Read No One Like You for Free Online

his jaw, but her stomach fluttered as if something between them had changed. Something small but significant. Something she didn’t quite understand.
    Before Beth could ask him what was on his mind, he shifted his stance, then called to his dogs as he took his leave, “Try to be good.” Was that frustration in his voice? Or something else?
    Barks and a howl from Atlas followed him out the door.
    Beth sighed with relief over his departure. She needed to focus on the tasks at hand. The picnic needed her immediate attention. She returned to her office. Booted her computer. Then sat scrunched on her chair as the four dogs settled on the floor around her. Jockeying for the best position, they didn’t allow her much space. Atlas dropped down on his haunches and placed his paw on her left knee.
    “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?” She gave the Dane her raised-eyebrow look. He nudged her forearm with his nose. She gave in and petted him.
    She then returned Halo and Landon’s phone calls before opening dozens of files. She scanned Rylan’s online photo album. There were pics and captions of family gatherings from when he and his siblings were small. He was the fourth youngest son of Barbara and Robert Cates, and one year older than his sister Shaye. Beth smiled to herself over one photo in particular. Rylan as a toddler gripped a Louisville Slugger that was bigger than he was. He’d been destined to be a baseball player even at an early age.
    He fascinated her. She was surprised by her curiosity. And unnerved by her attraction. That wasn’t like her. She was cautious when it came to men. Her past relationships had fallen flat. She’d learned deception was the kiss of death.
    Searching further online, she found photographs that depicted team parties. Whether at a bar, a club, or a restaurant, the Rogues could barely be seen for all the beautiful women surrounding them. Beth tugged on her cotton top. Plain and practical. Comfortable. Unlike the ladies in the photos. They all had long hair, deep cleavage, and curvy bodies. Their lips parted for kisses; their manicured fingers splayed on the men’s shoulders, arms, chest, and places the camera dared not go.
    So much for her close encounter with Rylan. He could never be interested in her. She wasn’t his type. Not that he was her type either. She’d never dated an athlete.
    Beth went on to skim a succession of pictures that focused on community events. Rylan participated in the Chalk Walk, where fans paid money to produce colorful chalk drawings alongside their favorite players on a long stretch of sidewalk in downtown Richmond. A class of sixth graders surrounded Ry. He was their hero.
    The action shots came next. An amazing photo showed Ry scaling the centerfield wall. He’d grabbed a high fly ball and averted a home run. The man had jump. That must be his super power.
    It didn’t take Beth long to realize that Rylan Cates was immensely popular. A man in demand. Not only by his family, but by the community and his fans alike. Such was the life of a professional ballplayer, she gathered. She sensed there was more to him than that, however. He seemed a man of substance.
    Looking over his schedule, she noted he did his best to accommodate all those around him. Ry didn’t have a lot of free time. A few hours here and there didn’t make for much of a private life. No wonder he needed an assistant.
    “Back to work. No more excuses.” She had a picnic to plan.
    The truth was she was scared that she’d mess this up. She drew in a breath. Held it. Dispelled all negative thought. A previous mishap shouldn’t affect her present. She was starting over. Beginnings were always good. She’d gotten the courage to leave her old life, strike out on her own, so surely she could plan one little event.
    “I Think I Can,” she chanted, repeating the mantra from her socks. She then typed Picnic, and started a Word file. Her fingers trembled over the keyboard. Organizing the