Page 28 of Double Play

“Quincy will get over it.”

“No brother wants to know that his sister is getting laid.”

I shake my head. “I’m not sleeping with Layton. He and I are taking things slowly. We’re getting to know each other.”

“Why? Just fuck him. He’s so hot. Honestly, he could fuck anyone he wanted, anytime he wants it.”

Ripley intervenes on my behalf. “You know exactly why she’s not jumping into bed with him. Leave her alone. All in her own time. Her hanging out with him is a big step. Let’s be supportive of her doing this in her own way.”

“Fine, but I wouldn’t wait too long. A guy like Layton Lancaster doesn’t go more than a day or two without sex.”

I hope he can keep it in his pants. We’re both screwed if he doesn’t.

LAYTON

I look up in the stands and see Arizona with her friends. It’s nice to have someone here for me. Because of not wanting to leave all the kids, my grandmother never made it to a Cougars game before she died. She kept putting it off until it was too late.

Lots of women wear my jersey, but no one that I care about. Certainly no one in the friends and family section.

She sees me looking at her and smiles, holding up a wrapped Tony Luke cheesesteak. I can’t help but let out a laugh. She then turns around and points to the back of her Cougars jersey. It readsLayton’s Ladyand it’s got some kind of jewels all around it. It’s also very tight and more than shows her curves. Fuck, she’s sexy.

Quincy follows my line of sight. “That’s bullshit. She used to wear my jersey to games.”

I give him a friendly elbow. With a huge grin on my face, I say, “Not anymore.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “It’s not real, Lancaster. Three months. You only get this fake treatment for three months. Then she’ll be back in my jersey.”

My smile quickly fades as that reality hits me like a ton of bricks.

CHAPTER FIVE

LAYTON

Tonight is Arizona’s first game. Luckily, we have an off day, so I’ll be there, and I’m throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. I’m looking forward to seeing my first real softball game in person. I’ve admittedly watched a few online so I can learn the subtle differences between the two sports. There are more than I thought.

Carter’s assistant dropped off an Anacondas jersey for me. It’s Arizona’s number and readsAbbott’s Admireron the back. I can’t help but laugh at it. At least it doesn’t have rhinestones on it like Arizona’s did.

I had planned to send her flowers for opening day, but instead, I decided to send her a poster of me. I smile at our post-delivery text exchange.

Arizona: What am I supposed to do with this poster?

Me: Put it above your bed. Just like when you were a teen. I thought it might inspire you like it did then.

Arizona: OMG. Why did I tell you that?

Me: I love it. One day you’ll admit that you chose your number because of me.

Arizona: You were much cuter when you were younger. I have a poster of Butch McVey above my bed these days.

Butch McVey is currently the most popular baseball player in the league and the face of professional baseball. He’s probably about Arizona’s age. Women definitely swoon for him. He’s also a catcher, so she knows this will sting a bit.

Me: But I was your first crush. That’s the most important one. You never forget your first.

Arizona: That was a long time ago. Now you’re just old. TBH, it’s kind of gross. This poster should be an AARP ad.

I laugh. That’s funny.

Me: Older than a week ago when we met, and you were totally into me?

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