Page 25 of Passed Ball

"Thanks for making that easy."

"I aim to please," I say with a light laugh, a sentiment that used to be all too true. This time, though, it feels like a choice.

I watch as Xavier joins the guys, noticing how easily they greet each other--like family--exchanging hearty pats on the back. Everyone except Dom, who pulls Xavier into a full-bodied hug.

It's only when Xavier's back is swallowed up by the crowd that I realize the laughter and chatter at the table has quieted. I turn to find the attention of my tablemates on me.

Lilah, rubbing a hand over her belly with a knowing smile, speaks first. "You came with Xavier and you don't look like you want to strangle him."

"And I'd heard you were the sweet one in the bunch." I laugh.

Indie, sitting opposite me, nods. "Don't let her fool you. She's sweet but nosey."

"It's really a lethal combination. She puts you at ease with that sweet face and then, bam, you're spilling your life story to her," Poppy adds, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "If I'm honest, it's gotten worse during pregnancy. Now that she's only got a few months left, she's almost all momma bear."

"Awe, I love when you share our origin story," Lilah jokes, giving Poppy a playful bump with her elbow before turning her focus back to me. "But I'm more interested in hearing about what's going on withyou."

I'm grateful when Mia cuts in, saving me from the interrogation. "Are you excited? Tonight's a big deal for Double Play!"

I nod. "We've been working hard to get ready and I can't wait to see that all pay off."

"God. You're such a badass, pulling all of this togetherandgiving a speech in front of all these people. I'd throw up all over the stage. But you're always so poised up there. I'm honestly a little jealous," Lilah says, squeezing my arm in a show of support.

"Do you ever picture the audience in their underwear, or is that advice as useless as it sounds?" Mia asks, scanning the room and pausing when she catches sight of her boyfriend.

I laugh, at ease with these women as they welcome me into the fold.

"Can't say I've ever tried that trick." Although, I might tonight. My gaze is drawn to where Xavier is standing with his back to me at the bar before I turn to Mia again and add, "I don't mind the speech. It's better than rubbing elbows with the donors by myself all night."

"Somehow, I doubt you'll be doing anything alone tonight," Indie says, her focus off in the distance. I turn my head to find her staring at the place I was. This time, Xavier and Dean are both leaning against the bar, watching us while the others wait for their drinks.

"I'm sure Dean will do his fair share of schmoozing--it's the one time he's not the grump. He lets his Beacon Hill blood shine through when it counts."

Mia shakes her head, smirking. "She wasn't talking about Dean."

I'm being ganged up on in the friendliest way possible, but I'm still not sure how to react. I glance back at the bar. Hendrix is still waiting for his drinks with the four others watching and waiting. With all the attention on me, I feel like I'm under a microscope.

"Our catcher hasn't taken his eyes off you since you walked in.There's no way he's leaving your side tonight."

"That's ridiculous. He gave me a ride because Tenley is watching Holland. Nothing more."

Mia cocks an eyebrow at me. "Sounds practical."

"It was," I assert. "I get it, you guys all are matched up with hunky baseball players, but that's not what's happening here. We agreed to a fresh start for Tenley and Holland's sake, but that's all."

"That's too bad, because he's walking back over here and the way he's looking at you is anything but friendly."

"I love it when Dom looks at me like that." Indie's get a dreamy look on her face as she talks about her husband. It's the first time I've seen her like this--the definition of smitten. Our relationship is professional, but friendly. This side of her, though, is different, softer.

"God, yes. The sex is always hot.Always. But when they get all possessive . . ." Poppy's bare shoulders tremble. "Especially after a game. There's nothing like it."

Four heads nod along with her, sly smiles tipping up all of their lips.

I laugh loudly. "As happy as I'm for you guys, that's not something I can relate to. At best, sex has always been mediocre for me"

"Mediocre . . . like you've never come?" Indie whispers, her shock widening her eyes.

"Not without a self-assist," I admit, shrugging it off.

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