Game Plan: Chapter 3

Finally.

It's here.

It's time.

Date night!

Hmm, I have to admit. It's weird just thinking of it. I mean, granted, it's practically all I have been thinking about since I asked her out, but still...this is me we're talking about here. And, this is completely outside the box for me.

I've never really went on a real date before. Ok, not counting Prom in high school, which was kinda a date, I guess, but other than that, I haven't been on what you could call a 'date' date. The only kind of dating I've ever done are of the casual hookups variety when I'm out with the guys at a night club or out at a bar and end up leaving with a woman to go back to her place and have some fun of the intimate variety.

Plain and simple, and I wouldn't even call any of those dates, they were just that hookups. That's it.

They were never anything special, and definitely no one I'd ever want to see again. I wouldn't even remember their faces or names when I left them in a sated satisfied haze the next morning. It was all about physical release. Mine and hers.

Call me what you will, but that's just the way I rolled, and they knew the score before we left.

I've generally just been the one and done kinda guy, not just because I've never really met anyone interesting before...Although, now that I think about it, I really haven't met a woman that caught and held my interest before now...It was always just physical...with all of them...but anyway, also because I'm only twenty-four and have a very demanding job. It wouldn't be right for me to become involved in a serious relationship and be gone most of the time during the MLB season, which is more than half the year, including spring training.

That's only an excuse though, I admit it. There are plenty of MLB players that are happily married, engaged, or involved in a relationship. I mean, look at Ryan. He's the perfect example.

Truth is, I've just never really clicked with anyone before like I did with Padmé that night. Everything about her just drew me in like a moth to a flame, and I wanted more. I can't really explain what I feel for her, maybe it really is love. All that I know for sure is that she interests me in a way that no woman ever has before, and I want to see where this thing goes.

If tonight goes well and she wants to see me again (which I really hope she does), I'd be thrilled. More than thrilled, actually.

I'd be over the fucking moon.

I'm jumping the gun though, aren't I?

A few nights ago, the night Ryan brought whiskey to my hotel room in NYC and made a drunken fool of me, I'd already made the decision to make Padmé mine.

I may have been absolutely drunk after all that Jack Daniels, no doubt about that, but that decision was one that I was thinking of before Ryan even came by.

That decision is also one that I'm going to stand by.

I've never thought much about my future outside of baseball, that's always been my focus, but with Padmé...I may just want it all.

I may just want what Ryan and Dormé have. As crazy as that sounds, given who I am. I'm the most renowned playboy in the MLB after all, and here I am seriously considering taking myself off the market for a woman I've only ever met once and who I am going out with on our very first date tonight.

Ryan always told me, though, that when he saw Dormé for the very first time, he just felt this weird connection with her, like an electrical current sizzled between them, and he said he just knew that she was 'The One' for him. When I saw Padmé for the very first time in the locker room, I felt the same exact way. That sizzle, like an electrical current passing between us when our eyes met and locked for the first time.

I never understood what he meant by that feeling before now, but when it happened with me and Padmé, I understood then.

And, if he can manage to fall in love and make it work, seeing as how he was as big a playboy as I was, then why can't I? I'm not going to deny feeling a bit envious of his and Dormé's relationship. They're perfect for one another, and sure, they may make me want to throw up sometimes with how much they disgustingly love one another, but losing my best friend, who used to always be my wingman when hitting up the clubs and bars scoping out the women, and then seeing how totally happy - and content - he was being in an exclusive relationship makes me want that, too.

I've just never met the one woman who ever made me want that before, at least not until Padmé.

If we do end up having a blast tonight and want to see each other again, she'll have to know what she's signing herself up for with me. I'm not going to ask her to wait around for me while I'm out on the road. She deserves to be happy, and for the first time in my life, I'm not thinking of myself here.

I'm thinking of her.

I want her to be happy, and if I make her happy, then you can bet your ass that I'll do everything I can to make it work. Just because I've never been the dating or the relationship kind of guy before, doesn't mean I can't learn how to be.

If it means having her in my life, there's very little I won't do to make her mine in every way, shape, and form possible.

Just like I'll be hers in every way, shape, and form.

I'm talking total exclusivity here. A real first for me.

This is something that I'll leave in Padmé's hands, though.

And again, I'm jumping the fucking gun. First things first.

