Page 22 of Bad Run

Music to my ears.

seven

Lance

Present

“It’s hot as balls out here.” Lifting my hat, I swipe my wristband over my sweaty forehead and run a hand through my hair, then place my cap back onto my head.

Sweat drips down my back as I lean forward and rest my forearms along the top of the fence beside Cam. We’ve been watching Nico answer questions for the marketing team while one of the Evaders’ assistant coaches inserts balls into the pitching machine for him to hit.

Nico cranks a ball over the outfield fence, towards a group of waiting kids. They all scramble for the ball until one comes up victorious and holds their trophy into the air.

Cam chuckles and mentions how he can’t wait to see his nephew in a few hours. His entire family is about to arrive in town for his wedding this weekend.

“Are you ready for this weekend?” I ask.

“Hell fucking yes, I am.” Cam grins, getting that dopey look he always gets when he thinks about his fiancée.

“I figured you would be.” He talked about marrying his girlfriend before he had even proposed.

“You have no idea, man. I’m the luckiest bastard on the planet. I can’t wait to call Talia my wife.”

“I bet you do,” I say, making him laugh. I never thought I would see my friend fall so hard and fast for a woman, but I’ve met Talia, so I understand. She is cool as hell and wicked smart. And she doesn’t take crap from Cam or Nico. I was surprised to learn how sweet Talia is, compared to her rude, grumpy-dick brother.

I shouldn’t talk shit. I’m no better. It’s not that I’m grumpy; I just don’t have a lot to say. Besides, people are going to see what they want to see. No use arguing about it.

The Evaders’ marketing manager throws her head back and laughs, drawing my attention. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her even if I wanted to. I’m attracted to her like a moth to a flame. Her light taunts me to come closer. To pull me deeper under her spell.

Gwen Montgomery is a fucking witch, and I’m powerless against her magic.

From under my hat, I let my gaze roam over her body.

Like every other day we’ve been in Arizona, Gwen looks hot as fuck wearing a powder-pink tank top that hugs her pert little tits, and a sexy pair of cutoff jean shorts that show off her muscular legs.

All morning, I’ve had to watch her stand behind the batting fence and ask my teammates questions, while taking videos for The Evaders’ social media accounts.

Having to watch the way the guys flirt with her has got my blood boiling. Gwen has been a constant professional, but I still had to walk away a few times, afraid I might say something stupid or beat a friend with my bat.

She’s driving me crazy.

Nico has Gwen laughing again, and I can’t tear my eyes away from the sight of her long curly hair brushing the top of her ass. An ass I have every inch of memorized.

Don’t think about her ass, I mentally chant.

If I do; I’ll get hard.

I need to keep reminding myself she’s off-fucking-limits. It doesn’t need to be said, but sleeping with the team owner’s daughter is a quick way to get traded.

It’s irrelevant anyway. Gwen wants nothing to do with me. She’s been avoiding me since we got here, and I don’t blame her. I cornered her in the conference room, accused her of being a liar, and then acted like the biggest dick.

I instantly regretted my behavior, but her sudden appearance threw me off.

For months I searched for her, and then there she was, standing in the conference room, looking like a goddess sent straight from the heavens to find me. I was so happy to see her. Then she said, “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m Gwen Montgomery.” And I was crushed.

I found her and lost her all in a matter of seconds.

My surprise turned into hurt, and that turned into anger. For an hour, that anger simmered until I exploded. The look on her face when I told her I wished I could take that night back haunts me.