Page 119 of Home Field Advantage
My chest tightens with emotion. If the question was him asking me how I felt about her, I’d probably tell them she’s it for me.
“She’s different,” I settle on. “She’s not the type of woman you get out of your system.”
Mitch turns to face me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re different, too, coach. In a good way. I’m really fucking proud of you.”
I swallow, not wanting to get emotional with my best friends.
He’s right, Iamdifferent.
I’ve been feeling this way for a while now.
Mitch doesn’t have to say anything more, because I know what he’s talking about. I’m not acting like the old Dallas with Poppy. I’m not making her a temporary stop in my life. She deserves so much more than that.
“SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” Tucker screams, running to where the three of us stand. “Tyler Goodman and Mitch Holton are here. In Bluestone Lakes. At the barnyard. I think I’m going to fucking pass out.”
Tyler leans over, keeping his voice low. “Who does he belong to?”
“The town, but sometimes I question if he belongs to the wolves,” I answer, also keeping my voice low. “Tucker, this is Mitch and Tyler.” I introduce them because it’s polite, but I know Tucker doesn’t need it.
He extends a hand, shaking both of my friends’ hands. “It’s an honor to meet you both. Oh my god, this is the greatest day of my life. I’m a huge fan.”
“Huge fan,” I repeat, emphasizing the words.
The guys laugh. “Are you helping coach the kids?” Ty asks.
Tucker nods. “Coaching and moral support for our guy here.” He gestures to me, playfully punching my good shoulder. “I can’t believe you two are here. The kids are going to lose it.”
“Introduce us,” Mitch says, and follows Tucker to the kids.
When Poppy starts making her way to us, Tyler jogs up to meet them to say hi to the kids.
“Sorry about that,” I say when she comes to a stop next to me. “Those guys would be my teammates from San Francisco. Mitch and Tyler.”
“It’s nice of them to show up to see the new field.”
“They’re actually here because I’ve apparently disappeared.” She eyes me curiously, so I lean down, whispering for only her to hear, even though no one is around us. “I’ve been a little busy lately.”
“Yeah. You put a lot of work into getting this set up for the kids.”
“Not what I mean, honey.”
She looks up at me from the side, a shy smile spreading across her lips.
“When my brain isn’t focused on Sage and what I need to do with her, or keeping her busy. Every thought I have is consumed with you, Poppy. I’m always wondering what you’re doing, how you are, and waiting for the next moment I can kiss you—touch you. It’s all I think about.”
“I’ve found myself doing the same thing,” she admits.
“Good. I’ll be over tonight then.”
“But you said tomorrow?”
I nod my head toward my two friends. Mitch has Sage lifted, and her arms are wrapped around his neck, and Tyler is playing catch with Archie. “I have two guys who have missed Sage and will be more than happy to spend some time with her tonight.”
I can tell she’s nervous by the way she wrings her hands together, looking down at the dirt. So I spin her to face me. With wide eyes, she looks up at me. I say nothing but lean down and press a kiss to her forehead.
“Listen, I know we keep talking about checking the next thing off your list. I told you you’re in control, and I meant it. But I want to—no,I need to—see you tonight even if it’s just to spend time with you. That being said, I understand if you already have plans. I don’t want to intrude on them.”
“No, I want to see you, too, Dallas. Come over whenever, I’ll be home.”
