Page 31 of Praising the Pitcher

Her eyes are basically bugged out of her head as she swipes her finger across the screen to turn the page quickly, only falling deeper into the story.

I don’t want to disturb her when it’s clear she’s enjoying what she’s reading. I don’t know why I think it’s so endearing she’s a bookworm, but I just … do.

Let me add that to the growing list of shit she does that’s cute …

It doesn’t matter that I think she’s every bit sexy as she is adorable because I know there’s a line I can’t cross. The line separating complicated and non-complicated. It’s bold, and it’s obvious. She may mean more to me than I want to admit to myself right now, but I still need to keep the big picture in the forefront of my mind.

She’s Haven’s friend. She’s off limits.

For Dallas and Haven, it’s different. They’ve loved each other forever, and now that they’ve finally stopped dancing around the fact they were always destined to be together, they’re endgame. There’s nothing that could split them up, so there’s no risk in them being together.

Gigi’s cheeks redden and she sucks in a heavy breath before shifting slightly in the bed—not having a single clue I’m watching her. I wonder what she’s reading about right now, but I’m certain it’s dirty considering how much she’s blushing. A smirk tugs at my lips, imagining good girl Gigi secretly reading some straight-up smut. But the thought also has my heart racing with excitement because she may not be as innocent as she paints herself to be.

She bites down on her bottom lip, and I swear to God I almost fucking lose it. My dick jumps in my pants, knowing that look in her eyes a little too well. Maybe not from her, but I know when a woman is turned on. I pride myself on having painted that look in quite a few eyes before.

Gigi is hot and bothered—and from a book, moreover. And yeah, maybe this makes me a selfless prick, but I’ll admit I’m glad it’s a fictional character painting that crimson stain on her cheeks and not some other dude. And I like even more that I get to watch as she falls deeper into this desperate trance.

My mouth waters, wondering if she was home, would she slide her hand under her leggings and dip her hand between her thighs? Fuck … that’d be so fucking hot.

I can’t take it anymore. Even though I know I should leave her alone, I don’t have the willpower to do that.

“Reading something interesting, Smoke?” I prod, catching her off guard. I didn’t want to interrupt her, but I also can’t help myself. I love to tease her; it’s fucking addicting. And to be honest, I want to know what has her so hot and bothered.

I wish it was me though …

Bringing the Kindle away from her face, she clears her throat. “Um … no?” she utters quickly with a speedy shake of her head. “N—not really.”

Spinning my chair fully to face her, I jerk my chin upward. “Just how dirty do the books you bury your face in get? Are we talking … vanilla? Vanilla with some sprinkles? Or full-on chocolate with all the toppings? I’m honestly dyin’ to know here.”

She sets the Kindle down in front of her and narrows her eyes. “Are you mocking me, King?” Egging me on to tell you so you can tease me about what I’m reading?”

“No, I just want to know what’s putting that delicious fucking blush on your cheeks, to be honest,” I drawl. “Since I can’t be the one doing it, I’d like to know who the lucky guy is.” I nod toward the e-reader. “Maybe I could learn a thing or two.”

I expect that same shy look to overtake her face, but instead, she pulls her lips to the side before she relaxes on my bed again. “Who says it’s one guy?”

My mouth hangs open. “Oh, wow.” I gulp, completely losing control because she’s so much kinkier than I ever could have imagined. “So you’re reading about a threesome you mean?”

Her lips twitch in amusement. “It’s called why choose. And no, this book is just one guy and one girl. And yes, Noah King, you—and every other man—for sure could learn something from fictional men,” she says matter-of-factly before grabbing her Kindle and holding it up. “The men in these books? They don’t disappoint.” She surprises me even more by cocking her head to the side. “Then again, they probably give me unrealistic expectations too.”

“Unrealistic?” I throw my head back. “You think an actual dude can’t do what the characters in your smutty little book do?” My eyes narrow playfully. “Maybe you just haven’t been with the right man, Smoke. You ever think about that?”

Suddenly, she’s not so brave. Instead, she’s back to being the shy girl. “I doubt it’s that,” she grumbles. “Did you finish your assignment?” she asks quickly, changing the subject—but I’m not about to let that fly.

“Look at you, trying to get off topic,” I utter slowly, lifting a brow. “What is it, Gigi? Do you not have any real experiences to compare what you read about to?”

I’m not mocking her—not in the least. In fact, if she doesn’t have any experience with real dick, I’d find that unbelievably fucking hot because it shows how dedicated she’s been to softball.

Also, I wouldn’t have to think about another man pleasing her when I’ll never even get the chance …

Her cheeks are burning hot now, and I shouldn’t love it, but I do. Her innocence does something for me. I fucking eat it up.

“Yes, I do,” she growls quickly. “I have a lot of experience. Tons of experience. Loads of …”

“Experience?” I say, interrupting her and fighting a smirk. “With?”

“Dick, obviously,” rushes out of her mouth. “Lots of dick.”

I don’t know if I’m jealous or entertained right now, but because I somehow know she’s bluffing, I’m finding myself the latter.