Page 11 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

Great. Just what I needed.

I jogged back to the dugout, trying to shake off the unease. My teammates swarmed me, slapping my back and ruffling my hair.

"Nice hit, Phillips!" Danny held up his hand for a high-five.

I obliged, chuckling. "Thanks, man."

"So," Frank sidled up, a smile tugging at his lips. "Trying to impress someone special in the stands?"

I rolled my eyes, shoving him playfully. "Shut up."

The game continued, and I settled into a rhythm, the familiar thwack of the ball against my bat, the satisfying burn in my muscles as I ran the bases. But even as I focused on the game, I couldn't help but feel the weight of Amelia's gaze from the stands.

We won, and as the final out was made, the stands erupted in cheers. I barely had time to process our victory before Susan enveloped me in huge hug.

"You did it, Trev! You're the hero of the game!"

I patted her back, a mix of warmth and embarrassment flooding me. "Thanks, Susan. But it was a team effort."

She pulled back, her grin wide and proud. "Always so modest. But we know the truth, don't we?" She winked, her gaze darting towards the stands where Amelia sat.

I followed her line of sight, my heart leaping into my throat as I saw Amelia on her feet, clapping and cheering with the rest of the crowd. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like she was cheering just for me.

"Susan! Trevor! Over here!" My mother's voice broke the spell, and I turned to see her waving us over, camera in hand. "We need a family photo! It’s been too long."

I groaned but made my way over, knowing there was no escape. "Mom, can't this wait until after I've changed?"

"Nonsense! You look perfect, just as you are. Now, squeeze in everyone!"

As we posed for a family photo, I couldn't help but laugh, the joy of the moment temporarily overshadowing my desire to catch Amelia before she left.

But as soon as the photo was done, I was off, rushing towards the locker rooms to change. I burst out of the locker room, scanning the rapidly thinning crowd. And then I saw her, standing near the exit... but she wasn't alone.

A man I didn't recognize was with her, tall and handsome, his hand resting on her arm as they talked. Amelia was smiling, her head tipped back in laughter at something he'd said.

Seeing Amelia with that guy hit me harder than I expected. In the military, I always knew my place and my role. But here, in civilian life, in matters of the heart? I felt like a rookie all over again. The uncertainty was unsettling, bringing back memories of past failures and lost chances.

I turned away, my heart heavy in my chest. I had to get out of here and clear my head.

I made my way over to Donovan, who was holding Hero. As soon as Hero saw me, his tail started wagging wildly, and he strained against the leash, eager to reach me.

Despite my mood, I couldn't help but smile. "Hey, buddy. You miss me?"

Donovan watched me, his brow furrowed. "You okay, man? You look like someone just kicked your puppy."

I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "I'm fine. Just ready to head home."

Donovan's expression softened. "Ah," he said, understanding dawning on his face. "And you're jealous."

I scowled. "I'm not jealous." We both knew it was a lie. "I just... I thought maybe there was something between us, you know? But I guess I was wrong."

Donovan clapped me on the shoulder. "Don't be so sure. One conversation doesn't mean anything. You've still got a chance."

I wished I could believe him, but the image of Amelia laughing with that other guy was seared into my brain.

As I secured Hero in his carrier on my bike, I heard Amelia's laugh again. Against my better judgment, I glanced over my shoulder.

They were still talking, standing way too close for my liking. She threw her head back again, laughing at something he said, and I felt another stab of envy.

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