Nuts for jeremy the holi.., p.1
Nuts For Jeremy: The Holidates Series, Book 21, page 1
Nuts For Jeremy
LM Fox
Contents
Playlist
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Glossary of Baseball Slang
2023 Holidates Series
Acknowledgments
Moonshot
The Bitter Rival
About the Author
Also by LM Fox
Copyright © 2023 by LM Fox
* * *
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the Author’s imagination and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organizations or places is entirely coincidental.
All rights are reserved. This book is intended for the purchaser of this book ONLY. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the Author. All songs, song titles, and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.
* * *
Editor: Kelly Allenby, Readers Together
Formatter: Bearded Goat Books
Graphic Artists: Cormar Covers (Ebook) Kate Decided to Design (Paperback)
*Any and all references to my hometown Flying Squirrels baseball team are entirely fictional.
Created with Vellum
To every badass woman chasing a dream,
who allows their grumpy mate along for the ride.
Ask, believe, receive, and be immensely thankful
for all is possible
when we live in gratitude and joy.
Playlist
Wasted On You, Morgan Wallen
Jaded, Miley Cyrus
What About Us, P!nk
Locked Out of Heaven, Bruno Mars
TRUSTFALL, P!nk
Be Alright, Dean Lewis
Who Do You Love, The Chainsmokers & 5 Seconds of Summer
Bad At Love, Halsey
Hold Me While You Wait, Lewis Capaldi
Sorry i’m a downer, Loveless
I’ve Been Waiting, Lil Peep & iLoveMakonnen
Broken, lovelytheband
Love Someone, Lukas Graham
I Like Me Better, Lauv
Trampoline, SHAED & ZAYN
Baby Don’t Hurt Me, David Guetta, Anne-Marie & Coi Leray
We’ll Figure It Out, Smithfield
Chapter 1
Jeremy
* * *
“It’s about time you showed up. Sit your sorry ass down, J.” My teammate, Crew, pats the seat next to his and hands me an amber bottle from the ice bucket sitting in the center of the table. The cool condensation feels good against my hot skin. Virginia summers are no joke.
“Yeah, yeah. You guys only have to swing a bat, catch a ball, and look pretty. Somebody has to do the heavy lifting around here,” I scoff. It’s not a lie, and they know it.
These ballers are living the dream.They’re all good guys. Most are trying to get noticed so they can move to a major league baseball team. The rest attempt to ride out their professional career for as long as possible. Either way, these Flying Squirrels players spend their days doing what they love. None of which includes having to contend with the administrative hiccups I deal with on the daily.
Taking a sip of my beer, I look about the place. Wood & Iron Gameday Restaurant and Bar is what you’d expect. The furniture is made of rustic light gray wood with thin metal accents and overhead fixtures of heavy black wrought iron giving the place a retro vibe. It’s one of many cool hangouts in Scott’s Addition, an up-and-coming area surrounding our baseball stadium with multiple trendy restaurants, breweries, movie theaters, and rooftop golf. We don’t tend to frequent these locations immediately after a game but manage to meet occasionally to blow off steam after practice or on our nights off.
“What’s so pressing, they kept you late?” Parker, our shortstop, asks.
“It’s about the interview with the new athletic trainer. I don’t know much except I have to meet them for a final interview and give them a tour tomorrow at nine sharp.”
We each turn simultaneously as if our heads are connected by a string as a striking brunette slinks up to the bar behind us. Her skin is tan, and she’s wearing tight, hip-hugging, striped shorts and a hot pink top that leaves nothing to the imagination. As if her outfit isn’t enough, she coyly bends over the bar as she speaks to the bartender, the four-inch heels she’s wearing causing her ass to sit center stage.
“Jesus,” Parker mutters, dragging his tongue over his lower lip.
There’s no doubt this girl is here with a plan. This bar isn’t typically a place pretty little twenty-somethings come alone. It’s common knowledge the players hang here from time to time, and I’ll bet she has her sights set on one of them.
Holding a glass of ice water, she spins in our direction, causing Andy to jump to his feet.
Sauntering up to her, he comes on strong. “Girl, you’re like Expresso. Short, sweet, and hot as sin.”
“No.” I shake my head briefly before dropping my face in my hands out of sheer embarrassment for Andy’s lack of game. At least the kid isn’t bad looking. Thank God he’s a baseball player. Otherwise, I’m not sure he’d ever get laid.
“Ignore him, beautiful,” Jimmy says from his chair on the other side of the table, beckoning her with the curl of his hand. He’s got a few years and a lot more swagger on Andy. “Why don’t you come on over here? You can sit on my lap, and we’ll talk about the first thing that pops up.”
