Page 92 of Pitcher Perfect

I spotted Caleb in the distance, walking toward us.

“He’s turned down a big opportunity,” Dad said when he spotted Caleb.

“Maybe. But he wants different things than you did. Dahlia Springs is enough for him.”I’m enough for him.

Dad gave me a resigned smile.

“Take care, Dad.”

“You too, son. I—I care about you. I’ll try harder.”

I cleared my throat, but he resumed speaking before I could say anything else.

“I don’t expect you to believe me. I’ll show you.”

“Sure, Dad.”

“Henry, ready for the interview with your son?”

I turned to look at the new voice. Dad’s camera crew walked toward us.

“Nope. We’re scrapping the interview. Filming my son is off-limits. Got it?” he said in a stern tone.

The crew nodded.

Dad turned back to me and pulled me in for a hug. That time, I hugged him too.

“I’m proud of you,” he said quietly before pulling back.

He gave me one last smile, not his fake one, before walking toward Caleb. The crew followed in his wake with their cameras down. He shook Caleb’s hand and leaned in to say something I couldn’t hear.

“What did he say?” I asked when Caleb reached me a moment later.

Caleb smirked. “Told me he’s met some people who could hide my body if I hurt you.”

I gaped at him, but a smile found its way out.

CHAPTER29

CALEB

A dozen expressionspassed over Austin’s face. I was relieved it ended with a smile. I didn’t mind being on the receiving end of Henry’s threat if it meant he was finally showing some parental instinct.

With Henry and the camera crew gone, Austin and I were left alone at my truck. I had so many things to say, and I had no idea where to begin, so I pushed the last tub of supplies into the back of the truck.

“Where’s your dad?” Austin asked.

“Took off to check into his room. We made plans to have breakfast tomorrow. Sorry.Brunch.He’s got a list of brunch spots he wants to visit.”

I felt terrible about the shit Austin’s dad had pulled. Not telling Austin he was going to be there, trying to corner him into some sort of family bonding on film,offering me a job. I couldn’t believe the guy. To be fair, I doubted he knew what Austin and I meant to each other.But after we won a grand prize that would help my business a ton, he thought I would throw it all away to take orders in one of his kitchens? The fucking nerve.

I hated that Austin had overheard Henry’s offer, but the fire in Austin’s eyes after I rejected Henry had been something I wouldn’t soon forget. He’d looked like he couldn’t believe I would want to stay in Dahlia Springs for him, for me, for us. That sweet, wonderful man.You’re worth everything.

I secured a few things in my truck. “How much did you hear?” I tucked a tub under the counter.

Austin’s silence made me look at him. He leaned his shoulder against the entrance to my truck, a teasing smile on his face. “I heard you politely tell my dad to fuck off. My knight in shining cotton.” He glanced down at the team T-shirt I wore.

I didn’t know how to start the conversation we needed to have but knew I didn’t want to wait any longer. No waiting until after we unloaded the truck or after a good night’s sleep or once things at our businesses calmed down. There would always be some fire to put out. I refused to live another minute without him knowing how much he mattered to me. I straightened and took a few steps toward him.

---