Page 24 of Rounding Third

“What kind of surgeon?” Liliana glances at Leo. I swear the woman doesn’t know how to take off the reporter hat and just exist in the world. She asks a ton of questions about everything.

“A gynecologist.” Leo smirks when Lil’s face turns a deep red.

“C’mon, Sweets. How are you getting embarrassed by that?” I chuckle as I tug her into my arms and take a seat on my recliner, taking her with me.

“Because it’s embarrassing,” she hisses under her breath. “You don’t know what it’s like to go to the gynecologist. It’s so awkward.”

“No, but I’ve had to turn my head and cough. That wasn’t a blast either, but I did it without turning red,” Wheeler teases.

“Anyway…” she draws out the word, trying to change the conversation in any way she can. “Will Jackson be shortstop?”

“Yup.” Wheeler rolls his eyes. “We said he was Stubbs’ replacement. What other position would he play?”

“I don’t know. I'm just confirming.” Liliana sticks her bottom lip out in a pout and settles back against my chest.

I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around her and press a soft kiss to her temple. I wish I could hold her like this all the time, but that will never happen. Every once in a while, I'm able to snag her without any protest though. Those times, I cherish the feeling of her pressed up against my body.

“I should get going,” she murmurs only loud enough for me to hear.

“You don’t have to. I want you to stay,” I whisper against the soft skin of her neck and tighten my hold on her.

“I'm only ruining your time with your friends.” She smiles sadly at me.

“Youare the only friend that matters. You’re my best friend, Sweets. You know that.”

“Still. I’ll call you later. Ok?”

My jaw clenches as I nod. I don’t want her to leave. If anything, I’d rather the guys leave, but when I invited them over, I didn’t know Liliana was going to pop by.

She slowly climbs off my lap, losing her balance at least three times. I keep her from falling flat on her face, knowing even if I'm pissed she’s leaving, I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t stop her from getting hurt. I'm fairly certain the guys would never let her live it down either.

I stand and shove my hands in my pocket. I'm going to be pissy the rest of the night and I know it. I hate when she leaves. I feel like a piece of me goes with her every time. Sooner or later, there’s going to be nothing left.

“You don’t have to leave, Lil.” Leo watches us carefully. He knows exactly how I feel about her and when he glances at me, his thoughts are confirmed as I clench my jaw even harder.

“I know, but you guys came here to hang out with Smithy, not me. Plus, I’d rather not deal with Wheeler trying to see howmany times he can get me to blush today.” She glares at Wheeler and his body shakes with silent laughter. We all know that’s exactly what he’d do.

“I’ll walk you out,” I murmur as I place my hand on her lower back and lead her towards the door.

“Bye, guys!” She waves over her shoulder. There’s a chorus of goodbyes from them before they turn towards the TV and flip on the sports channel.

“I don’t want you to go,” I confess as we stand in front of the door, but I block it from being opened.

“I’m sure you’ll see me again in a few days.” She grins.

“So, I can't have you every day?”

“I have a date this weekend. I need to go shopping with Winnie for an outfit. I have no clue what to wear.”

“A date? With who?” I frown down at her, clenching my jaw so hard I’m afraid I might break a tooth.

“I don’t know. It’s a blind date with one of Winnie’s friends. She says we’re perfect for each other.” She lifts her shoulders in a shrug.

“You don’t need to go on a date with a stranger,” I growl.

“I need to get out there and meet men who don’t play professional baseball, Travis. I want to have a family eventually and I can't do that without finding someone I want to spend forever with.”

“What’s wrong with professional baseball players?”

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