“Sometimes I think you hate me.”
She narrowed her eyes, avoiding eye contact.
He puffed up his chest. “I know. I know. When is everyone going to get over me and Tilly breaking up?”
“When people see a wrong, they want to make it right. Stop thinking and focus on that arm.”
He gained a quarter of an inch. There still wasn’t the pull that indicated he’d reached his limit. His hand began to shake. “I’m doing the right thing by her. She deserves better.”
“You mean someone who can throw a baseball? That’s funny, because I thought Tilly was in love withyou, not your pitching speed.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He dropped the weight. It landed with a loud thud and a clang, bouncing once. “She’ll be happier without me.”
“Are you happier without her?”
No. “Happy enough.”
Elise swiped the weight off the floor. He opened his mouth to explain himself when he saw movement in the doorway. He turned his body, because his neck just didn’t work like that anymore, and saw a flash of long, silky hair disappear. He cursed under his breath, wondering how much Tilly had heard.
Tilly
Tilly had heard enough of Brayden and Elise’s disagreement to send her running. She didn’t want to hear that he thought he was doing the right thing. That was bull. Elise had it right, and Tilly was glad someone had finally told Brayden. She was also thrilled that it wasn’t her. But she didn’t want to be there to hear him say that Elise was wrong or that Tilly was really that shallow or any other rebuttals. The truth had been laid in front of him. If Brayden couldn’t grab on to it, then there might not be any hope for them.
She was walking fast and not watching where she was going when she bounced off a hard chest. Big arms wrapped around her back and kept her from stumbling backwards. One large hand splayed across her back. She lifted her eyes to thank her rescuer and blinked several times. Instead of the Redrocks’ red uniform, this guy was wearing Atlanta blue.
She looked around at the gray walls and realized that she’d strayed into the visiting team’s area of the stadium. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, placing her hands on his chest to create some space. A nice chest. A strong, fit chest. She slowly lifted her eyes to find Rowdy Fuentes looking down at her with a sexy mixture of curiosity and interest. She bit her lip. Dang, he looked sexy when he was confused.
He smiled and his face transformed into the boy next door. No wonder he was known as baseball’s sweetheart. He dipped down so he could whisper into her ear. “I’m not complaining.” His voice was smooth, like the soft leather of a brand-new ball.
Tilly giggled as she disentangled herself from his hold. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to let her go.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Tilly. I’m a tour guide, but I think I lost my way.” She leaned closer. “I’m not supposed to be here.”
One side of his mouth quirked up. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“Tha—”
“Ifyou go out with me tonight after the game.” His hand cupped her elbow and he leaned into her.
Tilly’s eyes flew open. This wassonot happening. The moment was like a dream—every female’s dream. Rowdy Fuentes—in his warm-up gear, tight shirt, and baseball pants—asked her out! Her dad would tell her to tread carefully with any stranger. She had no idea what kind of a reputation Rowdy had off the field. She hadn’t looked past Brayden. And before that, she had followed the sport, but she wasn’t the type to fangirl after the players.
A familiar set of footprints sounded behind her, growing closer. Brayden. He may behappy enoughwithout her, but she wasn’t happy. She wanted someone in her life. “I’d like that.”
His grin grew.
Tilly felt warm, her face was hot. It wasn’t the same kind of reaction she had to Brayden, but they were like chemicals together, always causing an explosion.
Rowdy’s eyes flicked over her head. She stiffened.Please, please don’t make a scene, she silently begged Brayden.
Rowdy jerked his chin in greeting and then refocused on her. “I’ll meet you by the dugout about twenty minutes after the game?”
She nodded.
“I’ll have to rely on you for a restaurant recommendation.” He gave her elbow one more soft touch before waving at Brayden and turning to leave.
Tilly’s hand rubbed to her forehead. She slowly turned to meet Brayden’s eyes. Instead of hurt or anger, she saw resolution. “You sure know how to pick ’em.” He swallowed once, then again.
