Page 16 of Double Play

Reagan smiles as they approach. “You look stunning, Arizona.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes toggle between Layton and me and our close proximity. “Everything…okay between you two?”

Layton places his hand on my back. “Mygirlfriendand I are having a great time. She sucked on a clove of garlic just before we got out of the limo to remind me of our loving status.”

Reagan and Carter smile at each other in amusement before turning back to us. “Are we good to move forward with our plan?”

Layton and I look at each other in silent agreement and then I turn back and nod. “I think we’re both settled on it being right for everyone involved. We’ll do our best to make it look real without compromising our own integrity.”

Layton echoes, “I agree with Arizona. Tanner should have everything over to you tomorrow. He just wanted to make sure I returned home from this evening intact before finalizing the contract.” He pinches his lips together, looking a bit choked up. “I know this isn’t conventional, but I appreciate that you’re giving me the opportunity to finish my career in Philly. It’s important to me to do so. I promise to do my best to hold up my end of the bargain, and I also promise to give it my all on the field. I hope to truly help the team. It’s a good group of guys. The best I’ve ever played with.”

I have moments where I think Layton Lancaster is shallow, and then he says something like this, which makes me believe there’s a bit more depth to him. Maybe I misjudged him. Maybe he’s not such a bad guy.

I wonder why he feels so tied to this city. He’s not from here. He has no family. Interesting.

Carter nods. “We’re contenders this year. Your experience and leadership will go a long way. We’re counting on you.”

Reagan says, “I agree. I think the situation will be advantageous for everyone. In the happy news department, it looks like we’re good to go withSports Illustrated. Your shoot will be in six weeks. I’ll have LeRond get you all the details. He’s handling it from here.”

I let out a laugh. “That guy is a riot. I don’t like getting dressed up, but he made it fun today.”

I see Carter’s shoulders shake a bit in silent laughter. “He’s been my assistant for fifteen years. He’s a character.”

“He is. Thank you. I’m excited about the opportunity withSports Illustrated. It’s a dream come true for me.”

Reagan smiles. “You’re very welcome. You two are going to look amazing in it.”

Carter takes Reagan’s hand and kisses it. “We’re going to head out. It’s rare we get a night away from our son. I want to fully take advantage of my wife.” He says that with no shame and with fire in his eyes. And he didn’t saytake advantage of the situation. It seems he purposefully saidtake advantage of my wife.

Fucking hell, it just got hot in here. The look the two of them are sharing could burn a town to the ground. I’m looking at real, live, storybook passion playing out in front of my eyes. Proof it exists.

We say our goodbyes to them. When they leave, Layton shakes his head in disbelief. “That’s how Trey and Gemma are. I’ve honestly never seen marriages like those two couples.”

I fan my face, which must be bright red right now. “Me neither. I can’t imagine that kind of passion.”

He looks at me with surprise. “Your fiancé?”

I shake my head. “If I’m being honest, no.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“If I’m being honest, no.”

“Want to get out of here?”

“If I’m being honest, yes.”

He chuckles as he takes my hand, and we make our way back to the limo to begin our long drive back to Philly.

CHAPTER THREE

ARIZONA

“Hey, Mom.”

“How’s my beautiful girl?”

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