Page 74 of Double Play

I nod in understanding. “You’re worried about his contract extension?”

“Among other things, yes. He doesn’t seem to want to retire, and he doesn’t want to leave Philly. I’d hate to see this blow up in his face.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about it. We’re just a few weeks away from the end of the regular season. Both teams will make the playoffs, so it will extend the timeframe a few more weeks. But they’ve gotten exactly what they hoped for. I don’t think the owners are out to screw him over. They wanted this to last through the season and it has. They wanted it to help the Anacondas and it has. Our relationship has given themeverything they wanted and more. At this point, it helps them that we’re actually together because it will extend beyond the term of the contract. Frankly, us having a real relationship works in their favor.”

He's quiet as he considers my words. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. I think you might be right. I can’t deny that you’ve obviously been good for his game. I haven’t seen him play this well in a long time. You must have the magic potion.” He doesn’t say that in a way that I think he knows of my allegedmagic potion, but it nonetheless makes me blush.

His eyes widen. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. He’s just playing loose and happy. It’s been wonderful to see.”

“I agree. I love watching him play. It’s thrilling that he’s on a hot streak. I hope it lasts.”

“He loves watching you play too. And so does my daughter. We rarely miss a game at this point.”

“You should bring her on the field to watch batting practice before our next game. I’ll leave a pass for you.”

“Thank you. Bailey suggested the same.”

“How is it going with her?”

I try to get a read on him, but he’s not giving anything away with his expressionless face.

“Amazing. Harper adores her. Can you imagine when you were younger getting to spend time with one of your idols? It’s a dream come true for her.”

I turn my head toward Layton and smile. “Spending time with your childhood idol sounds pretty amazing to me.”

“Layton mentioned that you guys are moving forward with Fantasy Suits. He had me finalize everything on his behalf.”

I nod. “Yep. I signed my contract this morning.”

“You did? Did you find another lawyer to review it for you?”

“Oh, no. The terms all looked pretty standard. I spoke withtheir representative, Michael Longley. He helped me understand everything and ended up giving me a lot more money than originally proposed. Thanks for the advice on that. Everything is signed and done.”

His face drops. “You should have had an attorney look at it. Hopefully everything goes as planned.”

I look at Layton again and can feel my heart thumping in my chest. I wonder if there will ever be a time when my heart rate doesn’t increase from seeing him. It hasn’t happened yet.

Two months of traveling the world together really does sound like afantasyto me.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ARIZONA

Layton had another amazing game today. He’s on the best tear of his career. I’m so proud of him.

Just before each time he steps into the batter’s box, he turns to me and smells his fingers. It’s a direct line to my libido, which has been on severe overdrive since Layton Lancaster came into my life.

I love that he considers me his muse. I love that we have our dirty little secret that no one else in the world knows about.

We’re all walking into Screwballs to celebrate his big night when Quincy pulls me aside. “What’s going on with you and Lancaster? I’m not blind, Z.”

I hate lying but I suppose it’s for the best right now. I mostly want to protect their friendship, but we’re going to have to tell him at some point. Outside a bar late at night isn’t the time or place though.

“Nothing is different. You know what’s going on. We’re playing a part. We’re in a public relations relationship to helpthe Anacondas. You can’t deny that it’s working. Our stands are full for every single game. We’re the first team in the league to turn a true profit. I’ve never made more money in my life. All the girls have endorsement deals on varying levels.” That’s all true.

“That’s not what I mean. You two are suddenly different. You look like a real couple. I better be wrong.”

“Then I guess we’re doing our job.” I playfully smile. “Maybe I’ll win an Academy Award next year.”

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