“Interesting...” she trails off, letting me know she’s far from done. “Did you know the majority of the guys today answered with your name?” she asks, the phone still recording.
I shrug. “Well, that’s too bad because I would treat all of their sisters with the utmost respect. These guys mean everything to me, and I’d never do anything to jeopardize our friendships or hurt their sisters. Plus, I’m a complete gentleman when it comes to the women I take out. They truly would have nothing to worry about.”
She stops filming, and lowers the phone.
“Thanks for playing along. You’re good to head back to practice now.”
She nods toward the field and starts toward the dugout.
“Wait, that’s it?” I chase after her. She’s spent at least half an hour or more with every other guy. Our time together was maybe ten minutes at most.
“Yep,” she answers, popping the ‘p’ as she continues to try and put more distance between us. “You answered the questions, so yeah, I’d say we’re done here.”
“How come we didn’t do any lipsyncing or dancing? I just saw you film a whole dance routine with Noah.”
I get that I sound like a whiny child, but I’ve been dying to get her attention all day, and now that I have it, I refuse to give it up so easily.
She stops, and turns to face me. “That’s because they need my help with that stuff. According to your social media, you clearly have it all figured out, so there’s no point for us to do that too,” she says before turning away.
I quicken my pace to keep up. “Is this because you're mad at me?”
She stops again, but this time, there isn’t even the faintest trace of a smile left. “Mad at you for what exactly?” she asks, arching a brow. “I’m the one who kissed you, so no. I’m not madat you for that. But, we’re at work, Fletch. We’re nothing more than coworkers and I’m just trying to do my job. So can you please just let me do it?” she asks, her eyes pleading with mine.
My face falters as my mind goes into overdrive, racing to think up some way to keep her just a tiny bit longer, but even I can’t deny she has a point. I should be letting her get back to work, and I will. But first, I need to make sure we're okay.
“Yeah, of course,” I nod, and while that should be the end of it, I can't seem to help myself. “But can you just answer this one question before you go?” I ask, and despite letting out a sigh, she nods for me to continue.
“Are you upset that some of my teammates answered with my name? Because if you are, I meant what I said. It’s not like that with you, and it’ll always be different when it comes to us.”
“No, I’m actually not,” she says, and surprisingly I believe her. “They didn’t tell me anything I didn't already know, but just like you meant what you said, so did I. I don’t have time for this. So, can we please get back to work? Both of us?”
Not a single part of me wants this conversation to end, especially not like this, but it’s clear she’s drained and honestly? So am I.
“Yes, of course,” I nod, holding out my arm to let her know she’s free to walk away.
“Thank you.” Relief is written across her features as she once again puts distance between us. A new favorite activity of hers, it seems.
I planned to let her go, and I really should, but I still can’t seem to help myself.
“Just don’t go thinking this is over,” I call after her. “Remember what I said about my red flag? It’s true. I’m not someone who gives up easily.”
She sneaks a glance at me over her shoulder, and surprisingly, I’m met with a smile. “I never expected you to.”
She might be putting distance between us as she makes her way off the field, but I’m no longer worried
The game isn’t over. If anything, we’re only in the second inning. She can say all she wants, she isn’t interested, but we both know that’s not true. A kiss never lies, and I know she wants me just as badly as I want her.
If all she needs is for me to prove I’m serious, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.
11
Hollis
I’ve never known relief quite like this as I sink into my office chair, the heavenly blast of cool air washing over me.
Overall, today was great. I was able to film a ton of usable content that I know our fans will love. Yet, the moment practice ended, I couldn’t get off the field fast enough.
I can blame the warm Texas spring air, but it’s not like I’m a complete wimp and can no longer hang. I grew up in it, after all, but after being away for a few years, the humidity welcomed meback like a sucker punch to the gut, and unfortunately, it’s only going to get worse the deeper into the baseball season we get.
