Page 39 of Off Pitch

“So, tell me this, Lo,” I say. “Why do you keep asking me about history? It doesn’t seem to be something you’re interested in.”

“I don’t dislike history or anything,” she replies, “but it was never my favorite subject. I’ve known you for years, though, Knox, and I’ve never seen you smile more than you have today. You’ve been lighting up with every story you tell me.”

I feel a smile tug at the corner of my lips as I pull her closer. “Maybe that’s because I like that you’re so interested in hearing about it. You’re trying to learn about what I like, and that’s pretty damn cool.”

“Well, I like getting to know you. You’re a fascinating person.”

I smile and press a kiss on her forehead. Harlow has been the biggest surprise of my life. It’s not just the whole fakerelationship thing. She’s surprising me by wanting to actually learn about me. She could’ve learned just enough to fake this successfully, but she’s gone beyond that. She wants to know everything about me.

And in time, I just might let her.

Once Harlow had enough of her history lesson, I suggested we go grab a couple milkshakes. There’s a diner not far from my penthouse that makes the best ones I’ve found in all of Manhattan. Now we’re sat on the patio, two milkshakes in front of us as she nuzzles into my side. She claims it’s because anyone could see us. I’m starting to think, though, that she’s just comfortable around me now. I also think I really like that.

“So, you haven’t really talked to me much about how the blog is doing right now,” I say, sipping my double chocolate milkshake. It’s not really in my diet during the season, but I can make the occasional exception. “How hasStarred and Fastbeen performing?”

“Oh!” she says excitedly. “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about that. My numbers have skyrocketed. My ad revenue for April will be much better than it’s been. Maybe I’ll be able to afford something that’s not a shoebox,” she says as she playfully elbows me in the side.

“Well, I’m glad it’s doing well. You deserve that—the blog is excellent, Lo.”

Harlow looks at me with a sweet smile. “Thank you. I’ve had people in my life before who didn’t support me, so that means more than you know.”

“I’m sorry that they were too blind to see what you’re capable of. You’re amazing at what you do.” And I hope she knows that I genuinely mean that. Harlow has the right kind of attitude todo anything she wants and be great at it. I’m finding that I really enjoy her spirit.

“You know,” she says, locking her eyes onto mine, “when you brought coffee over that day, you told me you weren’t sweet, that you were just a colossal dick in the morning. Your words, not mine.” I laugh heartily. “But you were wrong.”

I eye her suspiciously. “Am I not a colossal dick in the mornings?”

“Not that I’ve noticed. You were quite pleasant this morning. But that’s not what I meant. You’re actually really sweet, Knox. More so than I expected you to be.”

“I’m usually not,” I admit. “That seems to be the case only with you, Harlow.”

“I must be pretty special then.”

I rest my elbow on the table and prop my head up with my knuckles. “Maybe you are,” I say.

We stay like this for a few moments, staring at each other with smiles etched onto our faces. And then we hear the click of a camera. We’re broken out of our reverie but remain in the same positions.

“Well, I’m betting that picture will really sell this whole thing,” Harlow says as she breaks the silence.

“Oh?”

“Oh yeah. You staring all lovingly into my eyes like that? The tabloids are all going to talk about how Knox Spencer is down bad for Cole Pierce’s little sister.”

“That would definitely help with this whole charade,” I say. “But I know of something else that would help, too.”

“Mmm,” she replies amusingly. “Now, what could that possibly be?”

“I think you know, Freckles,” I say before leaning down and pressing my lips to hers—her soft, luscious lips—the lips Ihaven’t been able to forget since I first kissed her after my no-hitter.

Do I really believe kissing her now will sell this relationship?

Yes.

Is that why I suggested it?

Not entirely.

Today has been nice. Harlow and I have been getting closer since the away trip started in Atlanta, but today is the first time we’ve really been able to spend time together without a game or travel interrupting us. And all this time spent together today had meachingto kiss her again. Why? I’m not entirely sure. But I do know that she is quickly becoming very important to me.

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