Maybe I should wait until after tonight's date before thinking about the future? After all, tonight could be a total disaster and what then? Then, I'd be left with all of these ideas for our future, and they'd be totally useless, because the woman I wanted to share them with wouldn't be mine. I'd make a complete fool of myself, and I'm not about to do that. I've just never felt this strongly before about anyone and in a way...I'm kind of afraid of screwing it up. I want this to work. I'm just so new at this that I'm totally out of my element here, and unlike baseball, I don't really know the rules of the game.

One thing I've always been good at, though, is learning on the fly, adapting to changing circumstances, and making the best of it. I've been under more pressure before than this, and if I could adapt and learn then, I could definitely do the same now.

No, my mind's made up.

I'm going to make her mine- totally, completely, exclusively - even if I have to become a sap to do it.

Why?

Because to me, she's worth it.

I check my pockets again, and I've got everything I need, including a condom or two, just in case it gets that far. I highly doubt it; after all, she's really not that type of girl, but a guy can hope...

Right?

I grin to myself as I grab my car keys off the key rack in the kitchen, grab my light blue, hooded, zip-up sweatshirt and throw it on and zip it part way up, then take my hat off the coat rack by the back kitchen door and put it on. I'm trying to go incognito tonight, just another guy out on a date with his girl. Which is why I'm just wearing dark blue jeans, a dark blue polo shirt with my plain light blue hoodie over it, black Nike sneakers, and my black Under Armour hat.

Nobody should even suspect I'm Anakin Skywalker- starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. To that end, I'm even leaving my Lamborghini home tonight. I'm taking out my charcoal gray Jeep Grand Cherokee instead, which is a car that I normally only drive when I'm going to visit my mom and step-family out on their farm. But, for tonight, it'll only help me blend in to the crowd, and that is precisely what I'm going to try and do. I don't want Padmé to get upset by everyone looking at us and snapping photos of us out on our first date. That alone could be enough for her to not want to see me again. I mean, she seemed a bit uncomfortable that night at the restaurant with all the attention I was getting, and I can't really blame her.

Not that I don't love the fans, I do...especially the little kids, but when I'm not out on that mound, and I'm out running errands or hanging with my family or friends, I don't necessarily like all the attention all the time either. Everyone deserves to have their privacy, after all.

Right?

I'm a baseball player; playing baseball is what I'm good at.

No, it's what I'm great at.

But, that's all I am.

A baseball player.

And, that's all the people have a right to know about me. They don't need to be involved in my personal business.

My personal life is just that- personal, and I never talk to the press about that (though the media loves to speculate about my love life, for sure), it's simply none of their damn business, and my contract only stipulates that I need to talk to the press about my game- on the field, not off.

Which means if I want to bring my personal life into things, I can, but I'm not required to. I rarely have before, why would I want to now?

Heading out to my four car garage, I shake my head as I take my seat behind the steering wheel and push the start button. My Jeep starts up, and I hit the garage door opener on the sun visor and pull out of my garage, then push the button again to close the garage door behind me. At the end of my paved driveway, I have a large black wrought iron gate attached to a large gray stone fence that encloses my entire property to keep out any uninvited guests. I press the gate remote opener button to open it, drive through, and then press the button again to close it once I'm out on the city streets and pulling away from my beautiful mansion.

It's a house I wasn't sure of buying at first, but my mom and stepdad both liked it, so I bought it. I've never owned a house before, but it's fifteen minutes away from Fenway Park, and I fell in love with the potential I saw in it.

And by potential, I mean my future in it; not that it needs any work done on it, because it doesn't. It's brand spanking new and cost me over five million dollars to purchase. Despite me hardly being home most of the time because of all our away games during the season, it is definitely a nice place to crash when I am home. It's sparsely decorated right now. What little furnishings I have purchased, my mom helped me pick out, but for now, I've got everything a man could possibly need inside.

Well, except a woman.

And, that's what tonight's date is all about, I remind myself. A wolfish grin on my lips, I press down on the accelerator, pull up Padmé's address on Google Maps, and head off in the direction of her apartment.

I can't wait to get there.

Maneuvering through traffic, I hum to the music I've got jamming while I drive. Padmé lives in the North End of Boston, just off of Fleet Street. I live in an exclusive neighborhood in Brookline. So, it's a little bit of a drive to get to her place. Maybe about thirty-five minutes with light traffic, which thankfully is the case this evening. I told her I'd pick her up at 6:45 and to have her bowling shoes ready.

