Page 53 of West Bound

I could see the frustration in her eyes as I continued to spill innuendos. Every question she asked, I met it with a cheeky response. Her cheeks grew pinker and pinker, and her jaw clenched with each word that made her uncomfortable. I just know she’s going to blow when this was all over and God, do I want to be alone with her when that happens.

She was winding down our interview, so I casually pulled out a piece of gum that I had stuffed back in my pocket, unwrapped it and slowly brought it to my mouth. She was facing the camera but I could see her eyes flicker between me and where she should have been focused.

She turned back to me right as I wrapped my tongue around the gum. A small, almost imperceptible wiggle rode up her spine and I fucking delighted.

“Thank you for talking to us tonight, Phoenix, and all of Wrangler nation can’t wait to see what you do on the road.”

“Thank you, Peaches,” I said hurriedly then spin to walk off.

She recovered quickly and as she spoke I smacked her ass–like any good sportsman would do–then hauled my ass to the locker room. She would fester in her anger and be ready to blow a gasket by the time I re-emerged. She wouldn’t dare leave without giving me a piece of her mind.

I just hope she’s willing to give me a piece of her body, too.

Just like I predicted, Vivian was waiting for me when I exited the clubhouse press room. I gave a brief interview with the remaining press, my answers were short and to the point. Only my Peaches got the best of me. When the press was tired of my curt responses, they quickly moved on to talk to coach and I jumped out of my seat.

Hustling to the exit, I saw that she was talking with an angry CeCe. I crept up slowly and listened in.

Yeah. I eavesdropped. Get over it.

“I’m so sick of him, Viv. I can’t take anymore of his barking at me, snapping his fucking fingers all of the time…I’m quitting.” CeCe huffed and puffed while Vivian rubbed her arm.

“You’re not quitting, babe. If you quit then I give up baseball coverage. I mean, I’m not opposed to covering football. There are few players I wouldn’t mind getting reacquainted with.” What the fuck? “But we both know that we can’t turn our backs on what we love.”

With a defeated sigh, CeCe said, “I know. But Viv, I don’t know how much longer I can last before–”

“Before you snap and finally fuck him?” Vivian arched a brow and CeCe dropped her shoulders and nodded her head. “Yeah. Join the club. It’s the worst one to be a part of.”

“Do you think you’ll sleep with Phoenix, again?” My ears perk up when I hear that and I stop in my tracks, waiting to hear Vivian’s answer.

“I don’t know, C. I hate the guy. He’s arrogant and cocky and a player who probably has a woman in every city he plays in.”

She’s not completely wrong. I did have a woman in every city. Now it’s only her.

“Okay pot. Have you met kettle?” CeCe snorts.

“Shut it. The sex was freaking phenomenal. The best I’ve ever had.” I stand a little taller and hold my chin higher. “But I’m the expert at sex without attachment. With him…I’m not sure that’s possible, and I’m worried that he’ll break me again, and then I’ll be that sad little twenty year old virgin, waiting for a guy to validate me.”

I swallow down the huge rock in my throat and decide to make myself known. After hearing her say all of that, I know I need to fix her opinion of me. I need to change how she feels.

I step heavy and my dress shoes sound loudly down the sidewalk.

“Ladies,” I say, stepping up to them with a smile on my face and not a hint that I heard their very private conversation.

I’m an ass.

“Phoenix,” CeCe says tersely.

“Asshat,” greets Vivian.

“CeCe, you look beautiful tonight.” I move my eyes to Vivian and soften my face. “Peaches. You’re gorgeous as ever.”

“Don’t ‘peaches’ me, you douchebag. You tried to sabotage my interview!” Her hands fly up and I swerve to avoid a smack to the face. “Do you know how difficult it was not to Regina George your ass and choke the living shit out of you?”

My face contorts and I let out a small chuckle. “Who the hell is Regina George?”

“Aaargh! It doesn’t matter! You screwed me, dickhead.”

“Yes. Yes I did, Peaches.”

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