Page 27 of Double Play

“I fingered her and fucked her face while the chocolate zucchini muffins you completely demolished were in the oven. Nobody touched your Doritos,” I say dryly, setting a plate on the counter next to where he’s gaping like a fish. “Hurry up and eat. We have to go.”

His eyes grow even wider, sliding over to where Arden is looking everywhere but at him. “I’m not hungry anymore. And you,” he scolds, pointing an accusing finger in her direction. She turns, her chin dipping to her chest as her cheeks pinken in the most adorable way. “I’m fucking your brains out in there later.” He scoffs as though he’s appalled before spinning on his heel and stomping out of the room like a petulant child. I laugh under my breath, because of course he wants to outdo me. Some things will never change, even if wearesharing the same girl.

And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

TWENTY-TWO

ARDEN

“You must be Arden!”a gorgeous blonde says as I arrive at my seat. It’s the first Fury game I’ve been able to make it to since I moved here, and I’m definitely kicking things off with a bang because this place is already electric.

“Hi!” I reply. “Lark, right? Jackson told me I’d be sitting next to you!” She nods and I reach out, taking her extended hand in mine just as the most beautiful brunette I’ve ever seen pops out from behind her.

“Oh my God, we heard all about you at Ace’s graduation! I’m Monroe!” I shake her hand as well, lowering myself into my seat as fans move around us. With more than thirty minutes until the first pitch, I’m guessing most people are still waiting in lines to get their food and memorabilia before they settle in. Jackson told me not to bother with any of that since his teammate, Ace, has his fiancée’s snacks delivered down here anyway. I’ll admit it’s nice to be set up like one of the WAGs, even though I have no idea if I qualify. Hawk and I haven’t defined our relationship yet, and I know Jacks and I have a lot to sort through before we can even begin to figure out what’s going to happen with us. Our parents are obviously the main concern, since I doubt they’d accept us dating with open arms. But, at the end of the day, we’re adults—and that decision is ours. As complicated as it all is, I know with absolute certainty that I want both Jackson and Hawk if they’re okay with that. I can’t imagine having to choose one over the other. I wouldn’t be able to do it.

“So,” Monroe says, leaning forward so she can see me, “you’re a pro volleyball player. That’s fucking badass!”

I smile in response. “It’s crazy. We’ve only been practicing for a couple of months, but my teammates are all super talented. We’re having a lot of fun.” It’s not a lie. Other than my coach giving me shit for absolutely no good reason, playing for the Flare is an amazing experience—one I’m extremely grateful for. I can’t wait until the season starts so we can show the world that we’re a force to be reckoned with.

“I told Ace that I wanted to catch a match,” Lark says. “I hope that’s not weird. I just feel like women’s sports don’t get the attention they deserve, and if we can help by shouting it from the rooftops, we should.”

“Agreed,” Monroe says, just as a giant, purple—well, I don’t exactly know what it is—comes up behind her, catching my attention. It’s like a train wreck I want to look away from, but somehow can’t seem to even blink as I try to make sense of what I’m seeing. Big, googly eyes adorn its face, the center of which showcases a giant, teal nose. One arm hangs by its side, almost touching the ground, while the other holds a cup that looks to be full of gummy bears.

“Umm…” I trail off, pointing at it before both girls turn around.

“Hey, Friggle Baby!” Monroe exclaims, flicking one of the small horns that protrude from the top of the creature’s head. “Been waiting for you to come say hi.” It bounces up and down excitedly, reaching across and handing the cup to Lark.

“Thank you, Friggle,” she sing-songs, turning back toward me. “He’s the mascot. Creepy as fuck, but from what I can tell, completely harmless. Ace sends him down with candy every few innings. I’m not sure if it’s to embarrass me, or just because he can’t stand the thought of me not being completely sugared up at all times. Want some?” She tips it my way, and I oblige, plucking a red bear and popping it into my mouth.

“Thank you,” I giggle, just as Fury players begin to funnel onto the field for warm-ups. Riggs Valentine runs out first, prompting Monroe to grab the purple monster by the furry hand.

“C’mon Frig,” she says, tipping her chin toward the railing that runs along the third base line. “Let’s go fuck with Val. We’ll pretend to make out and see how long it takes him to chase us down.” He resists, digging his giant feet into the concrete steps, but she wins, pulling him toward the field as he shakes his head in disagreement.

