Page 94 of Double Play

He nods his head for me to continue.

“For several weeks, we spent a lot of time together and formed a genuine friendship. I truly like her. I like spending time with her, talking to her. Tension gradually built for both of us. The mutual attraction was there, and it wasn’t going away. I’m not experienced in this department. All I know is that I couldn’t help the way I felt.”

He looks away for a moment and mutters, more to himself, “I understand. Believe me, I understand.”

Choosing not to dive into his statement, I continue, “By the time the photo shoot rolled around, we both snapped. I’m not sharing any more details, but it’s more than just physical.”

I let out a deep breath, wanting to convey everything I’m feeling. “I love that we can talk ball all day long and never get tired of it. I love the way her mind works. I love her smile. I love her ridiculous laugh. I love how passionate and compassionate she is. I love how competitive she is. I love the way she cares about the people in her life. I love her personality. I love seeing her in my jersey in our stands. I love how much I miss her when I’m not with her. I love how excited I get just to catch a glimpse of her, even if it’s on television while she’s playing. It’s everything. Every little thing about her.”

He scratches the back of his neck as he considers my words. “You used the wordlovea lot in that little speech.”

That’s true. It wasn’t even intentional. “I suppose you’re right. I did. Admittedly, I haven’t said those words to her. I need to wrap my mind around it. You know this is unchartered territory for me. But I know that I don’t see my life moving forward without her in it.” I shrug. “It could be worse. It could be Cheetah. Or Whitaker.”

He lets a small smile crack through. “A friend of mine on Whitaker’s team said he’s still bruised and battered from the collision and brawl.”

I can’t help my own smile. “Serves him right. Too bad we don’t play them again this season.” I wink. “There’s always next year. Let him piss his pants in anticipation of what we’ll come up with for the next time.”

Now his small smile turns into a big one. “Sounds good to me.”

I hold out my hand. “I’m not promising forever, but I promise to always do right by her.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, he shakes my hand in return, but squeezes it hard and pulls me close. “You’d better, or you’ll be pissing blood just like Whitaker. For the rest of your life.”

“Deal.” I stand. “I’ll see you tonight, right?”

“You bet.” He sarcastically adds, “I’ve been counting the minutes to go to a party where they’re going to unveil an oversized half-naked picture of you and my sister. It’s the highlight of my year.”

I let out a laugh. “She looked amazing. Soooo sexy.”

His face drops. “Don’t push it, Lancaster.”

I smirk. “I would never.” I’m totally going to fuck with him tonight.

CHAPTER TWENTY

LAYTON

Ilook in the mirror in my bathroom to put the final touches on my tuxedo as I get ready for the big reveal party. We haven’t seen any of the photos yet. We’re completely in the dark, along with every other attendee. I’ve been doing photo shoots for fifteen years, but I’ve never been more excited to see the results than I am tonight.

My mind keeps flashing back to that day. The one where everything changed for us. The first time we were skin to skin. The first time my hands and lips explored her body. The first time I truly saw her body. The look of bliss on her face every time I touched her. She’s so damn beautiful.

We were both tentative at first. I wanted to be careful, knowing of her intimacy issues. But she never flinched at my touch, she welcomed it. I tried to be respectful butwhen she kissed me, my restraint went right out the door. I needed her in a way I’ve never needed anyone.

Every day since has been perfection. I never thought I could do this, be with one woman, but no one else matters anymore. Just her. How have I gone my whole life without Arizona Abbott?

I splash a little aftershave on my face when it really hits me. I’m in love with her. I’m head over heels in love with Arizona Abbott.

My daydreaming is broken up by my text tone ringing. I look down at my phone. It’s Trey letting me know they’re about to arrive to pick me up.

We’ve got a fun night planned. Our friends are all coming to support us. The Daultons generously provided us with a big party bus so we can travel to and from the party together as a group. It’s a ninety-minute ride up to New York City from Philly.

My phone rings. I look at the caller ID and smile. “Hi, Frederick.”

“Good evening, Master Lancaster. There’s a rather large, rather gaudy, vehicle waiting for you. The inhabitants are loud and terribly uncouth.”

I let out a laugh. “Thank you, Frederick. I’ll be down in a minute.”

“My most sincere pleasure, Master Lancaster.”

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