Page 90 of Relief Pitcher

The support and taunts of my teammates washed over me as I replayed the scene in my head. Ty slapped my ass in a moment that was obviously not for regulation ass-slapping. Was he feeling extra cocky? But he said the win was for me. Could it maybe mean…?

Ty looked over his shoulder and shot me the most brilliant smile I’d ever seen from him before blowing. Me. A. Kiss.

If I’d been wearing a tutu, I would’ve fucking twirled like a Disney princess.

As the team cheered, Ty dragged his left foot over the plate twice, tilted his head from side to side twice, then rolled his shoulders twice to complete his batting routine.

The pitcher tossed the ball, and a loud crack sounded when Ty’s bat made contact with it. The ball flew into deep left field and over the fence.

“Home run! He fucking did it! We won!”

Bodies crowded around me, jumping up and down, cheering into my ears, but I was frozen. Transfixed by Ty’s victory trot around the bases.

As he rounded third, the team began spilling onto the field and people pulled me with them. My body moved toward his as we locked eyes, neither of us looking away as the crowd engulfed us.

Ty ran to me and jumped in my arms as I wrapped them around him. He cradled my cheeks and kissed me like it was the start of something special.

He kissed me like he was falling in love with me too.

The team crowded around us, making lewd comments. I barely noticed them. How could I with Ty staring down at me, grinning, looking happier than I’d ever seen him. In my arms, in front of everyone. It was the best moment of my time with Ty so far, and I hoped there would be many more to come. The unfiltered affection in his eyes promised there would be.

* * *

TYLER

I worriedmy heart would pound out of my chest as I stared down at Coop and the mega feelings shining back at me in his eyes. Thank god he seemed to understand the meaning behind my gesture.

Showing not only Coop but damn near everyone in the league that I was serious about him made my stomach swoop like I’d hurtled myself over a cliff and trusted the measly bungee rope. I’d been second-guessing the idea all week, but my gut said publicly showing him how I felt would mean as much, if not more, than words said privately. But the words were important too, and I planned to tell him as soon as we had a moment alone.

I barely registered the people celebrating around us. How could I with Coop holding me like I was more precious than the Crown Jewels?

“You hit a home run for me and won us the game. Definitely saved me from losing it.”

I laughed. “I did.”

“Does that mean I get a home run later?”

More cheers and loving taunts erupted around us as we kissed again.

“Oh, thank god! Someonepleasetell me I’m not hallucinating that we won the championship and my best friend got the guy?”

I looked toward Danita’s voice and grinned at her.

“Thank you,” she mouthed. Her attention was quickly snagged by a smarmy-looking dude-bro who approached her. She squared her shoulders and stood taller but also quickly fluffed her hair. Interesting.

“Is that the other team’s sponsor?” I slid out of Coop’s grip and onto the ground.

He looked over and nodded. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but judging by the wild gestures, they were tossing verbal grenades in each other’s direction. I couldn’t quite get a read on whether it was true hate or the kind that led to a good fuck.

Our other teammates pulled me into hugs and high fives as the on-field celebration continued. The other teams in the league followed, and we lined up to do the good sportspersonship thing and shake the hands of the losers.God, I love winning.Coop and I didn’t leave each other’s sides.

Mr. Big Bat, who didn’t know shit about brewing, approached with a grin almost as large as his pornographic dick imprint in his sweats. Though, if I were rocking a monster schlong like that, I would sport a cocky grin all the time too.

I grabbed Coop’s hand and ignored his chuckle. He said something along the lines of “this is gonna be good” under his breath.

“I knew you two were a thing! The sexual tension between you that first game was suffocating. Also kinda hot. Congrats.”

“Thanks?”