Page 16 of Rounding Third

Stepping in front of my floor length mirror, I smile at what I see. My long blonde hair is curled in loose beach waves. My makeup is done heavier than normal and it makes my green eyes pop a little more than normal.

I thought about wearing something short and revealing, but I decided that just isn't me. I don’t want Smithy’s attention if that means I only get it by showing off my body. Instead, I matched my dark brown cowgirl boots with skinny jeans, a black tank top, and a light blue plaid shirt. I left it unbuttoned and tied it right under my breasts.

I don’t know if I look as hot as Winnie’s acting like I do, but I think I look good enough for a night out at Kennedy’s Pub.

It only takes me a few minutes to get to the Pub and as soon as I walk in the door, I spot Smithy in the corner booth with some of the guys from the team. I swear if he’s not with me, he’s with them. He’s quickly made his own little family he can depend on.

When Smithy spots me, his eyes widen and rake up and down my body. A slow smile spreads across his lips and he shakes his head. He jumps out of the booth and hurries over to my side.

“You’re looking hot, Sweets.” He wraps his arms around me and lifts me off the ground, spinning me in a circle. “What would you like to drink?”

“Umm… a whiskey sour?” I go to open my purse and grab some money, but he stops me.

“I’ve got it, beautiful.” He leads me over to the bar and smiles at Kennedy, Wyatt’s mom.

“What can I get for you, Smithy?” She stands on her tippy toes and leans over the bar top to give him a hug.

“Can I get a whiskey sour for my girl and another beer for myself?”

“Of course. It’s good to see you. Are you keeping my son safe on that field?”

“I'm trying, but Stubbs got the best of me.”

“I hope that boy gets a nasty case of crabs and can't play ball anymore.” She wrinkles up her nose in disgust.

“Baby, that’s not how that works. He’d still be able to play ball.” Blake, Wyatt’s dad, walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. I know who they are since we come here all the time, but I’ve never officially met them.

“Oh, whatever! I just want his life to suck.” She chuckles, then turns her attention to me. “Are you Liliana?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I grin.

“Dang, she dropped the ma’am.” Smithy’s grin is full of mischief.

“Oh shush, Smithy. She’s doing it to be respectful. You do it to make me feel old.” Kennedy glares as she hands Smithy his beer.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Liliana. I'm Blake and this is Kennedy.” Blake holds out his hand to me and I shake it.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. I'm glad I can finally put a face to a name.”

“I hope all good things.” I smile as I take my drink from Blake.

“From this guy,” Blake motions to Smithy, “It was like he was writing a love letter.”

I chuckle and glance up at Smithy, expecting him to be annoyed or embarrassed. Maybe for him to deny what Blake just said, but he doesn’t. He’s staring down at me and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was in love with me.

“He’s a good friend.” I pat his chest.

“Well, you two go have fun. Let us know if you need another drink.” Kennedy waves us off and we head towards the circular booth the guys are still sitting at.

Before we can get to the booth, two girls stop us. I get practically shoved aside as they each grip Smithy’s arms and stare up at him like he’s the most amazing man they’ve ever met.

“Oh my gosh! Are you Travis Smith?” One of the women coos.

“It’s Smithy. Only one person is allowed to call me Travis.” Smithy smiles, but he almost looks uncomfortable. His lips are pressed into a firm line and he carefully plucks one of the woman’s hands off of him, then the other’s.

“Maybe we can be special enough to call you Travis too.” The second girl flutters her long eyelashes, trying way too hard to flirt.

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