Clearly surprised at the question, he took a slow look around the room, his gaze touching on each of his teammates as if taking in the situation. There was understanding in his gaze when it landed on her again, which in itself nearly broke her. “Listen, they opened up and talked to you about the banned substances, and one of us pretty much admitted to fucking up. It’s easier to blame you than Ty. They’ll get over it.”

“Will they?”

“Yes.”

“You got over it?”

“You’ve done nothing wrong,” he said firmly. “Ty did. Tucker did. And Red. They all screwed up, and during my pity party, I blamed the wrong person.”

She met his soft, warm gaze. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” His hands tightened on her, one sliding up her back. “I’m sorry it took me so long to say this, but you were right. Red’s retiring.”

“Oh, Pace. I’m sorry.”

“Also not your fault. But he’s going to get to leave with his pride still intact, and that’s thanks to you. He knows that, too. It took guts to come here tonight, Holly.”

“Pace—”

“I’ve always had a thing for guts.” He ran a finger over her jaw.

She closed her eyes to absorb his touch, which she’d missed. “I’m not brave. Just stubborn.”

“I’ll give you that, too. Holly . . .” He waited until she opened her eyes. “You accused me of being all baseball. I—”

“Okay, guys,” Sam said through a microphone to the entire ballroom. “All the Heat players need to go change pronto. Fifteen minutes before you have to be in your places!”

Pace let out a frustrated breath.

“It’s okay, Pace.”

“No, it’s not.” He turned his back on the room and looked into her eyes. “I’m not all baseball, Holly. Or I’m trying not to be.” He shifted a little closer, bending to put his mouth to her ear. “I missed you.”

His voice was low and sexy as hell, which had her eyes drifting shut in pleasure. “Pace—”

He kissed her, soft and warm, and it felt real. So damn real. Then with Sam barking into the microphone again, he slowly pulled back.

“You have to go.”

“I know.” He kissed her one last time, then turned and headed toward his team, most of whom were watching.

She let out a breath, knowing he couldn’t have given her a better gift than the one he just had, the one of undeniable acceptance.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Baseball is life. The rest is just details.

The Heat’s Third Annual Poker Night was a huge success, and the hotel ballroom was packed to the gills with the rich and famous. It was late by the time Pace got a five-minute break from his table, and he immediately went looking for Holly. Instead, he found Tia.