Page 162 of The Perfect Love

Chelsea unties my hands, and I wrap my arms around her.

Her mouth meets mine for lazy, sloppy kisses.

“I have to say, I’m loving this stage of our relationship.”

I brush a kiss to her lips. “Me too. Seeing you wild and free… there’s nothing hotter.”

The alarm on my phone goes off, and I groan.

“Reality can suck it.”

She laughs. “Don’t act like you aren’t excited for the game tonight. And I can’t wait to hear you give the play-by-play.”

“I’d be more excited if baseball didn’t make me get out of bed with you.”

“Sorry. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

“Or fuck it.”

She laughs and climbs off me. “Come on. If you get up right now, I’ll shower with you.”

And just like that, I’m motivated to get my ass moving.

“Hey, Coach,” I say with a knock on the door frame of his little office at the stadium.

“Matteny, you’re here early.”

“You asked me to be.”

He smiles. “I did, but no one else is here yet.”

“I know, but I wanted to talk to you about something too.”

“Have a seat.”

He gestures to one of the chairs in front of his desk, and I plop down.

“What can I help you with?” he asks.

“I’m applying for an internship at the Boys and Girls Club for the summer, and I was wondering if you’d write a reference for me. The internship is about helping to plan and implement their sports programs. It doesn’t have to be long, but since I’ve worked so closely with you this year, I thought you’d have good insight.”

“Absolutely. I’m happy to help. Send me an email with the details and I’ll write one up. Actually, that reminds me… I spoke with the athletic director last week about you. You’ve done great work this year helping me, but I think you have more to give—and more to learn. Every year, the athletic director picks three interns to work with him. If you’re interested, I can let his secretary know and she’ll send a link to the application when it goes up next week.”

“Wow. That sounds amazing. That would be great. Thanks, Coach.”

“Of course. I’d be happy to write a reference for that one as well.”

“I appreciate you helping me find a place with the team. It’s helped me with moving forward.”

“I’m happy to do it. Think you’re ready for tonight?”

I swallow and nod. “Yeah. I’m not sure exactly how it’ll feel—if I’ll wish I was out there—but I’m excited to be a part of it in my own way.”

“Good, because that brings me to the reason I wanted you here early.” He nods behind me toward the door, and I turn to see Aaron, Miles, and Joel standing there.

“What’s going on?” I ask, rising from my chair.

Coach does the same, a smirk on his face.

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