Off the Hook Read online

  Off the Hook

  Title Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Epilogue

  Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2019 Dania Voss

  ISBN: 978-1-77339-991-1

  Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

  Editor: Karyn White

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  I’d like to acknowledge my wonderful publisher, Evernight and the Evernight author community, especially Laura M. Baird, for their support and encouragement at my first attempt at writing a short story. Many thanks go to Karyn White, my editor, for helping me make this story the best it can be.

  I’m dedicating Off the Hook to my father who sadly passed away shortly before I received my first round of edits. He was so incredibly proud when I became a published author. I intend to continue making him proud with future books and other projects moving forward.

  OFF THE HOOK

  Windy City Nights (Inception)

  Dania Voss

  Copyright © 2019

  Chapter One

  June 23, 2007—ten years before On the Ropes

  Abbey Jayne blew out an exasperated breath as she held up yet another dress, hoping for her older sister Cassie’s approval. This was the third, and, she hoped, the last. A pretty white summery sleeveless number with a lovely flowered print that ended just above the knee. If Cassie didn’t approve, she’d tell her to take a flying leap. How she’d let her sister convince her to go on this not-really-a-double-date, she wasn’t sure.

  Abbey held her breath as her sister’s baby blues, nearly identical to her own, analyzed her third dress choice. Please let this be the one so we can get on with it.

  When Cassie nodded her approval and smiled, Abbey sighed, relieved. “Finally. If you said no to this one, I would tell you to forget it and stay home with Mom and Dad and order pizza for dinner.”

  With her hair and makeup perfectly done up already and wearing a lavender robe, Cassie rolled her eyes, flung her glossy blonde locks over her shoulders, and rummaged through Abbey’s closet in search of shoes to go with her now approved not-really-a-double-date dress.

  She emerged a minute later with a pair of strappy, white, high heeled sandals perfect for said dress. Only a year older than Abbey at nineteen, Cassie had a fashion sense Abbey sorely lacked. A professed computer nerd, Abbey felt at home in jeans, a t-shirt, and makeup free.

  Shaking her head, Cassie handed her the sandals and placed her hands on her hips. “Nope. You agreed, and Jake and Luke will be here soon. You can’t back out, Abbey. Come on. Please don’t back out now. You need to come out with us.”

  Abbey carefully placed her dress on her bed with the sandals beside it. Showered and in her own robe, a powder blue one, she turned to her sister, anger simmering. “It’s yours and Jake’s six-month anniversary. Why would I or Luke need to be there?”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “Because, like you, Luke needs a break. All he does is study, practice, and play. You’ve got a couple of months before you start classes at U of I. Don’t you want to have fun, some adventures before you buckle down for the next four years?”

  Abbey shrugged. She was shy, unlike her sister, the social butterfly. She preferred to read and loved working with computers. Activities that didn’t involve other people. She was a computer science major at U of I Champaign-Urbana, for Pete’s sake! But her sister had a point. Her life up to this point had been boring, primarily focused on her studies. But why did Luke Stryker, of all people, have to join them?

  “I know. You’re right. But doesn’t Luke have better things to do? Why would he want to go out with us?” She’d bet he could have his pick of dates. He was two years older than she was, rich, and a pitcher for his uncle’s baseball team, the Chicago Cobras. He was super cute, too. Six feet tall with golden blond hair, sparkling blue eyes and dimples. Luke “Strike ‘em out” Stryker seemed larger than life when she saw him play on TV. She was just Cassie’s dorky younger sister.

  Cassie frowned and held both her hands tight. “Are you nervous about meeting him?”

  Abbey’s face heated. She was awkward with boys. And Luke was a man. A professional athlete. She bet he wasn’t still a virgin. Two seconds after Cassie had met Jake six months ago Cassie had lost her virginity.

  “You don’t have to be. Luke’s really nice. Don’t let what you’ve seen on TV influence you. The players have to ham it up for the fans, you know? And with the team’s children’s foundation and his uncle’s real estate firm, they’re in the public eye a lot. Don’t let that intimidate you,” Cassie said, like it was no big deal.

  Abbey’s stomach churned. “Thanks. I feel so much better now.” She pulled away from Cassie’s clutch and sat on the edge of her bed, her stomach tied up in knots.

  Cassie sat down beside her and nudged her with her shoulder. “It’ll be fine. I promise. Just be yourself.”

  Abbey snorted. “Right. Your nerdy little sister?”

  Cassie sighed. “I’m sorry for always calling you that. I really don’t mean it. You’re smart, sweet, and beautiful. It’s not actually a date, remember? Luke’s lucky you’re coming along, instead of some crazed out fan who’ll just gush all over him. Okay?”

  Cassie thought she was beautiful? She didn’t know what to say. She considered her older sister pretty enough to be a model. With her confidence slightly boosted, Abbey nodded, feeling a little better. Maybe she could pull this off and not make a fool of herself.

  “And since I was able to convince you not to work at Office Supply Galaxy this summer and you’re gonna be a little more adventurous, come with Jake and me to some Cobras home games. The corporate VIP box is so much fun! The food is great, and most of the time a few celebrities are there.”

