Page 16 of Winning Play

“Studyingalready?”Theteasing tone caughtKimby surprise.Shelooked up atSpence.

“No, just checking the stats.”Shehanded him the notebook. “Congratson a great game.”

“Youkept score?”

Kimlaughed at the surprised expression. “Iusually do—keeps me focused on the game.Mybrother,Jake, taught me.Ithink to keep me in one place while he played.”

“Impressive.Youkept pitch counts, too?”

Kimshrugged. “Forceof habit.”

“Whatare these little stars—asterisks?”

“Greatplays.”Kimhoped he didn’t think she was weird.Spencehanded the notebook back to her with a wink.

“Impressive.Youshould apply for official scorer for our games.”

Shefelt her face grow flushed. “Toomuch pressure.”

“So, does your brotherJakeplay pro ball?”

“Heplays for theVancouverStellarJaysin theAmericanLeague.”

Spenceuttered a low whistle, and his smile made the butterflies flutter. “Talentedfamily.Can’twait to learn your sport.”Asmall smile crossed his face. “Someguys andIare heading to a funItalianrestaurant a block from campus.Joinus?”

Kimhesitated. “Ishould begin some of the required reading to get ahead…”

“Afterthe first day?Comeon,Popcorn.Ipromise a quick dinner won’t interfere—my friends inhale food after a game.”Henodded towardToddandEric, who watched them with interest. “Youneed to eat, right?”

Somethingabout the waySpence’sblue eyes sparkled melted her resistance, andKimglanced at her watch. “Anhour?”

“Whateveryou say.”Heguided her toward them, his hand skimming her lower back. “You’llenjoy meeting these guys.”

Kimtold herself the sudden tingling of her skin where his hand touched her meant nothing.DidSpencefeel that jolt of electricity, too?Itdoesn’t matter that he’s a charming, seriously good-looking hunk with dazzling blue eyes and crazy, unruly dark hair.Youcame toTampato focus on your degree… regain self-esteem, and function as an independent woman.Spenceis your first friend atFCU.Nothingmore.

Thecasual restaurant was filled with students and older twenty-something professionals.Spencesaw the restaurant throughKim’seyes, happy that she appeared relaxed and comfortable with his teammates.Theychatted about the game, andKim’squestions and insights revealed accurate knowledge.

“That’ssome badass commentary,”Toddcommented.

Kimhandles play-by-play like a pro.Withtwo pro athletes as brothers,Spencefigured it came naturally.Thetelephone conversation with her mother drifted through his brain.Kimseems tense—still worried about that phone call with her mom?Noneof my business, but that call zapped her enthusiasm about the over-the-top organizational system she’d created.Maybeshe’ll tell me.Ormaybe not.Webarely know each other.Spenceshifted his focus to the group at the table.Histwo best friends… and perhaps a new friend who could become more.

SpencecaughtKim’seye when the waitress refilled their drinks and tapped his watch.Hereyes widened in surprise when she saw the time.

“Sorry, guys,Ineed to go.Hotdate with required reading tonight.”Shepulled her wallet from her purse, butSpencewaved it away. “Wegot this.”Hehanded some bills toToddas he stood. “I’llwalk you back to campus.”

“Youdon’t need to…”

Toddshook his head. “Don’targue withSpence.Hismother raised him right, as we say inGeorgia.He’llmake sure you get back to your dorm safely.”

“Youdon’t have to,Spence,”Kimprotested as he left the restaurant with her. “Iknow the way.”

“Hey,Ihave homework, too.Itry to get as far ahead in my classes as possible before the season starts.”

Theystopped by a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. “Notmuch traffic,”Kimsaid.

“Waituntil spring break.Touristsdeluge this area.”

“Notat the beach?”

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