Page 23 of Rescued Heart

Eddie raised his brow, and Bianca smirked. She hit each pitch, and the boys fielded perfectly.

Soon Bianca’s arms and sides ached, and thankfully, Eddie put his mitt down inside the bucket. “All right, everyone, a much better second half of practice. I need the field raked and the gear returned to my truck. After everything’s picked up, if you need a ride, have a seat on the bleachers.”

Zack jogged over from where he and two other boys had been inside a batting cage, throwing pitches. “If I’d known my position on the team was up for grabs, I would have brought my batting glove.”

Zack and Eddie each picked up a bucket, while Bianca scooped up a ball that dumped out. “I’m not trying to take anyone’s spot. It’s been a while since I practiced.”

“How long has it been since you played?” asked Eddie.

She shrugged. “My senior year of high school.”

Zack ran his knuckles along the scruff on his chin. “That makes one of us.”

Bianca stopped. “You guys didn’t play ball?”

“The opportunity didn’t exactly come up when I was their age.” Eddie reached out his hand toward Zack. “I’ll load everything. I know you want to meet up with Naya.”

Zack sent a grin first to Eddie and then to Bianca. “Good to meet you, Bianca. Don’t be a stranger, on or off the field.” He waved, and the gate swung closed just as Eddie stepped through. He put up his arm, but when he did, the second bucket of balls tipped.

Bianca grabbed the handle. Her fingers brushed against Eddie’s. His gaze snapped to hers, and a rush of warmth spread through her skin.

He cleared his throat. “Thanks for helping.”

Bianca moved her hand away and opened the gate fully. “It was…” A little embarrassing. “Fun.”

She followed him, and he put the equipment in the back of the truck.

“Sorry about earlier.” She crossed her arms over her chest. How did one go about asking someone outside of the entertainment industry to fake date them? “I, ah…would like to help out more with the team. If you wouldn’t mind.”

He lowered his brows. “You have time for that?”

“I’d make time.” She inhaled long and slow, but it didn’t loosen the tightness in her lungs. This was just another part. “I was thinking we could help each other out—again.”

He rested his arm on the tailgate of his truck.

Bianca twisted the hem of her T-shirt. “Have you seen that we’re trending online?”

Eddie sent his fingers through his hair. “I’ve seen a picture or two of us. I should have suggested you completely cover your face with my suit jacket quicker. I’m sorry. I’ve never had to deal with paparazzi before.”

The man was apologizing to her for something out of his control.

She touched his arm, and he stared at her fingers. “It’s totally not your fault at all.” She dropped her hand against her side. “But because of that, I sort of need a favor. Another deal, perhaps? What if I assist you with the kids and also coordinate that meeting you were hoping to have with the mayor?”

Eddie narrowed his eyes. “And in return?”

She barely refrained from wiping her sweating palms on her shorts. “You and I could have a cup of coffee while I’m here filming in Last Chance County. Or eat at a restaurant or two. I’ll pay for dinner, of course. Perhaps have a picnic here at the field with the kids. Even at the park, walking?—”

“You’re asking me out?” His tone didn’t seem all that welcoming.

Bianca wanted to cover her face now. An actress really should be better at this. “Here’s the thing. I was supposed to be sort of fake dating…someone else to help promote the film. Not that anyone was supposed to know that. But after you rescued me…well, once the media gets ahold of something…” She blew out a breath. “Now it kind of needs to be you.”

She squeezed her eyes shut, but at his silence, she peeked through her lashes.

His brows lifted. “You want us to…fake date? That’s really a thing?” He glanced at her and then back at the field. Then he frowned.

Not a good sign. “Only a couple of outings. It’s asking a lot, I know, but I really could use a teammate’s help, please.” Why did her voice sound so unsteady?

Eddie shook his head. “I don’t think faking a relationship would be a good idea. Those kids…it’s important that they see me as reliable, trustworthy, and a truth speaker.”

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