Turns out Ryan's suggestion was a hit. She enthusiastically agreed to bowling when I called her that night to suggest it. I can't help but grin, thinking about that conversation. We ended up talking for almost forty-five minutes that night, which in and of itself is amazing. Always before when I was with a woman, it tended to be all action and very little talk, if you catch my drift, and I don't consider moans and groans talking. And, our conversation was enjoyable. Turns out, she and I have a similar sense of humor and like a lot of the same things apparently. Despite Ryan's rather loud snoring filling my room, not to mention me being totally drunk from all that JD, I was surprised at how alert and focused I was on our conversation. And, that I still remember it, to be honest. Every single word.

I can't get over how soothing her voice is to me. After talking to her and settling on our plans, I slept great that night and woke feeling a thrill of delight in my gut...in spite of the wicked ass hangover I had the next morning. Fuck, hangovers are the worst.

But, I can't deny Ryan - and his bottle of Jack - weren't worth it. They were. If he hadn't showed up, shot glasses and booze in hand, I doubt we'd be going out bowling tonight. Because, like I said, this dating stuff is all new to me, and I was truly stumped on what to actually do on a date until Ryan's suggestion. Of course, when Ryan woke up from his own JD induced stupor the next morning, being the asshole he sometimes is, he couldn't help ribbing me again about Padmé, and me being "off the market." He's just lucky I was in such a good mood that morning, despite the hangover; otherwise, I'd have probably decked him.

Before I know it, I'm pulling up outside Padmé's apartment building. It's your basic older red brick apartment building, typical of this area of Boston. I find a parking spot along the street, turn off the engine, and then grab my phone. I better let her know I'm here. Pulling up her contact info, I quickly send her a text: Hey, I'm here. Ready? :)

I get the three flashing dots almost instantly, along with her reply: Great! Be down in 2!

Now that the moment of actually seeing her again face to face is upon me, I have sudden butterflies in my belly, doing dive-bombing exercises from the feel of it. Man, I need to calm the fuck down, but it's like I can't for some reason. I suddenly realize my palms are sweating, which almost never happens to me, and I rub my hands across the tops of my thighs to dry them. Exhaling forcefully, I open my door and hop out of my Jeep to wait for her to appear. I cross the street and stand outside her building on the sidewalk, shifting my feet nervously, hands in the front pockets of my jeans. Yeah, I'm nervous. I mean, what man wouldn't be in my shoes right here, right now?

At that moment, I hear the door opening, and I turn to look...and all the breath leaves my lungs in one silent whoosh. I can feel my eyes widen and my jaw go slack. I'm stunned speechless. Padmé steps out the door, shutting it behind her, and turns to walk toward me, a big grin on her beautiful face. I can't fucking move. Wait...what was that noise? Did I just moan? Fuck, I hope she didn't hear that. But, I can't help it! All I can do is just stare at her. She's dressed casually, yeah, but she's gorgeous. My eyes sweep her petite frame from head to toe, and I have to force myself not to get a semi here, because I'm starting to get a little bit uncomfortable in my pants. Shifting my weight again to try to ease my discomfort, I grin widely at her approach. I really am beyond happy to see her.

And she does look amazing.

She's wearing dark straight leg jeans, an untucked, loose, plain pink t-shirt, a dark denim jacket, with backless slip-on light blue Sketchers tennis shoes with white socks, and she has a black wallet purse draped from her right shoulder across her chest, resting on her left hip. Her beautiful chestnut hair is pulled back in a high ponytail, leaving just her bangs draped across her forehead. She has some small silver hoop earrings in her ears...and just like when I met her, she's not wearing any makeup. But, again, she doesn't need it. God, she looks un-fucking-believable! I'd love nothing better than to haul her into my arms and kiss her senseless, but...no, I show restraint and simply smile, lifting a hand to wave at her. Nice and easy here, Skywalker. Don't rush it! I think to myself, as she stops right in front of me.

"Hi, Anakin! Ready?"

"You bet! Are you ready to lose?" I ask with a smirk.

She rolls her eyes and lifts an eyebrow at me in a silent challenge, "I play to win, Anakin."

She's feisty! And, I love it. I feel my grin widen, and I answer with a challenge of my own, "So do I. Game on, Padmé?"

She nods her head, "Yeah. Game on." I bark out laughing and reach out to take her hand in mine, twining our fingers together. I've never really held hands with a girl or woman before like this, and I'm more than digging it. We turn and walk across the street toward my Jeep, which she openly admires, as I escort her round the front to the passenger side, and behaving like a gentleman, I open the door for her to climb in. "Nice Jeep. I thought you'd bring your other car, the one you drove to dinner that night."

