One could assume I’d be used to this sort of thing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. My parents went out of their way to give me a typical, normal childhood, or at least as normal as it could be for a girl with a famous baseball player for a father.
“Wow!” Easten calls out. “Baby Clemmins cleans up nice.”
My cheeks redden as I wrinkle my nose and walk to join him, a few more players, and their dates.
“Wow is right,” Hudson echoes, spinning his finger in a circle, directing me to do a small twirl.
I purse my lips to the side, but ultimately give in and spin as quickly as I can.
“Damn! Baby Clemmin’s got back!” Jaxon teases as the guys nod their heads in agreement.
“Okay, Okay…” I huff, tossing my hands self consciously over my chest. “Have you all got it out of your systems yet?”
“Not even close,” Fletcher says, seemingly coming out of nowhere as my heart stutters in my chest.
When I’d come over to greet the guys, I hadn’t noticed Fletch. I’m not even sure how that’s possible, given how incredibly handsome he looks in his black tux. As much as I’ve grown to love seeing him in his uniform and backward cap, there’s something to be said about his hair being free and perfectly slicked back. I’m not sure how he’s done it, but this man has somehow figured out how to make a penguin suit look absolutely sinful.
“You like what you see?” He asks, a smug grin on his face as he smooths his hand down his chest.
I force my jaw shut and attempt to play it cool. “Eh.”
He arches a brow. “Eh?”
“I’ve seen better.”
The guys howl with laughter, but Fletch’s smirk only grows.
“Well, that’s okay.” His eyes sweep over me in a way that should be illegal, especially with so many of our coworkers around. “Not sure you really gave any of us a chance when you come in here looking like that.” His eyes lock back onto mine. “You’re absolutely breathtaking, Hollis.”
My heart squeezes at his words. “Oh, well, uh, thank you,” I stammer, trying to play it cool as the guys from the team exchange knowing glances.
“We should probably take our seats,” Noah suggests, which isn’t out of character for him. He’s always the most responsible person, both on and off the field. “I’m pretty sure dinner is going to be starting soon.”
“Well, I better go and find my seat,” I say, a bittersweet feeling taking over. As much as I enjoy being around everyone, it’s probably best we say our goodbyes, at least for now.
If we plan to keep our arrangement a secret, I’m gonna need some distance. Between him being all dressed up and his sweet compliments, I’m this close to throwing myself all over him, and that just can’t happen.
“No need. You’re with me,” Fletch says proudly.
“Wait, what? Really?”
“Yeah. I spoke with the coordinator, and after explaining how you’re the brains of our operation, she even agreed you should be sitting with us.”
I blink up at him. I’m strangely touched, and okay, maybe a little thrown off.
I’d been dreading a night of small talk with a bunch of strangers. Obviously, I’d been invited to sit with my parents, but since their spots are on-stage, playing VIP, I’d agreed to just sit wherever they had a free seat and call it good.
“We’re over here,” Hudson says, nodding toward a table as the guys follow and take their assigned seats.
Fletcher’s hand lands on the small of my back. Typically, that move would already send a small jolt through me, but thanks to my dangerously low-cut back, his fingers graze bare skin… only inches above my ass.
Every nerve in my body lights up, making me way too aware of how little fabric separates his hand from total chaos. I’m not sure if I should be grateful for my choice in dress or if I should set the whole thing on fire.
His hand stays firmly planted as we head to our table. Is it possible for a back to have a heartbeat? Because I’m pretty sure it’s pulsing exactly where he’s touching me.
Finally, his hand drops and I should be thankful, especially as he pulls out my chair like the gentleman he always claims to be,but the second his touch is gone, my body feels it. Or perhaps more accurately, mourns it.
Pull yourself together, lady!
