Page 42 of Rounding Third

“He might. He knows I only play well when things are good between us. So… how badly does he want us to win?”

She opens and closes her mouth a few times, but nothing comes out. Her brows draw together and she wraps her feet around my waist, tugging me closer to her. She snakes her arms around my neck and leans into me.

“Is that true? You play bad when things aren’t great between us?”

“Yes. Do you remember that day you met with Macy and I came over when I was supposed to be at work?”

She nods her head, keeping her full attention on me. I feel like I can relax for the first time in weeks because she’s in my arms. She’s officially mine now.

“I played horribly during practice because I was upset about how you left. The day after I found out about your date, I was terrible. Owen keeps threatening to bench me when the season starts. He told me to figure it out because he couldn’t have his best batter sucking this much.”

“I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“It’s not your fault I was too scared to make a move. If I had told you how I felt a long time ago, none of this would’ve happened. But, yeah, the last few weeks have been rough at work. My head hasn’t been in the game.”

“What about now?” She whispers, toying with the hair at the back of my neck.

“Now, I think I’ll be hitting home runs.” I close the distance between us and brush my lips over hers.

“At work or at home?” She smirks against my lips, making me chuckle.

“Hopefully both!” I tickle her, making her squirm on the counter. “Ok, let’s get some breakfast, then come to work with me. Please?” I pull back enough to meet her gaze.

“Fine. Maybe I can find something to write about the Pit Bulls.” She hops off the counter and runs down the hallway. “I'm showering! Make me some yummy breakfast.”

Chapter 18

Liliana

I take a hesitant step inside the locker room, keeping my gaze locked on the ground. I don’t want to see any of the guys naked and I'm not quite sure what to expect.

I’ve heard Charlie make comments about how the guys don’t seem to mind when there’s a woman in the locker room. They just walk around with everything hanging out, like they don’t have a care in the world.

I don’t need to see that. Hell, I'm fairly certain Smithy would have a meltdown if I did. The last thing I want is for him to get upset about something like that.

“Lils, they’re all dressed.” Smithy chuckles as he threads his fingers through mine and tugs on my hand.

“I wasn’t sure,” I whisper, peering up at him through my lashes.

“I appreciate you not wanting to check out my coworkers.” The corner of his lips lift into a lopsided grin.

“No cleat chasers are allowed in the locker room, Smithy. You know that.” A man comes over to us with his arms folded across his chest and a glare aimed at Smithy.

As soon as I see the glare, I recognize him as the lead coach. He’s had an attitude lately according to Smithy and Cord. I think he was forced to take a few days off because of it too.

“Shut the fuck up, Danny. Don’t ever call her a cleat chaser,” Smithy growls, tugging me behind him.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Danny tries to look around Smithy to meet my gaze, but Smithy moves, keeping himself between us.

“Don’t talk to her.” Smithy takes a step closer to Danny, leaving them only an inch or two apart. With Smithy’s height, Danny has to look up to maintain their eye contact.

“Why? Is she too dumb to respond?”

“I'm going to give you one last chance to get out of my face and never speak to my girl again.”

“Or what? I'm your coach. If you try anything, I’ll bench your ass.”

“Do you think I care?” Smithy lets out a humorless laugh. “She’s all that matters to me and I won't let you disrespect her in any way.”

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