Page 129 of Off Pitch

“I know what I said,” I sigh. “I’d love to forget I ever said it, but I can’t. But let’s not focus on that right now. I want to finish this interview for you.”

“Right,” she says warily. “So, why the sudden change?”

“The change is thanks to something I don’t think anyone expected before this season—my girlfriend, who just so happens to beyou. You made me this way.”

“You’re talking to my readers, not to me. Tellthemhow you ended up where you are now.”

“Okay then, my girlfriend, Harlow, is the brightest and happiest person I’ve ever known. Even the most stoic and grumpy of people—yes, I do mean myself—can’t help but soak that all in. Her optimism is contagious, and that’s already having an impact on the field this season. Her brother is my teammate, Cole, so she’s somewhat familiar with what our lives look like. Because of that, she’s been able to help me navigate the increased fame. I couldn’t do any of this without her.”

She looks at me nervously. “That should help sell it. The man who never spoke before has quite a way with words.”

“I would hope that sells it,” I say, leaning back against the sofa. “It’s all true.” I face her now. “I couldn’t do this without you. You have no idea how grateful I am for you.”

“I think I’m starting to,” she says with a soft and sincere smile. “Thank you, Knox.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Lo. I know how much words mean to you.”

“It’s not an act of service,” Harlow says, “but I’m pretty good with words, too.” She reaches her hand out and rests it on my arm. “You’re very special to me, Knox. I hope you know that.”

“I do.”

There’s tension in the air. That itself isn’t unusual, but for the longest time, that tension was sexual. It was us trying to deny our physical desires.

This feels different.

This is starting to feel like… something I don’t think I’m ready to say, even in my own head.

But I’m not afraid.

And I think that means that this isright.

“Anyway,” she says quickly. “There are just a few more questions, the fun ones I ask everyone. What’s your favorite color?”

“I’ve always liked green,” I say.

“Like your eyes,” she replies with a smile, and I smile in return.

“Yeah, I guess so. Maybe I should say blue.”

“You flirting with me, Slick?”

I smile even brighter. We’re back to our usual banter. God, I missed this. “I flirt with you every chance I get, Freckles.”

“Lucky I like that then. What’s your favorite food?”

“Burnt pizza.”

Harlow picks up the throw pillow beside her and tosses it at me. “You’re an ass. I told you my oven is shitty.”

“You’re violent, Pierce.” I laugh as I put the pillow beside me. “Honestly, though, I do love any type of Thai food.”

“And the last question—what’s your favorite Taylor Swift song?”

“The Way I Loved You.”

“You didn’t even know any Taylor Swift songs a few months ago. How do you know that one?” Harlow looks at me, curious and skeptical.

“You played it for me on the plane the day after we launched the relationship. When you asked what I was listening to, I told you to put on Taylor Swift because you mentioned she was yourfavorite artist. You played your favorite album. I’ve listened to the rest of her discography now, but that album is played heavily in my rotation.”

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