Wicked Little Sins

Charley

"What is this place?" Charley asked, as they headed toward the large white structure ahead.

Adrian hoped she wouldn't be disappointed with his idea. He thought this might serve as a good icebreaker. He could tell she loved to laugh and could use it now more than ever.

"Batting cages," Charley said, observing her surroundings. It was busy and loud and not exactly the place for a girl in a white dress and heels.

Adrian felt her reluctance to be there. He could see her discomfort as she tightly clutched her purse. He took her purse in one hand and took her hand in his other. He made his way to the bats, grabbing one so they could get the show on the road.

"I promise you, this will be fun," he said, leading her through the crowd, her grip tight on his hand.

"And if it's not?" she called out, flinching as balls rattled the fence, one after another.

"If it's not, you can pick the next activity," he said, smiling. She gave a forced smile, letting him plunk a helmet on her head. He put his hand on her shoulder, guiding her through the how to's of swinging the bat. She stared into his brown eyes listening carefully, his face totally serious.

"Ok, I'll give it a shot," she said, opening up the gate, she looked back to catch him looking right at her. "If I look like a fool, promise me we will leave?"

Adrian smirked, shoving some coins in the machine. He jabbed the button, giving her a thumbs up.

"Stand up straighter, elbows up," he instructed.

Clutching the bat with her finely polished fingernails, Charley closed her eyes. She wasn't going to tell him that she hated sports, and the fear of being hit by the ball was making her nauseous. She exhaled, blowing air out her mouth as the ball shot towards her, swinging and missing, spinning in a circle. She looked at Adrian, as he beamed with gratification—the pleased kind of gratification, not the amused gratification that someone had just been made to look foolish.

Charley straightened up once more, taking another strong swing. She wobbled back on her high heels being stubborn.

"If you raise your arms just a little..." he called out from behind the fence.

"Wait a second," she said, taking her shoes off. Adrian was impressed she'd do such a thing. She chucked them at the fence, getting ready for the ball again, determination flooding her face. He smiled, watching her feminine stance. Swinging once again, she missed the ball. He held back laughter, as she yelled, blaming the machine for her missed hit.

"Practice makes perfect, beautiful," he said, cheering her on.

"Come on. Show me how to do this. I take it you're a fan of baseball?" she inquired.

Adrian didn't waste any time coming inside the cage. He lifted the bat, taking her by the elbow.

"I played baseball all the way through college," he explained. Charley nodded, letting him guide her body. He felt a little uneasy at having to hold her body so close to his. He didn't want to cheapen the situation so she'd regret it later.

"I hold my hands here?" she asked, turning her head, her hair brushing against his face. His heart quickened as he placed his hand over hers. Her skin felt so smooth as his fingers interlocked with hers. He nodded his head, and she let him guide her swing at the ball as it came their way.

"Yay, we did it!" she exclaimed, jubilant at her success. She bounced up and down with glee, bringing a huge smile to Adrian's face. He was pleased that she seemed to be enjoying herself.

"You did amazing," he insisted, watching her try a few more times. He couldn't believe she was now standing in front of him.

"Thank you, this is fun," she said, beaming.

"I'm glad you think so," he said, leaning against the fence.

"So, show me what you've got, Mr. Big Shot," Charley said, handing him the bat.

"This was for you. Besides, I don't want to destroy the fences. Oh yeah, I'm that good," he said, grinning at her. She pushed him, laughing at his silliness.

Charley held onto the fence, amazed at the fun she was having. She watched Adrian hit every ball that came his way, his body intense with so much passion for something so simple she thought. He grunted at each swing. She was truly enjoying his company.

"Ok, so now that you've seen my skills here, let's go somewhere else. Whatever you want, I'll make it happen--anything at all," he said, walking alongside her. Charley really contemplated his words. What did she want?

"When I was younger, my mom and I used to walk down to the old pond by my house. We would drink hot chocolate and walk and talk for hours," she explained.

"That's what you want to do?" he asked, making sure he was on the same page.

"I'd like that very much," she said with a nod.

"Then let's go. Sounds like a good time," Adrian said, taking her hand in his. He squeezed her hand lightly and was thrilled when she squeezed back.