Page 18 of Caught Stealing Your Heart
Maybe it was infatuation. Maybe I was falling for the idea we created and how it would potentially be a positive impact on both our lives. Maybe that was why I was willing to treat it as if we were in a real relationship.
Maybe was what I was going to continue telling myself.
Twenty-two minutes later, I was pulling up to Leilani’s house. Before I could get out to get her, she came skipping out the house in an all-white workout set. Oversized shades covered half her face, but that captivating smile of hers shined brightly. She waved at me before locking her door and making her way to the car. I got out and opened the door for her, discreetly inhaling her scent as she passed by and placed a quick peck to my lips.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you had a Scat, Banks? I would’ve been asked you to take me for a ride.” Leilani gushed, running her hands over my red seats engraved with my initials.
“Because I hardly ever drive anywhere anymore, but I felt like bringing her out today.”
“She’s nice as hell. You had it completely customized, didn’t you?”
I smirked and pulled off. “You know I did. She was my second big purchase after my house and paying my parents’ house off. I was determined not to spend all my money at once like most people, so I invested and waited. Best thing I could’ve done.”
“That’s what’s up, for real. I can’t wait until my talent and passion brings me in the big bucks. I’m trying to do it big like you.”
“Trust me, your talent is going to take you far, Leilani. What you do is dope as hell. Your parents noticed it from a young age, and I see people are beginning to catch onto your dopeness. Don’t think I didn’t notice your followers went up.”
I gently nudged Leilani’s cheek with my free hand, and she blushed. “I have you to thank for it. After I tagged you in the picture, confirming our ‘relationship,’ followers started rolling in. I even hit a new high on viewers.”
“I saw that too. I had to refrain myself from cussing some of them out.”
Leilani leaned over and laughed. “Oh, whatever. I don’t say anything about all the women talking about how they’ll fuck you if you give them the chance. Even after you posted me, they still be disrespectful. I’ll slap a bitch over mine, Banks.”
It was my turn to laugh. “Oh, it’s like that?”
“Straight like that. We gotta play our part, right?”
I glanced over at her and nodded. “You’re right.”
The remainder of our ride to the facility was silent as we both were lost in our thoughts. I turned the music up and vibed until we arrived.
“What are we doing out here, Banks? Will we not get in trouble?” Leilani asked as I led her through the Cougar facility, outside to the cages.
“Nah, we’re good. We can come here anytime we need to. We have twenty-four-hour access to everything year-round. It’s one of the perks I love.”
“That’s nice, for real. How often do you come here alone?”
I moved my bag higher on my shoulder. “Depends on my mood, for real.”
“And what mood are you in today?”
My answer didn’t come right away. We made it to the cages where I turned my playlist on the big speaker and set up the pitching machine. Instead of my usual R&B playlist, I went to my old school rap one to get me in my element. Leilani intently watched me the entire time. From the way her head was tipped to the side and her eyes lowered, I could tell she was trying toread me. It would be hard for her to when I learned to hide myself as a kid.
Thankfully, Leilani respected my silence as I geared up, putting my helmet and batting gloves on. The first crack of the ball connecting with the bat soothed my soul. Each time I hit one, my mind settled more and more. It was crazy how something I despised as a child calmed me as an adult.
After about thirty hits, I went back to the pitching machine to adjust it. I waved Leilani over to me. She kissed and hugged me before I could get a word out as if she knew I needed it. We stood there for what felt like hours engulfed in one another. The person who was creating the noise in my mind was also the one silencing it.
“Are you going to tell me what mood you’re in, Boss?”
My stomach bounced against her as I laughed. “Oh, that’s who you think I am now?”
“Sure do. You shut down on me quick. Banks doesn’t do that.”
“Don’t act like you know me,” I teased and kissed her forehead. “But I’m good, Leilani. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Like what?” Once again, I avoided her question by taking my helmet off and placing it on her head. “Uh, what are you doing?”
