Full Count (Cessna U Wildcats Book 3) Read online

  Full Count

  Meet Garret Cartel in this friends to lovers sports romance!

  Dating my bestie? Yeah, I can only wish...

  Garret Cartel.

  Cessna University’s starting shortstop.

  Painstakingly gorgeous.

  Reserved.

  Friend-zoned since freshman year.

  I have a knack for falling for unattainable guys.

  Blame my trust issues.

  They keep me safe.

  But this is our final year.

  My last chance to break the dreaded friend-zone chains before graduation.

  There’s one slight problem.

  Every time we get close, Garret pulls away.

  There’s a secretive side to him I haven’t tapped.

  And I need to know.

  Is it his secret keeping us apart,

  Or something bigger?

  No matter what holds him back,

  I intend to play my part.

  I don’t care how full his count is, I want my shot.

  And I don’t intend to stop until he’s mine.

  Copyright © 2019 by Kimberly Readnour

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for references.

  ASIN: B087WK4FBD

  ISBN: 9798657461350

  Cover Design by Daqri Bernado of Covers by Combs

  Editing by Virginia Carey

  Proofreading by Cait Marie’s Author Services, Kaitie Reister

  Printed by Createspace

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  On Deck: The Novella Offer

  Prologue

  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

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  Join Kimberly Readnour’s Newsletter

  Second Chance Hero Excerpt

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Kimberly Readnour

  On Deck: The Novella Offer

  Pick up your FREE novella today for joining my newsletter, and be among the first to learn about my new releases and giveaways. Find out more after you read Behind the Count.

  Prologue

  Garret

  Freshman Year

  This is the time of my life. Or so they say.

  Three months ago, I was a cocky high school graduate. I had it all—a Cessna University baseball scholarship, a beautiful girlfriend, and a bright future. Everything I wanted, I got. Despite the circumstances, most people deemed me lucky. But if what they say is true, then I’m a lucky bastard who can’t enjoy any of it. Not now. Not when this burden I carry cuts deep and the crushing weight of guilt snuffs any excitement from being here. There’s no camouflaging the darkness hiding beneath the surface—the ugly truth I’m not willing to admit to anyone, including myself. But I don’t want pity. I don’t deserve it. No, that empathy is reserved for others more deserving. Because when it’s all said and done, I got off easy. And that part only solidifies the real reason haunting me.

  It isn’t me who’s supposed to be here.

  Chapter One

  Lexie

  Current Day

  Garret: Fun Fact. My mom bought Silk Latte Mocha, thinking it was chocolate milk. I thought of you.

  One quick errand and my rare, kid-free night can begin. So, how do I celebrate? By visiting Sunset Pavilion, the long-term healthcare faculty where Mom works. Big party girl, I am. At least I didn’t have to dress up. Or do my hair. The residents don’t care about my makeup-free face, my messy bun, or the fact I smell like a Chinese restaurant. I have one mission, and that’s to deliver Mom’s supper and head back to the house and binge season one of Locke and Key.

  The latter portion is my actual celebration. For once, I’m looking forward to a peaceful evening of my version of Netflix and chill. This summer has been grueling with my two brothers acting like wild heathens. One brother thinks he’s the lead drummer for Metallica when in reality, he couldn’t hold the cymbals for a novice band student. The other one acts like he gets daily infusions of Red Bull mixed with shots of 5-hour ENERGY. They are a handful. Regardless of their hyperactivity and my constant complaining, I love them to the moon. It’s just nice to get a reprieve once in a while.

  I snatch the takeout from the front seat of my car and exit. I’m halfway to the building when my phone buzzes. For a split second, I contemplate ignoring it, but it could be Dad. He has my brothers. I juggle the takeout bag to my other hand and fish my phone from my shorts pocket.

  “Hello?” I answer, trepidation lacing the edges of my voice. Dad’s calls are never good.

  “I’m swinging by the house to drop the boys off. I’m almost there.”

  “Why?” My feet come to a halt as my insides cringe from the question. I know better than to ask. His answer will only infuriate me and further the rift between us.

  “Jillian can’t handle them.”

  “They were supposed to stay for another three days. What am I supposed to tell them? Don’t answer that. They’re in the car with you and will overhear our conversation.” I grip my cell tighter. I shouldn’t be all that surprised. His latest live-in girlfriend doesn’t seem to like kids—not surprising since she’s my age—but I could tell my brothers got on her nerves the first time they met.

  “Don’t be like that. Jillian isn’t used to kids.”

