Page 35 of West Bound

“Man, that would be really great. I was planning to set tickets aside for her, so I’ll just put some aside for you, too, if you want.” I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I won’t have to worry about Ana being in a hotel room in a big, unfamiliar city alone. “In fact, call up Vaughan and Camille and Hayes.”

“That sounds great. I’ll ask Vaughan if they’re free. In the meantime, I’ll text you the code to the garage and the alarm so you can get in if I’m not home yet. Just text me when you’re headed over.”

I zip up my bag and look around for my cap. “Thanks, brotha. I really appreciate it. Ana gets in around four-thirty, so we’ll head over after that. You’re the best.”

He lets out a sigh as if he’s dusting off his shoulder. “Yeah, that’s what they all say. I better get back to make sure the freshmen don’t hurt themselves trying to bench double their weight with those bony ass arms. See you later.”

I say goodbye, grab my bag and keys to the car Maury got me, and head off to the stadium.

I have a feeling that staring down the lane at the hardest hitters will be easier than dealing with an emotional teenager.

Always a sucker, Nix.

CHAPTER TWELVE

VVIAN

“Savage Remix” - Megan Thee Stallion (feat Beyoncé)

As always, I find myself seated next to the dugout, jabbing with the guys as we watch today’s afternoon game. Thank my lucky stars that Phoenix is in the bullpen, sitting on standby in case he’s needed. I absolutely hate it when he sits in the dugout with the rest of the team. It’s difficult to concentrate on my job when that arrogant, egotistical, gorgeous asshole is nearby.

Wait! Did I just call Phoenix gorgeous? I mean, not that he isn’t but, ugh…I hate him. I can’t think of him above me, naked and grinding into me until he sends my body soaring. I will not imagine him licking my cunt and sucking on my clit. I refuse to picture the things his expert fingers can do to my nipples that would send my eyes rolling back in my head.

Nope. I won’t do it.

And most especially, I won’t replay the dream I had of him last night where he made me scream his name so loud that it woke me up. I will pay no attention to how I jack-knifed out of bed, soaked between my thighs and nipples fully erect. Only a masochist would relive that kind of torture.

Instead, I focus on the boys on the field and concentrate on the highlights of the game. Like the way that Manny’s butt doesn’t look nearly as firm as Phoenix’s does on the mound. Or the fact that Rami’s quads are seriously lacking in the bulge department.

“Goddammit!” I curse.

“What’s wrong, Red? Break a nail,” one of the guys asks.

“No pencil dick. I was thinking of what it would feel like to have to fuck you and it made me vomit a little in my mouth.” I look straight into his eyes, letting him know I won’t take his shit.

“Oh shit,” another guy laughs. “The lady speaks the truth.” I smile smugly and go back to watching the game when my phone buzzes with a text.

Cami: Vivi!! Will we get to see you after the game?

I can always count on my best girls to bring me out of a funk.

Me: Abso-fucking-lutely! I’ve got to do a couple post game interviews. Shouldn’t take long.

The crowd cheers and I look up just in time to see the outfielder catch a high pop fly for the last out of the inning. The guys hustle off the field and I write down the play.

Rami walks over to me and leans casually against the rail. “Hey beautiful.”

“Hi, Rami. Great catch in the fourth. That was a helluva stretch there. Alcón didn’t send it all the way to the bag.”

“No, that asshole. He’s pissed because I beat him at poker the other night and I refuse to let him weasel out of his bet.”

I lean forward, resting my chin on my hand. “What was the bet?”

Rami gives me a crooked smile and says, “that I’d get to ask you out first.”

I lick my bottom lip and give it a little tug with my teeth. “How do you know I’d agree to go out with either of you?”

“I’m confident you’d be interested in the night I have planned for us.” He winks and my thoughts wander to the fact that his eyes are a dull brown, whereas Phoenix’s are a silky brown that makes you want to lose track of time.

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