Aaron’s eyebrows wiggled.Does your roommate scratch or bite you, Evan?I might be able to live with that.
The conversation was taking a turn into an area he’d rather not think about.Definitely not talk about.Especially when it came to Mercedes.
Come on, Mick encouraged.Tell us all the details.What’s she like in bed?As enthusiastic as she is when she’s cheering for you?Does she dress up in the cheerleader outfit at home?
Knock it off.Evan glared at his friends.They were only kidding, and he didn’t want them to be mad, so he teased,I don’t kiss and tell.
They focused on the game for a bit, and Evan peeked into the stands to find the ladies.They were still cheering for his team as they got up to bat.The guys were doing well and had tied the game up to five runs each with two outs.But this was the last inning, so they needed at least one more run to win.
The captain waved at them.Mick grabbed his helmet and bat and strutted to home base.The guys in the dugout cheered for him to do well, not that Mick could hear them.His hearing loss was worse than Evan’s, and that was severe.
Aaron turned toward him.Who’s the other hot lady sitting next to your roommate?She’s very fine.I wouldn’t mind meeting her.Can you introduce us?
Evan scowled at his friend.No.That’s my sister, and even if she wasn’t engaged, I’d never introduce her to a slob like you.Go find your own girl.
Mick got a base hit while the previous batters filled up second and third.Evan checked the roster.It was his turn up at bat.Bases loaded in the last inning with two outs.No pressure.
After donning his helmet, he took a deep breath and walked as confidently as he could up to bat.A quick glance showed Mercedes dancing in the stands, her arms waving back and forth.Seriously, she was something else.
He swung the bat a few times to warm up, then cocked it over his shoulder, ready for the pitch.The ball came at him, and he swung.And missed.Crap.It was too high.He needed to pay attention and keep his eyes on the ball.
The second pitch came and almost hit him.If it had, he’d go to first, which would send Kenny home.That would win them the game.But he hated the thought of winning the game on that kind of play.
He took another deep breath and readied for the pitch.It came at him fast, and he swung.And connected.Yes.The ball flew straight past the pitcher and over the heads of the outfielders.His feet took off automatically as he watched the ball soar beyond the edge of the field.Their man on third had already gotten home, so there was no reason for Evan to work up a sweat.
His teammates were already jumping and patting each other on the back while he took a leisurely jog around the bases.By the time he touched home base, the opposing team had already started packing up.Evan lapped up the praise from his own teammates as he swept his helmet off and bent low for a formal bow.His gaze landed squarely on the beautiful brunette with golden hair and skin, twirling in her sassy skirt.Her pompoms shook above her head, and he tipped his head in her direction.
What he didn’t expect was her bringing her hand to her lips and blowing a kiss toward him.Wow.She hadn’t even touched him, but he was left completely stunned.What would happen if she ever did kiss him?Was it time to find out or should he leave it well enough alone?
When Evan hit the ball, the crowd roared.Mercedes jumped up and twisted her hips while waving her arms in the air.He couldn’t hear her, and most likely wasn’t paying attention to the stands while he was running the bases, but she wanted to support him anyway.Carli stood next to her, pumping her fists in the air and hollering.
When Evan finally made it to home plate, his entire team surrounded him and patted his back or mussed his hair.She’d like to do that.It was so appealing when he’d just come from the shower and his hair had been towel dried.The few times she’d witnessed him without his shirt, chest damp, she’d gone supernova.
He played so well today, Carli signed, keeping her voice off.She often did this when they were in a crowd so no one could overhear their conversation.She’d also left her cochlear implants home today.She didn’t need them with Mercedes and Evan.
He did.He’s so athletic.Was he always this way?
Carli nodded.You remember how he was always running around Pops and Gram’s yard, climbing trees, throwing balls around with Brian.Mom claims he came out of the womb running.
Mercedes laughed.He was definitely non-stop motion.
“Their hands never stop,” a male voice behind them said with a laugh.“What else do you think they could do with those hands?”
A different voice replied, “I’m not sure, but I could make a few requests.It might have something to do with those hips swishing back and forth, and that cute little skirt being flipped up.”
Her jaw dropped as Mercedes heard the rude comments.She signed what the men had been saying to Carli.Her friend’s face grew tense.That’s not very gentlemanly, is it?
As she signedno, one of them spoke again.
“I wonder if I could get them to cheer me on in my favorite sport.”
She interpreted for Carli, then signed,How about we go congratulate your brother on his win?
They stood, but before she walked away, Mercedes faced the men behind them and gave a huge smile.“For your information, we only cheer for the winning team.Not losers like you.”
At her clear-as-a-bell voice, they both froze, their mouths hanging open.
“Nothing to say?”she continued, her eyes flashing.“You should probably keep it that way if you ever want anyone cheering you on in your favorite sport.”
