Page 102 of Passed Ball

"Maybe." I hesitate for a beat, then fill them in--careful not to share any identifying details.

"Bringing the kids to a game before the season's over is an easy one," Poppy suggests first, her voice full of excitement.

"And what about dogs?" Lilah adds, leaning forward to look at me around her friend. "You could reach out toSaving Pawsand have them bring some animals so the kids can play with them. Like cuddle therapy."

"And you could bring in an actual therapist," Indie chimes in. "Someone for them to talk to without any pressure."

As the ideas pile up, the knot I've been carrying inside my chest eases and I feel better than I have all day.

Especially when Xavier jogs over to the net before the game starts, crooking his finger at me with that signature grin peeking out from under his cage. When he gets to the railing, he works the zipper loose and my heart drums against my ribs.

This is the closest I've been to him in days, and knowing I can reach out and touch him after seven days apart has the thousands of fans fading into nothing.

"You better tell me to stop right now if you don't want everyone to see how much I missed you this week." His voice burns low and hot just for the two of us. I doubt even the girls, who I can feel staring a hole into the side of my head, can hear.

"What are you going to do?" I ask, as if his palm wrapping around the back of my neck and dragging me closer isn't a dead giveaway.

"I'm going to kiss my lucky charm."

"That's a bold statement," I manage to say, though my voice wavers as the warmth of his touch sinks into my skin.

"So fucking true." His lips hover inches from mine, making every nerve in my body stand on edge.

An edge I want to dive headfirst off of, no matter who sees and what they say; I can't bring myself to care with Xavier standing in front of me. The effect he has on me is dizzying. I thought after a few weeks it would wane, but we've been doing this for over a month and the pull to him is stronger than ever.

I barely make out Indie's voice somewhere behind me saying, "If he doesn't kiss her soon I think she might combust."

Xavier's deep laugh rumbles through me. "I'm glad it's not just me," he whispers.

Grabbing his jersey I pull him to me. "So kiss me," I challenge, meeting his need.

This kiss isn't like our others, it's soft and sweet, yet no less consuming and no less demanding. There's a tenderness in the way he takes my mouth with sure strokes of his tongue against mine, claiming me the way you would someone you care deeply about.

It's the kind of kiss you could lose yourself in forever, but like all the others it's over before I'm ready.

When he pulls back, his thumb brushes the corner of my mouth as if he's reluctant to let go. I blink up at him, dazed, and the roar of the crowd trickles back in, including the loud whistles and cheers of our friends.

"Lucky charm, huh?" I murmur, breathless.

His lips quirk into a grin, his eyes dark with something that makes my pulse skip. "Wait for me after the game and I'll show you just how lucky."

I nod wordlessly, my head still spinning from the buzz of our kiss.

If his kiss hadn't sealed the deal, the bounce of his perfectly round ass as he jogs back to the dugout for the National Anthem would have.

God, I love that ass.

"Tell us more."

I slowly turn away from the field, finding four knowing smiles waiting for me.

"I take it, I said that aloud." There's not a hint of regret over the kiss or my accidental admission.

"Kissed the brains right out of her." Poppy laughs.

"Seriously. I think it made me stupid by proxy," Lilah confirms.

"Are we still lying to each other about what this is between you?" Indie teases, rolling her teeth over her lips, like it's killing her to stop the laugh that wants to escape.

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