The boys simultaneously bust out laughing at Jimmy’s ridiculous dick joke. Yet it appears it’s flown over this chick’s head like a triple bagger.
“That’ll be a short conversation,” I taunt.
The girl, who has still not uttered a word, twirls the ends of her hair around her finger provocatively before making her way to Jimmy, confirming she either didn’t get the pun or doesn’t care he might not have the biggest package.
Sensing this is a sure thing, Jimmy stands, pulls her hand to his mouth, and says, “Can I buy you a drink, or would you rather I pour you something sinful at my place?”
Crew chokes on his beer at the speed with which Jimmy moves in for the kill, only to watch the two of them stroll out the front door without another word.
“Holy shit. Did that really just happen?” Parker chuckles. “He had to have broken a land speed record on that pick-up.”
“He should’ve asked if he could buy the pretty lady a drink or if she preferred cash.” Crew howls.
“You guys are ludicrous,” I say, running my palm down my face in disgust. “No class.”
“Well, we can’t all be dating someone like Roxanne,” Andy mocks.
“We’re not dating. She’s a regular hookup, that’s all.” I rarely see any woman more than once. I’ve been burned enough not to go all in. Yet, I met Roxanne down the road at Strangeways Brewing one night when the boys weren’t around, so it seemed safe enough. Listen, it’s already painful living my dreams vicariously through my teammates. I don’t need to be on deck with the women I see when they’re really hoping to claim a player’s jersey the morning after. I’m no one’s backup.
My whole life, I’ve yearned for nothing more than what the men around me take for granted. Every spring, summer, and fall were spent covered in dirt orange clay on a little league field as a kid. Until my senior year of high school changed all of that.
I eventually accepted that playing professional baseball was no longer an option and landed a coveted job within the San Francisco Giants organization. I worked my way up the ladder through sheer determination, setting my sights on a head coach position with the big leagues. Yet some big-shot ex-ball player was always recruited to take the coveted spot over the rest of us. After much consideration, I moved from the major leagues to a minor league team after discovering a head coaching position with the Flying Squirrels was open.
The Flying Squirrels are a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club on the east coast in Richmond, Virginia. It’s just outside of Hanover County, where I grew up. When signing on to this job, I secretly hoped I’d eventually return to San Francisco. But for now, I’m making the most of this opportunity.
While Roxanne is a stunner, the very last thing I need is a distraction right now. Keeping this relationship casual is the way it needs to stay. Not to mention, keeping her away from these guys is a must. I’m going to require a full-time masseuse at the ready for all of the women walking over me to get to one of the players. Roxanne has only met a few of them since we began seeing each other. Okay, since we began fucking. And that’s just the way I like it.
“That’s an expensive hookup. I saw the earring s you had on your desk.” Crew laughs.
“They were a gift for services rendered.” I chuckle. “Just because I don’t want to put a ring on it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to treat a woman like a lady.” It sounds crass, but I conveniently leave out the fact that while I’m not interested in settling down, the owners prefer I do. Having a girlfriend I dote upon with gifts and looks of adoration is all part of the facade.
The Flying Squirrels is all about family. Our season pass holders are multigenerational. Our brand should be associated with clean, wholesome entertainment. We will not tolerate players who create drama on or off the field, and we expect you’ll have no problem setting the example.
I shouldn’t have been shocked by the conversation. Yet it would’ve been nice if they’d shared their views before I packed up and flew nearly three thousand miles to Richmond. Hell, who am I kidding? I still would’ve taken the job.
Roxanne may not realize I have ulterior motives for spending time with her, but she’s aware I’m not interested in anything serious. I merely need to appear to be in a stable, committed relationship to keep everyone happy.
“Oh, shit. Bailey’s at it again.” Andy snickers. “I’m surprised that dude’s schlong hasn’t fallen off for all the action it gets. Even if he keeps it wrapped, you’d think it’d just wave the white flag and say enough already.”
As my tablemates chuckle over their beer at Bailey’s newest conquest, I decide to check them out to ensure he’s not embarrassing the team with his current cleat chaser. Casually leaning back in my chair, I stop when something catches my eye. It’s difficult to see much from my vantage point, but an Edison bulb from over the bar causes a small ray of light to sparkle in their general direction. My jaw tightens as I recognize the glittery object that’s stolen my attention.
“Fuck, Jeremy,” Crew whispers in my direction. “Isn’t that─?”
“Yeah.”
Bailey’s current fangirl is wearing the earrings I gave her.