I shut her door and quickly jog back round to the driver's side, open the door, and climb in, hook up my seat belt as she hooks in hers, then start up the engine. "Thanks. Naaa, that car is more noticeable than this one. I kinda wanted to go incognito tonight, if you know what I mean. My other car is a brand spanking new Lamborghini, an Italian made sports car, and it's well known I drive it around this city. Not many people know I own this vehicle, though, and as much as possible, I want it to be just you and me tonight. Hopefully, we can enjoy our evening without being hounded by other people." I glance over at her and smile, as I put the car in gear and begin to move forward down the street.

She nods her head in understanding, "I can understand that, and I appreciate the effort, Anakin. I guess it can get kinda old really quick, always having people following you around with cameras and pestering you for autographs, huh?" She tilts her head to look at me, a look of...sympathy maybe?...on her face.

I glance over at her before turning my attention back to the road. "Yeah, it can be at times. I'm used to it now, of course, and I tend to ignore the paparazzi. As long as they stay out of my face, don't get in my way, and keep out of my personal business, I'm cool with it for the most part. As for the fans, I don't usually mind them coming up and asking for autographs most of the time, I almost always have a Sharpie with me, but...tonight, with you, I don't want to be disturbed, and I hope we won't be."

I flick my gaze back to her only to see her blushing madly. It's cute, and there goes that feeling in my pants again. Dammit! If this keeps up, it's going to be one helluva long night for me. Shifting my hips in my seat, I ask, "Wanna listen to some music?" I arch my eyebrows questioningly. She shakes her head no.

"No, thanks. I'd rather just talk and watch the scenery. Where are we going anyway?"

I smile, "A really cool place Ryan and I have been to before. It's called Drake's Bowling Billiards. It's over in Somerville, so it's not far from here. It's not traditional bowling, though. It's candlepin bowling. Ever tried that before?"

She shakes her head no, "No, I haven't, but it sounds like fun."

"Oh, it is. You use these small handheld balls...They look almost like a croquet ball in a way...Anyway, it's a small place...They've only got like ten lanes, but they have the most delicious pizza, and it's actually handmade from scratch, baked right there in a real wood-fired oven. They've also got a great beer selection at the bar, as well as billiards, if you feel up to playing a round or two of pool tonight." I glance over at her again with this huge grin on my face. Now that we're together and on our way, I am so pumped up about tonight.

"Oh, I enjoy playing pool. My dad has a pool table at home. He taught me and my older sister, Sola, how to play," she smiles at me and shrugs her shoulders.

"Great! So, maybe we'll have to rack 'em up then." I tell her with a grin, hoping she'll be up to the challenge.

Her wicked grin tells me she is. Good.

"Oh, definitely! After I whip your butt bowling, of course."

She grins a mile wide and quirks an eyebrow at me, clearly up for this endeavor. I can't help the corresponding smirk I shoot her way, "We shall see about that, Padmé. But don't underestimate my...skills." I waggle my eyebrows at her, and she bursts out in a fit of giggles, and I can't help laughing right along with her. Her laughter is like music to my ears, and we continue to chuckle and chat the rest of the way to Drake's.

Pulling up outside the bowling alley, I am pleased to note that there aren't that many cars. This is both surprising, because this place is very popular, but also nice to see, because it, hopefully, increases our chances of having some privacy on our date. I park the car, cut the engine, and climb out to walk around and open her door for her, offering her my hand to help her out of the car. I press the button, the lights flicker and the car beeps, signaling it's locked, then I take her hand in mine, and we walk to the front door. I open the door for her, and wave her in first, before following.

Just as I suspected, it's not that busy, which is great. We head over to the counter, and quickly, we are set up with bowling shoes and scorecards and then told to head for lane number nine. Thankfully, neither lane ten or eight have anyone on them. So, we'll have the area all to ourselves, at least for now. We get to our lane, and sit down to change out our shoes. Padmé is looking all around with undisguised interest. She's also sniffing the air deeply, and I smile. "You hungry?" I ask. I gotta admit, the smells wafting this way from the wood-fired oven in the pizzeria are making my own mouth water.

She nods her head vigorously, "Yeah. I'm kinda hungry."

I nod in kind, "Me, too. Let's go order a pizza. Want a beer?" We head over to the pizzeria to place our order, and while we walk, she considers my question.

"Hmm...No, I think tonight I'd rather just have a Coke, if that's okay?"

I nod my head, "Sure. Whatever you want." We make our way to the counter, and the waitress behind the counter smiles and asks what we'd like to order. We look up at the menu, and I turn to Padmé and ask what type of pizza she'd like. "Order whatever you want, Padmé. I'm good with anything."

