Page 20 of Scoring Position

He’s definitely easy on the eyes. But it’s not like that. I’m just tutoring him.

HAILEY:

What a wasted opportunity. That man is fine as hell. And have you seen the videos of him dancing up to the plate when he bats? If that’s how he moves on the field, imagine how he does other things off it.

LARK:

He’s barely an adult, Hailey. Plus, I just got divorced 5 seconds ago. I have no business trying to go all cougar on a younger guy right now.

HAILEY:

Says who? That trash-bag ex-husband of yours was out slinging his lame, limp dick in all directions the week after you were separated, even though he could barely make you come. You haven’t been on a single date the entire time. It’s okay to do something for yourself, Lark. And if that something is a 21-year-old pro baseball player with a phenomenal ass, so be it. Let him rail you into next week with all that stamina he has.

LARK:

Thanks, Hailey. I needed to hear that, although I still don’t think it’s a good idea.

HAILEY:

It’s a fantastic idea. I’ll be checking in again. You better have some spicy news for me.

LARK:

Whatever lol. Bye.

I set my phone on the counter, moving to the sink to wash my hands before pulling the salad ingredients I had delivered earlier out of the refrigerator. I feel bad lying to Hailey, but I can’t very well tell her that Ace and I kissed and now it’s complicated. It’s not the bad kind of complicated where you go through your days with a pit in your stomach because you don’t know what to do next. It’s just…confusing.

I sound like a broken record with all the reasons Ace and I can’t go any further than we did the other night in his hotel room, but I’m starting to think maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to enjoy each other’s company as long as he’s still getting goodgrades. It’s not like he’s trying to date me and parade me around in front of the whole world. We made out—and it was the hottest experience of my fucking life. We both have issues we’re working through, but if we’re comfortable messing around on occasion, is it even that bad? Maybe it’ll be good for us both. I can show him that not all people have bad intentions with him, and he can show me that I deserve someone who makes me feel good about myself. Ryan stopped giving me affirmations and encouragement a long time ago, and I’ll admit that hearing such kind things from Ace was a boost I didn’t know I needed. He was a little over the top with his praises and reactions, but they definitely made me feel beautiful.

I pour the spinach and chopped lettuce into a bowl, adding all the vegetables I cut up earlier. My stomach growls as I reach for the grilled chicken and cheese, adding a little bit more of both than I probably need. I haven’t been able to sit down for a meal all day, so I’m hungrier than normal. I didn’t realize how much of my housework would be neglected by going on the road with Ace. In less than three weeks, I’ve managed to pile up a mountain of laundry, and there’s a thin layer of dust on the furniture and floors from everything sitting stagnant while I was gone. I’m meeting him at his apartment later to work on this week’s module, but I need to finish cleaning this place first.

I finish preparing my salad, leave my mess behind, and head to the living room to eat while I catch up on the latest true crime videos in my queue. But just as I hit play on the first one, my phone dings with a text notification. Assuming it’s Hailey again, I roll my eyes playfully, only to find that it wasn’t her at all.

ACE:

Hey, Sweets. Miss me yet?

LARK:

I saw you two days ago.

ACE:

It’s only been two days? Feels like a million years. I miss you.

LARK:

You’re cute. I suppose I miss you too. The tiniest bit.

ACE:

I’ll take it. Since you’re coming over tonight, I’m making you dinner. But I wanted to check with you first in case you have any allergies or food aversions.

LARK:

You don’t have to cook for me. It’s your day off that’s not really a day off since you’re stuck doing work. I just made a salad, so I’ll be good.

ACE:

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