“Exactly!” He jumps in. “That’s actually why I’m calling. I’ve had quite a few inquiries about you recently, and get this, there’s some serious interest from a few Major League teams.”
My heart slams to a stop in my chest. This was not the news I was expecting. Hell, a few years ago, this would’ve been the moment I’d dreamed about. I’d practically killed myself in the gym and on the field as I waited for this exact call. But now? The rush doesn’t seem to come, and instead I’m hit with a weird heaviness as it presses into my chest.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Wow,” is all I can manage. “I don’t know what to say.”
“If I was you I’d be saying ‘Hell fucking yeah.’ This is what you’ve always wanted, right? I know you’re having fun playing with the Honky Tonks, and your contract stipulates that you’d have to finish up the current season, but after that, you'll be a free agent. This is it, Fletch. You’re officially going to be a Major League baseball player!”
I know he’s right, I should be thrilled. This is the dream I’ve been chasing since I was old enough to hold a bat. Yet, for some reason, the excitement is missing. Maybe it’s fear, or maybe it’s just doubt. But a bigger part of me is starting to think it's the quiet truth I’ve never fully let myself admit out loud. What ifmy dream has changed, and what If I’ve discovered a bigger and more important one here in Houston?
I shove my phone in my pocket, my body feeling as though it’s on autopilot as I resume walking toward Hollis’s office. Thankfully, I’m not running too late, as the phone call only lasted a few minutes. Mitch offered a few more encouraging words and congratulations before promising to send over the official offers as they come in, before we finally said our goodbyes.
Reaching her door, I stop and take a moment to pull myself together. Gone is the excitement I’d been feeling earlier, which is frustrating as hell. Spending time with Hollis and getting my dream offer? I should be on cloud fucking nine. So why does it suddenly feel like everything I’ve built is all about to come tumbling down?
As a new realization takes over, my worries intensify. The only person I want to see and talk to right now is Hollis. Not my agent. Not my teammates. Not even my parents. Sure, seeing her and getting to interact with her at practice are some of my favorite moments of the day, but nothing beats getting to hold her in my arms when I no longer have to pretend she isn’t the absolute best thing in my life right now.
It’s not me being scouted by Major League teams, the ever-growing spotlight, or even baseball that make life feel worth living. It’s her, and the way she makes me feel like I’m enough—like I’ve always been enough—offer or not.
It’s why I let out one final steadying breath before raising my hand to knock. I don’t wait for an answer as I turn the knob and let myself inside.
She glances up from behind her desk, and just like that, the sinking feeling in my gut dissipates. Not that it really stood much of a chance. I’m pretty sure Hollis and that smile of hers could solve all the world’s problems if they let them.
She stands, her ponytail swinging as she bounds across the room and jumps straight into my arms.
I barely manage to drop my bag and kick the door shut before her body collides into mine as I pull her in tight.
“Seems like someone missed me,” I smile, but instead of answering with her words, she does it with her lips.
Her kisses are hungry, as if she’s been starving for me for days. Her fingers weave into hair at the nape of my neck, before giving my still slightly damp locks a light tug. Then, in one fluid motion, she plucks my hat off and plops it onto her head. Not that I mind. We both know it looks much better on her anyway.
“You smell so good,” she purrs into my lips.
“Not as good as you,” I murmur, pressing my lips back into hers, taking advantage of this much-needed distraction.
“No way,” she whispers, eyes closed as she tilts her head to the side. “Unlike you, I haven't even showered. If anything, you’re just smelling my sweat.”
I chuckle against her skin, tracing a line down her neck as she shivers beneath me. With a few steps forward, I guide her backward until her hips bump into the edge of her desk.
“Careful,” she teases breathlessly as I lift her onto the desk. Her hands slip off my shoulders before she leans back on her palms. I’m once again met with that irresistible smile before she tugs her bottom lip between her teeth. Okay, she knows exactly what she’s doing to me.
I place my hands on both sides of her and lean in close. “Even so, it’s still my favorite smell. Then again, anything involving you is my favorite,” I confess, burying my face back into her neck as my mouth seeks out that favorite spot of hers, the one just below her ear.
She giggles. “That can only mean you haven't spent enough time around me, because the truth is, I’m annoying as hell. You just haven’t realized it yet,” she says, before her body quivers and a soft whimper escapes past her lips.
Found it.
“I can’t wait to learn all your annoying little quirks. Although, don’t go and get too excited,” I chuckle into her skin. “I can assure you, they aren’t going to scare me off. You’re stuck with me, babe,” I tell her, and though I mean every word of it, I’m forced to once again remember how much we’ve got going against us.
Not only is she planning on leaving, but soon I’ll likely have offers that could have me packing up as well.
With my ever-growing feelings, it’d likely be smart for me to take her advice and end things before it gets even harder, but I’ve never been one to give in when things get tough. Instead, I shove it all back and claim her mouth once more.
“Tell me that you’re mine,” I plead against her lips.
Her hands slide down to the front of my jeans as she fumbles with the button and zipper.
“I’m yours,” she pants, yanking them down.
