Page 50 of Love in the Outfield

“August is just a baby. He needs his mama. I will not let you take him away from me for two weeks.”

“Georgia we’ve got time. You’ll see.”

Georgia scrambles off my lap and pulls her dress down. I stare at her hot body with regret as she backs away.

“I’ve got to go. I think I’ll call me an Uber and Ava can bring me over tomorrow to get my car. The wine has gone to my head.”

“I’ll bring your car around before I head to the stadium,” I grumble.

“You don’t have to go to all that trouble.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s no trouble. You’re going to have to get used to the fact that I’m in your life now and for the next sixteen years plus. I’m going to watch out for the mother of my child. Bonus, I’ll get to see my son before I leave town.”

“I suppose.”

“That had to be the easiest victory I’ve ever had with you.”

“Savor your win now.”

I pull her to me and plant a kiss on the tip of her adorable nose. “Let me call for your ride. Why don’t you enjoy that city skyline while we wait.” I call and they give me an ETA of fifteen minutes then I join Georgia outside.

Georgia is leaning against the balcony railing looking off into the distance. The lights from the bridge and the waterfront cafés bounce off the surface of the water, moving with every ripple. The bridge arches over the river, illuminated by soft golden lights that seem to shimmer.

“It never grows old,” I say.

“It is kind of magical. I feel like I’ve been transported. Thank you for a perfect evening… ’cept for the end.”

“The end isn’t so bad. We’re not always going to agree on things Georgia. I’m glad I got to spend time with you. I leave the day after tomorrow for a ten-day stretch. We play three series back-to-back. Detroit, Colorado and Miami.”

“That’s a lot of travel. Any days off in between?”

“Nope. That’s why we get paid the big bucks.”

“Grueling.”

“We’re on the home stretch now. Labor Day is around the corner, so we only have three weeks of the regular season left. Playoffs in October then a break until spring training.”

“When does that start?”

“March.”

“Not as glamorous as people think. Y’all work your booties off.”

“Yeah, and September can be a slog. We’re dealing with injuries and fatigue. It’s a mental battle as well as physical… although knowing we have a good shot at the playoffs helps a lot. It’s mentally more challenging for the teams that are basically out of the running.” I glance at my watch.

“I hate to say it but your driver is probably here. What time does Auggie go down for a nap in the morning?”

“Usually around eleven.”

“Perfect. I’ll be there by nine with your car.”

We take the elevator down to the lobby and I walk her to the Uber already waiting. She slides into the back seat and I lean in. “I’m going to miss you,” I say.

“You’ll survive.”

Her expression belies her flippant tone. Her gaze is soft and warm with lingering heat. I feel on top of the world right now. I might actually have a shot at winning her back. “Night now,” I say and brush my lips against hers. Miracle, she doesn’t draw away. Score one for the home team.

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