Chapter 2
Jeremy
* * *
“It’s 9:10, Tracey. I don’t have all day,” I bark.
I’m well aware I’m taking my bad mood out on my assistant. But she’d probably call a doctor if I was anything less than surly to her. Then again, she wouldn’t need to call a doctor if the damned athletic trainer I’m supposed to be interviewing was here. “They could check me out,” I mutter to myself.
After all these years, it shouldn’t bother me that these overgrown children─ also known as Flying Squirrels players, get to live out my dream each day while I walk around with a clipboard. But it does. My gruff attitude has nothing to do with Roxanne preferring a playboy third baseman. It’s just one more example of their getting life handed to them. And I’m usually the one setting them up for the ride.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s an honor to be a head coach, but that was a career path for a later day. For a time after, I’d worn out my body running the bases year after year. Time after time, the universe keeps throwing me a curve ball, demonstrating that what I want is out of reach.
Bzzz. Bzzz.
“Yes,” I bark.
“Dr. Simmons is here, Jeremy.” Tracey’s soothing voice comes across the receiver, never flinching at my overbearing conduct. It reminds me of how my grandmother would sound when she tried to console me after my sister had permission to do something I was too young for.
It’s about time. “Send them in.” Glancing at my watch, I discover it’s now 9:20. I plan to give him a piece of my mind for arriving late for this interview. If he thinks we’ll tolerate that behavior, he has another think coming. I return to sit behind my desk, ensuring he’s well aware of who wields the power in this conversation, yet when the door swings open, I find myself speechless.
I’d barely finished grumbling about the universe throwing curve balls when the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known enters my office. One I haven’t laid eyes on in years. One who, I dare say, is the very embodiment of something I want yet is out of reach.
My stepsister.
Chapter 3
Claire
* * *
“Jeremy,” I blurt. Stunned, I stand frozen to this spot on the red and black carpet like a statue.
I’d arrived at The Diamond, home of the Flying Squirrels, my body coiled like a bundle of nerves. I was told to meet with their head coach about an opening they’d recently posted for an assistant coach position. It was specifically for a new athletic trainer for the team.
After medical school, I’d worked with a couple of college sports teams, but my goal has always been to work alongside a professional baseball team. I’d been a star softball player in my youth, and my high school team took the state championship my senior year. Working with the Flying Squirrels would combine my love of baseball with my desire to practice medicine. If I could land this job, it’d be a dream come true.
I’d done all of my research on Coach Parsons, believing he was still the head coach. After studying his history with the team, I hoped to be better prepared to answer all of his questions. But nothing prepared me for this.
“I don’t understand,” I say. My world feels like it’s been knocked off its axis. Not only is it clear my investigation had been all wrong, but the new head coach is my stepbrother. The hot as hell star of my dirty dreams stepbrother I haven’t seen in nearly a decade. “I thought you were living in California.”
“I thought you were a doctor?”
“I am a doctor.”
“Then what the hell are you doing here?”
My shoulders tense at the questioning. I’m so tired of this conversation. “I’m applying to be the team’s athletic trainer.”
“But why? You’re. A. Doctor,” Jeremy says slowly and deliberately as if I don’t speak the same language.
Rolling my eyes at him, I give him the same canned speech I give everyone else. “I’ve always wanted to work with a professional baseball team. I own a successful sports medicine clinic, and while I enjoy working with my patients, my dream is to be an assistant coach. I have several other physicians who work alongside me there. I can do both.”
I wait for a condescending response, but it never comes. I’m used to it. Heck, it’s what led to the dissolution of my marriage. Okay, one of many reasons. What team is going to hire a woman to be their team physician? Why can’t you work alongside a college softball team and focus on your clinic? What Orthopedic surgeon wants his wife surrounded by a bunch of sweaty men on the road? Baseball is no place for you. A major league football position as the team doc was appropriate for him, however. No double standard there at all.
Bringing my thoughts back to the present, my mind still reeling from the bender life just threw at me, I find Jeremy is staring. I get it. Now that the shock of finding each other face to face in this unlikely encounter has waned, he’s sizing me up. We’ve both grown up. While I’m sure he never gave me a second thought during the few years we knew each other, I, on the other hand, have never forgotten my forbidden crush.
When my parents split, I assumed I’d spend the remainder of my teenage years consoling my mother. Instead, the ink had barely dried on the divorce papers when she and Jeremy’s dad, Jonathan, married. I didn’t initially see that much of Jeremy. He spent the majority of his time with his mother and visited his dad on weekends and over the summer.
