Page 20 of Convincing the Catcher

Me: I love you. Please tell Dad that I love him and I wish I could be there.

Me: Also, for a little bit of good news, I found out about a program that helps students with the costs of their prescriptions and medical supplies. So, that’s one thing off our plate for now. Love you. Call me when you get an update on Dad.

Maybe I did lie to my mom a bit in that message, but I can’t exactly tell her a random guy is going to buy my shit in return for me being his friend. The last thing I want to do is be Cane Hale’s fake friend. And what I like even less? Being looked at like charity. I hate—no, loathe—asking for help from anyone.

But as I push myself from the bench and start heading toward home, I know I’m going to make a stop at the place a few houses down.

Because unfortunately, I need to go see NEU’s baseball star and accept his deal.

ELEVEN

CANE

The water sprays over me, and I can’t help but continue rolling my shoulder to relieve some of the tension in my arm. I’ve been pitching since I was nine years old, and my body likes to remind me of it most days. Especially those that include a game where I pitched the entire thing.

Turning the water off, I half-ass dry my hair and body before wrapping the towel around my waist. One thing I wish is that my bedroom had a bathroom. But I’m on the bottom floor, so at least it’s only down the hall. Not that I care too much. I’m used to locker rooms, where my teammates walk around with their dicks practically out.

Pushing the door open, I start down the hall, but Jameson’s voice catches me.

“Yo, Hale. You’ve got a visitor,” he calls from the front door.

When I turn to look around the staircase, Harley’s eyes land on mine before widening.

Her gaze drops down to my towel before quickly going back to my face, and I can’t stop the smirk that tugs at my lips, knowing she’s drinking me the hell in. I could go change, but she seems to be enjoying the show, so why would I do that?

When I strut toward her, Jameson grins. “Wow, a bit forward, isn’t it? Answering the door like that?” He waves a hand at me but starts to turn away. “Y’all have fun.”

Slapping one hand on the doorframe, I tilt my chin at her. “What can I do for you, Catch?”

At this point, she’s not looking at me at all. No, instead, she’s looking everywhere else, clearly uncomfortable that I’m in a towel.

“I didn’t mean to … catch you at a bad time.” She clears her throat, looking up at the ceiling. “You can change, you know.”

“What fun would that be?” I drawl. “Then you wouldn’t be blushing the way you are.”

That seems to snap something inside of her, and her eyes move to mine and narrow slightly. “I’m not blushing, asshole.” Her lips purse. “I simply thought, you know … normal people don’t come to the door in a towel.”

“Whoever told you I was normal?” I wink. “And if I’m making you that nervous, I’ll go change.”

“I’m not uncomfortable, Hale,” she bites. “I’ve seen my fair share of men in towels before, you know.”

“Oh, now you’re just trying to make me jealous, Catch,” I drawl, cocking my head to the side. “But, all right”—I fight my amusement—“I get it. You’re not uncomfortable.”

Harland Meadows is undoubtedly one of the most badass women I’ve ever met. She carries herself through games with pure confidence, and everyone around campus knows her name and respects her. When she walks in a room, she’s got swagger that I understand because as an athlete myself … I have it too.

Right now though, as much as she doesn’t want to admit it … she’s uncomfortable.

And me? I fucking love it. If I can get under her skin or turn those soft cheeks a little pink … that means I’m getting to her.

She looks around, suddenly fidgeting nervously with her hands.

“How soon could I get the assistance with”—she swallows—“you know, my medications and Omnipod supplies?”

“As soon as you’re ready to take the help,” I say evenly. “So, if you’re here because you’re ready now, then let’s go to the pharmacy.” I swivel my head slightly to see the clock. “It must close at five, so guess I’d better haul ass and get dressed.” I lean a tiny bit closer to her. “Unless you want me to just go like this.”

Her hand shoves against my chest. “No, asshole, I don’t.”

“All right, fine.” I hold my hands up before nodding my chin toward my truck. “My truck’s unlocked. I’ll be right out if you want to wait inside.”