  Because she’s an only child and doesn’t have any of her own. Oh, God. What if they last and she decides to have children? A shudder races down my spine from the thought of Dad becoming a father again. He sucked the first go around, so I doubt he improved. “Whatever. It isn’t my place to tell you how to be a father.”

  His sigh resonates through the phone. “Jillian’s trying, but this is a hard week for her.”

  “Is everything okay?” I resume walking. As much as I dislike Jillian, I’d hate for something terrible to have happened.

  “The adoption of her Maltese puppy got delayed by two weeks.”

  “Tragic,” I deadpan. The
boys are wild beyond doubt, but come on. They’re his kids. Some girl who’s the same age as his daughter shouldn’t come before spending time with them. I bite my tongue, holding back what I want to say.

  “Speaking of Jillian, she really would like for you to come to her gym. She wants to school you on proper nutrition and exercise. If you listen to her, you may be able to snag a guy before graduation.”

  I scoff. As if I need to pin down a guy before graduating. What the hell? I thought the idea of obtaining an MRS Degree fizzled a couple of decades ago. “First of all, quit trying to sound hip. You’re using the slang wrong, and it’s not even popular anymore. Second, thanks, but no thanks. I’m rather busy with it being my final year before grad school.”

  “Talk to her, at least. She can teach you how to eat properly. She teaches a nutrition class, and knowledge is power. You do favor your mother’s frame.”

  I stand outside the building’s front door, trying to reel in my emotions. What Dad’s saying is I’m too heavy, considering Mom’s weight was an issue in their divorce. He cheated on her with a younger, more fit woman and then tried playing the victim. He claimed the woman came on to him, and she was too tempting with her tight, fit body. Ugh. I’m glad Mom kicked his ass to the curb. But he continually hounds me about my weight. I get that I’m vertically challenged, and my frame appears heavier than taller girls, but I’m not undesirable, far from it. I’m normal. Besides, some men prefer curves. Only shallow-minded people like him care. Nope. My weight isn’t the issue as to the reason I don’t have a permanent boyfriend. But his words still bite deep.

  “I’ll give it some thought,” I say dismissively. “I have to go. Mom’s food is getting cold.”

  “Wait, you’re not home?”

  The corners of my mouth lift to an evil grin. It serves him right for assuming I have nothing better to do on a Saturday night. “Nope. I’m at Sunset. I guess you should’ve called before leaving. You’ll have to wait until I get back.”

  I’m met with his silence as I stroll inside the building. I flash a quick smile at Gladys, who I’ve dubbed The Warden. She’s a nice, older lady, but when she’s on duty, no one slips past the front desk. I hold up Mom’s takeout food as Dad’s “fine” rings in my ear.

  “I’ll see you when I get home,” I say a little too chipper. Without waiting for a reply, I hang up. I hate being that way, but he leaves me no choice when he harps about my weight.

  “Did she forget her food again?” Gladys asks.

  “Yep.”

  “I buzzed for her. She’ll be down here any moment.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Lexie?”

  My body stiffens from the familiarity of that voice. And the reason I remain single. I close my eyes for a beat, cursing my luck. The last person I want seeing me without makeup and smelling like garlic is Garret Cartel.

  Humor.

  I’ll deflect with humor. That way, he won’t be focused on my appearance. I suck in an encouraging breath and spin on my heels to meet my bestie. But the moment I take in the view, the snarky greeting dies on my lips.

  “Aw, you have your hands full.” I motion to the little girl draped across his shoulder. She’s out like a light. Long, dark curls hide her face, but my bet’s on her being gorgeous. I place her around three or four years old. She could be a much younger sister, but I’m leaning toward a niece. I’d ask, but considering he has been my male bestie since freshman year, I feel kind of dumb for not knowing if he has siblings. As close as we are during school, I don’t know much about his personal life. Other than me griping about having to babysit my brothers, family discussions never come up in our conversations. He’s reserved when it comes to his life outside school.

  “Yeah, she crashed about a half-hour ago.” He pats her back, and my heart doubles in size from the cuteness. “We were just visiting family. What are you doing here?”

  I lift the bag of Chinese takeout. “Bringing Mom her supper.”

  “Your mom works here?” His eyebrows pop in surprise, but he quickly regains control.

  “Yeah. Mom doesn’t work too many weekends, but this is where she goes when I complain about babysitting.” I expect him to laugh, but his lips curl into a grimace. Then, he gives me a once-over, and it’s my turn to grimace. My elastic waisted knee-high shorts and ratty T-shirt aren’t going to turn any heads. Need I mention my messy hair and lack of makeup?

