Page 119 of Unleashed

“Nice job, Rodwell,” Wilder says, not adding a but... Color me shocked.

Val runs home, and Amos follows. When I reach first base. Nico high-fives me. “That was fucking phenomenal.”

Distracted, I mutter, “Thanks.” Simone looks away from me and grabs Tesco’s shoulder. His suggestive grin makes my stomach turn and my hands shake.

Ferrera sighs as he peers over at the douchery and then turns back to me. “Should she be flirting with him? It’s not appropriate right after announcing your marriage.”

“Whatever. I can’t stop her.” I try to sound uncaring, but I’m about to lose my mind.

“You need to talk to her.”

I shrug and clear my throat. “Who cares?”

Nico laughs. “You do, my friend.”

I frown as I pretend not to watch Tesco enjoying their hands on him. “Shut the fuck up, Ferrera.”

“Tucker, you’re up,” Wilder says, probably for the third time since Sylvie is busy.

“Damn,” she mutters and sulks to grab a helmet.

Ferrera watches me, watching Simone still. “Maybe you should kiss her.”

My scowl is unrelenting with him. “Christ, Ferrera. Betsy has gotten to you.”

“Maybe she’s right. Those of us who aren’t in the know about your scam are supposed to think this is the real shit. Like you fell in love, you proposed—or she did—and exchanged vows and rings.” He looks from me to Simone and then back to me. “I’m still not feeling it.”

“Wilder and Hadley don’t make out in front of everyone. Thank God.”

Ferrera laughs. “But there’s no mistaking that they’re a couple in love. The way they look at each other is a dead giveaway. Come on, Rodwell. Step up your game.”

“Why don’t you step up yours and kiss Sylvie?” He frowns back at me and since Patrice keeps dropping the ball, I walk to second base. Winning this year is so far out of our reach. Or any year.

I jump onto the bag. “Hey, Ronnie.”

She smiles, and it’s the most genuine smile I’ve seen all day. “Hi, Greg. Nice hit. You could’ve gone home with that, you know.”

I shake my head. “I’m okay with taking my time. So, how are you?”

“Since last night?” She laughs, and I see her light blue eyes dance under the bill of her team hat. Her honey-blonde hair is in a low ponytail, and she’s wearing gray sweatpants with a yellow T-shirt. “I’m doing okay. Congratulations on your marriage.” Rhonda squints up at me with a playful smirk, and I can’t help but laugh.

Since Brandon and Patrice are behind us, and Scanlon is in front, I say, “Thanks.” Almost the entire team knows it’s not real. That’s how I want my marriage to be: a fucking joke.

Rhonda says, “You might not think so, but you and Simone look good together.” She glances at the ground and then at the back of Crick’s head. “Like you’re meant to be.”

“Sure.” I wish it had been true. Why in the hell did I want to relive this pain again?

“You should find your one and only. Ask Nico to dinner.”

She gasps and fumbles for words like I suggested she date Betsy. As Rhonda short-circuits, Sylvie hits the ball over Hadley’s head, bouncing near Brandon.

I say, “I’ll ask him for you if you want.”

Rhonda shakes her head so fast I think it will fly into the outfield like the ball.

I smile. She’s cute. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

She whispers, “Okay.”

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