Page 25 of Stealing Forever

She nods, then wraps her arms around my neck in a hug. “Okay! Bye, Daddy!”

Easily distracted, she runs off to the playroom, disappearing from sight, and leaves me alone with Hailey. A calm silence settles around us as we both stare in the direction she went.

After a second, I snap out of it and pat my pockets, making sure I have my wallet and keys. I do, so I lift up the roasting pans, glancing at the clock on the stove to see how late I am.

Yeah, I need to get on the road. “See you in a few hours. If you need anything, give me a call.”

“Likewise,” Hailey chirps. “If you forget anything, let me know and I’ll bring it.”

My brain stops sending signals to my body at the sight of the most beautiful smile Hailey flashes me, halting me dead in my tracks.

Every drop of blood in my body races to my dick, and right now, I’m grateful to be standing behind the kitchen island. I have to clear my throat before I answer, “Thanks.”

Lucky for me, and the hard-on I’m now sporting, Hailey doesn’t linger. Instead, she gives me a small wave and leaves in the direction Sailor went.

Things would have gotten awkward if I had to wait behind the counter for my dick to chill the fuck out after we’d just finished saying goodbye.

But now I find that Iamlingering, staring past the kitchen instead of getting my ass on the road.

When I arrive at the stadium, most of the team, and their friends and family are there, congregated on the baseball diamond. Barbecues have been brought in and are set up near the dugout. Everywhere I look, people are laughing and having a good time already. Some are setting up extra tables and chairs, while others are shooting the shit in small groups, or tossing a ball back and forth in the outfield.

A spark of pride blooms in my chest.

One of my fears with becoming head coach was that I’d struggle to maintain that sense of family and familiarity amongst the team—feared they’d view me asthe new guy.

But this might be the best turnout we’ve had at a barbecue in years.

With a grin on my face, I head straight for an empty table and set down the pans of meat, nodding at a couple of the guys in greeting as I pass by.

“Ay, Coach is here,” Austin’s voice rings out from behind me, and when I turn, his hand’s already outstretched, ready for me to shake.

Gareth and two other men trail behind, beer bottles in hand, laughing as they come to join us. One has similar features to Gareth but appears to be a couple years older, although not by much despite the salt and pepper sprinkled throughout his chestnut hair. The other guy is the definition of a California boy, with unruly, shoulder length blond hair, and bright blue eyes.

“Hey, Coach. I want you to meet my brother, Cody,” Gareth introduces us, and Cody outstretches his hand, which I take in a firm handshake.

“Hey Cody, nice to meet you.”

“He’s the one with a kid around your daughter's age. And this is Dylan,” Gareth continues, not letting his brother get a word out. “Dylan and I have been friends since we were in grade school.”

“Nice to meet you.” I tip my head in a greeting. Austin reappears with a beer in hand, and takes a bottle opener from his pocket to crack it open for me.

The bottle is cold to the touch, moisture beading against the rich amber glass, and I take a nice long pull of the crisp drink.

“Great to finally meet the man who has to deal with this guy day in and day out.” Cody tosses his arm around Gareth’s shoulder, dragging his brother into a playful embrace.

“Hey, I’m the least of Coach’s worries.”

Chuckling, I pivot the conversation. “Gareth mentioned you’d bring your son? I have a daughter who’s the same age.” There’s a few children running around. I guess I could have brought Sailor with me and given Hailey the afternoon off.

“Yeah, Bodhi is over there running around.” Cody tips his head toward a boy who’s racing toward the outfield, waiting for the other kids to chase him.

“My daughter Sailor’s nanny will bring her in a few hours.”

“Oh, he’lllovethat. Bodhi always makes it his personal mission to befriend every child everywhere we go.”

Gareth’s friend Dylan laughs. “You mean he befriends the little girls everywhere he goes?” He nudges Cody. “You’ll have to watch that one when he’s older.”

I quirk a brow in silent question as the three men in front of me laugh at their inside joke, but I don’t ask them to elaborate.

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