Steal My Heart (Heroes of Seaside Point, Book 3)

By Mia Dymond

Realtor Alexa Sharpe enjoys a successful career, confident in her people skills until she must negotiate with a certain, sexy fireman. Maverick Ryder wears his ladies-man badge with pride, annoying Sexy Lexi every chance he gets. Determined to strike a deal, the couple finds that teasing leads to full-blown arousal when they are forced into a dangerous game of truth or dare.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Dymond
• Release date: Sep 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311514608

Mia Dymond

I write contemporary romance novels with sexy, alpha males and females with attitude to boot. I live in a zoo,hold down a full time job, and am trying to coax my creative muse from her cage. So BEWARE, the madness may rub off on you!

Book preview

Steal My Heart

Heroes of Seaside Point, Book 3

By

Mia Dymond

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Mia Dymond

Published on Smashwords

Cover photo: Agencyby|Dreamstime.com

Cover by Dara England

* * *

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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CHAPTER ONE

Official uniform, my Aunt Fannie.

Alexa Sharpe balanced a cardboard box on one hip while she tugged at the hem of her t-shirt with her free hand for at least the millionth time in the last twenty minutes, only to expose the tops of her breasts in the process. Never mind that the unforgiving cotton hugged her body like a second skin, one more good tug and she’d all but fall out.

She exhaled a hard breath as she practically stomped across the dirt, headed for the dugout. She knew better than to make a bet with the devil, but those hypnotizing chocolate-dipped gaze and cocky grin had sucked her in. Again. And honestly, when he’d poked her with his silver-tongued pitchfork, pleasure flooded her lust-filled brain and dared her to spoil the fun.

Unable to help herself, she pulled on the garment again, still convinced this was some sort of joke. No one played baseball in clothing this tight. No one in their right mind, anyway. And certainly not her.

Determined to remedy the situation, she took a deep calming breath, and approached the dugout, prepared to negotiate.

Hey, Sexy Lexi.

She shifted the box on her hip and glared at the man who appeared to appreciate the scenery. Maverick.

He lifted his gaze and grinned. "The girls are looking good this morning."

Obviously you ordered me the wrong size.

You told me to order a small.

This is not a small.

Yes, it is. Check the tag.

Did you wash it first?

No.

Then I’m sure it’s a child’s size small.

He released a hearty laugh. Don’t be a sore loser just because you couldn’t get your fine little ass up and over that wall.

As badly as she wanted to argue, he had a valid point. They had made an honest wager a month ago; she bet him that she could climb the endurance wall faster than he, and she didn’t. In fact, he had to boost her over the top. She’d always admired Maverick Ryder’s physique, she just didn’t realize how hard it was to carve it. And at least his t-shirt hugged his bulging muscles as well.

Fine, she mumbled as she gestured at the box with her head. These are the t-shirts for the carwash.

She bit her bottom lip as he took the box and pulled out a shirt, hoping he wouldn’t be disappointed with her choice. She’d chosen navy blue shirts to match the one she’d seen him wear numerous times during his off-duty hours. Except, instead of Seaside Point FD printed on the front, she had the printer move the fire department emblem to the right corner and the Sharpe Realty sponsorship to the left. A white seagull with a large, orange beak occupied the majority of space on the front, its mouth opened to spew Seaside Seagulls. The player’s name and number were printed on the back.

These are great! Thanks for donating them.

A wave of relief swept over her. You’re welcome. What is your team raising money for?

We raise money every year so the girls can throw a Christmas party for the less fortunate kids in the area.

Her heart swelled with admiration. That’s wonderful.

We can always use more volunteers. You up for the task?

Sure. She smiled and glanced around the field. Where are the boys?

He frowned. What boys?

Your baseball team, she drawled.

He gave her a grin that made her want to yank that pesky top over her head and press the girls to his hard chest. I don’t coach boys or baseball.

Really? Then why do you need a bat girl and why am I here?

The Seaside Seagulls are an eight-year-old girls’ softball team.

Extreme shock electrocuted her nerves. Oh. She unfolded her arms and poked a loose strand of hair behind one ear. At least I won’t have to worry about flashing them. Then again, is this the type of example you want to set for them?

Good point. He turned and reached into a duffle bag on the wooden bench. He then handed her a grey baseball jersey, obviously the correct size and probably two times bigger than the t-shirt she wore. Put this on.

Turn around.

His eyes bulged. Huh? No, put it on over your t-shirt.

She gave him a big, cheesy smile. I’m not an exhibitionist, Maverick. I knew what you meant.

And I purposely ordered that t-shirt too small.

I knew that too. She unbuttoned the jersey and then poked her arms into it. Do you want me to button it?

No, but you probably should.

She rolled her eyes and pushed the buttons through the holes.

The girls will be here any time, he told her. They usually all get here about the same time.

How many girls?

Fifteen.

All fifteen of them play?

Not all at once, he drawled. We’re only allowed nine players at a time.

She lifted both eyebrows. I’m aware of that particular rule. What exactly do you want me to do?

You entertain the bench.

You said you needed a bat girl. I assumed that had something to do with bats.

Well yeah, when it’s our turn to bat, you make sure helmets are fastened securely and that the batter gets her equipment. The rest of the time, you entertain the team.

Won’t they be watching the game?

Sometimes.

"Explain sometimes."

They’re eight years old. Occasionally they get distracted.

No sweat. Anything else?

He shook his head. That’s about it. Think you can handle it?

Piece of cake.

Good, because you’re on. He gestured with his head across the field where several little girls walked toward them.

Lexi rolled her eyes at his lack of confidence. She was a girl, for Pete’s sake, of course she could entertain his female team.

Unless there was something else Maverick failed to mention.

Nah. She dismissed her momentary suspicion and gave each child a smile as they approached.

The first, complete with big brown eyes and a long ponytail, crammed her glove under one arm and then stuck out her free hand.

I’m Emma Brady. Are you Lexi?

Lexi gave Emma’s hand a shake, somewhat surprised by the little girl’s knowledge. Yes, I’m Lexi. Nice to meet you, Emma.

Coach told us you’d be here today. She pointed at each of her friends, both with blonde ponytails and blue eyes. This is Katie and Gracie.

I’m glad to meet you girls, too, Lexi told them. What positions do you play?

I pitch, Emma answered first.

Katie grinned. I’m the catcher.

And I play third base, Gracie said.

Lexi smiled. I’m the bat girl but I’ve never done the job before.

We’ll help you, Emma assured her.

Lexi noticed Emma glance back at her friends, who shook their heads as if they encouraged her to continue.

Ask her, Gracie whispered.

Uh, Lexi. Emma stuck one hand on her hip. "We were wondering if you’re