Page 3 of Pitcher Perfect

The guy was still on the phone after I’d completed my purchase. I walked toward the door as the cutie turned around and saw me. He shot me an apologetic smile but didn’t hang up the phone.

I didn’t know what to do, so I waved. “Good luck with the citation.”

He winked and mouthed his thanks.

After leaving the store, I looked back through the window and caught him watching me. We shared a smile. As Ethan chatted about how he’d agreed to a date with Jack, my feet felt like lead. With each step away from the store, my body screamed for me to turn back.

“What was that thing you said to the guy about a citation?”

As we approached the Mexican restaurant, I gave Ethan the abridged version. “So, moral of the story, you’re a cockblock.”

“Shit, man, I’m sorry.” He slapped my back. “If only there were paper and pens at your disposal to slip him your number.”

I stopped dead in my tracks and gaped at him.

He laughed. “You didn’t think about that?”

“Of course not! I’d convinced myself to ask forhisnumber before you barged in. It threw me off! You know I don’t think well on my feet. Fuck.” I pressed my palms into my eyes. Maybe if I ran back, he would still be there. No, that was too desperate.

Ethan bent over at the waist as the laughter poured out of him.

I offered an apologetic smile to a couple who had to walk around him on the sidewalk.

“You’re so hopeless. Oh my god. I can’t wait to tell Ty about this.”

I sent him the harshest glare I could muster. “If you tell him about that, I’ll tell him you ate the last of his Thin Mints.”

Ethan sobered immediately. “Deal.” But the silence didn’t last long as he began chuckling again. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but you really do suck at flirting. Let this be a lesson to you.”

“I’m going to steal all your left shoes. Watch out.”

“Come on. Don’t do that.”

I probably wouldn’t, but the thought of it lifted my mood enough to face the rest of our crew. Next time, I wouldn’t be such an idiot if I were so lucky to hit it off with someone like that again.

CHAPTER1

CALEB

Charity: look what I can do [photo of her free-falling on a bungee jump]

Caleb: omfg are you trying to give me a heart attack? Worst sister of the year award goes to you

Charity: if anyone is on the precipice of heart failure, I think it’s the person who leapt from a platform over 400 ft in the air

Caleb: [frown emoji] enjoying Costa Rica then?

Charity: so MUCH OMG!! How’s life in Dahlia Springs?

Caleb:not nearly that exciting

Charity:come visit me for some excitement!

Caleb: I’d love that. Thanks for checking in. Love you and text me soon?

Charity: yeah and love you too [purple heart emoji]

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