Page 71 of The Trouble with Players

“Will you write me a poem?”

“Yes! Now, please put me down.”

He swiftly dropped me into his arms, cradling me like a baby.

I gasped with the sudden movement, but I was relieved to be down. Once he lowered me to my feet, I glared at him. “Not funny.”

“Oh, I think it was really funny.”

I led us along the beach, and since it was nearing eight-thirty, darkness almost cloaked the island. We reached a perfect spot on the beach, so I spread out the blanket and sat down, knowing the tide wouldn’t come up that high.

Crew sat down beside me, looking out at the horizon. “We missed the sunset.”

“Well, lucky for you, that’s not why we’re here,” I said, slipping off my flip-flops.

He hooked his arm around my waist and pulled me into his side. “Did you have something else in mind?”

“Yeah. I’ve got something to show you that’s gonna blow you away.”

He looked around the beach. “Well, where is it?”

“It’s not something that you can rush,” I explained.

“Well, then, while we’ve got this whole deserted island to ourselves…” He lay us back so we both stared up at the stars filling the sky. This night sky was even more exceptional given the sliver of moon gave off minimal light. “Maybe we’ll see a shooting star.”

“So I can make a wish that won’t come true?”

“You’re breaking my heart,” he said.

“Why?”

“Because if you never wish for anything, what’s the point?”

“What’ll you wish for?” I asked, turning it on him.

His head fell to the side. I met his gaze. “Getting drafted top ten in next year’s draft.”

“Cody said there are scouts coming to see you play tomorrow night.”

He shrugged.

“That’s a big deal,” I assured him.

“Only if I deliver.”

“I’m probably gonna regret saying this, but…”

“But what?” he pried.

“You’re one of the best players I’ve seen come out of the Cape League since I’ve been going to games.”

“You don’t have to say that,” he said.

“I’m serious. Your coach was right about the type of player you are. You have this quiet intensity and this innate athletic ability that not everyone’s born with.”

His eyes flashed away as if I was embarrassing him.

“You better not change when you’re a famous baseball player. Or, forget me.”

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