Page 4 of Rounding Third

“I just… I don’t want you to flirt with me. We’re friends, nothing more. It makes me uncomfortable when you flirt or make it seem like we’re… more.” She glances down at where I'm still holding her hand and refuses to meet my eyes.

My chest aches as her words wash over me. She doesn’t want me to flirt with her because she isn't interested in more than being friends with me.

“Ok. I’ll try not to flirt with you.” I nod my head as I clench my jaw.

“I need to get back to work. My boss wants this article by midnight and I still need to watch the footage Macy sent me.” She lifts her bag a little higher on her shoulder.

“Ok. Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?” I ask with so much hope in my voice, I’d be embarrassed if I were talking to anyone other than Liliana.

“I can't, Smithy, I have to write this article.” She removes her hand from mine and cups my cheek instead. “I promise we can hang out tomorrow, deal?”

“Yeah, I guess.” I pout like a child, but I don’t care. I want to spend time with her and I'm going to pout if I can't.

“Don’t get sad.” She chuckles and shakes her head. “I’ll bring you some cookies.”

“Fine, but they better be good.”

“Aren't they always?” She arches a brow.

“Yes,” I grumble under my breath.

I take my bat and do a practice swing as Leo glares straight through me. Something’s going on with him but I don’t give a shit enough to ask what it is. I have enough going through my own head to deal with someone else’s messed up mind.

Things like why doesn’t Liliana feel the same way about me as I do about her? Can I somehow make her love me? Can I convince her to give me a shot?

Cord jogs over to the pitcher’s mound and gets right in Leo’s face. Cord isn't going to back down no matter how much Leo doesn’t want to talk to him right now. It’s not because his dad owns the team, it’s because that’s who he is.

Coach Danny storms over to them with his hands on his hips. He’s been pissy since Macy came waltzing into the clubhouse and Cord claimed her before he even had a shot. The same thing happened when Charlie became a physical therapist here and Wyatt, the catch, made everyone know she was his. Danny’s been extra rough on Cord and Wyatt, which isn't going to end well for him. He’s just too stupid to realize it.

“Ah, shit. They’re gonna start fighting,” Wyatt groans as he struggles to get to his feet and hurries as quickly as he can to the mound. Even when injured, the man will try to stop a fight. Luckily, none of them will throw punches… I don’t think.

Wyatt’s been sitting off to the side during our practice and giving the rookie catcher some pointers. He isn't sure if he’ll be able to play the first game and we want the team to be better no matter what.

“Do you want to be benched for the first game?” Danny shoves Cord back and gets right in his face. Huh, I could be wrong about someone getting punched.

A few of the guys come up behind me and watch the altercation continue. If someone takes a swing, I’ll get involved and try to settle things down, but right now, I'm too riled up aftermy conversation with Liliana and I'm not sure if I can stay calm. It won't take much to throw me over the edge.

Wyatt places a hand on Danny’s and Cord’s chests, keeping them away from each other. Cord instantly calms down, even if it’s only a little bit. Danny’s face grows redder with anger. He can't stand either one of them.

I watch as Wyatt defuses the situation and Leo drops down into a squat on the pitcher’s mound. He runs his hands through his hair and grips the back of his neck. I’ve never seen him this upset. I need to pull him aside later and see what’s going on, but today isn't the day to do that. I need to get my head on straight before I try to help anyone else.

Cord drops down next to him and places a hand on his back. He’s a great friend and always willing to go to bat for those he cares about. Anything to help us out. I truly don’t know what I’d do without these guys in my life.

Cord and Leo talk for a few minutes before Leo nods his head and they both slowly stand. He grabs his glove and ball from the ground and launches it towards me. I barely even register the ball leaving his hand before I hear it hit leather.

I mutter under my breath as I lift my bat a little higher and try to focus. This time when the ball flies my way, I swing, but I'm not fast enough and I miss.

I shake my head and roll my shoulders, trying to release some of the tension building in my body. That interaction with Liliana is screwing with my head. Something was off with her and I know it.

I watch Leo carefully. I’m the best batter on this team and if I can't hit off of him right now, I shouldn’t be playing. I almost never miss one of Leo’s pitches.

The last pitch lands with a thud in the catcher’s mitt. I growl in frustration and hurl my bat across the field. I'm so pissed offright now. The last thing I want to do is be out here practicing. Not when my head isn't in it.

“We’re finished!” Cord cups his hands around his mouth and hollers across the field. Everyone’s eyes snap to him and watch him carefully. “Get in the locker room.”

“No, we’re not!” Danny’s face turns red as his furious glare lands directly on Cord.

“Yes, we are. Everyone go!”

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