Page 73 of The Third Baseman

My head dropped in my hands; I didn’t want to look at his butt. I wanted to take my number back. “Shit. What have I done? I shouldn’t have done that. Jupiter is going to be so mad.”

“You don’t have to tell him!” She frowned before her eyes flared. “Though I bet he’s hot all riled up anyway.”

“Oh, God…” I couldn’t stop the onslaught of throbbing; I’d never seen him properly mad, and wasn’t sure I wanted to. Not now he was all mean and tattooed. “You’re not helping.”

She laughed. “Not trying to. Come on, let’s get to the club. We can shower in the gym then go for lunch.”

We waved goodbye to the instructor, and walked out past Columbia, cutting through to Riverside Park and along the Hudson. A couple of boats were already anchored up, ready to catch any balls which flew over the stadium boundaries, and the closer we got to the stadium, the thicker the crowds. I’d gotten used to seeing thousands of REEVES shirts, though Ace Watson was a close second.

I hadn’t spent much time with The Lions’ pitcher, only seen him in passing on occasion. But the fact he annoyed Jupiter so much did make me smile every time I thought of him… which then reminded me of what I’d done.

“When Barney texts me, I’m going to tell him I made a mistake. It was dumb. I shouldn’t be dating anyone until I’ve sorted my head out. Jupiter and I should be friends,” I blurted. “That’s the best idea for now.”

Beulah looked at me, offering me an “Okay,” in response. “Whatever you want to do, we’ll be here to support you. Just make sure you’re happy.”

We flashed our badges at security as we passed through the stadium doors.

“I just need to grab some clean clothes from my office, I forgot to pack them. I’ll meet you in the locker room.”

“Okay, see you in a second.”

I took off in the opposite direction, running down the stairs and along the corridor.

“Star! Wait up!”

I spun around just as I reached my office; Jupiter was jogging toward me. It wouldn’t be possible for him to get more stunning every time I saw him, and yet he did. Or maybe I just forgot how utterly beautiful he really was, because for a split second, he stole my breath.

Every time.

“Hey,” I smiled as he reached me.

As always, the scent of him engulfed me; overpowered me like the rest of him.

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good, you?”

“Sleep well? Dream of me?” he winked.

I held in the sigh, just hitched my backpack further onto my shoulder. “I was going to message you this morning, but then thought I’d see you anyway. The telescope… thank you, it’s incredible. I’m so grateful. But… Jupiter, it’s too much. I can’t keep it.”

He blinked, confused. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, you can.”

I ignored the dismissive shoot down. “I don’t even know how you managed to get hold of it.”

“I have my ways,” he grinned.

“Jupiter…”

“Marn, the telescope is yours. I’m not arguing.” He leaned against the wall, his biceps rippling from the movement, making it seem like the stars really were twinkling across the planes of his muscles. I wanted to touch them; I itched to touch them. Every time I saw him and he was dressed like he was heading to the gym I had to keep my fists clenched to stop me from reaching out, especially when he crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me what you’ve been doing this morning. Worked hard by the looks of it.”

Flames licked along my skin as his gaze thoroughly traveled the length of my body. Not an inch of me was left overlooked by him.

“Actually, I went boxing,” I relented.

“Yeah?” he reached over and squeezed my bicep. “Check out those guns.”

I glanced down at where he was still stroking my arm, his thumb slowly moving back and forth hypnotically. “Yeah. I just had to picture your face.” I teased.

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