Page 21 of Caught Stealing Your Heart
You don’t think I know that?
There goes that smart ass mouth.
Don’t get smart. I know you know that, but I’m just saying. You don’t have to act like I’m something to you when it’s only us.
The three dots appeared. Intently, I watched them. My palms became moist as the dots disappeared and reappeared over and over. Afraid as to how Banks may have responded, I locked my phone and tried to focus on the traffic. We were nearing the airport when Banks finally texted back. My heart sunk when I read a simple ‘okay.’
That was it? That was all he had to say?
There was no need in me getting upset about it when I set myself up for it. Still, it didn’t change the fact it stung a bit. I expected a witty comeback or something. For a moment, I second-guessed popping up on him, but I had to save face for our agreement.
Once I made it to the airport, time seemed to fly by. As I expected, I landed in Spring Valley Hills a little before noon. I recorded my videos, praying no one would notice my shift in mood when I posted them later. Consistently, I checked my phone to see if Banks had double texted, but our text thread was dry. The urge to reach out to him was strong. I refrained since I would be seeing him in a few short hours and didn’t want to seem too eager.
After I checked into my hotel, I showered and got dressed. Of course, I repped the Cougars from my head to waist. The royal blue number seven graced the front of my gray T-shirt. Since the weather in Spring Valley Hills was warmer than back home, I opted to wear my white Chanel slides instead of my tennis shoes. My locs were down with the only restraint being a red bandana tied around the front.
My timing was a little off, so I couldn’t record a video or anything. The field was ten minutes from my hotel, and when I made it, I was immediately overwhelmed by the number of people. I thought the games back home were packed, but it was as if the entire city was here.
I must’ve stuck out like a sore thumb because one of their staff members came over to assist me. She led me to the Cougars side of the field where I immediately spotted Banks. His back was turned to me. I thanked the woman and pulled my phone out to record Banks’s reaction. He was engrossed in a conversation with one of his teammates, so I waited briefly before tapping him on the shoulder three times.
Banks turned around, and the way the deep brown flecks in his eyes lightened to copper upon seeing me let me know I’d done the right thing. With that side smile I adored, Banks scooped me up by the waist and peppered kisses on my cheeks.
“I got you good, didn’t I?” I giggled as he set me back on my feet.
He nodded, adjusting his cap on his head. “Yeah, you did. You’ve made my day, Leilani, for real.”
“I’m glad that I could. I figured this was a good way to celebrate our one month.” I playfully winked at him and stopped my video. “I videoed everything leading up to this to post later.”
“That’s smart. Good thinking. We make a good team.”
“Or some good liars.”
Banks and I stared at one another before bursting into laughter.
“That too.” He agreed. “I also think we’re becoming good friends and getting to know one another well. You can’t act like we don’t vibe hard.”
“That, we do. We’re always on the same wavelength, even when your mouth is smart.”
Banks draped his arm around my shoulder, tugged me into him, and kissed my forehead. “I guess we’re twins then. How you get here?”
“An Uber.”
“All right. Wait for me after the game so we can go get something to eat. They have this dope ass spot I want to take you to.”
“Okay.”
We shared a kiss, then I went to my designated area. Usually, his parents were at every game, but his dad was feeling under the weather. It felt weird being at a game by myself, especially with it being in another city. Their fans were harsh. I found myself snapping on a few who thought it was okay to talk down on Banks while he was pitching. They were mad because he was striking their best batters out and ended up winning the game.
I wasn’t in the mood to be bothered by paparazzi, so I waited in Banks’s designated vehicle after the game. It took him about twenty minutes to come out, and when he did, it was obvious he was tired from the way he dragged his slides across the concrete.
The second the door opened, Banks tossed his bag in and plopped down on the seat. His head went to my lap, followed by an exasperated exhale.
“Good game, Boss.”
“Thank you. I had to play my heart out since you were watching me. I couldn’t call you my good luck charm then mess up.”
I giggled and leaned down to kiss his temple. “You played your heart out because baseball is a big part of it. I’m just a bonus.”
“I guess you’re right, but for real… You changed my entire mood by showing up today. I felt off knowing my parents wouldn’t be there. Plus, I was already missing you, so seeing you had me feeling good as hell.”
