Page 271 of Vegas Heat

There’s a game room, too, along with a weight room and a sauna, all of which I imagine we’ll spend a good amount of time when we’re not on the field. Two huge side yards run along either side of the place, and one side has a batting cage while the other side is perfect for playing catch.

It’s like the owners built the place with the idea in mind of baseball players hanging here for spring training season. And they’re charging us enough that it’ll take care of their expenses for the year, though I imagine a sweet place like this gets plenty of renters throughout the year.

Each of the six bedrooms features a king-sized bed along with a private bathroom, and we draw cards to see who will get first pick. I draw the Ace, which means obviously I take the primary suite.

I set my duffel and my suitcase down in my bedroom, and I collapse on the bed as I stare up at the ceiling.

I wonder what she’s doing right now. I wonder if she’s thinking of me.

I wonder when I’ll stop wondering what she’s doing and thinking. I wonder when any of this will get any easier.

Eventually Rush knocks on my door asking what I want for dinner. He tosses me a menu he found in the welcome binder in the kitchen, and I make my selection. He orders our food, and we meet in the kitchen to eat an hour later.

It’s a good group of guys, and we’re all pretty laid back. We’ve gotten close over the last couple months, and this next month will draw us even closer.

And that’s why I shouldn’t be surprised when Rush glances up at me while we’re eating and asks, “What’s wrong, man?”

I blow out a breath. I guess I’m not very good at hiding what’s going on, but these are my best friends. They might be the only ones who can help me through it—who can help me get to the other side of it.

“I ended things with Gabby last night.”

Danny already knew, and Rush and Nick knew I was seeing her, but this is news to Duke and AJ.

Danny’s eyes are wide when he glances up at me, as if to saydude, Duke and AJ didn’t know.

But it doesn’t matter. Troy knows, so now I guess everyone can know.

“Oh, shit, dude. I’m sorry,” Rush says.

“Gabby?” Duke asks.

“Troy’s daughter,” I clarify.

Duke’s eyes widen, and AJ chokes on a French fry.

“Troy’s daughter?” Duke repeats.

I nod. “We met before I knew she was his daughter, before she knew who I was. We’ve been seeing each other on the sly since August, and her dad found out last night.”

“How’d he take it?” Nick asks quietly.

“Well, we broke up, so that should answer that question.” I set my fork down, suddenly not very hungry anymore.

“You’ve been banging Gabby?” AJ asks, and I can’t even muster up a sharp glance to tell him to shut his damn mouth.

“It was more than that,” I say softly. “She was it for me, and now…” I trail off. Now…what?

Now I’m alone.

Now I’m not sure I’ll ever find love again.

Now I’m not sure I’ll ever even smile again.

I’m not sure I want to without her.

It’s dark and cloudy all around me, but I made my choice.

Now I have to deal with the consequences.

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