All Claire Ferris wanted to do was translate old Japanese literature.
All Kentaro Ikuta wanted to do was play American baseball.
All the media wanted to do was talk to him.
Can Claire and Kentaro overlook their differences to learn to talk together and fall in love?
"Excuse me," she blurted out in English then repeated, "Sumimasen."
Ikuta turned. He stood, his T-shirt wadded in his hands before his midriff, unconcerned that he was bare-chested. Claire was surprised an inch long gold cross dangling from a chain around his neck then realized she had fallen into the trap of stereotyping Ikuta as a Buddhist. Thoughts about his religion flew out the window though, as she noticed his slacks were unbuttoned, the fly half-zipped.
"I seemed to have made a wrong turn," Claire said easily in conversational Japanese. She hoped he didn't see the deep flush she felt covering her face.
"I will show you." Ikuta moved past her to guide her to the doorway. Claire followed. Her eyes watched the broad back she had studied before. A closer inspection showed a flawless, rich, tan surface which looked like satin. It was all Claire could do not to reach out and touch him. Just the thought of doing so made her feel hot in the cool locker room.
When Ikuta came to a halt, Claire almost collided with him, faintly disappointed that she was able to catch herself. They were at the front of the locker room, the doorway evident.
"I must have turned wrong here."
"It is easy to do."
"Domo arigato." Claire started to move to the door.
"Sayonara." Ikuta departed back into the bowels of the locker room.
Claire pushed open the door and exited into a quiet corridor. She leaned against the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. What had she promised to do?
Professional Reviews
Review Contemporary Romance
"Claire Ferris is a doctoral candidate diligently working on her dissertation. She is so dedicated that her advisor Dr. Ramstein wants her to take a break and make use of a unique opportunity. The Cleveland Chiefs have hired a brand new starting pitcher who hails from Japan. Kentaro Ikuta has not been satisfied with the translators hired to assist him. With Claire s knowledge of Japanese culture and language, she is the perfect candidate to become his translator.
At first, Claire is highly skeptical. She knows next to nothing about baseball and traveling with the team to spring training will just take her away from her dissertation. However, once Claire meets Kentaro she is intrigued by the man. Both find themselves intensely aware of each other.
This potential attraction could cause numerous problems. Although his feelings are quickly engaged, how can Kentaro form a long-term relationship when his father has signed a marriage contract that promises him to another?
WORDS OF THE PITCHER is a beautiful and touching look at cross-cultural relationships. Author Kei Swanson gives an intimate and wonderful look into the minds and souls of two special individuals."
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