“That girl is a menace, and I love her for it,” Lark says with a laugh right before her eyes light up and a wide smile stretches across her face. I follow her line of vision to see the Fury’s catcher, Ace Mathers, waving up at her before making a heart with his hands. She sets her cup down, returning the gesture before mouthingI love you. I remember videos of their engagement going viral on social media not too long ago. They’re the cutest couple I’ve ever seen, and I’m a tiny bit jealous of how open they are with their relationship.

I don’t know what’s going to happen with Hawk and Jackson, but if we decide to keep doing what we’re doing, what’ll it be like when we go public? Not only do Jacks and I have to worry about our parents—but how will people react when they find out their favorite baseball players are dating the same girl? Will I get shamed and disrespected for it? Is what we’re building strong enough to withstand it, or will we break? The thought makes my stomach turn with anxiety. But before it has a chance to take hold, Hawk steps onto the field, eyes immediately finding mine. The smallest hint of a smile pulls at one corner of his mouth, and I’m instantly calm. It doesn’t matter what people think about us, because this right here, is worth any number of hurtful words a bunch of strangers can hurl my way. Knowing I have someone—ortwosomeones—to pull me out of the darkness when I need it, means everything to me.

We hold each other’s gaze for a few beats longer until Jackson walks up behind him and slaps a hand on his shoulder. Like a magnet, he finds me, shooting a sexy wink my way. He’s so hot with his messy chestnut-brown hair and chiseled features that it’s hard not to drool knowing what he’s hiding under that uniform. I look around nervously, checking to see if anyone is paying attention to the three of us sneakily flirting, but it seems we’re going unnoticed as fans maneuver up and down the stairs around me.

“Umm, what am I watching right now?” Monroe says, snapping me from the trance the boys had me under. I didn’t even see her come back, but by the confused look on her face, she’s been standing here for more than a few seconds.

“What?” I reply, guilt written all over my face because I’m a terrible liar. My eyes bounce between her and Lark as they await my answer, but otherwise, I’m frozen. Sweat beads at the back of my neck and I swallow thickly, my heart practically jumping out of my chest. They both seem really nice, but I don’t know them well enough to explain what they just witnessed.

Monroe leans in so only we can hear her. “Do you…like them both? Because, not to be gross, but I’m going to need some alone time after seeing the way they just looked at you like you were a whole damn meal.”

My eyes go wide as Lark cuts in, also speaking quietly. “You don’t have to tell us anything if you don’t want to. It’s none of our business. But if you need to talk”—she motions between the three of us—“this is a safe space.”

I nod in understanding, relaxing slightly as I take in their soft expressions. Other than Stella—who’s always supportive, but so far away—I don’t have anyone I can confide in about this whole situation. I’ve started to build a good friendship with Zara, but as her teammate and captain, I’ve tried to keep my personal life separate for now. And as close as I am with my dad and Gina, there’s no way I can talk to them about any of this. So maybe I should let Monroe and Lark in a little bit. Jackson told me how amazing they both are, and I trust him.

“It’s…complicated,” I whisper. “But I really like them.” The wordlikeis a bit of an understatement, and feels wrong as it rolls off my tongue, but I’m definitely not about to unpack any of that right now. The bond I have with Jackson grew into something much bigger the moment his lips touched mine, and Hawk knows me in ways nobody else does. It seems irreverent to diminish what I feel for either of them with such a simple word.

“Good for you,” Monroe says with a sly grin, putting her fist out for me to bump. I roll my eyes, unable to hold back my laugh as I reach out and return the gesture.

“We’re always here if you need us,” Lark says sincerely. “Ace and I haven’t been together long, but this team is one big family. We have your back, no matter what.” My heart warms at her words, and I thank her with a grateful smile just as the National Anthem begins to play through the stadium speakers.

My eyes drift down to where the team is lined up, and I’m filled with a sense of pride as I look at my guys. Being in the MLB was Jackson’s dream as a kid. He wasn’t blessed with the kind of talent that made it easy—he really had to put in the work, day in and day out. Seeing him down there doing what he loves makes me unbelievably happy.

And then there’s Hawk. He had such a rough childhood with every card stacked against him. Losing his brothers could’ve broken him and made him give up on any type of a future for himself. He could’ve let his depression and anxiety consume him, but instead, he pushed forward. He got help, then encouraged me to do the same. I’ll never be able to thank him enough for not giving up on either of us.

---