Page 98 of Off Pitch

As she moans into my mouth, I know there won’t be an easy way to let this woman go when the season is over.

I think I’d keep her in my bed for the rest of my life if I could.

I just don’t know if that will be enough for her.

thirty-seven

Harlow

After an afternoon awaygame win against the Chicago Windjammers on Sunday, Lane and Knox flew down to Miami for the All-Star Game while the rest of us and Sage flew back to NYC. Since most of the team wasn’t selected for the game, only those who were attended. This means Rory and I stay behind as well since we’re not even officially part of the team anyway.

Monday night is the Home Run Derby, which neither Lane nor Knox are competing in. But they are playing in the All-Star Game on Tuesday before they fly home right after. Lane considered not accepting the invitation at all because he didn’t want to be away from Sage, but Rory assured him that Sage would be just fine.

Now, standing outside of Cole’s apartment building in Tribeca on Monday morning, I run into Lucia. “Morning, Torres,” I say as I stride over next to her.

“Oh, hey, Lo. This is the right building, isn’t it? I’ve never been to Cole’s before.”

“Yeah, this is the one,” I reply. “Rory said she and Sage got here a little bit ago, and Cole already had everything delivered for brunch.”

“Smart man, that brother of yours.” Lucia laughs. “But maybe not so much around Rory.”

“What does that mean?” I ask as we cross the building lobby and step into the elevator.

“Lo, you can’t possibly have missed the signs.”

“Signs for what? Cole and Rory?”

“Babe, I honestly don’t understand how you haven’t figured it out.”

“Figured what out?” I say, exasperated.

Lucia laughs lightly, softly smiling. “Are you unaware that your brother has his eye on Rory?”

“No, he doesn’t,” I say quickly. “Does he?”

“Harlow, Cole is not an awkward man… except around one person.”

“Rory,” I say, letting the puzzle pieces finally fall into place. “Holy shit.”

“Indeed,” Lucia replies as we step off the elevator and head down the hall toward Cole’s apartment. “Rory remains oblivious as well, but I do have my suspicions that she feels the same way. She’ll just never admit it or do a goddamn thing about it.”

“Well, I’m sure as hell not meddling in that right now. I’ve got my own shit to worry about,” I say with a laugh.

When we reach Cole’s door, I knock. “Come on in,” he says from the other side. Lucia and I walk inside to find Sage cuddled up on Rory’s lap while she and Cole sit close to each other on the couch.

I have been really oblivious, haven’t I?

“Good morning, guys,” I say, throwing my bag on the floor and walking across the room to meet them. “Hey, Sagie!” I say, scooping her up into my arms as she giggles.

“What is Miss Sage having for breakfast this morning?” Lucia asks as she joins us.

“A bunch of bananas,” Rory says with a light laugh. “Literally. I brought a literal bunch of bananas for her since it’s her favorite food right now. Lane goes through a ridiculous amount of bananas.”

“Nana!” Sage shouts.

“And that’s our cue to head to the table,” Cole says. “Come on, breakfast is already set up.”

I sit Sage down in her portable high chair that Rory attached to the end of Cole’s table. There are already two bananas split in half on a plate in front of her, and she immediately reaches over and takes one half of a banana in each hand.

---