Page 23 of Double Play

She looks Arizona’s casual wardrobe up and down, clearly judging her. That seems to piss off Arizona. With a bit of sexy edge, she stands and takes my hand in hers. “Why don’twedance, superstar? I’ve been dying to getmyboyfriend out on the dance floor.”

I can’t help but smile as I stand. “I’d love to, sunshine.”

Despite Quincy audibly growling at us, we make our way to the dance floor.

I twirl her around and she easily fallsback into my waiting arms. We admittedly look like a real couple having a good time. I see a few people taking pictures. I suppose that’s what we want. We were all over the news this morning, smiling at the event last night. This feeds into the dialogue.

I have to admit, I don’t mind being here with her and not going home with Delta or anyone else. I just wish Arizona would relax a bit. We’re having fun but she keeps me at arm’s length. I need to make sure things remain friendly between us.

I joke, “I almost ate a can of tuna fish before we came tonight to get you back for the garlic.” I scrunch my face. “It was tough being so close to you all night with that potent garlic breath.”

She gives me a huge smile. There’s something so special about her smile. Her whole face lights up. “I would have deserved it. I’m sorry. It was kind of immature.”

“Yes, you would have, and yes, it was. But I forgive you.” I twirl her again before asking, “What sightseeing have you done since you got to town?”

“Unfortunately, none. We’ve been unpacking and having two practices a day. We’ve been too exhausted to do much more.”

“Have you eaten a cheesesteak?”

“No.”

“Have you been to Reading Terminal Market?”

“No.”

“Have you at least run up the Rocky steps?”

“Nope. Nothing.”

“Well, since we have to spend time together anyway, maybe we can do stuff like that. I have all night games this week. I usually need to get to the ballpark by mid-afternoon. How about we meet earlier in the day? Kill two birds with one stone.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Not at all.”

I feel her relax in my arms. “Thanks, Layton. That’s really nice of you.”

We make our way back to the table in time to see Cheetah return, looking defeated. I’m in shock. He rarely strikes out. “Did you lose the bet?”

Nodding toward the entrance, he sighs. “I did.”

We see Kam heading out of the bar with the girl. She turns back and smiles at the table. She makes the notorious Cougars claw with her fingers and mouthsKam’s Kittenand then laughs to herself as they exit the bar.

Cheetah has his head in his hands. “What does she have that I don’t?”

Arizona smirks. “A vagina.”

CHAPTER FOUR

ARIZONA

We’re huddled on the field with Coach Billie. She’s a former Olympian, now in her early forties, with light hair, blue eyes, and an adorably dimpled smile. She was a speedy outfielder, so she’s a little smaller than most of us, but she’s a ball of fire with an endless amount of energy.

In her always enthusiastic tone, she yells, “Great practice this morning, girls. You ladies already look like a team, and it’s only been a little over a week. We need to come up with a special cheer for the Anacondas.”

Kam mumbles in my ear, “I could use an anaconda in me right about now. How’s that for a cheer?”

I put my hand in front of my mouth to hide my smile.

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