She tilts her head and purses her lips as she reads through the menu.

"How about a large deluxe pizza with hamburger, extra mushrooms, peppers, black olives, and extra cheese, but no onions?"

No onions, eh? I smirk to myself. I can't help but hope that request bodes well for some lip lock action later, at the very least. I'm also suddenly glad I brought my peppermint breath mints with me tonight, too.

Anyway, the pizza sounds good, and I quickly agree, giving our food order to the waitress, before I order a glass of Samuel Adams on tap for myself and a large Coke for Padmé, then pay for our food and drinks. The waitress hands Padmé her drink, and then we head over to the bar and plop down on a couple of stools while we wait for our pizza. The bartender quickly comes over with my glass of beer, and we spend the next ten minutes just chatting and enjoying being in each other's company before our pizza is ready. And, I am thrilled that we're getting along better than I'd ever hoped we would. Honestly, I could sit and listen to her speak all night, and once again, I am amazed at how much I am enjoying just talking with her.

This really is a first for me in every way imaginable.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you, because for once in my life, my focus isn't just sex here. Frankly, I don't foresee getting laid tonight, and I'm actually totally ok with that. As I said before, she's not that kinda girl, and I'm simply enjoying being in her very presence, the entire package that is Padmé.

At that moment, her name is called out, signaling our pizza order is ready. Even though I paid for our food and drinks (cash only, no card transactions), we put the order under her name to try to avoid unwanted attention. I ask Padmé to grab my drink for me, which she does, and I walk over and grab our pizza. It's in a cardboard box to keep it warm, and they provided us with some sturdy paper plates and plenty of napkins. With everything in hand, we walk back to our lane.

Each lane has a small table behind the score table in the middle of the seating, back behind the lane itself, and we put our food and drinks there. Opening the box, we each grab a slice of pizza, and Padmé gives me a huge smile, "This smells fantastic!" before she takes a bite and chews. I simply nod my head, chewing my own bite. Her eyes close, and this tiny smile of sheer delight spreads on her lips as she continues to chew, then swallows, and I have this sudden urge to lean over and kiss her - hard and deep. I cover this by taking another big bite of pizza. It really is super great pizza. Baking it in a wood-fired oven makes all the difference in the taste, if you ask me.

After we each down three slices of pizza and a few sips of our beverages, we get going on our game. Acting the gentleman, I let her go first, after explaining that the rules of candlepin bowling are essentially the same as regular bowling. She nods in understanding then she takes off her purse and jacket, setting them in the chair next to me. I man the scorecard, as she steps up to throw her first ball.

And, I suddenly feel like a lecherous pig, because my eyes are totally glued to her ass. Her jeans fit her perfectly, and their snug fit leaves very little to my over-active imagination. She's got a beautifully shaped pert ass...round and firm, obviously from all that tennis playing and bowling she does. I can't help the...twitching of my dick as I watch her. God, I hope I don't start drooling here. That'd be embarrassing.

But, then again, so would standing up in a bowling alley with a hard-on.

Better get control of your 'baser urges,' Skywalker! Shit, no kidding.

Her first roll knocks down seven pins, leaving three left standing. As I watch her grab another ball; however, I can't help but notice how her t-shirt accentuates her breasts, and I swallow hard, instantly imagining myself pulling off that pink t-shirt and the bra underneath...Whoa! Calm down, dude!...I shake my head to clear it, and when she turns back around to line up to throw her next ball, I surreptitiously reach my left hand down and grab my crotch and squeeze once...hard.

Pardon the pun, but keep your mind out of the gutter, Skywalker.

Right. Focus on our game and just enjoy spending time with her.

Mentally, I kick myself for letting my thoughts wander where they really shouldn't tonight, but dammit, I'm not blind here, and I can't deny my almost overwhelming attraction to her...in every way, shape, and form. I jolt out of my internal dialogue when she squeals and throws her hands up in the air, turning to me with a huge grin on her face.

She got a spare. Nice. She's off to a good start. I smile, "Good one, Padmé!" before I mark the scorecard and then stand up to take my turn. She sits in my chair and grabs the pencil to mark my score. I grab a ball, line up, and move forward and roll...Wham!...Pins seemingly erupt, flying in every direction, and I start laughing and clapping my hands. A perfect strike! Fuck, yeah!

I look over at Padmé, and she's grinning and nodding her head, "Nice strike, Anakin."

Practically preening, I just grin and plop down in the chair she just vacated, ready to mark down her next score.

