Page 103 of Stealing Home

“What we need to talk about is this Vegas crap. Why would you go have a cliché, quickie wedding when we can plan something nice at our place in no time,” Griffin grumbles.

“Donovan got ordained online to officiate Charlie and Hattie’s wedding,” Liam adds.

“Can we all slow down? We’re not even engaged and you are all planning our wedding,” I point out.

“We’re inevitable, sweetheart.” Scott opens his mouth to say something else, and I shove a piece of cake in to keep him quiet. He nips my finger before sucking the icing off of it.

“I’m not getting engaged on the same day I get divorced,” I tell him. “When we look back on our engagement, it won’t have anything to do with my ex-husband.”

“The weird thing is, he didn’t even bother to show up to court. He pushed to move it up, and then let his bumbling idiot of a lawyer handle it. The judge gave me half the house, and granted the divorce,” I fill them in.

“I think I might be able to explain that.” We all turn to the doorway to see Able Tucker walk in.

“Hey, Scott. Taylor told me I might find you here,” he greets him. Then he focuses on me. “It looks like congratulations are in order.”

My smile is hard to contain. “Thanks. It feels pretty damn good. So, how exactly can you explain why Fernando didn’t show up?”

Now it’s Tucker’s turn to smile. “The president of the university might have Rivera’s back, but even he has to answer to someone. I directed all the parents and the faculty who were complaining to speak to the board of trustees. I think it was the athletic director that pushed them over the edge though. Attendance is down at games, which is costing the school money. Losing a shot at a championship run can cost the school plenty in donations and sponsorships. I’ve also confirmed that Alicia has taken a leave from her grad program, so we’re also down one trainer. He’s been put on probation pending an investigation, but for now, I’m coaching.”

He cocks his head and looks at Scott. “Is this enough to bring you back?”

Scott swings his head my direction and raises his eyebrow. I nod, letting him know we’re okay if he rejoins the team.

“I have one more condition,” he says to Tucker. “I want to be there when you kick Campbell off my mound.”

36

Scott

There’sno easing back onto the team for me. With the season hanging in the balance, Tucker wants me back into the rotation immediately. Which means I’m back to setting an alarm for before the sun is even up. It’s harder to leave this morning, than it was before. The closer Harlow and I get, the more I want to be around her. I especially hate leaving while she’s still sleeping.

I’m not worried I can’t keep up with the rest of the guys, though. It’s not like I’ve sat on my ass for the last few weeks eating my feelings. The university’s gym might not be as good as the one dedicated for the athletes, but it’s free to students and set up like most commercial gyms. Usually, when Low gets up to go to work, I get a workout in before class.

I park my truck close to the entrance and try and prepare myself to go in. I might not be worried I can’t keep up physically, but a big part of me feels let down by this team, and in some ways this sport. That’s a hard feeling for me to reconcile, because for the last several years a large part of my life has revolved around baseball. For most people, going pro would be the logical next step, especially when their entire personality has been defined by their ability to play a sport.

Not me. I love baseball, but I want to be more than a guy who can throw a ball. There are so many other things I’m ready to explore, but I’m glad to have this second chance to say goodbye to this version of me.

When I open the door to my truck, I hear the large riding lawn mower working on the nearby field, and the smell of fresh cut grass fills the air. I start to feel it again, that fire rising up inside of me to be the best. As soon as I enter the building, I’m welcomed by the sound of weights clanging together, the murmuring of voices, and by laughter. As usual, Max and Will are the first ones here. Max lets the plates slam together on the leg press when he sees me come around the corner. “Hot damn! I’d heard a rumor you might be coming in today.”

Will drops a sweaty arm around my shoulders. I shrug him off. “Gross dude. I really don’t want to be marinated in your funk.”

He shrugs. “What’s a little sweat between brothers?” He scrubs his knuckles against the top of my head. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you’re back.”

Max comes up next to us and starts excitedly rubbing his hands together. “I’d have paid for this,” he says as we start to hear more people entering the locker room.

Someone clears their throat behind us, and the three of us look over our shoulder to see Coach Tucker standing with his feet shoulder width apart, his arms crossed, and a don’t fuck with me look on his face.

“I know the three of you aren’t fans of Campbell Chase. Not that I blame you, he’s not my favorite person either, but for right now he’s still a member of this team. Try not to look so happy he’s about to be moved back to his old position,” Tucker demands.

“Not sure that’s possible, Coach,” Max admits.

More of the guys start to enter the room. Campbell strolls in behind some juniors, and freezes when he sees me. “What the fuck is Ryan doing here?” he demands.

Tucker ignores him and addresses the team, “Can I have everyone gather ‘round for a minute?”

A few stragglers make their way in from the locker room and everyone stands around in a large circle. “I don’t think it’s a big secret that we haven’t been playing well lately,” he starts.

“We’ve played like ass,” one of the guys in the back shouts.

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