Page 48 of Rounding Third

He slides the two mugs and the bag across the counter towards me. I thank him again before turning to find my girl. I grin when I discover her sitting at the same table we always occupied in college. She’s sitting with her back against the wall and her knees bent up to her chest.

I used to find her in this position every time I showed up here. If other people were joining us, she’d sigh and move her legs so I could sit next to her. As much as I hated having other people around, I loved having her so close.

“Every time I walked in this place and I found you in that exact position, I swear I fell a little more in love with you.” I slide into the seat across from her and hand over her mug. The whipped cream is piled so high, I'm not sure how she’s going to drink it.

“I used to take the time to watch you move around the coffee shop. I’d memorize the way you’d smile or throw your head back and laugh. I’d soak up every bit of the things I loved about you so I’d have something to think about when you weren’t there.”

Liliana’s cheeks heat with embarrassment as she leans in and licks some of the whipped cream off the top. I groan and adjust myself, making her giggle.

“It’s not funny, Sweets. All I want to do is drag you home and spread you out on my bed.”

“You’re the one who made me leave your bed this morning,” she singsongs.

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” I grumble, making her laugh again.

Chapter 22

Liliana

Following Smithy out onto the center of the field, I glance up at the stands and think about what it must be like to have thousands of fans screaming your name. To know you could disappoint thousands of people every time you step out here.

I know he doesn’t play on this field anymore, but the stakes are even higher now. I have no clue how many people watch the Pit Bulls games between fans coming to the stadium or watching on the TV, but I know if he doesn’t do well, he disappoints people.

My chest aches when I think about what he told me last week. When we’re not in a good place, his game suffers because of it. I can't help but feel responsible.

“You used to always sit right there.” Smithy stands behind me and twists my body until I'm facing the bleachers. He’s right. I always sat behind left field with Winnie. It was the best way for us to watch Wheeler and Smithy at the same time.

“I miss coming to those games. Winnie and I would get all dolled up before we left the house and after the games, we’d get to party with the entire team.” I smile at the memory.

“Who did you get dressed up for, Sweets?” Smithy murmurs in my ear.

All day, he’s been wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. It’s like he can't live without me in his arms. I'm not complaining. I know in a few short days, our life is going to get chaotic. He’ll be on the road almost as often as he’s home and I'm going to miss him.

“You. It was always you.”

Smithy spins me around to face him. His lips are on mine before I have a moment to breathe. He’s dipping me backwards and giving me exactly what I wanted from him all those years ago.

Then, before I'm ready, he steps away from me and intertwines our fingers. I blink at him in a daze, unable to keep up with him today.

“C’mon, I want to go somewhere.” He leads me off the field and over to where the player locker room door is. The one that exits to the parking lot.

My brows draw together when he stops and leans against the wall. He’s staring off into the distance as a smile spreads over his face.

“The first time I saw you, I was standing like this and waiting for Wheeler to come out of the locker room. I was pissed because we just lost the game. It was a close one and at the last minute, our pitcher got sloppy and ruined our winning streak. I remember stomping out of the locker room and leaning against the wall with my head back so I could look up at the stars.”

“I remember that. You were so upset. You looked so broken.”

“I heard you and Winnie talking. I actually glanced in your direction to tell Winnie to shut the fuck up because her laugh was grating on my nerves.”

“Travis!” I swat at his chest, laughing because I can understand where he’s coming from. Sometimes I want to tell her to be quiet too.

“When I glanced in your direction, I swore I was seeing things. There was no way a woman as beautiful as you could be standing right in front of me.”

“I'm sure.” I roll my eyes.

“I'm serious, Sweets. I was done for before I even knew your name.”

“But you didn’t flirt or ask me out.” I frown up at him. I would’ve remembered if he had. Hell, I would’ve jumped at the chance to date him.

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