Page 8 of Praising the Pitcher

“Yes. It’s just my dad.” I swallow, my fingers beginning to type.

Me: Sorry, Dad. I’m headed home shortly.

Dad: Good.

Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I sigh, looking up at Noah.

“I’m going to head out. Your sister is going home with Dallas, so she’s all set on a ride.”

“Now that they’ve finally admitted they love each other,” he says before chuckling, and for some reason, it warms my heart that his sister is now dating his best friend and he seems completely chill with it. “You sure you have to go? I could give you an ass whoopin’ at hoops or something.”

One look into his eyes and the appearance of that stupid grin makes me want to turn my location off so my dad can’t see it and just stay here. Unfortunately, that would have consequences, and he could show up tomorrow and make me move home or something crazy. I need to leave now and keep him happy.

“Maybe another time,” I say, tucking my hands into my back pockets. “Have a great birthday.”

I swear I see disappointment cross his face, but I’m sure I’m imagining it. The second I leave, he’ll no doubt be surrounded by women. And he’ll love every minute of it, I’m sure.

Holding my hand up to wave, I smile one last time before I turn and head toward the exit. I wish I could stay because truthfully, I am enjoying myself. But sometimes, it’s just easier to keep the peace than it is to be selfish I think.

FOUR

NOAH

“Well, that looked interesting.” Jameson reappears, this time without Hendrix, but another hockey player, Cash Hale, is by his side. “You and Gigi Jacobs, huh?”

“Nah,” I say nonchalantly. “She’s a friend of my sister’s.”

“And?” Jameson elbows me. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

I lean against the pool table. “I don’t hook up with Haven’s friends.” I shrug, playing it off like it’s not that deep because I’m not about to tell these two my reasoning. Well, I’d tell Cash because he’s a sensitive, sweet dude. But Jameson? Hell no. He’s a crude, perverted one.

“Well that’s too bad because she sure seemed sweet on you.” He elbows me again. “And she’s hot. Really hot.”

“You’re too much, dude. Did anyone ever tell you that?” Cash shakes his head. “Not every woman is a piece of meat.”

“I mean, women treat me like I’m a piece of meat though.” Jameson shrugs. “And I don’t mind. Call me Mr. Deli Man.”

“No one is going to call you that,” Cash deadpans. “Ever.”

“Agreed.” I clap my hand against Jameson’s shoulder. “You’re a fucked-up camper, you know that, right?”

As he goes on to answer, I look the ten feet back toward where I was just with Gigi before she left when something sparkly catches my eye on the floor.

Kneeling down, I pick the bracelet off the floor and look it over. It’s Gigi’s. I know because I saw her wearing it tonight and it must have fallen off.

Cinderella may have needed to get home right away, but I’ll have to follow her so she gets it back. After all, it could be important. Besides, it would be wrong not to return it to her.

GIGI

In record time, my light makeup is scrubbed off, my hair is up in a messy bun, and my pajamas are on. I grab my Kindle from my nightstand and begin to pull my bedding down.

Tonight, I get to start a brand-new book by one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait. I’ve been waiting for this for a year since book one came out, and finally, it’s here.

“Knock, knock,” a deep voice says on the other side of my closed door before a fist taps gently against the wood. “It’s Noah.”

My eyes must widen to the size of dinner plates, and I quickly pull my bedding back up so my bed looks almost perfect. I look down at my pajamas and cringe. An oversized T-shirt and sleep shorts leave me in no condition to face Noah.

“Um … what is it?” I squeak, frozen beside my bed.