"Totally. To be honest, I think I'd have been a little surprised and insulted if you weren't jealous at all."

"Really? Does that mean you don't think I'm a jackass?"

He grinned. "Well… I wouldn't use that word, but you sure can be a—challenge, when you're mad."

She snickered. "A challenge. Nice way to put it. Probably nicer than I deserve." Merry stared at her lap and realized how lucky she was he hadn't dumped her on the spot.

He used the back of his knuckles to stroke her cheek, softly. She closed her eyes and turned into his hand. She sensed, rather than saw, his lips heading for her face. His fingers cupped the back of her neck as his lips brushed her other cheek.

She turned her head to meet his kiss. And what a kiss it was! Long, deep, and languorous. Their tongues met and swirled. She slid her arms around his neck and her abdomen fluttered.

When he leaned back a few inches, he said, "Well, we've made it to our destination. Are you ready to go inside?"

She glanced out through the windshield and couldn't really tell where they were. Some back street and it looked kind of sketchy.

As if he read her mind, he said, "We're at Fenway Park. Don't worry, you're safe. You're with me."

He hopped out, jogged around the car, and opened her door for her. Even right after a fight, he was a gentleman. He helped her out of the car and led her to a back entrance. He knocked on the door, and it opened.

"Hey, Jason," a burly black man said, and shook his hand enthusiastically. "Is this the lady friend you mentioned?"

He mentioned me?

"Yep. This is Merry."

"What a beauty. No wonder you wanted to show her around when the place was deserted. You don't need the competition."

Merry wanted to burst out laughing—and kiss whoever this wonderful man was.

"Merry, this is Bubba. He's head of security here at the stadium and he's giving us a special pass, so I can show you my second home."

She shook the guard's hand.

Jason wrapped an arm around her shoulder and escorted her along the deserted corridor. At last, they stopped at one of the luxury boxes. It was like a small, private room with carpeting, comfortable seats, and what looked like a wet bar and snack table.

If not for the full moon, the field might have been invisible, but thanks to ol' Luna he could show her a few areas of interest.

First, he pointed out the pitcher's mound where he spent most of his time when he started.

She rolled her eyes and said, "I think I can pick out the pitcher's mound and the bases."

Then he had to explain what "starting" meant—that he only had to pitch every fifth game or so.

"Must be nice. I wish I only had to work ever fifth night for a few hours and make the money you do."

"Do you know how much money I make?"

"No, and don't tell me. I know sports figures make a lot. Besides, it's rude to ask someone about his or her salary."

He couldn't help but grin. Apparently, she didn't realize it was a matter of public record that he had signed a three-year contract for ninety million. He liked knowing it didn't matter to her.

Next he showed her the "Green Monster."

"I've heard of the ‘Green Monster,' but I thought that's what attacked me during the stupid bachelor auction."

Jason chuckled. "At least you admit it. No, it's affectionately called the Green Monster because of its size, and… well, it's green. It's hard to see color at night. Some powerful batters can belt a ball right over it and out of the park."

"Really? Holy crap. Have you ever done it?"

"No, but I'm working on it."

While she stared at the field, he stood behind her and stroked her arms. He was trying to make this tour as exciting as he could for a non-fan. Happily, his enthusiasm must have been contagious because she asked a few intelligent questions and didn't yawn once.

He pulled her warm body against his chest and his erection nudged her backside. "See what you do to me?" he whispered in her ear.

She shivered, tipped her head back, and rested it on his shoulder. "Mmm… I guess you really forgave me."

He could almost hear her smile.

He trailed his finger up and down her arm. "You're my girl, Merry. Little disagreements happen between couples. It doesn't have to end things. Besides, you and I are just beginning."

She turned in his arms. Gazing into his blue eyes, she asked, "So, what did you mean when you were talking about taking our relationship to the next level?"

"I think you know." Jason planted soft kisses down her neck to her shoulder. She cupped his jaw and drew him to her lips for a long, deep kiss.