The night wears on, and we get more and more competitive, hurling playful smack downs, along with some heated double entendre, as one game turns into three (She wins one; me, two) before we decide we've had enough bowling for one evening. It was fun. Loads of it, actually. Ryan was right. She really is very good at bowling, but more than that, I enjoyed it particularly because she presents me with a challenge unlike any other woman before ever has, and she gives just as good as she gets. She's bright, quick witted, and brilliantly intelligent with a razor sharp mind.

I truly appreciate and admire that about her. After all, Barbie dolls aren't exactly known for their brains, are they? And, as shocking as it may sound for me to say this, given my reputation, I need more from a woman than her just being good in bed. Sex isn't all I care about.

Well, at least not anymore, I'm realizing.

I need a woman who can keep up with me in every way...Physically and mentally. I may not have gone to college, true, but I had a 4.0 GPA when I graduated high school, and if I hadn't been drafted into baseball immediately after graduation, I would've gone to college on one of the full athletic scholarships I'd been offered to study mechanical engineering. I may have been gifted and skilled enough to enter professional sports, yeah, but my mother raised me to never neglect my mind and to always give my best effort to my schoolwork and in keeping my mental game just as sharp as my baseball game.

I listened to her and did just that, and my grades always reflected that.

So, it's quite refreshing to be able to discuss various topics intellectually with a woman whose mind is just as sharp as mine is. Padmé tells me she was the valedictorian of her graduating class in high school, and she was offered a dual scholarship for academics plus athletics (for tennis, it turns out) to attend Boston University. She was initially going in to study Pre-law (her father, Ruwee, is a lawyer, like his father and grandfather before him), but changed to an Education major her sophomore year, and she really seems to have found her niche. She gushes enthusiastically about teaching, her students, and she doesn't even complain about the long hours on her feet all day or about often having to bring her work home with her at night, doing things like grading papers and preparing lesson plans. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. She really does care about each of her students, and her desire to help each of them succeed as much as she can is genuine.

After all the plastic, artificial women I've been with in the past, the models and actresses who are all about their public facade, Padmé truly is like a breath of genuine fresh air to me. And, I feel myself being drawn to her more and more the longer the night goes on.

This bodes well for my new game plan, I can't help but think with an internal smile, as we gather up our trash from our meal (we ended up eating the whole pizza) and change back into our own shoes, before dumping our trash and heading up to the counter to pay for our three games. We turn in our shoes, and I pay for our bowling, then I glance at the clock. It's 9:15. I don't want to take her home yet. I'm enjoying our time together too much. So, I smile and ask if she'd like to go shoot some pool. Her eyes light up immediately, and she nods her head affirmatively. I grin wolfishly, and ask about playing some pool. We are handed a carton of billiard balls by the clerk, who motions to the holding rack by the counter for all the pool sticks. We each pick out a stick we feel comfortable with, then we make our way to the billiards area, selecting the far back pool table.

It may be a little more crowded now than it was earlier, but there's five pool tables, and only two others are occupied at the front of the room. Nobody pays us any mind as we make our way to the back table. Good.

This should be fun, too.

I set the balls down on the table and ask over my shoulder with a smirk, "So, you've played pool before. You any good at it?"

She sets her jacket and purse down on the wooden bench next to our table and then smiles at me like a Cheshire cat, "Oh, yeah. My parents have a pool table at home, downstairs in the basement. They've made it into kind of a huge rec room for the family. They've got a Wii down there and an Xbox with a huge flat screen TV, and they also have an air hockey table and even a ping-pong table, too. Sola, my older sister, and I grew up playing pool with Dad down there."

I purse my lips and nod appreciatively, "Sweet. I should do something like that at my house. Maybe make a 'man cave' out of one of the back rooms or something like that."

"Where do you live anyway?"

I give her my address. She doesn't look familiar with my exact street, so I tell her, "It's in Brookline." Ahhhh, that name she recognizes. I can tell instantly by the raised eyebrows, slightly wide eyes, and the silent 'wow' she mouths.

"That...that's impressive. Most impressive, Anakin. Good for you...I-I mean, that's just a super nice area, and it's great that you can afford to live there. I don't mean any offense, of course," she blushes and stutters, looking down at the floor. Obviously, she remembers our little tiff from the restaurant the night we met, and she doesn't want to repeat that again.

Which is really thoughtful and sweet of her. So, I rush to reassure her.

"It's fine, Padmé. I know what you meant, and thanks. It's a huge ass house, really...At present, it's far too much for just me, and to be honest, it's barely furnished, but I needed to set down some roots, and my parents really liked it. So, I bought it."

