Page 62 of Play the Field

I closed the gap between us and kissed them again. Their lips were soft, a light, salty sweat lingering just above their mouth. Wrapping my arms around them, I felt my heart begin to race. We’d spent far too much time in each other’s beds to be this excited still.

But I felt like I’d unlocked a passion that had been buried for the last five years and I wasn’t about to cage it again.

Just as Cleo’s breath grew ragged with anticipation, they pulled away. “We still have to work on your batting before we do… this.” Their eyes wandered up and down my body.

Of course they were right, but I hated admitting it. “Fine.”

With a wink, Cleo took their glove out to the pitcher’s mound. I watched their ass sway with each step, wanting to run out there and throw them down on the grass. But instead, I grabbed my bat from the dugout and headed for home plate.

After tomorrow, there would be plenty of time for that. But for now, I was on a mission, and I was running out of time.

38

CLEO

I wokeup to the sun blaring in my eyes and an empty bed. Agreeing that being together the night before the most important game of Cat’s life was a bad idea, she had stayed at her brother’s house.

Reaching for my nightstand, I clicked “stop” on my alarm and rolled out of bed. I had a few hours before I needed to head to the field but I got dressed anyway. I slipped on the slick new jersey with the number 26 on the back and a pair of freshly dry-cleaned softball pants. Slipping on the striped mid-calf socks, I put my feet in my slides before heading out to my living room.

Finn moaned up at me from the floor, begging for his breakfast. Grabbing a can of wet food, I filled his bowl and set it on the ground while my coffee brewed.

Once I’d poured myself a steaming cup, I headed over to my desk. As much as I hated to admit it, it had been so helpful to have a motivation to write. Knowing that the extra money – if I managed to sell the book – could help me run the shop or take some time off made for a good reason to get to work.

If Cat wasn’t going to slip into old habits, neither would I. We both deserved better and I was prepared to put in more effort to see her life outside of New Winford.

I popped open my computer and put on some music. Taking a deep breath, I let my fingers lower to the keyboard. The story had taken its own shape, one I never could have imagined.

I tried to push away any thoughts that invaded my mind.

But as I took a sip of coffee, I looked around my empty apartment. I’d gotten used to seeing Cat most mornings. A part of me was still afraid of what this looked like when she went back for spring training.

Can I go back to being alone?Of course I knew Icouldbut I hated the thought. I’d already spent so many years waking up in an empty bed, dreaming of Catherine.

I set my mug back down and tried to write just a little more. I needed to leave for the game soon and I knew I wouldn’t get much done for the next couple of days.

So I turned off my logical brain, letting the words flow from my fingers and trusting my instincts.

Another alarm blared twenty minutes later, reminding me to get out of the house.

Closing the computer, I put my coffee cup in the sink and gave Finn a few pets. “Be a good boy and wish me luck.”

A gentle purr came from his little chest as he nuzzled his face into mine.

Having packed my equipment bag the night before, I walked over to the front door and threw on my sneakers. I tossed the bag over my shoulder and held my keys. I locked both doors as I left my building and headed to the back parking lot.

It was shockingly cold out, the late October air refusing to warm with the sun. Rubbing my arms, I opened my car door, turned it on, and blasted the heat.

It was almost 10 am, the game would start in a little over an hour. But I was meeting the other recreational league organizers to set up the donation station and make sure the field was in good shape before everyone arrived.

I drove my Corolla down the road toward the small park. The parking lot closest to the field wasn’t as empty as I’d expected. From the looks of it, the neighboring soccer field was finishing up a little league game.

When I got out of my car, my bag over my shoulder, I waved at the few women on the softball field.

“Did you know about this?” Carol, a woman in an orange jersey, gestured to the field.

Nodding, I tried not to blush. “Yeah, it’s a gift from Cat. She just appreciates us helping her and wanted us to have a nice field.”

Carol raised her eyebrows. “Well, you’re a lucky person then. I bet she spoils you plenty.”

---