  That sounded fun, Abbey thought. Adventurous. Yes, she’d definitely give that a try. She liked baseball. It was something she and her father liked to watch together. They’d attended Chicago Cubs and White Sox games quite a few times over the years. They hadn’t wanted to take advantage of Jake’s friendship with Luke and hadn’t attended a Cobras game yet. Abbey nodded and smiled, determined to shake things up a little.

  Cassie stood and headed toward her bedroom door. “Good. Now let’s get ready. The guys will be here soon. You love Cucina Antonetti’s. Maybe we’ll get there in time to catch the Kiss song. And maybe wear a little makeup?” With that Cassie dashed out of Abbey’s room to get dressed.

  “You’re pushing your luck.” Abbey called out. She found she was now looking forward to their not-really-a-double-date after all. Let the adventures begin!

  ****

  Luke Stryker stared out of the car window as his best friend, Jake Tyler, drove from his parents’ place in Elmhurst, Illinois, to pick up his girl Cassie and her sister for dinner. He took one last look at what used to be his family home, nestled in between Jake’s and their friend Heath Jackson’s folks’ place.

  He closed his eyes and sighed. Ten years. It had been ten years since his parents were killed in that fucking car wreck while his father was on leave from the Army and his Uncle Darren had assumed guardianship an
d moved him to Chicago’s Gold Coast. His parents had now been dead for as long as he’d had time with them. God, he missed them.

  “I’m sorry, man. My parents hadn’t seen you in a while. I should have told them you were meeting us at Antonetti’s,” Jake said, regret in his voice.

  Luke turned to Jake, his lifelong friend of eighteen years. He’d met him and Heath, when he was only two years old. Heath was now serving in the Marines. They were two important people in Luke’s life, and so were their families. “Don’t be. It’s all right. It was great to see them. And Leah, too. I can’t believe she’s fifteen. She’s almost all grown up, huh?”

  Jake scoffed. “She thinks she’s thirty.”

  Luke laughed. Jake’s little sister Leah had always been headstrong. “I don’t understand why you’re dragging me and Cassie’s sister to dinner. It’s your anniversary. Shouldn’t you guys be alone?”

  Jake was so lucky, Luke thought. He’d fallen hard for the blonde bombshell at first sight. But Cassie wasn’t just arm candy; she was bright. He knew firsthand. She’d successfully navigated the Cobras’ grueling interview process and was working at their HQ over the summer before she resumed classes at DePaul University in the fall.

  “We get plenty of alone time. Tonight’s important.” Jake replied as he made his way across town to Cassie’s.

  Suddenly it dawned on Luke. Envy and excitement warred inside him. “Holy shit! You’re proposing to Cassie tonight. Aren’t you?”

  When Jake didn’t answer, Luke knew he was right. Envy overrode excitement, and he hated himself for it. Jake was family. He should be happy for him. He was happy for him. But he wanted what Jake and Cassie had for himself. Not the gold-digging groupies he was stuck dealing with and fending off. Yeah, Jake was lucky all right.

  Jake shook his head, grinning. “Check the glove compartment.”

  Luke popped it open and spotted the tiny black velvet box. Score. But when he opened the box, he frowned. It wasn’t an engagement ring. It was a pretty blue stone ring with little diamond accents.

  “Dude, what is this? I could have given you the money for a proper engagement ring. All you had to do was ask. You know that. You’re my big brother.” Why Jake and Heath made such a big deal about money he didn’t understand. He’d known them for years, considered them family and always would. They were his brothers, and he’d do anything for them.

  Jake sighed as he continued to Cassie’s. “I can buy my girl’s ring. It’s a promise ring. The London blue topaz matches the color of her eyes. It’s just something she can wear now so the assholes at DePaul know she’s taken, before I propose for real. We have a plan, you know?”

  Luke nodded and closed the ring box. He understood. Jake had the next several years all planned out. But so did Luke. It was exhausting to think about. Maybe Jake was right. A fun night out was what he needed for a change. “I know.”

  Jake pulled into the driveway of a modest home on a quiet block about two miles from Jake’s parents’ house. A few older homes had been torn down and rebuilt as was becoming more common in town since he’d moved away.

  After they exited the car, Luke handed the ring box to Jake, who then shoved it in his pants pocket. It was a warm June evening, the sun still shining. Luke breathed it all in, feeling calmer. It would be fine.

  Before heading to the front door, Jake placed a hand on his shoulder. “Okay, be on your best behavior. Cassie’s mother can take a minute to warm up. And be nice to Abbey. She’s shy. She spends all her time with her head in books or on her laptop.”

  Luke laughed. “Damn. If she’s that homely, maybe we shouldn’t take her someplace as fancy as Antonetti’s,” Luke said as they reached the front door.

  Jake chuckled. “Never said she was homely, little brother.”

  Cassie threw open the door before Jake could ring the bell and threw her arms around him. Jake hugged her tight. “Hey, Luke,” Cassie said looking over Jake’s shoulder.

  “Hey, sweetie,” Luke said as Cassie released Jake and ushered them inside.

