves creates a serene atmosphere, and the starlit sky above us seems to hold the promise of countless possibilities. I wrap my arms around Avery’s still naked body, the sand clinging to her form like a million little gemstones.
“This is perfect,” I whisper, a smile of contentment gracing my lips.
Avery turns to me, her eyes reflecting the same satisfaction. “It really is.”
The air is filled with a sense of peace, but beneath the tranquility, a subtle unease stirs within me. There's a knot in my stomach, a lingering awareness of a truth I've yet to share.
Emmy, I think. She has no idea that I have a daughter.
I look at her and want to tell her, but something stops me.
Have I waited too long to share this? I wonder. Will Avery get upset by the secret?
I decide not to ruin the moment, instead I pull her closer to me and enjoy the feel of her naked skin.
I’ll tell her soon, I tell myself, the next chance I get…
Avery
Wow, the big day is really here , I think to myself, as the sun dips below the horizon, casting warm hues across the beach as the wedding ceremony begins. I stand on the sandy shore, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, honored to be the maid of honor for my sister Polly's beachfront wedding.
The gentle lull of the ocean provides a soothing backdrop as Polly, radiant in her wedding gown, takes the first steps down the makeshift aisle. The delicate fabric of her dress flutters in the breeze, and her smile beams with pure joy. My heart swells with happiness as I watch her approach, hand in hand with our father. The golden sunlight catches the shimmering details of her veil, turning the moment into a vision of pure magic.
As the sea breeze tousles my hair I steal a glance at Austin, sitting on an ornately decorated white chair with the other wedding guests. His eyes meet mine, and a shared understanding passes between us. The journey we've embarked upon, from a fake relationship to this genuine celebration of love, feels like a testament to the unexpected twists life can take.
As Polly reaches the altar, my gaze shifts to the happy couple, and the officiant begins the ceremony. The air is filled with the promises of love and commitment. It makes me reflect on the journey that brought us all to this beautiful moment on the beach.
Polly's voice carries the sincerity of a heart in love as she utters, “John, from the moment we met, I knew my life was about to change. You came into it like a gentle wave, gradually sweeping away my doubts and fears.”
John listens intently, his gaze locked on Polly with unwavering devotion. The sea breeze rustles the pages of their vows, as if nature itself is celebrating this union.
Polly continues, “I promise to be your partner in all things, to stand by you through every ebb and flow of life. I vow to cherish the simple moments and celebrate the grand adventures, just as we do with the rising and setting sun.”
John, taking his turn, looks deeply into Polly's eyes. “Polly, you are the anchor that grounds me, and the sail that propels me forward. I promise to stand by you in every storm and bask in the sunshine of our brightest days.”
The sincerity in their words resonates with everyone present, creating an atmosphere charged with love and commitment. The exchange of vows is a testament to the profound connection Polly and John share. I feel privileged to witness this beautiful chapter in their love story.
As the ceremony unfolds, Chris, the man I knew a long time ago with his dark hair and charming smile, stands by John's side. The sun casts a warm glow on the beach, creating a picturesque scene for this momentous occasion.
As the time comes for the ring exchange, Chris reaches into his pocket with a confident grin. However, as he extends his hand to present the ring to John, a sudden realization washes over his face. I furrow my eyebrows and lean over to get a better look at what’s going on.
The ring is not there.
A hush falls over the gathering as Chris frantically pats his pockets, searching for the missing ring. The tension is thick, and a few nervous chuckles ripple through the crowd. John, standing beside Polly, looks at Chris with a mix of amusement and anticipation.
“I... uh, seems I might have misplaced the ring,” Chris admits, his smile now a sheepish grin.
Polly’s face falls. “What?” she calls out, her cheeks flushing red.
John puts a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry baby, we will look for it.” He pauses to turn to the wedding guests. “Everyone, look around! The ring has to be here somewhere.”
The wedding party, now engaged in search, fans out along the sandy shore, their eyes scanning the ground for the missing ring.
“Come on, folks! We can't let Chris’ mistake ruin this day,” Father calls out.
Chris runs a hand through his hair. “I’m really sorry guys…it has to be around here…”
That’s when I look up at Austin. From where I stand, I can see that his keen eyes catch a glint near a cluster of seashells.
“Hey, over here!” he calls.
Bending down, he carefully retrieves the elusive ring, triumphantly holding it up for everyone to see. The discovery prompts a collective sigh of relief and a round of applause from the guests.
“Found it,” he says.
Chris calls, “Well done, Austin! A true hero!” he claps Austin on the back. “Thanks for saving my ass,” he whispers.
With a smile, Austin hands the ring to Chris, who takes a playful bow before presenting it to John.
“May your marriage be as resilient as this ring against the whims of the sand!” Chris jokes.
The ceremony resumes; this time, the ring exchange proceeds smoothly. The momentary hiccup becomes a charming anecdote, adding a unique and memorable touch to Polly and John's beachfront wedding.
The officiant declares, “You may now kiss the bride.” John and Polly eagerly seal their vows with a sweet, lingering kiss. The guests erupt in cheers and applause, celebrating the newlyweds' joyous union.
