Page 38 of Double Play

I see that the runner isn’t slowing down; she’s about to collide with her. I feel so powerless at this moment. My heart skips a beat.

She dives headfirst into Arizona. There’s a loud thump as we all witness a brutally hard collision. Arizona falls back, lifelessly laid out on her back on the ground.

In theory, I know that it’s part of being a catcher. Collisions with baserunners happen all the time. But something primal takes over. It’s like I’m having an out-of-body experience. I don’t think, I simply react.

Before I know it, I’m hopping over the dugout and onto the field. My friends’ voices screaming for me are nothing but white noise as I’m solely focused on Arizona.

She’s still on her back on the ground. I run so fast that I beat the trainer to her, and I fall to my knees in front of her. She blinks her eyes open and immediately looks down at the ball still safely in her glove, which means the runner is out. All true catchers would do the same. They value getting the out over their own well-being.

She then scrunches her face and grumbles, “Layton? What are you doing here?”

I run my fingers through her hair. “Are you okay?”

She gives me a look of disgust as she sits up. “Are you nuts? Get off the field.”

The trainer attempts to check her pupils with a small flashlight. Arizona brushes her away as she stands to a sea of applause from the fans.

She’s a little wobbly, so I reach out to steady her.

I can’t help but grab her face and look her over tomake sure she’s okay. Without another thought, I kiss her forehead, thankful that she seems no worse for the wear.

At the same time, it feels like thousands and thousands of flashes go off. That’s the precise moment we go from the darlings of the city of Philly to full-fledged America’s sweethearts.

CHAPTER EIGHT

ARIZONA

I’m meeting with Tanner Montgomery today. After Layton’s insane behavior last week, all hell has broken loose.

The video of him charging the field like a madman and then kissing my forehead has been viewed over fifteen million times on social media. It has practically played on a loop on every sports broadcasting channel.Lovedbylaytonis the number one trending hashtag right now.

Our relationship is being splashed all over various magazines. We’re on every sports and entertainment website. My phone is ringing off the hook with all kinds of offers. All of our games are sellouts. My jersey is now the top-selling jersey in all of women’s sports. It’s a cultural phenomenon.

Whatever the owners were possibly hoping to get out of our fake relationship has come to fruition. The Anacondas are all over the place. Everyone stops us on the street for pictures and autographs. All the girls on the team are reaping thebenefits. Kam secured a big endorsement for a skincare line. Ripley is modeling plus-sized lingerie. Bailey has offers but said she isn’t interested.

Reagan Daulton insisted on arranging security for me. I have a driver who doubles as a guard when I go in and out of larger, public places.

I’ve had over a thousand calls about endorsements, which is why I’m finally meeting with Tanner. We decided to meet at his office considering I can no longer eat in a public place without being bombarded by fans.

A woman behind a reception desk greets me with a smile and points toward an office door. “He’s expecting you, Ms. Abbott. Please head right in.”

I walk into his office where I see a little girl sitting on his lap.

He stands and holds out his hand. As I shake it, he says, “Sorry. My nanny quit this morning, so my angel is working with her daddy today. Right, angel?”

The adorable brunette, little girl seems to be starstruck. Speechless. I smile at her. “Hi, I’m Arizona.”

She stands, frozen, with her mouth wide open. Tanner chuckles. “You’re her favorite player. We’ve been to a few games. She has your posters all over her room. This is Harper.” He looks down. “Harper, can you say hello to Ms. Abbott?”

I correct him, “Arizona. You can call me Arizona. I love your name, Harper. I heard that you’re a really good softball player. Is that true?”

Her eyes widen. “You’ve heard about me?”

“Yep. Layton Lancaster is a big fan of yours.”

She sucks in a breath. “Wow.”

“Maybe we can throw a ball sometime.”

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