  Being inside the Jayne home reminded him of his own from ten years before. Luke glanced around the inviting living room, appreciating the big screen TV and what looked like a comfy couch set. Even Cassie’s parents were blue-eyed and blonde-haired like his own had been. Luke tried not to let despair and longing fill his heart. Tonight was supposed to be about fun.

  “Abbey! The guys are here.” Cassie shouted up the stairs to her sister.

  For the next few minutes Luke and Jake made small talk with Cassie’s parents, mostly with Mr. Jayne about baseball. Mrs. Jayne was cordial but held back. Luke believed he could get her to warm up eventually.

  He instantly liked Mr. Jayne. He assured him he wasn’t taking advantage of his relationship with Jake, and would arrange for him and Abbey to join Jake and Cassie at some home games in the corporate VIP box seats at Stryker Field.

  “Okay, sorry. Here I am,” the breathless voice of an angel called out from behind him.

  Luke turned and was dumbstruck by the angel, no, the princess who stood before him wearing a flowery summer dress, white strappy high heeled sandals, and red painted toenails. A pretty blush stained her cheeks, and she wore gloss on her lips.

  His dick twitched in his pants, and he was grateful he wasn’t facing her folks. The last thing he needed was to give Mrs. Jayne another reason to be leery of him. His heart galloped so hard in his chest he thought it might burst right out.

  Abbey extended her dainty hand, her fingernails done up in the same red polish as her toes. “Hi, Luke, I’m Abbey. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  Luke hesitated a second before taking Abbey’s hand in his. A jolt of electricity zinged him straight to his heart. Abbey’s eyes widened as she must have felt it, too.

  “I’m Luke. Luke Stryker. I pitch for the Chicago Cobras.” he heard himself say. Idiot. She knows who you are. What’s wrong with you?

  The sweetest sounding giggle escaped from her glossy lips. “I know.”

  He heard Jake snicker. Asshole. Luke needed to get his shit together before he made a complete fool of himself in front of everyone.

  Not wanting to let go of Abbey’s hand, he turned back to everyone, trying to appear cool and in control. He felt anything but. “Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Jayne. We won’t have the girls out too late. I have an early practice in the morning.” That earned him a genuine smile from Mrs. Jayne.

  “Thank you, Luke. We appreciate that,” Mrs. Jayne said as they headed out the door.

  Score one for “Strike ‘em out” Stryker.

  Chapter Two

  Luke willed his racing heart and overactive dick to calm the hell down as Jake pulled out of the Jaynes’ driveway. He needed to get his act together or risk making a fool of himself in front of his princess. Yeah, somehow, some way, Abbey would be his.

  And what the fuck was wrong with Jake? He’d been with Cassie for six months and was just now introducing him? He’d get an earful about that when they were alone. Asshole.

  Did Jake think he would pounce on the girl? Jake had told him Abbey was shy. Into books and computers. Most likely still a virgin. Jake had been Cassie’s first, so it made sense.

  Luke’s mind was already racing with thoughts of Abbey being his. Was that premature? Not for him. But he’d take his time. He wasn’t a jerk and would let her set the pace. Follow her lead.

  Luke still felt the warmth of her hand even though they were now in her lap. He wanted to feel her silky-smooth skin again. His new iPhone rang, startling him. Noticing his Uncle Darren’s name on the display he answered without hesitation.

  “Uncle Darren, is everything all right?”

  “Yes, Luke. Nothing to worry about. I wanted to remind you about early practice in the morning,” his Uncle Darren said, all business, as usual.

  Luke sighed. He didn’t need a reminder. His entire life was scheduled down to the minute. God, he needed tonight in the worst way. A few hours to be himself. Just Luke. Out
with friends and the girl who would be his. Hoped would be his.

  “I know, Uncle Darren. I’ll be there. On time.” he replied, holding his anger in check. He didn’t enjoy being treated like a child. He was an MLB pitcher, even though only a middle reliever at the moment. His day was coming, he felt it.

  “Good, that’s what I wanted to hear. Please tell everyone I said hello. Enjoy your evening, Luke,” Darren said and disconnected the call.

  Relieved to be off the phone, he shoved it back in his pants pocket. “My uncle says hello,” he said to everyone. Abbey’s smile lit up her face, causing his heart to flutter. He wasn’t used to feeling that way around a girl.

  “Was he checking up on you, man?” Jake teased.

  Luke’s face warmed, and Abbey giggled. “Don’t be embarrassed, Luke. My mother checks up on me all the time. She probably won’t tonight because Cassie’s with me,” Abbey offered.

  “Parents. We’re all adults, for shit’s sake, right?” Cassie asked.

  “Come on, guys. Give the parents a break. They’re just looking out for us. We’ll do the same thing someday when we have kids,” Jake added diplomatically, already sounding like the lawyer he’d be in three years.

  Maybe so, but Luke didn’t like it. He was responsible to a fault. Did as he was told. Never caused trouble. Worked and studied hard. There was no reason for his uncle to be on his case so much.

  Abbey, as if sensing his distress, reached over, held his hand, and squeezed it gently. A calm Luke needed washed over him at her sweet gesture.

  “So, is everyone hungry? I’m starved,” Abbey admitted.