Page 12 of Wild For You

Nico

One week later…

The field buzzed with the kind of vibrant energy that could only be found in small-town America on game day. A symphony of cheers erupted sporadically from the crowd, punctuated by the occasional groan at a missed catch or a strikeout. Scents intertwined in the air—buttery popcorn from the vendor’s cart, mingling with the smoky aroma of hot dogs sizzling on an open grill.

“Look, Daddy! They've got cotton candy!” Haley's voice, high-pitched and gleeful, cut through the hum of excitement like a bell. Her small hand clutched mine, tugging me toward the pastel swirls of sugar showcased under a striped canopy.

“Slow down, munchkin,” I chuckled, allowing myself to be pulled along while my free hand absently ruffled her curly brown hair. My dark eyes scanned the stands, noting familiar faces as they passed. “You'll get your cotton candy, but let's find our seats first.”

“Hi, Mr. Youngblood!” called out Tim, the local grocer, tipping his Lawson Ridge Lions cap in their direction. “Haley, you rooting for the Lions today?”

“Always!” Haley replied with a toothy grin, her bright blue eyes sparkling. “We're gonna win!”

I nodded, my lips curving into a half-smile—social enough to be polite but guarded, as always. “Wouldn't miss it, Tim. It's a good day for baseball.”

“Sure is,” Tim agreed, turning back to his companions as Haley and I continued toward our section.

The wooden benches creaked beneath us as we settled among the sea of red and white team colors. My gaze swept over the players warming up on the field, each one focused and limbering up for the game ahead.

“Hey, Daddy, can I cheer really loud when they hit the ball?” Haley asked, bouncing on the bench with barely contained enthusiasm.

“Of course,” I responded, though the protective streak within me instinctively surveyed the rows of spectators for any sign of disturbance that lively cheering might cause. Finding none, I relaxed slightly, my attention returning to the little girl beside me who was now clapping her hands in delight.

“Alright, Haley-bug. Let's cheer our hearts out,” I said, my voice softer. It was moments like these—simple, pure, untainted by the complexity of his past—that I cherished most.

“Yay!” Haley squealed, her laughter infectious, reminding me that no matter how heavy the shadows, there would always be light in my life as long as she was there.

9

Josie

My fingers had been busy capturing the kinetic energy of the game through my camera lens when a ripple in the crowd caught my attention. Lowering the camera, my heart hitched as I spotted them: Nico and his daughter Haley, nestled amidst the red and white clad spectators like a pair of unexpected wildflowers in a carefully manicured garden. I shut my eyes hard and then reopened them, thinking maybe I was imagining it. He had been on my mind since I left, but they were still there. It sent an unbidden smile across my face.

Gathering my courage like the folds of a delicate shawl around my shoulders, I began to weave my way through the spectators. Each step was tentative, the gravel beneath my feet crunching in time with the accelerating beat of my heart. My hands, usually so steady behind the lens, now trembled slightly at the prospect of speaking to Nico. Why was I so nervous? We slept together and shared some dark truths, this should be a piece of cake.Come on, Josie. It's just a hello.

“Hi there, Haley!” I finally reached them, my nerves bouncing like the baseballs being tossed on the field. Haley's bright blue eyes sparkled up at me.

“Hi, Miss Josie!” Haley greeted, her innocence wrapping around my heart and giving it an encouraging squeeze.

“Hey, Nico,” I said, turning my smile towards him, hoping it didn't betray the nervous electricity sparking through me. “I didn't know you were a baseball fan.”

“Josie Keller, right? The photographer?” Nico's voice was warm and sarcastic, tinged with something that sounded like happiness.

“Guilty as charged.” I tucked a strand of wavy hair behind my ear, my skin tingling where my fingertips brushed against it. “I never miss a game. It's one of the perks of small-town life, isn't it?”

“Definitely.” Nico nodded, his eyes lingering on my face for a heartbeat longer than necessary, sending a trail of warmth down my spine.

“Can you take a picture of me and Daddy?” Haley chimed in, tugging at my sleeve with gentle eagerness.

“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, my smile as natural as the light filtering through the leaves above. “Let's make it a great one.”

As I raised my camera, focusing the lens on the pair, my heart danced. I clicked the shutter.

Nico's gaze remained locked with mine as the world around us seemed to fade. His eyes, dark pools reflecting the late afternoon sun, widened in a silent acknowledgment of the serendipity that had brought me into his orbit again. A smile crept onto his face, part surprise, part delight, crinkling the corners of his eyes.

“Wow, I didn't expect to... It's nice to see you here,” Nico said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the air.

Haley, her curly locks bouncing jubilantly, beamed up at me, innocent blue eyes sparkling with unbridled joy. “Miss Josie, doyou like baseball too?” she asked, her small hand finding mine, our fingers interlocking in a spontaneous gesture of friendship.

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