Page 23 of Praising the Pitcher

When I pull in along the curb, I fight a smile to see how fast she ate her breakfast because that means she really liked it and I ordered right.

“I hope no one sees us,” she whispers, looking toward the house. “I don’t need everyone assuming anything.”

I fight the fact that she kinda just shit all over my feelings, because at the end of the day, I get it. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck she’d be embarrassed to be seen together …

I put my truck in park and before she can get out, I turn toward her.

“Despite how much you don’t want to be seen with me, you know … we could be friends.” I pause, leaning on my steering wheel. “Actually, fuck that. We are friends, Smoke. And last I checked, friends can be seen together.”

“Everyone knows Noah King isn’t just friends with women …” she says, her voice trailing off to a whisper. “You kind of have a reputation, you know.”

I put a hand to my chest, grimacing. And even though I’m pretending to fake it, it actually does hurt a bit.

“There you go again, calling me a man-whore,” I say, shaking my head. “I do have feelings, ya know.”

“I never called you a man-whore,” she says, tilting her head to the side, challenging me. “I said you have a reputation.”

“You didn’t need to say the word, sweetheart,” I deadpan. “And just so you know, I could totally be celibate.” I pause, thinking of something. “I’ll be celibate if you attempt to relax a little. Stand up to your dad a bit …”

The look on her face tells me right away I’ve struck a nerve.

“I do stand up to him,” she says, half-heartedly, but before I even have time to respond, she sighs. “You don’t know how hard he makes it. It’s easier to go along with what he wants than to fight back.” She cringes. “He’s … a lot. He’s stubborn and hard. And …” She bites her lip nervously. “Downright cold at times.”

I’d never try to come between family, but her dad is hurting her more than he’s helping. She doesn’t even realize that none of this is normal—that it isn’t supposed to be this way. She’s not supposed to be a college kid who’s convinced if she doesn’t eat the same thing every day, the world will end. I’m not asking her to tell him to fuck off and never speak to him again. I just want her to know she can make her own decisions at times. She doesn’t have to go to these lengths daily to make him happy. That isn’t love.

“Yeah, I bet he is,” I say. “And guess what you are? You are strong. You are talented. Wildly driven and insanely hardworking,” I say, holding my gaze with hers. “I’m not saying you should cut your old man off. Family is one of the most important things to me.” I inhale, knowing family is the reason I haven’t tried to make a move on her when I’m clearly so fucking attracted. “I’m just saying, him tracking your phone, you being afraid to miss a training session because you’re conditioned to think missing one will derail your career, you thinking that you can only eat what he tells you … all of that is, I don’t know, not really normal.”

“Noah, without him I’m⁠—”

“Gigi Fucking Jacobs,” I say, stopping her. “One of the most badass women I’ve ever met.”

“I’m not that much of a badass.”

“Smoke, I’ve watched you pitch a game facing some of the nation’s best hitters and still not flinch.” I tell her the truth. I’m a wide receiver, so sure, I know pressure. But nothing like her. The entire weight of each game rests on her shoulders. “Stop downplaying how fucking awesome you are, would ya?”

I hate that she doesn’t see what everyone else does, but maybe I can help her realize it.

She eyes me over thoughtfully, a tiny smile teasing at her lips, though it’s laced with the smallest bit of sadness. Sighing, she unbuckles her seat belt. “Well, I guess I better get going. Thank you …” She shrugs her shoulders, peeking up at me through her lashes. “For helping me sleep and for everything this morning.” She smiles. “I liked my breakfast. And I don’t feel like crap, so that’s a plus.”

“Anytime,” I say as she climbs out. Before she shuts the door, I add, “If you have trouble sleeping again, you know where to find me. Anytime.”

Her nose scrunches up. “I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to just … roll in on you in your dorm.” She shrugs. “You might have company.”

“I’m celibate now, remember?” I wink. “Might just be me beating my monkey …”

Her mouth hangs open. “Ew! That’s disgusting.” She covers her mouth to hide a laugh. “Also, I didn’t take the deal. So you’re free to, you know, show your wiener to whomever you please.”

I stare at her for her choice of words, but eventually, I shrug. “It’s something I probably should do anyway.” I pause. “Or, not do, I guess? I should not show my wiener to anyone. Well, for a month anyway.”

Deep down, I don’t like the few comments she’s made about me sleeping around. I don’t want her to think I don’t respect women—because I do.

I really, really do.

But right now, I don’t even want to be with anyone. All I want to do is spend time building Gigi up and making her comfortable in her own skin. And while I’m vowing to be celibate, I keep thinking about how much experience she has. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling it’s minimal.

She stares at me, biting her bottom lip bashfully when finally, she exhales dramatically. “Okay, fine. I’ll do my best to stand up for myself.” She cringes. “At least … try to.” Waving her hand, she battles back a smile. “Now I’m going to go before I change my mind.”

She pushes the passenger door shut and walks toward The Nest, and while I’m aware I probably shouldn’t watch her ass sway as she does, I do it anyway.