I can only hope they go away in time.
Teagan
Iflop back onto my bed, covering my face with my hands as I let out a frustrated sigh.
Frustrated because I so badly wanted to give in to whatever’s happening between Quentin and me. But then he got that phone call, snapping us out of our trance, and I thought maybe it was a sign to stop while we’re ahead or something.
“But we know we can’t be more than this.”
The words I said to him play on repeat in my brain along with the way his hazel eyes dimmed as I said them.
I had to say it, though. We keep toeing the line of our boundaries, and I think we needed that reminder. That no matter what we feel, we need to think of Blueberry. Because if we gave in and it didn’t work, I would hate for things to take a turn for the worst between us.
They’re the same things I’ve been telling myself since the start.
What’s different now, though, is how much I wish I didn’t care about the repercussions. Because if I didn’t, who knows where things could potentially go between us.
It’s a scary, yet thrilling thought. One I need to keep tucked away in the back of mind, or else it could destroy everything.
Chapter 41
Quentin
Since finding out the gender of our baby and the orgasms that followed, along with our moment on the couch, things have never been better yet painful.
Because I want more.
Getting to know Teagan has brought me back to life.
She’s my favorite person, simply put. It’s like putting your favorite song on and getting that same burst of joy every time you listen. Or the high you get from watching your favorite movie. She’s that feeling for me, that joy I get from all of my favorite things I feel when I’m with her.
She’s beautiful, funny as hell, and more caring than she lets on.
And our almost moment on the couch replays in my mind daily, wondering what she was going to say before my agent interrupted us.
Knowing I can’t put it off any longer, I decide to give Andy a call.
He picks up immediately. “Q, how’s it going, man? Congrats on the baby news, by the way.”
“Thanks, Andy, things are great. Sorry for just returning your call now.”
“All good, Q, I know you’re a busy man. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with the team, and they are willing to extend your contract for four more years. It would bring you to forty, but you’re looking great out there. Hell, you guys are going to the World Series this year. I just know it.”
He’s not wrong. I do look good out there, as in I do my job and I do it well. But he doesn’t know how my shoulder just isn’t the same as it used to be. Or how my life hasn’t been the same since I found out I’m going to be a dad, because I feel like that’s my calling now.
I’ve done what I wanted to with my baseball career. It’s time for the next thing now.
“Andy, you’ve always believed in me, and I thank you for the amazing career I’ve had. You’re the one who got me signed with the Panthers, along with various brand deals. But this era of my life is coming to an end once this season finishes.”
The line goes silent for a moment, then Andy clears his throat. “Quentin, do you realize what you’re throwing away if you do this?”
“More money? I have plenty of it. I’ve won two World Series, and it’s looking like we might win another. There’s nothing more I need from this game. My time here is done.”
Saying the words out loud causes a tidal wave of peace to wash over me. This is the right choice for me and my family’s future. The wide smile on my face and the tingles of excitement coursing throughout my body are proof of that. I’m ready for what’s next.
“As long as you’re sure. Quentin, it’s been an honor being your agent and watching you pitch,” he says, his voice choked with emotion.
“Thanks, Andy, I appreciate that.”
