Page 151 of Wait For It

“I know,” I responded in a tight voice. “Tsega said the followers had disbanded whatever the hell it was they had going on. It’s over.”

Killian cocked his head to the side with a frown. “You talk to Tsega?”

Shit. Damn. Hell.

“Um, yeah. She calls to give me an update every so often—says Brad’s not enjoying prison life all that much.” I picked at a loose thread on the comforter and gathered my thoughts before changing the subject. “So, are you going to head down to the field soon? Get geared up for tonight? Atlanta’s going to be bringing their best.”

He nodded distractedly, scratching his beard. “Yeah. I’ll head down there in a couple of hours. Get in some stretching and drill work before everyone else arrives.”

I had his routine down to a science. It didn’t matter whether it was a regular-season or playoff game, Killian always got to the field an hour before his teammates. It was a time of meditation and mentally gearing himself up.

Then, he’d stretch with the team and get in a quick practice before heading back to the clubhouse for his pre-game meal. After grabbing something quick, usually deli meats and veggies, he’d head down to spend an hour in the batting cages. This was followed by thirty minutes of visualization before suiting up.

During the national anthem, Killian twisted the baseball bracelet on his left wrist, mentally working through the opposing team’s pitching lineup and their tendencies on the mound.

After the game, he’d eat the catered meal with the team before showering and heading home, or back to the hotel, if they were traveling. He’d get in another workout before falling asleep watchingSportsCenter.

“So, what do you say?” The side of his mouth lifted in a barely-there smile. I came back to the conversation, searching the hopeful expression in his blue eyes for a hint as to what I’d missed.

“To what?”

“Am I coming to Brazil, or are you coming home so we can start our lives together?” His gaze softened as he pleaded, “Come home to me, please. The law is insistent you be present in order for me to marry you. Believe me, I checked.”

Marry.

I swallowed; my mouth suddenly dry. He knew what that word did to me and enjoyed taunting me with it every chance he got.

I wanted to be his wife. More than anything.

“Tonight’s all about you, babe,” I said, my heart clenching in protest. “You’ve worked so hard to get here, and I don’t want you worrying about me. This is your moment.”

His brows pulled together, the smile slowly fading from his lips. “I need you, slugger. I need to feel you and be able to hold you in my arms. No more living apart for most of the year. Promise me you’ll at least consider it?”

I chewed on my lower lip. “Can I give you my answer after the game?”

“On one condition,” he stated, lips twitching as he fought to remain serious. “Naked video chat.”

A moment passed, in which I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the flush creeping its way up my throat. “Absolutely.”

“And,” Killian continued, pulling my attention back to his woolly, yet still gorgeous face. “You have to do that thing where you put the phone at the foot of the bed so I can see everything. I like to pretend you’re sitting on my face.”

“Got it,” I squeaked out, feeling a little out of breath. “Yep. Anything for the celebrity.”

He cocked a dark brow and challenged, “For as long as I want?”

“Jesus, Killian. Georgia’s going to hear you.” I lowered my voice and pushed my lips into a pout, deciding he’d earned a little torment of his own. “Yes, babe. Whatever you want, for as long as you want.”

I scrunched my face up when the door opened, and Georgia’s winter-white hair came into view. “And, she’s here now.”

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Hey, Georgia! You’re just in time. I was discussing all the ways I want to defile Ari the next time I see her.”

“Oh, good,” she crowed, crossing the room to climb onto the bed beside me. “She was looking entirely too pure for my taste, dear. Now, are you ready for tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m convinced the only thing that would make it better would be if my girl was here.”

“Well, the Lord works in mysterious ways,” she mused aloud with a wide grin. “Maybe toss up an extra prayer or two before your game.”

I discreetly elbowed her side and rushed out, “Oh, do you hear that? Someone’s at the door. We have to go now. I love you.”

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