I smile as I watch the couple, their happiness radiating as they run down the aisle hand in hand, their laughter blending with the gentle sounds of the ocean. It's a picturesque moment, filled with love and the promise of a beautiful future together.
Austin
I stand in the midst of the wedding reception, a glass of champagne in hand, surrounded by the joyous celebration of John and Polly's union. Laughter and clinking glasses fill the air, and the venue is adorned with elegant decorations that complement the love in the room.
As I glance around at the guests, my eyes meet Avery's, and for a moment, I'm captivated by her beauty. She smiles warmly, seemingly immersed in the happiness of the occasion. However, beneath the surface, a sense of guilt gnaws at me.
I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles tingling on my tongue, but the guilt lingers. I should have told Avery about Emmy by now, and as much as I revel in the joy of the newlyweds, a weight bears down on me, a reminder of a truth left untold. That’s when she approaches with a playful twinkle in her eye. She laces her hand in mine gently, sending warmth through my body.
“Looks like you're the hero of the day, Austin!” she teases, a smile dancing on her lips.
I chuckle, appreciating the lightness she brings to the moment. “Just doing my part for the wedding festivities.”
The music invites us to the dance floor, and Avery extends an invitation with a subtle tilt of her head.
“Care to join me for a dance, hero?”
I grin, offering my arm. "I'd be honored."
The dance floor is alive with the rhythmic pulse of the music; as Avery and I step onto its polished surface, I feel a sense of connection. The melody envelops us, creating a world of its own where only the two of us exist. Avery looks up at me, her eyes filled with a playful sparkle. “This song is amazing!”
“I know, I love this song!” I call back.
Her eyes widen. “No way, really? I can't believe we both love it.”
I chuckle, the corners of my lips lifting into a genuine smile. “Great minds think alike, I suppose.”
As we sway to the music, our movements sync with the beat. The song holds a special place in both our hearts. In this moment, it feels like more than just a dance. It's a shared experience, a harmonious connection that goes beyond the steps we take on the dance floor.
The world around us fades away, leaving only the music and the warmth of Avery's presence. It's a simple joy, dancing with her. I find myself grateful for the unexpected turns that led us to this point.
My hand rests on Avery's back, and the connection between us deepens with each gentle step. I steal a glance at her, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond between us.
The urge to reveal the truth about Emmy, to share the complexities of my life, simmers just beneath the surface. But every time I muster the courage to speak, a wave of hesitation holds me back.
Avery looks up at me, her eyes filled with warmth. “You seem a bit distant, Austin. Everything okay?”
Okay, I think, now’s your chance, it’s as good as any.
I open my mouth to speak, but then something catches my eye. The chef emerges from the kitchen, carefully carrying a grand wedding cake adorned with intricate details. The cake stands tall, layered in tiers, each tier meticulously decorated with elegant white fondant. Delicate swirls and intricate lace patterns cascade down the sides, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship.
A small edible replica of a bride and groom graces the top, capturing the essence of the newlyweds. The figures are dressed in miniature wedding attire, the essence of the joyous occasion. But then, disaster strikes.
“Woah!” the chef calls out.
My eyes widen in horror as he stumbles, and the majestic wedding cake teeters on the edge of disaster. In slow motion, it cascades downward, landing with a resounding thud on the table. A gasp ripples through the room, and I can feel the weight of collective disappointment.
“My cake!” Polly cries out, shuffling to the table in her white dress.
The once-perfect tiers now lie in a crumpled heap, frosting smeared and decorations askew. I glance at Avery, our shared astonishment mirrored in her eyes. The chef looks mortified, attempting to salvage whatever remains of the cake.
I turn to Avery with a rueful smile. ”Well, that wasn't part of the plan.”
Polly's tears threaten to spill over and her words echo with frustration. “First a shark attack, then the missing ring, now this? My wedding is ruined!”
Everyone looks at each other uncomfortably, unsure of how to make things better for the bride. Then, I have an idea.
I step forward, trying to ease the tension. “Hey, don't worry. We can salvage this. Avery, let's work some decorating magic on this cake.”
Her eyes widen. “Really? You think we can?”
I nod. “It'll be unique, and we'll turn this mishap into a story to remember.”
Avery nods in agreement, a determined gleam in her eyes. “You're right. Let's make it special, despite the unexpected twists.”
“Excuse me,” I call to the chef, “do you have spare icing?”
The chef nods and hands me a container of extra icing. Turning to Avery, I grin. “Let's work our magic.”
We dive into the task at hand, laughter and banter flowing between us as we mend the cake. The onlookers, initially concerned, start to appreciate the impromptu teamwork. Polly's tears turn to smiles, and the atmosphere lightens. Amid the laughter and banter, Avery hands me the icing, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Looks like we've stumbled into a new career, cake decorators on the side.’
I chuckle. “Who knew we had hidden talents? Maybe we should start a business.”
Avery grins, placing a dollop of icing with precision. “Our tagline could be, ‘We turn cake disasters into sweet masterpieces.’”