  “You look good.”

  “I’m a mess.” I bark out a laugh. “I look like I just rolled out of bed.”

  Something flashes through his eyes I can’t quite distinguish. Dark and feral maybe? I don’t know. I’m sure it’s my imagination. Garret is such a tease. He never thinks of me as anything other than a friend. Why would he? My appearance resembles a homeless person while he looks ripped straight from a comic book. With chiseled muscles and broad shoulders, his overall strong physique looks perfectly drawn. He’s a bundle of masculine hotness. His short dark hair and defined jawline are enough to make any girl swoon. And believe me, I’ve been swooning for the past three years.

  “You’re perfect the way you are. You don’t need all that crap women wear. And I like your messy hair. It’s sexy.”

  I roll my eyes. This isn’t the first time Garret’s told me how he likes my natural appearance. Admittedly, I’ve left the house without makeup quite a few times. But there’s a piece of me that melts every time he compliments me. And after hearing Dad’s criticism, I need this jolt of confidence. I just wish he’d act on it.

  “I didn’t expect to see anyone besides old man Miller. He never cares how I look.”

  “Oh really? Someone encroaching on my girl?”

  I wish.

  “Maybe.” The tease in my voice earns me a smile.

  “Hmm, it looks like I’ll have to smack down an old man.” He holds my gaze, and I sink farther into his light brown eyes. They’re mesmerizing—a combination of kind and sexy that cocoons me in nothing but warmth. The moment breaks when the little girl in his arms stirs and draws his attention.

  “I need to get her back home before the parents worry.” He pats her back and raises those intriguing eyes to me. “It’s good running into you. Guess we’ll be seeing each other soon.”

  “In a couple of weeks.”

  He turns to the front desk. “I’ll see you around, Gladys.”

  “See you next time. I’ll sign you out.”

  He must come here often if he’s on a first-name basis with The Warden. And he did say the parents. I suppose she’s his sister then. Garret gives me a nod and one last smile before slipping out the exit. A sigh bubbles out of me as I watch his backside leave. Garret and I never see each other during the summer. Although, we do send fun fact texts every morning. Something I started after we became friends freshman year. He was closed off in the beginning. So, I thought sending tidbits of information would be a good way to get to know each other. The texts have expanded to include random facts about what we’re doing or certain events. Today’s text he sent made a reference to the coffee drink I love so much. The same one Dad condones. But Garret never cares how many I drink. He goes out of the way to make sure I stay supplied.

  And considering we’re going to be seniors this year, we’ve had a lot of the same courses, which makes our friendship easy to maintain. But friendship is all it’s ever been between us.

  “It looks like I have some competition.” The gruff voice pulls my attention away from Garret’s ass and straight to Mr. Miller.

  “Nah, you have anything to worry about. My heart will always belong to you.”

  An elderly lady rolls her wheelchair over to where we stand. “Don’t waste your time on this old geezer. You need to go after that fine young man.”

  “Nah, we’re just friends.”

  “I saw the way that boy looked at you. He’s more than a friend.”

  I can only wish.

  In all of the years we’ve known each other, he’s never once come on to me. I was friend-
zoned after our first encounter. Like a bad habit, I have a knack for falling for unattainable guys.

  And Garret Cartel is no exception.

  It’s safer this way. There’s less chance of me getting hurt since all relationships fail after time.

  “Sorry to disappoint, but it’s strictly platonic between us,” I say through a forced smile.

  “Ah, I suspect that will change. There was a sparkle in that boy’s eyes.”

  “Quit trying to pimp out my girl, Matilda. You ain’t got no crystal ball.”

  “Oh, settle down and wheel me to the dining hall.”

  I laugh, wishing Matilda was right in what she saw. But I gave that dream up freshman year.

  “See you around, Lexie.”

  “Bye, Mr. Miller.”

  The old lady pats my hand. “Don’t waste any more time, dear. Some guys need a little push now and then to know what they want.” She winks and withdraws her hand.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Mr. Miller whisks her down the hallway, leaving me alone to my thoughts. If there was any truth to the lady’s words, Garret would’ve made a move by now. But maybe she’s right about him needing a nudge. It was my forwardness that made us become friends, after all. This school year, I’m going to ramp up my seduction skills and see if our friendship can be more. I owe it to myself to at least try to break those damn friendship chains he keeps locked so tight. A soft smile forms. I knew from our first encounter Garret Cartel was someone I wanted in my life. That’s why I seized the opportunity and forced myself into his life.