Page 8 of Small Town Frenzy
I glance at the large manila envelope holding thecontract, unsure when to approach him to sign. I figure after practice would be best, judging by the nice day that remains, as it won’t be called off like yesterday due to rain.
After watching a few plays, I grin. The team out of Rockwall isn’t going to know what hit them. With current minor league players and a former major leaguer, the Armadillos are looking the best they ever have. My spy in Rockwall texted me that they also scored a Major League player, but that doesn’t shake my confidence. I believe in our ’Dillos.
I wish my parents did. Why spend the money to own a team if you don’t care about the game or the players? At least, Savvy and I enjoy it.
I grab my bottle of water and take a drink. The lack of breeze causes the sun to beat down stronger, but I start to wonder if it’s the heat rolling off Greene. I’d put my glasses on to verify, but I don’t need to. I can feel his eyes on me. It’s equally unnerving and intriguing.
Footsteps running across the metal floors on my aisle pull my gaze to the source. I open my arms just as Jacob runs into them. I kiss his head, tucking mine against him and savoring his sweet little hugs. “Hi,” I whisper, leaning back to see the blue eyes that matter most to me in this world. “How’s my little guy?”
“We got to milk a goat, Mommy.”
“You did?” Lowering my head so our eyes are level, I ask, “How was that?”
“Weird.” I laugh, though he was being serious. I get it. I was always more of a winery girl than a farm gal. He hops onto the seat next to me. “Who’s playing?”
“This is the all-star team and some of our Armadillo players. They’re going to play a game to raise money for the two local high schools. Isn’t that neat?”
He nods a few times, his attention glued ahead whenSavvy finally reaches us. “This kid can run. As soon as he reached the stadium, he took off as if he knew exactly where you were.” She sits next to me and blows out a breath. “How are they looking today?”
“Incredible.”
“And did you get the contract signed?”
“Not yet, but I’ll get it done after practice.” As if on cue, Coach Barth claps his hands to bring everyone in for the day.
“Looks like this is your chance.” The players file off the field into the dugout, which will take them to the locker room. “Go get ’em, tiger!”
Dread suddenly fills my gut, which makes me more resolved than ever not to let that man win this round. “Thanks.”
When I take Jacob’s hand, he says, “Savvy said I could run the bases.”
She adds, “I did promise him, and I don’t mind waiting at the car afterward for you.”
I kiss his head again. “Be good for Savvy, okay?”
“Okay.”
This little boy is my world and all that really matters. So paperwork schmaperwork. I’m not afraid of confronting a Greene and feel more emboldened to do it. If I can raise Jacob on my own, run a winery, and manage operations of a regional baseball team, I can deal with a former pro ball player.
I march down the stairs and wait inside the tunnel for Mr. Greene with the allegedly gorgeous blue eyes. A few of the players walk by, saying hi as they pass.
It’s been a while, so I check to make sure his truck is still parked out front. Is he the last to leave or what? Since I’ll never forget the sight of it coming toward me yesterday, it’shard to miss. When I turn back, I run into that wall of muscle that’s quickly becoming too familiar, considering we’ve never actually met.
“Are you stalking me?”
“You wish.” I shove off him, backing up just enough to get caught in his gaze.Oh . . .My heart stops with a hard thud in my chest.
Jaco Beach.
Costa Rica.
Those unforgettable blue eyes.
There’s no way . . .I even remember asking him where he was from that night.
“I’m not sure we should travel down that road when we know it leads to a dead end,” he replied.
It was a dead end, but I’d know his face anywhere. I still see it in my dreams sometimes.
