Page 43 of Double Play

“There’s my girl,”my dad says, opening his arms as I run his way. I feel like it’s been years since I’ve seen him, even though I know it hasn’t. But between my busy schedule and avoiding conversations because I’m afraid I’ll blurt out every detail of my life, we haven’t talked nearly as much as we usually do. Even when I was in Argentina, we had multiple phone calls each week. Since I’ve been in Daytona, we’ve checked in less, and I’ve missed him like crazy. “How’s life?”

“It’s good,” I tell him. It’s not a lie. Other than Dahlia making my work life harder than it has to be for no reason, I’m happy. Therapy is going well, the meds I’m on are working great, with very little side effects, and the boys are taking the best care of me. I still have bad days from time to time, but I’m also happier than I’ve ever been.

“So, Florida was the right move then,” he says, not as much of a question as it is a statement. He’s never doubted me, even when I doubted myself, and entering the PVF draft wouldn’t have happened without his encouragement.

“It was,” I reply, summoning the ear-to-ear grin I love so much. The same one he gave me after every match growing up—win or lose—that let me know he was proud of me. I can’t lie, it makes me feel better in a way I didn’t even realize I needed, and I’m so grateful that he’s here right now.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Gina says, stepping in for a hug. I pull her close, inhaling her signature perfume, which adds another layer of comfort to my racing thoughts. It’s the same scent that enveloped me when I got my acceptance letter from Penn State—and when I came home from Argentina feeling like a failure. She never gave up on me, even when I was sure my career was over, and I’m so lucky to have her in my life.

“Hi,” I reply, my heart swelling at the thought of all the most important people in my life being in the same room with me right now. It may be the calm before the storm, but it feels incredible to have a support system this strong.

“So,” she says, loosening her hold on me. A bright smile blooms across her face, and she’s practically vibrating with whatever she’s holding in. “I was going to wait to tell you after dinner when we had more time to talk about the team, but I got an exciting phone call last week, and I might burst if I don’t say it right now.”

I furrow my brows in confusion because, other than Dahlia getting on a rocket ship and moving to another planet, I can’t imagine anything she could have to say that would result in spontaneous combustion. Not that she reallyknowsabout Dahlia. At least, not yet. “What?”

“Rip-It Sports sent over an endorsement proposal. They’re looking for new faces for their volleyball lineup, and they’ve offered a pretty nice contract. Between that and what you’re getting from the Flare, you’ll have no problem affording all your bills and getting into a place of your own. It’s exclusive, so you’d have to wear their products on the court, but I’ve done my research, and I really think they might enhance your game. I have some samples in my suitcase that they sent for you to try out.”

I stand there frozen, hearing only the blood pounding between my ears for what feels like minutes as I register her words. All I’ve ever wanted was to make a name for myself as an athlete—one that’s respected and looked up to as a great player and teammate. Not only am I playing the sport I love professionally, but this deal will show millions of little girls that if they work hard and don’t give up, they can do anything.

“Are you okay, Princess?” Jackson asks, his voice cutting through the noise in my head and bringing me back to the present. I meet his gaze, my eyes filling with tears as I take in the sheer happiness written across his face. Without even thinking, I launch myself into his arms, laughing as he lifts me off my feet. Thankfully, he’s got his head on straight, not lingering for longer than would be acceptable for two friends, before passing me to our parents to celebrate. Gina hugs me first, then ushers me into my dad’s waiting embrace before she moves to the other side of the room to dig a few items out of her bag.

“Here you go,” she says, handing me a box and beaming as I flip the lid back to reveal a pair of brand-new volleyball shoes. I lift one out, admiring the beautiful white and purple design. Studying each side as if it were a piece of priceless art, I try to keep my emotions under control. But when the back side comes into view, the dam breaks and I sob out loud. My free hand flies up over my mouth and tears fall freely because right there, in big, embroidered letters, are my initials and the number ten. It’s the jersey number I’ve worn my entire life, and it’ll be on the shoes of athletes around the world who have the same dreams and ambitions I once had.

“I-I can’t believe it,” I stammer. “My own signature shoe.” I can barely choke out the words through the thickness in my throat. Every second that goes by seems more surreal as they stare back at me with pride written all over their faces.

“It’s not just ashoe,” she says, extending a t-shirt and athletic shorts my way, both with the same logo scrawled across them in vibrant text. “It’s an entireline. Congratulations, Arden.”

I stare at the garments, swiping more tears from my cheeks before they finally dissolve into an excited giggle. “Wow. This is crazy.” After waiting a lifetime for a moment like this, I thought I’d have more to say, but truth be told…I’m speechless. It’s a surreal thing when you achieve something you only thought existed in your imagination, and I need some time to process it all. “Thank you,” I murmur sincerely, hoping they understand how grateful I am—Hawk included—because, while he hasn’t been here nearly as long as the others, his impact has been felt in such monumental ways. From providing the encouragement I needed to seek help for my mental health, to being a pillar of strength for me every day, he’s just as much a part of my family as they are.

