Page 10 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

The smell of freshly cut grass hit me as I stepped onto the baseball field. As I started stretching, I fell into the familiar routine ingrained from years of military PT. The methodical movements centered me, just like they had before missions.

"Alright, Phillips," I muttered to myself. "It's time to treat this like an operation. Assess the situation, execute the plan, and achieve the objective."

I spotted Mom, Susan, and Nate in the stands, waving like they were directing air traffic. Just like old times. I gave them a quick wave, trying not to look as self-conscious as I felt.

As I scanned the crowd, my heart did a little jump. A few rows back sat Amelia and Emily. Amelia's dark hair caught the sunlight as she laughed at something Emily said. Seeing her there stirred something in me. It wasn't just attraction; it was a sense of possibility, of potential for something I'd been missing since leaving the service—a real connection, a home. But with that hope came fear. I'd learned the hard way that losing people you care about hurts like hell.

"Aw, look at Trev's fan club!" Frank elbowed me as I entered the dugout.

Danny grinned. "I'm surprised Susan isn't down here with pom poms."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. Their teasing was as much a part of game day as stretching.

"Hey, speaking of Trev's admirers..." Danny waggled his eyebrows. "I spy a certain florist in the stands. What's it like living above her, anyway?"

Heat crept up my neck. I busied myself adjusting my batting gloves. "It's fine. Normal. We're just neighbors."

Frank snorted. "Yeah, I'm sure having that goddess living below you is completely normal. No distractions at all."

I shot him a look. "Don't you two have anything better to do than speculate about my neighbor?"

"Nope," they said in unison, grinning like idiots.

Before I could retort, Mom's voice cut through the pre-game chatter. "There's my firefighter baseball star!"

Oh, great. I braced myself as she approached, beaming like I'd just won the World Series.

Mom reached me, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. "Look at you, all handsome in your uniform! Are you excited? It's just like when you were in high school."

I patted her back, acutely aware of the snickers from my teammates. "Thanks, Mom. I'm glad you could make it."

Her enthusiasm made me cringe, but underneath the embarrassment was a warmth I couldn't deny. After years of being away, of missing birthdays and holidays, having her here, supporting me... it meant more than I could express. Even if it did make me feel like I was sixteen again.

A whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the game. I grabbed my helmet and bat, pushing all thoughts of embarrassing family moments and too-attractive florists out of my mind.

As I stepped up to the plate, I approached it like I would a tactical situation: assess the pitcher's stance, anticipate the trajectory, and plan the response. The discipline I'd learned in the military translated well to sports, giving me an edge I hadn't had in high school.

Suddenly, my gaze collided with Amelia's warm brown eyes. She was watching me, a small smile playing on her lips. My heart stuttered.

Okay, Phillips, get it together. You've got this.

I tightened my grip on the bat, channeling all my nervous energy into this moment.

The pitch came fast. I swung, feeling the satisfying crack of the bat connecting with the ball. It soared, high and deep, into the outfield.

Holy cow. A home run.

As I rounded the bases, the cheers of the crowd washed over me. But one voice stood out above the rest.

"YES! GO TREVOR!"

Amelia was on her feet, hands cupped around her mouth, eyes dancing excitedly. For me.

I couldn't stop the grin that split my face. Suddenly, the teasing, the embarrassment, none of it mattered.

At that moment, running towards home with Amelia cheering me on, I felt like I could conquer the world.

But as I savored the high, a flash caught my eye. Frances, her camera glued to her face, snapping away. My stomach sank. I could see the headlines now: "Local Firefighter Hits Home Run, Steals Hearts."

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