“Me either! But not only did you do the damn thing, but you fucking killed it. Everyone was absolutely losing it!” Logan gushes, finally pulling back as we break apart.
“And we were right,” Candice adds with a smug little smirk, that for once, I can’t even pretend to be annoyed by. “Fletcher loved it! That man is so yours!”
“He is,” I agree, my hand pressed over my chest as I attempt to calm my still-racing heart. “I just... I don't even know how to explain it.” I smile, as the stinging tears at the back of my eyes seem to win out. “I just knew I couldn’t lose him, and despite how terrifying that was, I have absolutely no regrets. Not a single one.”
I could’ve done the normal adult thing and approached him after the game, but I stand by the fact that he deserved so much more than that. He fought for me for months, and it’s only fair I repaid the favor. I don’t want him to have a single doubt in his mind that I’m not serious about us.
“So what’s next for you two?” Candice asks, leaning against the cement wall, her smirk softening into genuine curiosity.
“I’m not sure.” I sigh. One would think the hardest part was the dancing in front of a crowd full of fans, but somehow the after feels even scarier. “I still have to figure out what his plans are. For all I know, he might not even be in Texas next season.”
Logan reaches for my elbow and gives it a light squeeze.“Maybe that’s a good thing. You two can figure out what’s next together as your own little team.”
I nod, wishing her optimism could somehow rub off on me.
“So.” Candice straightens as she tilts her head back toward the stadium and field. “You ready to head back out there, Miss Dancing Queen?”
When I’d worked out my plans with the Honky Tonk staff, I’d assured everyone that despite my little on field spectacle, I could still do my job. I may’ve just had my big broadway-stylemoment, but this is still my place of employment, which means I need to get my ass back out there.
Besides, Fletch is absolutely killing it tonight. And most importantly, he promised he’d win this game for me, and there’s no way I’m going to miss out on my man making good on that promise.
36
Fletcher
During my entire baseball career, my little league days included, I’ve never once stepped onto a field and not given it my all. But, tonight I promised Hollis a win, and after what she did to prove her feelings, it’s only fair I keep my word. So, I do what I do best and lock it in, leaving it all out here.
To say I’m on fire would be an understatement. Every chance I get I’m dishing out another trick play, and now, at the bottom of the ninth I’ve got one last chance to end things in style.
With Lando from the Rattlers on first, Cameron Beckett hits the ball straight to me. I kick the baseball up and it sinks perfectly into my glove. I send it to Mateo on second, before he cranks it off to Jaxon on first as we land the double play.
Game over.
With that, the crowd erupts into pure chaos as The Honky Tonks officially take the win.
Cannons of red, brown, and gold confetti shoot into the air as “Honky Tonk Stomp”by Brooks & Dunn plays throughout the stadium.
My first instinct is to run across the field and pull Hollis into my arms just like earlier, but the show isn’t over yet. It’s tradition for the winning team to celebrate with a choreographed dance as we perform the one we’ve spent the past two practices perfecting.
The crowd eats it up, and only as the song comes to an end do I take a quick moment to celebrate the win with my teammates. I’m given extra hugs and shoulder slaps, which I assume are half for my killer performance, and half for the fact that I’ve officially won the girl.
Hollis Clemmins is finally mine.
I know her well enough to know she’s possibly scared, and maybe even still tempted to run, but I’m not worried. I’ve put in the work before, and I’ll continue to do so now. Whatever she needs, I’ll happily give. It’s all such a small price to pay if it means I get to keep her in my life.
“Told you everything would work out,” Hudson says after pushing his way toward me. “Now go and get your woman,” he directs as he slaps my ass.
I chuckle, and I definitely don’t need to be told twice.
I scan the area before my eyes lock on from where she’s standing near the third-base line.
I take off toward her, and she starts jogging too.
When we’re only a few feet apart, I stop and open my arms. She doesn’t hesitate and jumps into them with an excited shriek. Had I not been prepared, her impact alone could’ve knocked me flat on my ass. But instead, I catch her easily as she wraps her legs around my waist and as her arms wind around my neck.
Neither of us hesitates as our lips collide in pure, electric relief. I’ve waited far too long for this. It doesn’t matter that it was only a few innings ago that I got to steal a quick, much more chaste kiss. When it comes to Hollis, and the way I crave her, I’m pretty sure it’s never going to feel like enough.
I want to deepen it and lose myself completely, but we both know that can’t happen, at least not here. She pulls back first, and I chase her lips, following the faint taste of her as I hold onto this moment for as long as I possibly can.
