Page 71 of Stolen Bases

I keep my head down, hoping they don’t ask me out again. Dodging my crew hasn’t been easy, but I don’t feel like going out. Not when I have Talia waiting on me back home. The last thing I want is to break her trust. I don’t want her to think I’m out fucking around and not taking us seriously.

I knew when I crossed the line with Talia that I couldn’t half-ass it. Should we get to the point of going public, there can’t be any question that I’m all in. I refuse to give Nico ammunition to doubt my feelings for his sister.

Taking a seat, I pull out my phone to check my messages. My dad’s usual check-in is there waiting for me, but I bypass it for the one that makes my heart race.

Itty Bitty:Nice hit, big guy. You look good out there.

I hang my head and lean into my locker to hide the grin spreading across my face as I read Talia’s text. She’s been texting me during games, leaving me messages to find when I finish playing. I love every single one of them. When she starts work next week, these messages will be less frequent, so I’m eating them up now.

Big Guy:Thanks. I like you watching me. I bet you look even better.

Placing my phone in my gym bag, I stand and pull on a fresh pair of boxers under my towel before throwing the wet terry cloth in the laundry basket. My phone buzzes, sending a wave of excitement through me. I snag it from my bag, and I’m only mildly disappointed in the sender.

Jace:You were the rizzler tonight, Uncle Cam.

What the fuck is a rizzler? I hope that means something good. I cannot keep up with my nephew and his crazy slang. He’s not even a teenager yet. I do not envy my brother for having to go through this day in and day out.

Cameron:Thanks, Rhys. Are you excited about the family picnic coming up?

Jace:Hell yes!

I chuckle. If I know my sister-in-law, Rhys is in trouble for saying “hell”. I can’t wait to see him next week. He is by far the best kid on the planet.

At least until I have some of my own and give him a run for his money.

An image of a pregnant Talia and a raven-haired little girl with gray eyes pops into my head, and my chest fills with excitement.

Holy shit. What the hell was that?Ideas like that should make my dick shrivel up and crawl back inside my stomach.

My phone lights up again with another message, pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind.

Jace:Mom said I have to give Dad his phone back because I said a bad word :( See you at the picnic. Love you.

Called it. Shaking my head, I type out another message to him—one I know Rylann would appreciate. I like Rhys to have fun, but he always needs to mind his mom. She’s a freaking superwoman in my book.

Cameron:Oh no. Better watch out, kiddo. Mind your mom and dad. I can’t have my bestie getting in trouble. Then you won’t be able to come out and play with me.

Jace:LOL. I’ll be good.

Cameron:That’s what I like to hear. Love you, buddy.

Jace:Thanks for the backup, kid.

Cameron:Always, big bro.

Jace and I text a few more times while I put my game day suit back before walking out to get on the bus for the hotel. When my phone pings again, it’s a message from the person I was hoping would write back.

Itty Bitty:Doubt it. Sweatpants don’t really scream sexy.

Attached is a picture of Talia sitting on the couch, smiling at the camera. She’s so fucking cute, curled up on the sofa in a pair of sweatpants with a bowl of popcorn on her lap.

Big Guy:Baby, you could wear a trash bag and you’d still make me hard.

Itty Bitty:Wow, what a line.?? Does that usually work on girls?

Big Guy:I don’t need it towork on other girls. Just you. Is it working?

Itty Bitty:Call me later and find out.

---