Page 67 of Wild Pitch
As we strap in, I ask, “You needed a car to realize that, Mr. Highest Pedigree in the Land?”
“Yes, actually.” There’s a twist on his lips that is more sardonic than amused, but then him turning on the car distracts me because the engine sounds like a beast from the jungle, and off we go.
You’d think he’d have a need for speed while driving a machine like this, but Logan drives calmly through the streets, keeping the easy conversation flowing over some chill music that plays from his sound system. He delivers me to the pharmacy parking lot where my Jeep awaits, opening his car door for me again, helping me get out, and waiting until I’m safely driving away in my modest vehicle.
From the rearview mirror, I see his fancy ride take a left where I keep going straight. Finally, I feel alone enough that I can free myself.
My chest twists painfully and as if on cue, my eyes prickle with hot tears.
This was the best damn date I’ve ever been to. No one has been kinder or safer than Logan Kim, and I bet this is why Starr arranged it. Regardless of whether he thought this could turn into the real deal, the cowboy definitely knew Ineededto experience something like this. Because he’s learned enough about me to figure out that I’m starved for this—for a kind guy who treats me with respect.
And yet he’s not the one who showed up.
I dab furiously at the tears trickling down my face, sure that my makeup is really getting messed up now.
It doesn’t matter though—none of this does. If Cade Starr had been my date, the conditions would still be the same. He’s still my coworker and therefore out of bounds. It still would’ve been a pity date to show me what a nice date would be like. He’s obviously not interested in me, and the proof is that he sent Logan instead.
A sob tears from my throat. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in him.
CHAPTER 22
CADE
Lucky and I rush to follow after Garcia and Kim once they start heading out of the restaurant. Halfway before the exit, I brake suddenly and Lucky slams into me.
“Dude, we have to pay first,” I say.
Lucky steps back, saying, “Oh, right. Why don’t you go ahead while I pick up the tab?”
“Thanks, I’ll see you outside.” I offer my fist and he bumps it before I keep going.
But Garcia and Kim aren’t out of the premises yet. The hostess and another employee have detained them to take pics with Kim, pics that Garcia herself is snapping on someone’s phone. I retreat a few steps and hide behind a tall plant. They both know I’m here, but I’m still trying to respect the fact that this has to feel like an actual date. I’m not going to interfere if they do, in fact, hit it off.
I force my fists to relax as I wait for the pleasantries to be over. My eyes zero in on Kim guiding Garcia out, his hand on the small of her back. The large doors swing closed behind them and when I step out of hiding, they’re both laughing in the middle of the parking lot.
See? That’s why he’s the right guy for her. I can’t think of a single time I’ve made her laugh like that. If anything she’s always irritated at me.
“Ready?” Lucky’s voice drifts from behind me.
I open my mouth to speak and that’s when I notice how hard I’ve been clenching my jaw. “Yeah, let’s go.”
We trod out of the restaurant, still keeping a big distance behind the couple. I mean, Garcia and Kim. They’re not a couple. Yet.
Then they stop and so does my brain, because Kim positions himself in front of Garcia and grabs her face.
“Oh shit,” Lucky whispers with amusement, snapping his fingers. “They’re gonna kiss, aren’t they? Dude, they’re gonna make out!” He smacks my chest with the back of his hand.
But I can’t move. I certainly can’t find it in myself to show any amusement.
Garcia’s back is to us. I kinda wish I could see from her expression if this is all she’s ever wanted. Maybe that would make it a lot easier to grab this weird feeling in my gut, shove it in a box, and toss it nearby in Lake Eola.
I swallow hard as they kiss, mentally cursing at myself for being such a damn good cupid, but also angry that I have the balls to feel angry in the first place.
Like geez, dude, what right do I even have to feel jealous? I have no interest in Hope Garcia. And if I did, that would make me a complete asshole anyway.
I barely register as Kim pulls away but next thing I know, Lucky’s jerking me hard to hide behind a car.
“What the?—”
