Page 6 of The Umpire Strikes Back

She smiles politely. “Hi! I’m six. I want to learn to pitch—and hit home runs. Daddy says?—”

“She doesn’t need the details, Junebug,” Ripley cuts in, crossing his arms.

“I don’t see the problem,” I say sweetly, standing back up. My heart’s hammering in my chest, but I keep my tone light. “Everyone’s welcome here, even exasperating pitchers.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m the exasperating one? Last time I checked,youwere the one handing out balk calls like party favors.”

I fold my arms. “Then don’t break the rules, big shot.”

He lets out a dry laugh. “You know, Juniper, maybe we can find a different session on a different day. One withoutthiscoach.”

Juniper’s eyes go wide. “But Daddy, Ilikethis place! And she clearly knows the rules,” she adds, with a pointed look at her dad.

I bite back a grin. This kid’s got spunk. Ripley rakes his hand through his hair, clearly outnumbered and not loving it. “Fine,” he relents at last, sighing dramatically. “But don’t think I’m going anywhere. I’ll be right here, watching.”

“Perfect,” I say, trying to sound confident instead of shaky. Why does the idea of him watching me twist my stomach into knots? “You can observe all you want. Just don’t interrupt my class, or I might have to?—”

“Throw me out?” he suggests, smirking.

“Call security,” I correct. “Security is more fun than an ejection.”

He chuckles low, but there’s heat in his eyes—a challenge I can’t ignore. “I’ll behave, Coach. I’m just here for my daughter.”

“Great,” I say, forcing a bright smile I’m not sure I feel. “Let’s get started, then. Juniper, come with me. We’ll get you a glove that fits and warm up.”

Riptide nods tersely, stepping aside to let Juniper follow me. I can feel his gaze trailing me, and I swear my skin tingles under his scrutiny.Focus, Kali,I tell myself.You’re here to teach kids baseball, not to get into a stare-down with the world’s most arrogant—and unfortunately attractive—pitcher.

Still, as I lead Juniper toward the equipment rack, my mind buzzes with a thousand questions. What are the odds he’d bring his daughter tomysession? And why does the sight of him—hair tousled, arms folded, T-shirt hugging every muscle—scramble my common sense? And more importantly, is he married? I’m half-tempted to pull out my phone and Google the man, but I need to remain professional.

I can Google him later. In the privacy of my own home. Maybe glance at a few pictures. Late at night. In my bed.

Under the covers.

My cheeks heat as I remember where I am.

I push the thoughts aside, forcing my attention on Juniper and the other kids gathering around. I’m a professional here, after all. Sure, Ripley’s going to be watching my every move, but I can handle this. I called a balk on him before—I’m certainly not going to let him intimidate me now.

With a deep breath, I plaster on my best coaching smile. “Okay, kids! Let’s have some fun today!” And maybe try not to get completely distracted by the tall, smoldering pitcher lurking in the background, who I now hope isn’t married.

Would it be weird to ask his daughter about her mother? It’s not, right?

I huddle the kids together, finding gloves for each of them. When I hand Juniper hers, I smile. “Will your mother be joining us today too?” I am so ashamed of myself.

Juniper blinks. “My mother isn’t around. I’ve only met her once. Maybe twice. Daddy says she’s not a good person.” Juniper shrugs as she puts the glove on.

I don’t know if I should be happy or sad about this information. I glance over at Ripley, feeling bad he’s had to step up for a mother who didn’t. What must that have been like for him? For her?

My gut twists, but a slow smile spreads across my face when I realize… he’s not married.

Score.

4

Ripley

I’m leaning against the chain-link fence that wraps around the rec center’s makeshift diamond, watching Kali run through basic drills with a bunch of wide-eyed kids. Juniper stands out from the pack, her blonde curls bouncing every time she hops around to catch the ball. And she’s absolutely beaming—like she’s discovered the coolest place on earth.

I can’t pretend I’m not impressed with how Kali handles all of them. She’s calm, patient. She smiles a lot, and somehow her voice carries that perfect blend of kindness and authority. One moment she’s adjusting a kid’s batting stance, the next she’s dodging a grounder and yelling encouragement to another. Watching her reminds me, uncomfortably, of how much Juniper’s missing with no mother around. Does she need someone to guide her in a way that’s… softer, more nurturing? I do my best, but it’s not the same.

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