“Yeah!” Riggs cheers, snagging one of the balls from his brother’s shirt and dropping it to the ground so he can kick it all the way to the parking lot.
“You were great tonight,” Lindsey says, her subtle smirk making me wish we’re alone so I could kiss it.
“Yeah?” I fish for more.
“You know you were good. Four RBIs and a solo homerun? Come on. Just don’t get yourself dealt to one of those faraway franchises like Seattle or Boston.”
“Linds, if Boston picks me up, I’m going and you’re coming with. We’re all going. Hell, I’ll even move Brandon there just to keep the custody intact. If Boston calls, you go.”
She chuckles and nods, then leans her body into my side. Holly is fast asleep in the carrier, and my forearm is tiring from hauling her. I’m not sure how Lindsey does it on her own. She might be stronger than me.
“Hey, so I’ve been thinking,” I say, my heart rate picking up as I venture into my question. I’ve been wanting to ask Lindsey to come on a road trip with me for a while, and Brandon has the boys next weekend, so this would be the perfect chance.
“Why am I nervous that you were thinking?” Lindsey teases.
I laugh, and my nerves show in the vibration. We get to her van, and I slide the door open so the boys can pile in before I lock Holly’s seat into place. I close the door but keep Lindsey outsidefor a moment so I can talk to her without her two little spies eavesdropping.
“On Thursday, we leave for Arkansas,” I begin.
“Uh huh,” Lindsey says, her head tilting as she gives me side eyes.
“And the boys will be at their dad’s.”
“Yeahhh,” she says.
I really thought she’d get it by now.
My head falls back as I let out a light groan, then I drop my chin and meet her gaze.
“Come with me.”
She blinks a few times.
“To Arkansas?”
“No, to the gas station. Yes, to Arkansas,” I tease.
She twists her lips, and I can sense her reluctance.
“Come on. It’s not that far of a drive, and I always get my own room. The story can be you’re watching Holly while I’m on the road.”
“But I already watch Holly . . . at home.”
I bend my knees and groan, glancing to the side.
“Yes, I know. But maybe if it works out well, you can come along for more games. And I’ll sell it to the guys that I’m nervous about leaving you and Holly alone since the break-in. Which isn’t much of a tall tale, to be honest. I don’t like leaving you guys.
“If it makes you feel better, we can get adjoining rooms. And according to everyone else, you’ll be there for Holly. Except at night, you’ll be there . . .” I feel dumb having to finish this.
“For you?” The way she says it, with a touch of snarky sass, makes me want to sink my head into my shoulders. I look off to the side again, my stomach quickly knotting.
“You know what? You’re probably right. It was a crazy idea. Just forget?—”
“I’ll come,” she says.
My gaze flies back to her, and I temper my smile as I’m well aware of the audience pressed against the windows inside the van.
“Yeah, we’ll try it. I think we should get adjoining rooms, though. And if Brandon asks any questions, you better get one of those assholes on your team to vouch for this story. But yeah, Brooks. I’ll come to Arkansas with you.”
