Why yes. Yes, you did, and given our disheveled hair, crooked clothing, and heavy breathing I’m sure they know exactly what they stumbled onto.
“Don’t worry,” another of them says, waving us off as they wobble back toward the door. “We’ll let you get back to it.”
“No it’s fine,” I call after them. I’d feel much safer if they stayed. Not because I don’t trust Fletch, but because I no longer trust myself.
They don’t seem to hear my plea, or maybe they just don’t care, already heading back inside as their laughter somehow grows even louder.
I can tell Fletcher is gearing up to say something, and I’m sure it’s some devastatingly smooth line that will have me swooning all over again. Thankfully, my panic wins out as I speak first.
“So, it’s out of your system now, right?” I ask, trying to sound casual as I tug my top back into place and rake my fingers through my now hopelessly tangled waves.
“Not a fucking chance.” A low chuckle rumbles from his chest as he steps closer. “You really think one kiss was enough to getyou out of my system? If anything, I’m addicted now. You’ve only gone and made it worse.”
“Well, too bad,” I say, my voice shaky as I step back, forcing some much needed space between us. “Because that was a one-and-done type of thing.”
“You might be saying that now, but we both know that’s not what you really want.”
“And what makes you think you know what I want?”
“The way your body reacted to mine just a few seconds ago makes me think I know exactlywhat you want,” he shrugs, his grin somehow growing even cockier.
“Ugh,” I huff, stomping my foot on the cracked pavement like a stubborn child throwing a tantrum. “You’re just so... annoying,” I manage, doing my best not to wrinkle my nose at my incredibly immature reaction.
It’s obvious I’m losing this battle; whatever comeback he’s got will, without a doubt, be way better than mine. Not giving him the chance, I spin on my heel and rush back through the doors.
But, no matter how fast I run, I can’t escape his words. Or that damn kiss.
He’s right. I want more, and yet, I’m smart enough to know it can’t happen ever again.
Which leaves me wondering... how in the hell am I going to survive the rest of this season?
10
Fletcher
“That woman is going to be the death of me,” I mutter to Hudson, my gaze locked on Hollis from across the field as she films Noah. She might be the one behind the camera, but let’s be honest, I’m the one getting the real show here.
She’s practically worked her way through the entire team as she films content for the Honky Tonk socials, and even some with the Rowdy Rattlers. It’s obvious she’s going out of her way not to film with me. It’s like I’m fucking contagious and if shegets too close she’ll catch whatever I’m carrying. She hasn’t even looked my way once.
Not.
One.
Damn.
Time.
I’d know too, since I’ve been watching her as though that’s what I’m getting paid to do instead of, well, practicing baseball for my actual job.
Hudson follows my gaze and chuckles. “Just give her some time, she’ll get to you. And for God’s sake, wipe your chin. You’re drooling like a fucking teenager at his first Hooters. Pull yourself together.”
“I am not drooling,” I shoot back, with a less-than-amused glare. “But come on, you gotta admit it’s a little frustrating. She hasn’t even said hi.”
I grab my green water bottle and take a long swig, the cool water hitting just right after working out in this warm spring heat. We’ve spent the last hour working with the league choreographer on a team dance routine we’ll perform after our next win, which will hopefully be at tomorrow night’s game.
While many of our walk-ups, dances, and crowd interactions are planned ahead and scripted in advance, what’s not decided is what team will win. That’s all on whoever plays best. That’s why Ishould befocused on practice and getting ready for tomorrow, but instead, all I can think about is that when it comes to games, the most important one is the one I’m currently losing against Hollis.
“Just don’t do anything stupid to get her attention. That will only push her away more,” Hudson advises as he dumps some of the water onto his thick medium length dirty blonde hair. “Which unfortunately for you we already know you’re really good at.”
