Page 43 of Rounding Third

“She’s only after your money. Even you can't be stupid enough to think anything else is going on.”

“You fucking, asshole,” Smithy roars.

I know he’s about to lose it and I can't let that happen. He might not like Danny lately, but he loves this team and I don’t want him to lose his job because of Danny. He’s trying to push buttons and I know it.

“Travis,” I whisper as I tug on his arm. The use of his first name has his head snapping around to look at me. “Walk away, baby. He’s not worth it.”

“Yeah,Travis, listen to your cleat chaser and walk away.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, knowing Smithy isn't going to hold back. He’ll take Danny to the ground and probably punch him until someone makes him stop. He won't let someone walk all over him and he’ll never stand for Danny speaking about me that way.

“Don’t,” Owen growls as he steps between Smithy and Danny. He places his hand on Smithy’s shoulder, demanding his attention. “Don’t do it, Smithy. You’re better than him. Take Lils into my office and take a breather. I’ll be in to talk to you in a few minutes.”

When Smithy hesitates, I tug on his arm again. I wordlessly plead with him to walk away. I don’t want him to jeopardize his job and his position on the team.

Smithy nods his head and follows me into Owen’s office. As soon as the door shuts behind us, he drops into a chair and pulls me onto his lap.

A few seconds later, there’s arguing on the other side of the door. Owen’s voice rises, but I can't understand what they’re saying through the closed door.

Smithy wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck. He sucks in a deep breath and blows it out slowly.

“I'm sorry about what he said to you and about you. You’re not a cleat chaser. You’re not just after my money and I know that.”

“Don’t worry about what he said. I'm not listening to any of it and you shouldn’t either. He was just trying to push your buttons. Do you guys have some bad blood between you or something?”

“Who knows,” Smithy sighs. “He seems to hate me this year.”

“It’s not you, it’s him,” Owen says as he walks into his office and takes his seat behind the desk. “He’s been a total asshole since we came back for spring training.”

“To everyone or just Smithy?” I ask, my reporter’s hat going on.

“Everyone. He’s jealous of the guys. He wanted Charlie and she was taken. Then he set his sights on Macy, but she’s only ever had eyes for Cord. I think seeing Liliana reminded him of how all of you keep finding your girls and he’s left single. These women are going to be the death of me. I already lost one player and one coach, I can't lose anyone else this season.” He sighs and sits back in his chair. He folds his hands behind his head, his biceps bulging with the movement.

“One coach?” Smithy raises a brow.

“Danny’s fired. He hasn’t been doing his job. He’s been jeopardizing the team and my players’ safety. I heard the way he was speaking about you, Lils. That was the last straw. He was trying to get Smithy to throw a punch and he wasn’t going to stop until he did. I won't let my head coach try to start fights, but more than anything, I won't put up with him talking like that to a guest in my facility. He doesn’t know you and he doesn’t get to make such inappropriate comments to you. It was uncalled for.”

“I appreciate that… but who will replace him?” I ask.

“Does she know how to turn off the reporter mindset?” Owen turns his attention to Smithy.

“Never.” He smirks. “She’s the best at her job and she’ll only ever report the truth. She doesn’t care how it affects her ability to climb the ladder at work.”

“I respect that, Lils. Macy showed me the article you wrote about Stubbs and the one you wrote about Charlie and Wyatt. I really enjoyed how you presented the facts nicely, but let readers draw their own conclusions. You weren’t trying to convince anyone to see things the way you do.”

“Thank you,” I say softly as my cheeks heat with his praise.

“Maybe the Pit Bulls need their own reporter.” Smithy smirks. “I'm sure Lils would love to work here.”

“We’ll see. I might be looking to hire someone in the near future. Until then, you’re welcome to hang around the clubhouse. I have nothing to hide and we need some good press this season. It hasn’t even started and yet I’ve been painted as a monster in every article other than yours.” Owen grabs a pen and jots down something on a notepad. He tears off the piece of paper and tucks it into his top drawer.

“Can Liliana stay for practice?”

“If you tell me who she is to you.” Owen levels Smithy with a stern expression.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Smithy says softly. “She’s my entire world.”

“Then she can be here as often as she wants. I'm assuming your head will be back in the game again?”

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