She assimilates this information silently, as I grab the triangle and rack up the balls.

"Do your parents live with you?" she asks, leaning her hip against the table and holding her stick upright against her chest.

I shake my head, "No. My mother was actually a single parent until I was nine. I never knew my father. He split when Mom found out she was pregnant with me. Anyway, then she married Cliegg Lars, a farmer, and we moved out of Boston itself to the Lars' farm about an hour's drive northwest of the city. They've got a nice little farm up there, and they're happy where they're at. I'm glad we moved, though, because the baseball programs were excellent in the school system there, and I can't say that I would've made it to the majors if we'd stayed where we were in Boston."

She's nodding her head again, as I position the balls just right on the round dot on the green felt of the table. Smiling at her, I motion to the table, "Ladies first, Padmé."

She smiles again, and grabs the chalk, brushing it against the end of her pool stick, before moving to the end of the table and the white breaking ball. She flicks her gaze to mine, "Let's play Eight Ball. I call solids. You're stripes. Sound good?"

I smirk, "Absolutely. Have at it." I wave my hand again toward the table.

She smiles and leans over the table and sets up her shot...and Fuck me! I can't help but stare at her ass, and immediately, I feel a semi forming in my pants. Again!

Shit! I think, as I try to shift my footing again to ease my sudden discomfort. Dammit, suddenly playing pool doesn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

Hey, I may admire her greatly, no question about it, but I'm still a young, hot blooded, male here! I'm talking testosterone loaded to the max, and I'm not going to look elsewhere when the most beautiful woman I've ever seen keeps bending over in front of me!

My attention is drawn (rather reluctantly, I must say) from her divine body habitus to the table, as she makes her breaking shot, and damn, if it's not a good one! With a loud smack! balls scatter across the table, and she actually manages to sink two of the solid balls on the break! I turn to stare at her with my mouth hanging open and my eyes wide.

What is she? A pool hustler? I nod my head and offer up a low whistle of appreciation, "Sweet shot, Padmé."

She just grins ferally, winks at me...and goes on the attack. Fuck! Forget the semi. Just with that one wink, it's full blown now, and I am throbbing in the confines of my jeans. I move round the perimeter of the table to the darker side of our area, in the hopes she won't notice my...uh, problem.

Thankfully, she is one hundred percent focused on the game. Good, I can't help but think with a sigh. She considers each shot carefully, lines up each move perfectly, and manages to sink three more of her balls before I even get to make my first shot! I'm impressed. More than impressed.

And, it gets harder and harder to hold in my groans and to keep the rather lustful images in my head at bay each time she bends over!

Oh, yeah. No fucking doubts about it. I will make this woman mine.

It's a done deal, I can't help but smirk to myself, she just doesn't know it yet.

But, I am going to make damn sure she does before not too much longer.

Smiling wolfishly myself, I launch my own offensive, knocking in four of my own balls in a row before missing my first shot.

We go back and forth, making shot after shot, before she sinks the eight ball and wins the game. I groan and throw my head back and stare at the ceiling before looking at her and shaking my head.

She turns to look at me with a smirk and raises her eyebrows, "What was it I said earlier about whooping your butt, Skywalker?"

I narrow my eyes at her, "Ahhh...that was at bowling, but do I detect a hint of challenge there, Naberrie?" I dearly hope it is.

She steps closer and looks up at me with her beautiful brown eyes, and I feel my pulse quicken instantly, that deepening desire I feel for her burning in my gut, "Yeah. Think you can handle the heat, Sport?"

"Oh, hell yeah. Bring it on. Rack 'em up, Naberrie."

She laughs and racks up the balls for round two, and this time, I make the break.

And, end up winning the game.

By this point, it's after ten, and I notice she's starting to yawn, though she's covering it with her hand, and as great as this date has been, we both agree it's time to head home. We gather up all the balls, our sticks, her jacket and purse, and we go back to the counter, pay for our pool games, and then I take her hand and we walk back out to my Jeep. I unlock the car, hold her door for her and help her inside before going around and getting in the driver's seat. I start up the car, back out, and we head off back to her apartment. On the drive there, we decide to go through a McDonald's drive-thru and grab a couple of large Cokes, as we're both rather thirsty, before getting back on the road to her place.

In what feels like no time at all, we're pulling up outside her building. I park, turn off the lights and engine, and I turn to look at her. She's smiling softly at me, and she looks so incredibly beautiful. I want to kiss her so badly, but I don't want to push my luck either. I think we had an awesome time tonight, and for a first date, my first date, I don't think it could've gone any better. She must agree, because she says, "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Anakin. I really had a great time."

