Page 66 of Sweet Harmony

“Don’t call methat,” she said. “I am not a doll.”

He blinked ather and she moved closer until she was standing directly in frontof him. “Did you do that on purpose?”

“What?” Danielsaid.

“Did you hitConnor with the ball on purpose,” she said through grittedteeth.

“Of course not,doll – Kira.”

He spokesincerely but she had known Daniel a long time and the way his gazeshifted to the left and back, made her see red.

“You asshole!You did do it on purpose. Why? Are you upset that Connor is more ofa man than you?”

Confusioncrossed Daniel’s face. “Kira, what is going on with you? I didn’tmean to hit your man, all right? It was an accident. It happenssometimes. My arm is a little tired, and -”

“Bullshit,”Kira spat. She wanted to slam her palm into Daniel’s chest butresisted. “You did it on purpose, Daniel Moore, because Connor is abetter ball player than you and you know it.”

“You gonna lether talk to you that way, dude?” Brad said.

“Shut up,Brad,” Daniel said. He tried to take Kira’s hand and she yanked itout of his grasp. “Kira, I didn’t do it on purpose, okay? It was anaccident.”

“You’re lying,”she said.

“No, you’reupset, and you only think I’m lying,” Daniel said. “I promise you Ididn’t.”

“Stop it,” shesaid. “Just stop -”

“Kira.”

Connor’s lowvoice made her whirl around. He was standing up, being supported onone side by Jack, and she ran over to him, touching his chest andthen his face gently.

“Connor, honey,are you okay?”

He nodded eventhough his face was twisted with pain. “I’m all right. Just need towalk it off. Isn’t that right, Jack?”

“No, you needto get off of it and put some ice on that knee,” Jack said.“Immediately.”

Kira made a lowsound of dismay when Connor, pain lines etched around his mouth,limped his way to the bench.

“Connor, maybeyou should go to the hospital,” she said.

He shook hishead. “Nah, it’ll be fine.”

“That knee isalready sore,” she said. “If it was already injured, then -”

“I said it’sfine, Kira.” He collapsed on the bench before closing his eyes andtaking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. But,” helowered his voice, “it’ll be fine. Trust me. The ball didn’t hit methat hard, all right? I have a bad knee and the ball happened tohit it wrong. It’ll be back to normal in the morning.”

She gave him adoubtful look as Daniel joined them. He held his hand out toConnor. “Man, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Go away,Daniel,” Kira said.

“It’s allright, Kira.” Connor shook Daniel’s hand. “Appreciate theapology.”

“Kira, can Italk to you for a second?” Daniel said.

“No,” Kirareplied. “I’m busy. I’ll call you later.”

Daniel lookedlike he was going to reply, but the umpire shouted, “Time’swasting, let’s get back to it.”

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