“I knew you could do it,” my dad says, wrapping me in a warm hug. I breathe in his cologne and my heart overflows with appreciation because, while this is a huge accomplishment for me, it belongs to him, too. Nobody has sacrificed more to get me here than he has, and I love him so much for it. “This calls for a celebration!” he says excitedly before letting me go. “I know you’re all elite athletes, but how about some pizza and beer to celebrate my baby girl being the next big thing?”

“Great idea,” Jacks replies, ushering our parents toward the kitchen and trading a knowing look with Hawk. As soon as they’re out of sight, my broody boy invades my space, placing both hands on my waist and pulling me into his hard body. I suck in a surprised gasp, melting into him as he drops his forehead to mine.

“I’m so fucking proud of you, Hellcat. This is just the beginning.” He leans in, taking my lips in a kiss that starts innocent, but as always, becomes desperate and demanding before either of us can stop it. His fingers dig into the flesh of my hips, and I moan quietly into his mouth, but he greedily swallows it down, refusing to let it go to waste. “You’re amazing. I love you so much.” I consume his praises, each one lighting a fire inside me. I wish we could disappear for the rest of the night, but a muted laugh from the next room breaks us from our tryst and reminds us that we can’t do that yet.

“Ugh,” I groan, tilting my head up in frustration. But he just laughs, leaning in close so his mouth hovers over my ear.

“Tonight, baby. I’m going to take that tight little pussy rough, and you’ll be such a quiet girl for me, won’t you? They won’t even know that their perfect angel is just down the hall getting fucked like a slut.” He nips at my lobe, and I whimper in response, trying to stop the needy throb that’s pulsing between my legs. I swear, this man has the filthiest corruption kink, and as much as I shouldn’t like it, I fucking do. Everything he does turns me into a desperate, begging mess.

“Yes,” I say on a shaky exhale, praying that my legs don’t give out as he presses the softest kiss to my forehead—a stark contrast to the things I know he’s imagining doing to me later. I know, because I’m imagining them too. The thought of him punishing me for making the smallest sound as he stretches my body to its absolute limit plays on repeat in my head as we join my family in the kitchen, ordering our food and falling into easy conversations while we wait for it to be delivered. I know Gina wants to talk about the team and ask why we’re looking like hot garbage on the court. But I’m glad she’s decided that the topic can wait because discussing Dahlia and her unnecessary disdain for me is sure to put a damper on the evening, no matter what kind of fun awaits me when everyone goes to bed.

We eat our food, Jacks and I stealing glances at each other whenever we think we can get away with it. Hawk gives up on keeping his need to be near me whenever we’re in the same room a secret, sitting close and rubbing soothing circles on my thigh with his thumb under the table. My dad doesn’t seem to notice, but my stepmother passes me a few knowing smirks as we fill them in on life in Daytona. I have no doubt they’ll give their blessing for us to date, but it feels like a giant lie even alluding to the idea that it’s just the two of us in a relationship. I want so badly for Jackson to slide in on my other side, gently gripping my other leg like he always does. My skin practically begs for his touch from across the room, and by the look in his eyes as he longingly stares at me, I can tell he’s feeling it too. When he can’t take it any longer, he says his goodnights and retreats to his room for the first time in what feels like forever.

“Alright,” my dad says, standing from the table and extending his arms above his head in a stretch. “We’re going to head up to bed. It was a long day, and Gina isn’t a spring chicken anymore.” His wife’s jaw drops, and she slaps his shoulder, making him bark a laugh. They really are adorable and still so in love. I just hope our confession at the end of the weekend doesn’t mess that up. The last thing I want is to throw any wrenches in our family dynamic. But Jacks was right. We’re adults, and if they’re not on board with the idea of us being together, they’ll have to get over it, because we aren’t giving each other up.

“There are some extra blankets in the guest room closet,” Hawk says, shaking my dad’s hand. “Help yourself to whatever you need.”

“Thank you,” he replies before turning to me. “Good night, honey. I’m so proud of you.” He leans in, hugging me and pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“Night, Dad. See you in the morning.” With that, they head up the stairs, and I exhale a relieved sigh as soon as the door to their room closes. As happy as I am that they’re here, I want to celebrate with my guy. I wish I could have them both, but I understand why Jacks is staying by himself. It’s risky enough for me to stay in Hawk’s room, but at this point, I’ll take my chances. It’s better than tossing and turning all night because I’m all alone.

“Let’s go, baby,” he says quietly, taking my hand and leading me up the steps, padding as lightly as we can toward his room. I feel like a teenager sneaking her boyfriend in while her parents are asleep, and excitement tumbles around in my stomach as we finally reach our destination. His eyes dance with mischief as soon as he turns the lock, safely separating us from everyone else in the house.

“Strip and get on the bed with your legs wide for me,” he commands. “I’m fucking famished.”

THIRTY-SEVEN

HAWK

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