Page 49 of The Sweet Spot

I can’t say no. I don’t want to either.

So I put my hand in his, ignoring the ache radiating in my chest.

He leans in as he walks me to the dance floor. “I didn’t get to tell you the best rat fact.”

“You didn’t?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. Did you know that rats sleep in cuddle piles? They’ll often choose to sleep pressed against their favorite companion rather than be alone.”

“Oh.”

“Wanna be my favorite companion?” he asks.

How? How can he be so easy and breezy about everything?

When he’s found us a spot on the dance floor, his hands land on my hips, and I wrap my arms around his neck as he pulls me closer.

“What’s wrong, Coach?”

“Nothing.”

He takes his hand from my waist and places a finger under my chin, tipping it up so I look at him.

“Mhm. Then why do you have the same facial expression as Larry when I tell him there are no more hot dogs left?”

I huff out a breath and mutter, “You make everything sound so simple.”

“Isn’t it?”

“No,” I stress.

His brow furrows, and for the first time since I’ve met him, he’s quiet, silently waiting for me to explain myself.

“You’re leaving for Cincinnati tomorrow.”

“And?”

“And then you're heading to New York. I'll be in Missouri by the time you're back, which means...”

I don't finish the sentence. Mainly because I don't know how to, but I also don't want to admit that somehow I might've fallen for a guy I've only known for three days. A catcher for my dad’s favorite baseball team, no less.

JB's grin grows wide, and he pulls me closer, so our bodies are touching.

“Why are you smiling like that?”

He leans down and whispers in my ear, “Tell me you want me without telling me you want me.”

I groan, rolling my eyes, and when I try to push him away, he doesn’t let me. He just holds us in place, so we sway to the music.

“I want you too, Whit,” he husks out. “I have since Larry told me you were competing in this ProAm last month. Probably longer, if I’m being truly honest with myself.”

He pulls back enough so our lips are inches apart. His eyes drop to my mouth and he leans down just an inch.

My breath catches as I keep my gaze on his lips.

I want him.

He leans a little closer, and right before our lips connect, I step back half an inch.