Page 14 of Caught Stealing Your Heart
“Hmm,” was all Mom offered with her nose in the air. “Well, come on, Leilani. The game will start soon, and Banks needs to get his mind right.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Leilani and I shared a kiss before Paisley linked their arms and whisked Leilani away. I felt bad for Leilani, but I knew my father and sister wouldn’t let my mom come down too hard onher. At the end of the day, I’d have a lot of explaining to do to my family, but I needed to talk to Paisley before anyone else.
After the game,I thought Leilani would’ve been waiting for me, but I couldn’t find her. I thought she’d left without saying anything until she texted, asking me to let her know when I came out, so I did. Seconds later, she emerged from the restroom, and paparazzi wasted no time snapping pictures of her. She ran over to me with her head down and grabbed my hand.
“How can you deal with this?” she asked as we walked out the building to the Suburban waiting for us.
“It’s extremely nerve-racking at first, but eventually, you’ll get used to it.”
I helped her inside the truck and ignored the many questions about us being thrown my way. My post-game interview had already been done, so I didn’t owe them a thing. Safely inside, I released an exasperated sigh and asked the driver to turn on my favorite playlist.
“Great win tonight. You did amazing out there. I’ve always thought baseball was boring, but that’s far from the case. It was one of the most exciting games I’ve been to.”
“Thank you. It was a tough and close game, but I’m glad we came out with the W. Hopefully, it’ll be a repeat tomorrow.”
“Do y’all always play games back-to-back like that?”
I leaned my head against the headrest and nodded. “Yeah. It’s tiresome, especially when we travel, but it’s worth it.”
“How did you get into baseball?”
“Would you be surprised if I said my parents?”
A contagious, hearty laugh came from the pit of Leilani’s stomach. We both laughed until we had the driver chuckling. Her laugh told me everything I needed to know.
When she finally gathered herself and wiped her tears, she replied, “After getting to know them, no. I wouldn’t be. They seem just as passionate about it as you do, if not more, especially your mother.”
“Exactly. It was one of the things they kind of pressured me into after seeing how natural it was to me, but I appreciate it now. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
“That’s relatable for me. Well, my parents didn’t pressure me. They encouraged me to pursue art when they realized I was in love with it. One of the best things they’ve ever done for me.” The sound of Leilani’s phone consistently vibrating against the seat caught my attention. She checked it and asked, “Is your phone not blowing up?”
“Probably so, but I have it turned off. We’ve been posted everywhere, huh?”
“Yes. They’re quick as hell with it, so are the many women in the comments.”
There was a little bite in her tone, one I found cute. She didn’t need to say it, but it made her a little jealous, just like all the men checking her out on the field earlier did for me.
I leaned over and whispered, “You know, the emotions are going to make this seem much more real.”
“What do you mean, Banks?”
“The comments bother you. I get it. The ones I see about you bother me, too, but it makes everything believable.”
Leilani playfully flitted her eyes upward. “I guess you’re right. How do I stop myself from obsessing over this?”
“Turn off notifications to blogs and all the extra shit. The effects don’t go away overnight, but eventually, they will.”
“How long did it take for you?”
“About two months. I’ve never truly cared what anyone thought of me anyway, but sometimes, the words cut differently.”
“I can see.” Leilani locked her phone just as we were pulling up to her place. The driver stopped in front of it, so I got out to open the door for her. “Thank you. You didn’t need to do that. I know you’re tired.”
“It’s all good. Come on. Let me walk you to the door.”
I followed behind her, watching the ripples of her ass with each step she took.
