Page 30 of Passed Ball

He nods slowly. "Did you mean it, about stopping by Double Play?"

"Of course. The kids love when players drop in. Help with homework, play a little catch--they'd lose it over a new face. Between us, Dean's around so much he's lost his sparkle."

He looks down at his phone, his face changing from relaxed to tense when he sees the time. "Shit, I lost track of time. I've got to get to the stadium, but it was good to see you."

"Good luck tonight."

"Who needs luck when I got a full four hours of uninterrupted sleep last night?" he jokes, standing from the table.

My teeth roll over my lip as I watch him go. It's the honest to god truth that catchers have the nicest asses. Forcing my eyes back to my computer is nearly impossible, but the fear of him catching me checking him out is enough to have me dropping my gaze and hiding my heat-stained cheeks.

Just then, my phone buzzes with a text from the contractor that power is back on in the office.

Looks like my field trip is over.

Chapter 14

Xavier

"You're sure you're okay with her overnight?" I ask Tenley for the hundredth time.

She taps her foot impatiently. To be fair, I've lost patience with myself too. Logically, I know Holland is in good hands and will be totally fine with Tenley for the three-day road trip, but I can't help it.

In my defense, I was the same way leaving her with the girls when they were helping me right after she was born. Nothing prepared me for how terrifying this part of being a new dad is.Nothing.

"We've got this. You have Vivi's number in case of an emergency, and I have the contact information for the entire Bandit's organization, their spouses, the front office, and her pediatrician."

"Yeah, okay." But nothing feels okay. I hate leaving her.

"Does it make you feel better if I tell you Vivi is coming over to watch a movie tonight? So there will be an even adultier adult with us."

"A little," I admit.

"I mean, she basically raised me, so we know she can't make it worse."

I lean in, momentarily distracted from the pit in my stomach by Tenley's insight. It explains a lot about her aunt's protectiveness and makes me sad for Vivi, who would've been a kid herself when Tenley was born. But now's not the time to unpack it, especially with a plane waiting on me.

"That's not the confidence builder you think it is," I say with a frown, the pit back and deeper than ever at the reminder that I have to get on a plane and fly away from my daughter.

"Was that a joke?" Tenley fakes shock, looking down at Holland. "Say goodbye to the comedian, Holland. If he doesn't leave, the traffic on I-70 will make him miss his flight."

"Point taken. I'm leaving." I drop a kiss on Holland's head and grab my bag, looking back when I get to the door. "And Tenley, please don't forget to--"

"Don't worry, Ginger Daddy, I'm going to send you all the pictures and texts."

I let loose a sign of relief, ignoring the nickname for once, muttering a relieved, "Thanks."

It's irritating how often Tenley's right. Especially with how smug she is about, well, everything. If I hadn't left when I did, Murphy would've been blowing up my phone. As it stands, I'm the last one on board.

The crew wastes no time finalizing prep and securing the cabin. Sliding past the coaching staff, I take the empty seat across the aisle from Hendrix, Cruz, Dean, and Dom, who are already buckled in and deep in conversation.

As we taxi, the engine's roar drowns out the ding of my phone. I catch the notification pop up and grab the phone from the armrest while fastening my seatbelt. It's a picture of Holland doing tummy time with the message, "Be prepared to be sick of me," punctuated by the smiling devil face emoji.

"That's fucking cute," Hendrix says, leaning over to see the picture on my phone. "How are you holding up?"

I shake my head, unable to lie. "I'm a mess."

"That's not true. We've seen you when you're a mess," Cruz cuts in. "This seems pretty normal for a new dad leaving his kid with a new nanny, for the first time." His forehead creases, and I can see the realization hit him--he's going to be in my shoes soon.

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