“I’m curious to hear it from you. I think I need to hear it. Then maybe the spell will be broken.” I let my hurt shine through. She wasn’t saying anything rude, but it still pissed me off.The one girl who fascinates me is the one to be put off by my past.
“You’re known for your wicked arm on the field and wicked ways in the bedroom. Girls want to be a notch on your bedpost and you’re notorious for ‘not doing relationships’. If you can sit here and tell me none of that’s true and that you aren’t a playboy, then I’ll listen.” She waited, holding my gaze, but I couldn’t deny what she’d said.
“I don’t do relationships. That part is true.” Disappointment flickered on her face and felt like scum. For someone who avoided feelings, she fucking confused me. “I want to defend myself, but I have a feeling it won’t matter.”
“I don’t bullshit, Zade. I won’t be a girl who sleeps with you before you make it to the majors. That isn’t who I am. I don’t use anyone because of fame or talent. But I also protect myself from people who will hurt me.” She released a long, pent-up breath and slowly met my eyes. “But, regardless, I can’t afford any distractions. I need to get straight As.”
“You think I’d hurt you?” I ignored her grades comment—I’d ask her about it later. I held eye contact, hoping to convey my thoughts. I refused to hurt her, ever.
“If I let you in too far, and you’re already further than people I’ve dated for months, yeah. Yeah, you would. Whether you meant to or not, it’s inevitable.” She avoided my eyes, choosing to pull up strands of grass instead.
“How so?”
“I know your type. There’ll be cleat chasers every step of the way and for someone who says they don’t do relationships, it wouldn’t work with someone who only sleeps with someone they’re committed to.” She shrugged, like it made perfect sense. “We get along—that’s clear as day. I don’t want it to be awkward. Plus, I’ll be studying a lot. I can’t have a relationship my first year.”
“So what are we going to do then?” I asked, stunned and confused.
“Nothing. We can be friends if you want. I’m almost positive we’ll run into each other with Greta being such good friends with your housemates. I enjoy your company, Zade, I really do.”
“What about our insane chemistry?” I knew she sensed it. I’d seen it last night, felt it even now, sitting close to her. I affected her as much as she affected me.
“I do not base my decisions off that.” She laughed and took a sip of water. “Maybe something’ll happen in the future, maybe not. But I’m choosing to not let what we started go further right now.”
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed.”
“I am, too, and I’m sorry. This is like the wrong place, wrong time sort of thing. I wish we met in five years or something.” Her head on her hand, she watched me. “I’m not judging you for your past, Zade. I don’t judge anyone for past mistakes. But, based on my experiences living the baseball life and even dating some players in the past, I don’t want to get hurt. I have to put myself first.” Her brown eyes went fiery, passionate. Something else hid behind those eyes and I was dying to figure it out.
“I can’t fault you for your honesty.” I tried to give her a small smile, but it came out like a grimace. “I’ve never been in a situation like ours before.”
“Being turned down?” Her mouth lifted on one side, a dimple popping out.
“Pretty much,” I admitted. “Which I know makes me sound like a tool.”
“Kind of. But you’re not a bad guy.”
“But I’m not good enough for you.” Any one of my teammates should be nut punching me for sounding like a bitch. But they hadn’t met anyone like Callie before.
“I wouldn’t say that. Let’s just say you aren’t throwing what I want to hit. I need a fastball high and outside, but you’re throwing change ups and curves.”
“I can change my pitches,” I begged, not recognizing myself.
“Nah, you can’t do that. The curves and change ups are what make you, you.” She gave me a small smile and put her hand on my shoulder. “I understand if you don’t want to run with me anymore.”
“What? I didn’t say that.” I frowned, pulling her up to stand face-to-face with her. “We’re still training together.”
“Ar-are you sure?” she stuttered.Is my proximity getting to her?I found a small silver lining in my playbook. She used her head too much and I needed to convince her to use her body. I had to win her over somehow.
“Absolutely. I’m not a complete dick. We can be friends, right?” I held out my hand and she glanced at me suspiciously. She should, because she had no idea what I had planned. “Plus, regardless of my reputation, I earned all As last year. I could help you, you know, if you needed it.”
“I don’t like the mischief in your eyes right now, but sure. We can be friends.” She put her hand in mine. We shook and I let go, begrudgingly. “And, I want to earn those grades myself.”
“A determined woman is someone I can appreciate. Now how about the eggos? I promised I’d buy.”
Chapter Seven
Callie
“Guys, calm down. I’ll go get her.” I smiled tight-lipped at my parents, because they didn’t quite deserve the full one yet. Their faces on the screen wore tentative smiles, too. I loved FaceTime. Greta and I had remained best friends living miles apart for the last year because of it and I’d convinced my parents we’d talk as often as they wanted. It had helped seal the deal with me going here. Well, that and the bargain we’d made prior to my year off. I smoothed out a frown, remembering the contract they’d made me type out. I’d gone a step beyond and gotten it notarized to be a smart-ass.Of course.“Greta, get in here!”
