Page 79 of Headed for Home

“Just do the job then. It makes bragging that you’re my boyfriend slap harder. The other moms are already jealous, but if you’re good with children?” She kisses her fingers in a chef’s kiss style. “Irresistible.”

I tip my ball cap at her. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Nope,” she laughs. “That’s not sexy either.”

“Striking out left and right. Maybe I should quit while I’m already down.”

“You’ve got this, champ. Use that carrot in your back pocket.”

I pat my gym shorts. “What?”

She rolls her eyes. “The shirts. They want one. Use that to reel them in.”

“Great advice. What would I do without you?”

“At this rate? Be used for batting practice. Swing and a hit.” Cassidy’s gaze lowers to my groin.

I wince. “Wicked woman.”

“Good luck.” She wiggles her fingers while backing toward the bleachers.

My cleats eat dirt as I jog to midfield. A loud whistle rips from me, halting the mayhem I allowed for too long. I cross my arms and widen my stance.

“Gather ‘round, Colts. First person in front of me gets to be the leader.” I point to the spot without removing my gaze from them.

The group rushes at me in a stampede. Charlie arrives a second faster than anyone else. There are a few grumbles but nobody puts up a fuss. Kenzie parks herself next to me as the second in command. All eyes are on me for what comes next.

“You’ve had your fun. It’s time to listen.” My tone demands silence. “There are only fifteen minutes left. We’re going to practice throwing and catching as planned. After we’re done, I’ll pass out the team shirts.”

Several kids whoop and begin going off the rails but others are quick to shush them.

“Hey, look at that. You’re learning. Let’s try this process again. Pick a partner.” I pause as they pair up. “Looks awesome. Now follow the leader to the fence. That’s Charlie. Don’t cut ahead of him.”

He waves, the powerful position straightening his posture. “I go first.”

“Yep, that’s right.” I motion him forward before continuing the instructions. “We’re going to form two lines. One against the fence. The other facing it. You should be looking at your partner.”

The kids do as they’re told. My victorious grin shifts to Cassidy. I’m hoping to find her smiling back at me but she’s talking to someone. The other woman is leaning close, her bleached hair shining in the sun. Even wearing a hat as a shield, I can see my girlfriend’s emotions on display. Cassidy’s expression crumples at whatever the blonde says. The anguish wipes away in the next second, firming into a neutral mask. I would’ve missed it had I not been paying attention. A protective surge flexes my legs, prepared to defend her against the unknown.

The clang of metal realigns my concentration to where the kids wait on me. This isn’t the moment to get distracted. Whatever is bothering her will have to wait.

“All right, Colts,” I say while striding to the mound. “I’ll bring you a ball. Practice tossing it back and forth. Gently.”

Kenzie skips along beside me, assisting in the distribution task. “You’re like the best coach ever.”

I chuckle. “Not sure about that, but thanks.”

“Baseball is sooooo fun,” she gushes.

“What’s your favorite part?”

Her features scrunch. “Chasing boys. They tried to give me germs. Yuck.”

“Did you win?”

Kenzie stares at me like I’ve sprouted horns. “Um, no. That’s not the rules.”

“My mistake.” More laughter rumbles from me but a glance at the stands cuts the amusement short. The blonde is still next to Cassidy, her hands moving in animated gestures. “Do you know that lady your mom is talking to?”

---