Fuck yeah!

Just the words I wanted to hear, I think to myself. "Yeah, I had a blast, too. Would you like to go out with me again, Padmé?" On the surface, I hope I sound calm, cool, collected here, but inside, I'm a mess, and I can't help but think, Please say yes!, Please say yes!, Please say yes!...Because, finally, I have found a woman...no, the one woman, that absorbs my total focus and interest, that I want in my life. And, for more than just one night.

I'm seriously starting to think forever here. After just one date that may sound crazy, but again, this is me, remember? The man E! News swore would never settle down. Well, won't they be in for a shock.

Because, no question about it, I am definitely off the market now.

I want Padmé and no one else.

I just hope she wants me, despite my womanizing reputation.

"Sure, Anakin. I'd love, too." With just those five little words, my belly does that flip-flop thing, and I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline in my system, and before I realize it, I'm leaning over toward her, reach out with my right hand and slide it gently round the back of her neck, and I pull her to me, sealing our lips together, and...

FUCK ME, MAN!

Kissing Padmé is both unlike anything else I've ever done before, and at the same time, the most incredible sensation I've ever felt! She tastes just as divine and fresh and lush as I knew she would. Honestly, I've never experienced a kiss like this one. Bar none.

And, she must feel the same way, because she eagerly responds to my kiss, opening her mouth to allow me to slide my tongue inside, and holy shit! I think I see stars! The sensation of her warm tongue gliding against and around my own is the sexiest sensation I could possibly imagine in a kiss.

Hell, I'm getting worked up faster than my fastest fast ball here! Seriously, until this moment, I never knew kissing alone could get me this hard! And, no way can I stop the moan of longing that I hear escape from deep in my throat. She reaches up and fists her right hand into the blonde curls at the nape of my neck and increases the pressure of the kiss. Oh, Fuck...Kissing her feels so damn good!

And it feels so damn right.

I feel sweat break out on my forehead, as we continue molding our mouths together, kiss after kiss after kiss. My heart is pounding in my chest, and my dick is throbbing in my jeans. Dammit! I'm going to have to take care of this issue when I get home, or I'll never get to sleep tonight.

Finally, our lips part, and we're both breathing heavy. Her eyes are sparkling despite the dimness of the light, and I can tell her face is flushed a lovely pink color, and her chest is heaving. I glance down briefly, and sure enough, I notice the outline of her hard nipples against the fabric of her t-shirt. Excellent. She wants me just as much as I want her.

"I guess I better get in," she says, her voice sounding regretful, like she can't bear to leave. This excites me further.

"Yeah, guess so," I say then clear my throat, "So, I'll call you and set up plans for another date then?"

I can't help the intensity of my stare as I gaze in her eyes. I want this...want her...so badly.

She nods her head eagerly, "Yeah, that'd be great!"

"Great. So, I'll call you, but uh, do you mind if I text you, too?"

She giggles, her eyes crinkling at the corners, making me smile, "Sure, Anakin! Text me anytime."

"Great! I'll do that! Well, I guess this is goodnight then."

"Yeah. Goodnight, Anakin. Thanks again for such a wonderful evening."

"You're welcome. I'll see you again soon, Padmé."

I lean in for one more slow kiss, gently tasting her, and again, I feel my heart hammering in my chest at the contact. I slowly pull back, then get out of the car, walk around, open her door for her, help her out onto the sidewalk, then I walk her to the front door of her apartment building. She grabs her keys from her purse, then unlocks the outer door, turns to me, whispers, "Goodnight," once more, and then she's gone from my view, inside the building, and the door shuts behind her. I know she's home safe now. So, I head back to my car, feeling like I'm walking on air.

I don't believe I've ever felt such euphoria.

I climb inside my Jeep, start up the engine, buckle up, and then head down the street to make my way home. On the drive, I mull over everything from tonight. How much fun we had, how adorable she is, how well we get along, and how delicious she tasted...And, even though I'm going home alone, I can truthfully say, I've never been happier in my life than right now.

I can't help the feral grin that appears on my face.

One thing's for sure, I'll be asking Ryan for more dating tips starting tomorrow, bright and early, because I don't have to pitch again for another four games, and we've got some time off between those games, as we're in a home field stretch, and I want to have several dates lined up in a row, ready to go.

Because my game plan to make her mine is now in full swing.

And, I can't wait for our next date.