Page 65 of Praising the Pitcher

GIGI

It’s the day before Christmas and here I am, having coffee at another adorable café, only this time, it’s a blond guy sitting across from me and not a dark-haired one like yesterday.

I had no intention of meeting up with Benny, but after last night, I changed my mind when Noah took my breath away with his lips, only to then tell me I should give Benny a chance.

Talk about confusing …

Seeing as this morning the Kings were visiting family, it worked out that I made myself some plans. Even though Anna and Haven told me over and over they’d love for me to join them, I really didn’t want to feel like an intruder on Christmas. It’s already awkward that I’ll be there with them tomorrow when they open gifts. I couldn’t afford much for every member of the family, but I did get them each something small.

Including asshole Noah, even though I’m contemplating throwing his in the trash.

“You seem distracted,” Benny says, pushing his cup slightly away from him. “Everything okay?”

Fumbling a smile, I eventually offer a weak nod. “Oh yes, I’m good.” I bob my head up and down faster now, probably too obvious that I’m trying to drive home a point that I’m fine. “Thanks again for asking me.”

“No need to thank me,” he drawls with a charming grin. “After all, I’m the one who gets to be on a coffee date with Gigi Jacobs. AKA, the most badass college softball player right now.”

My cheeks flush, but it’s not in the way heat creeps on my cheeks when Noah’s around. This heat comes from the inability to take a simple compliment.

It’s a me thing, I know.

“I don’t know about that,” I say, looking down and running my finger over the top of my plastic cup.

“It’s the truth,” he says, his voice trailing off. “Though I was surprised when you said yes to hanging out. Figured King would have you locked down at his house.”

I frown, unsure I understand.

“Uh … what?” I utter. “Not sure I know what you mean.”

He cocks his head to the side, giving me a look like I’m bullshitting before shrugging his shoulders. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

I search his face before my eyes narrow. “Um, no. Wrong answer.” I hold my gaze to his. “Elaborate, please.”

Sighing slightly, he sits back in the seat.

“I mean, King is obviously into you.” The words come out like a statement, as if he doesn’t question it at all, like it’s a fact or something. “That’s been clear to me since my first day here.”

Despite his tongue being in my mouth last night and how hungry his lips seemed for mine, I bark out a laugh. He may have kissed me, but he’s not into me.

He’s just Noah King. He’s into every girl thrown his way. The only difference is, he’s celibate now. At least, he was. Perhaps that’s changed. I don’t know, and it’s not really my business either.

“Noah is not into me,” I say, though my words come out a little stiff. “We’re just friends.”

He eyes me over before lifting a brow. “Does he know that?”

“Yes,” I say swiftly. “He’s well aware.”

“And what about you?” he asks, tilting his chin up subtly in question. “Do you want to be just his friend?”

Yes. No. Maybe.

“Mhmm,” I mutter, taking a sip from my drink.

He watches me for a moment before finally, a grin tugs at his lips and he relaxes back, folding his arms lazily. Amusement is clear in his eyes, but his face lights up.

“While I’m happy to hear that, y’all could have fooled me,” he drawls. “Either way, enough of King. I heard there’s a cookie place next door. Want to go check it out?”

Just then, it hits me that even though he’s gorgeous and charming with a southern drawl that should melt any woman’s panties off, I haven’t had a single butterfly floating around my stomach this morning. Even when our hands accidentally brushed—nothing. But Noah told me to give him a chance, and maybe it’s immature, but I kind of want to prove a point by doing what he told me to see if he even cares.