Anything but Minor - Kate Stewart Page 0,21

through my head, I gave my answer. “I’d love to.”

After work, I found myself at Andy’s Brew House. Andy sat next to me as good company and introduced me to some of the bar regulars. Andy was an all-around incredible guy. He and Rafe had come up through the minors together, though Andy was almost four years older. He’d been recognized as Rafe advanced, and they had progressed and played for a few different Single-A teams together. He would never be drafted to the pros but didn’t seem discontent about that fact. Andy opened the bar when the two had moved to Charleston with the intention of having a place to call his own when he finished with the minors.

“This is my last year,” he said as he eyed Kristina across the bar. “My knees are wearing out, and I’m tired of all the traveling. I’m playing one last season to see Rafe through.”

I couldn’t help the tug in my chest as I recognized Andy as one of my tribe. He’d been nothing but the perfect gentlemen since I met him. I respected him, and in a way, I’d developed a personality crush on him.

“So have you always wanted to open a bar?”

Andy smiled, his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “It’s funny you ask that, actually. Rafe bought me a brew kit for Christmas one year as a gag. He said I’d sworn I could do better than some of the local brew masters in the area. I think it was a drunken conversation. Anyway, the kit stayed in my closet for a month and then one day, I went for it, and I loved it. Anyway, when I was home, I brewed in my garage and eventually came up with a few recipes, found some bar space here, and the rest is history.”

“A gag gift, huh?”

“Yep, funny how shit like that works out,” he said as he tapped his glass to mine. “My dream is to get it in stores.”

“I can see that happening,” I said as I gestured around the bar. “The regulars seem to love it.”

“Meh, that’s only because it’s all I serve on tap,” he winked at me, and I noticed just how good looking he was. Andy was more blond than red up top but had a thin goatee of dark red hair around his lips. His eyes were a beautiful, pale blue, and he was all solid man behind his sweet smile.

“Have some faith,” I said as I tipped my beer. “I mean, you’ve got me drinking it.”

“I will, doll,” he promised. “Bonfire tonight, you up for it?”

“It’s a weekday. I have work tomorrow.”

“We all do. That’s the point.”

Later that night, I found myself beachside surrounded by a small group of Andy’s most loyal regulars and friends. Someone played a ukulele while Andy tapped a keg of his finest brew. Rafe joined the party and took a seat beside me in greeting.

“Lesbian Alice.”

“Bonehead Athlete.”

He looked down at me with his trademark smirk. “What brings you out tonight?”

“An invitation, of course,” I answered as I held up my cup. “And free beer.”

Rafe smelled like heaven as he surveyed the party. Flames licked his perfect profile as he greeted a few others seated around the roaring fire.

“Looking for someone willing to play with you?” I said with a nudge of my shoulder. His eyes roved over me, and I averted mine to the fire.

He leaned in so slowly, I held my breath. “Would you be jealous?”

I didn’t hesitate a second as I turned back to answer. “Would you want me to be?”

Rafe’s eyes sparkled with thoughts behind them I could only imagine. I’d actually made a small effort tonight in my appearance and wore a black sundress. I’d flattened my hair and put on some mascara and lip gloss. Rafe stared at my coated lips for endless seconds before he looked up to me.

“I’m pretty good at fucking,” he said under his breath as mine again caught in my throat, and I swallowed hard. “It’s not something I play around with.”

“A professional with all of your balls,” I murmured as my mind drifted with thoughts of the space closing between us.

“Really, Alice?” he whispered as his breath hit my bare neck.

“A sure thing with your big...bat.”

“Curious?” he quipped as he studied my lips before he stood to make his way across the fire toward Andy and a group of guys huddled around the keg.

“Remember, no glove, no love!” I shouted after him as he looked