AJ chuckled, glancing over at Clair again. “I can’t imagine her not winning all of them.”

“Oh, if you ask her, she’ll insist she wins them all. In some cases, she says she let them think they won, but secretly she knew better.”

“Yep, I’m pretty sure she’s done that to me a few times.”

Addison laughed as that strangeness in her belly started up again when his eyes met hers and his smile flattened slowly. “So what’s your story, Addison?”

“My story?” she asked, straightening out a bit.

“Yeah.” Unlike her, instead of the change in subject making him uneasy, he leaned over on the table and searched her eyes, making no qualms about his interest in her story. “I know you said Clair’s dad isn’t part of your lives, but I’m surprised no one else has snatched you up. Or am I making assumptions? Is there someone in your life you haven’t told Clair about?” He started to bring the mug to his mouth then stopped. “Not that I’ve asked her, I just figured as much as she talks she would’ve mentioned it by now.”

Swallowing hard, Addison attempted to appear as unperturbed by this subject as it made her. “There’s no one now,” she said, but didn’t want to sound too pathetic. Clair was seven now, and while she hadn’t had any serious prospects all this time, she had dated a few times. “I’ve dated here and there, but I’m paranoid about having her meet anyone I date. She might be better at understanding things in general than most kids. I know firsthand it doesn’t matter how smart you are; your heart is still fragile and vulnerable.” She smiled. “Not sure if you’ve noticed, but once she decides she likes someone, she really becomes attached.” That made the intense expression soften a little and he smiled. “I really had to think about it when I decided if I’d be moving in with my parents for a while before getting my own place out here. You’ve seen how they spoil her, and it’s not just with monetary things either. As you’re well aware, my father takes her to every home game I let him. And I’m not sure if she told you, but she has big plans for the summer. Since I won’t be able to use the “no games on school nights” excuse anymore, she plans on being at every single home game, weeknight or not. My parents have both already agreed to take her along on many of the road trips too.”

“She did tell me,” he said, his eyes shining as if that made him happy. “I’m looking forward to it. I missed having her around while I was on the road.” Something else flitted in his eyes and then he added. “Missed seeing her.”

Something about the way he said it made Addison’s heart flutter. There was more to that statement; though she dared not over think it. He’d missed his little buddy and that warmed Addison because she knew Clair would be happy to hear it. She’d lost count of how many times Clair had said the phrase “I can’t wait until Papa and AJ get back.”

“Will you be joining her in the summer?” he asked, taking a drink of his beer.

Again he was just curious, so she shrugged as casually as the inquiry had been made. “I’ll try to make it a few times. More than likely to some cities I like visiting most, but mostly because I don’t want my parents taking on the brunt of having to travel with her alone each time.”

That seemed to please him because his eyes did that smoldering thing they did so often in Niagara Falls, the same unnerving gaze she still couldn’t quite put her finger on. “The summer just keeps sounding better and better.”

The kids ran over a few times to drop off tickets they won on some of the machines. Addison couldn’t get enough of seeing AJ’s interaction with them. For such an intense guy, as famous for his raging as he was for his incredible baseball skills, he was so sweet and patient with them.

Addison didn’t even realize she wore such an adoring smile until he turned back to her. He’d been watching the kids run off again as she’d been watching him.

“What’s that smile about?” he asked, bringing his mug to his lips.

Feeling a little embarrassed because she’d been caught, she shrugged, but couldn’t quite undo what she knew was likely a goofy smile. “You’re so good with them. I think it’s sweet.”

“Kids?” He glanced back at them then lifted and dropped a shoulder. “Never met one I didn’t like. It’s nice to be reminded of what life was like once upon a time. I envy them actually. I’d give anything for life to be that simple again.”

“But your life is a dream come true,” she said, surprised by his last comment.

“It is,” he agreed immediately. “And I’m not complaining, but like with everything, no matter what profession you’re in, there’s always something to worry about. When you’re a kid, you can go to bed at night without a worry in the world.”

“Oh, you don’t think Clair worries about stuff?” Addison smirked.

“Okay, you got me there.” He laughed. “But she’s an exception. I’m sure she worries about stuff she doesn’t have to worry about: the team’s stats, maintaining her perfect grades in school, her mother having company tonight.”

That made Addison’s face heat. “Did she say that?”

“Why? Does that embarrass you?” he asked with a growing smile. “She’s a smart little girl. Of course she’d think ahead. She knew this is what she’d be doing.” He motioned out to where Clair and Harrison were shooting basketballs into a basket and missing every single one then turned back to Addison. “She just thought it’d be better if you had someone to keep you company. I’m just glad it was me she asked and not anyone else.”

Just as he had from day one, he’d done so again all night. Every time he said something she thought could mean more, he held her gaze silently for a few moments, almost as if to challenge her to ask him to clarify. In this case, he couldn’t be making it clearer. While the thought was beyond thrilling, she didn’t want him getting the wrong idea. Addison had been around baseball players her entire life. It still hadn’t stopped her from making the mistake once, but she knew better now. She wasn’t naïve enough to think that a guy like AJ would be interested in more than just a flirtation, maybe a meaningless romp—his San Diego girl even.

If she thought she could go along with it—give her body the pleasure of what she could only imagine would be beyond amazing and have her heart not get involved—she would. God, would she ever. Again and again. But she knew she couldn’t, especially not with AJ.

“I’m glad she asked you to also, AJ,” she said, smiling sweetly. “If you’re going to be my daughter’s best buddy, then I guess it only makes sense that you and I be friends too.”

“It’s a start,” he said with a smirk as he eyed her over her mug. Before her heart could recover, he downed what was left of his beer and stood up. “C’mon. Let’s go help these kids out with that basketball. At least get one in for them.”

She stood up, feeling as weak-kneed as she knew she’d be, and walked over to him. The booth they’d been in was somewhat in a private corner. Obviously, some of the patrons had recognized him but had given them their space; though she’d seen many of them rubbernecking the whole time they’d sat there chatting.

Over by the games, the kids were not as discreet as the adults around them. AJ was immediately hit up for his autograph. He happily obliged then proceeded to do what he said he wanted to and helped Clair and Harrison with the basketballs. Of course, he was as good at shooting the baskets as he was at baseball. Before long, they were surrounded by cheering kids and adults taking photos with their phones and then posing with him.

Being the daughter of a famous player, even if by the time she was Clair’s age he wasn’t playing anymore, Addison was used to this. Her dad had been a big enough name in the game that even now he was still recognized everywhere he went. She remembered watching him the way Clair and Harrison watched AJ now: with wide-eyed smiles and chests puffed with pride.