Page 60 of Totally Fanatic

“The second one was a total fluke. I have no idea how it happened or how to recreate it, so if that’s what you’re hoping to see from me every game moving forward, you’re going to be disappointed.”

“And MLB?”

“They can come knocking but I’m already playing for the best league there is. I don’t see my future anywhere but right here.”

The reporters ask a bunch more questions, none of them bringing up Lion again, and I really hope this is the end of their run with that story. Now fingers crossed the Banana-Ramas take their lead. I have a horrible feeling they are going to be harder to convince.

***

“You were amazing,” Lion says, wrapping his arms around me when I find him waiting in the locker room for us.

“Did you like the celebration dance?” I ask, and he releases me.

“It was great. There are so many cool Aussie songs. What was hanging off the hats, though?”

“Those were corks. They help keep the flies away when you’re out bush.”

Ryan wraps us both in his arms. “Dude, you are like the home run whisperer,” he says, and I laugh.

“He totally is, right?”

“I still can’t believe I got two in one game. I can retire happily now.”

“You’re not retiring, are you?” Lion asks, and Ryan shakes his head.

“Not for a really long time, but when I do, I’ll go happy, thanks to you.”

“You’re the one who hit them.”

“Still, your confidence helped, so thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“How are we celebrating?” Ryan asks, releasing us and addressing the room.

People throw out suggestions for the pub and a few restaurants downtown.

“I’ve actually got a bit of a headache,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. Lion’s hand immediately moves to my shoulders, massaging them gently.

“I can walk you home if you like,” he says, and I lean in close while the rest of the team decide on their plans.

“I don’t really have a headache. I just don’t want to have to wait to take all your clothes off and have my way with you,” I whisper in his ear, and his grip on my shoulders tightens. “Can you order us a ride while I have a quick shower?”

“Okay. Whatever you want, boss.”

A shudder runs through me.

“I can shower at your place.”

Chapter twenty-two

LION

When we get tomy place, I introduce Tim to the boys first.

“This is King,” I say, picking him up and holding him against my chest. He’s the biggest of the boys, black and white, and he’s also the one that Tim needs to win over for the others to come anywhere near him.

“Oh, he’s so sweet,” Tim says, lifting his hand up and bringing it slowly toward King’s nose. King smells his fingers, then headbutts my chin and nuzzles into my neck. “Aww, I like that spot, too,” he says, taking the opportunity to give King a scratch behind the ears.

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