Page 123 of Unleashed

I get into a halfhearted batting stance. Greg digs at the ground with his shoe longer than usual. Hadley says something to him, but he shakes his head before looking at me. Or through me. When he pitches, I take it and miss. Of course, I did.

Greg sighs before Amos throws the ball back to him. Amos whispers, “Take your time. Don’t swing at everything, and don’t let Greg intimidate you.”

Getting ready when Greg pitches again, I let that one slide. My brother says, “Good eye, Simone.” Greg shoots him a look, and it makes me a little happier. A little sadder.

I hit a grounder on his third pitch, and Greg allows it to go past him when he could have scooped it up. I remove my helmet, dump it and the bat at the fence, and go to my car, not stopping for my dad or anyone else. I walk with my head held high because despite what a jackhole my father is, my mother didn’t raise no weeping willow. I don’t want to hear more about how either Greg and I are a match made in hell or star-crossed soulmates. We’re nothing.

Nothing.

Chapter 18

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FUELED BY THE MEMORIES of our conversation and the rush of emotions from our kiss, I was determined to find a special graduation gift for Simone. After going to three stores, I take the plastic bags and, using the key she lent me, I open the door to emptiness. I thought Simone would be home by now.

I hide everything, hoping to remember to chill the champagne on Friday. I’ll have a glass with her to celebrate. Regardless of the shit between us, Simone should be proud of earning her degree.

As I stand at the sink, washing my hands in the bathroom, I hear insistent knocking at the front door. The moment I set foot in the kitchen, the noise of continuous knocking intensifies, and in annoyance, I gripe, “Hold your damn walker.”

Opening the door, Simone’s father frowns at me. “I don’t have a key. Where is my daughter? Her car isn’t here.”

I shrug. “I think she went shopping.” How would I know?

Her father pushes past me, and I’m tempted to shove him back. “In the middle of practice?”

I look outside, hoping Simone will pull into her parking space, but no luck. Christ. I don’t want to be here with Dr. Asshole. I shut the door with a frown, offended by his breathing my air. “There must have been a sale.”

“That’s rather irresponsible of her, if you ask me.” I didn’t. “What was that display she pulled at the field? In front of people?”

At first, I don’t know what the fuck he’s talking about until I remember and laugh. “Oh. When she grabbed my...crotch.”

He purses his lips, making him look like a rotting jack-o’-lantern. “Is that something you allow her to do often for an audience?”

I cross my arms as I watch him, and I can’t help but grin. “If you mean I allow my wife to touch my penis, then yes. Simone can touch it all the hell she wants. Her vagina is its best friend.” This is the stupidest conversation I’ve ever had. And that says a lot.

“Mr. Rodwell, I do not want to hear—”

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