Page 140 of Fielder's Choice

“It looks like it hurts.”

“Well, it doesn’t feel good,” I laugh. “But I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse.”

“Have you ever been injured during a game?”

“Not in a while, but of course I have. I’ve pulled my hamstrings, sprained my ankle, and fractured my arm. Nothing too serious.”

Olive’s face falls a bit. “I guess I never really considered that you could get hurt by this.”

I wrap my arms around her lower back and pull her in close to me. “You worried about me, baby?”

She sighs. “Of course I am. It’s not like I’ve ever dated a baseball player before.”

“You can get injured in practically any job, Liv,” I say, brushing the hair from her face. “Don’t worry too much.”

“I’ll try.”

I hook my thumbs through her belt loops and bring her closer. “You’ve got the rest of the season to worry. Just relax with me tonight.”

My hands drift higher now, slipping under the hem of her shirt, and I brush my thumbs over her ribcage. “Then let’s relax, Hotshot.”

I grab her shirt by the hem and pull it over her head, leaving her in a black lace bra. “Goddamn, baby,” I groan, taking in the sight.

“Take it off, Lane,” she breathes, and I don’t hesitate. I unhook the bra, and Olive lets it fall off of her arms.

She now unbuttons her jeans and pushes them down her legs as I remove my sweats. I slip my hands under the waistband of her black lace panties that match her bra before quickly sliding them off, leaving her naked before me.

Once I take off my boxer briefs, we both step into the water. I settle myself at the back of the tub as Olive sits down in front of me, relaxing against me.

Her long hair slips under the water, and I start mindlessly playing with the wet strands. “This is exactly what I needed,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

“I think you just wanted me naked,” she teases playfully.

“I willnevercomplain about having you naked,” I chuckle. “You have such a beautiful body.”

“I have dancer thighs.”

“Just means you’re athletic,” I state, splaying my hand over one of her thighs. “I’ve always loved athletic women.”

“I’m pretty sure you’d love me regardless,” she smiles.

I tickle her side. “Olive Finch, are you teasing me about loving you?” She thrashes in front of me, and water splashes onto the tile floor below. “You’re right, though. I’d love you anyway.”

She looks at me now worriedly, biting her bottom lip. “I’m sor—”

I press a finger to her lips. “Nope, you’re not going to apologize for not saying it back, Liv. I don’t expect you to admit you love me until you admit you loveyourself.”

Olive nuzzles her face into my chest. “Thank you for being so understanding, Lane.”

“Nothing to thank me for,” I reply, tilting her face up and brushing my lips over hers.

She kisses me tenderly, resting her palm on my cheek. “You’re perfect,” she murmurs.

“Perfect foryou,Olive. I’m perfect for you.”

She smiles at me sweetly as I reach behind her and grab the cup I set on the ledge. I dunk it under the water and then slowly pour the water over her head.

When her hair is wet, I grab the bottle of shampoo she left here the last time she stayed with me, and I pour a generous amount into my hand before spreading it through her hair.

---