Page 4 of Wanting His Girl

I’m a huge baseball fan, and as soon as he sat down next to me, I recognized him instantly. Growing up in California meant rubbing shoulders with the stars was nothing new, but seeing Jake - so striking and even more handsome up close - left me awestruck.

We had a great time that night, but I haven’t seen him since. I’ve been secretly hoping to run into him again.

Of course, having my car windshield shattered by his rogue baseball isn't exactly what I’d call ideal. Yet, there's this tiny part of me that feels like this is fate’s way of stepping in.

Feeling the silence start to stretch awkwardly between us, I decide to fill it with conversation. “Do you and your brothers play in the park often?" I ask.

Jake’s shoulders relax at the sound of my voice. "Nah, not really. Today was a bit of a special occasion. We were out celebrating. My brother is getting married soon."

"That's so exciting!" I exclaim more loudly than I had planned. “I love weddings.”

Jake chuckles at my reaction.“I haven’t been to many if I’m being honest. Chase is the first of us brothers to get hitched. My other two aren't far behind him, though.” His eyes flick over to me. “That’s part of the reason what led to your windshield getting smashed."

“Oh?”

"Yeah. They were teasing me about being single before we decided to toss the ball around."

My heart flutters wildly inside my chest at this casual revelation that Jake is single. Is it just my imagination, or is he glancing at me to see my reaction?

No, that can’t be right.

Jake is seventeen years older than me. There’s no way he would be interested in someone like me.

"Tell me more about the gala at the museum," Jake says casually, changing the subject. "I've seen the flyers around town."

I light up at the chance to share something I'm passionate about. "It's actually centered around this really cool exhibit that features celestial artwork. It was all inspired by 'Starry Night'."

Jake raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk crossing his face. "The Van Gogh painting?"

I feel my cheeks warm up, realizing how animated I just got. Blushing, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Yep, the same one. Obviously, that painting isn't at our exhibit, but we do have some really cool ones that capture the same swirling, dreamy vibe of the night sky."

He nods, eyes on the road, but the tilt of his head tells me he's listening. "Sounds fancy. You must be excited."

"More like terrified," I confess with a half-laugh. "It’s my first major project since I started working there. I’ve been handling most of the setup and promotion stuff.”

“So you’re the woman in charge, huh? That's impressive." He glances over, and there's a spark of... is it admiration?

"Don't be impressed yet," I tuck my hair behind my ear again, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "It's a little more complicated than it sounds. There's the layout, the guest list, the lighting... Oh, and don't get me started on the hors d'oeuvres selection."

"I'm sure you've got it under control," he replies. Then he glances over and winks. "Besides, who wouldn't want to see Melanie Watts work her magic?"

I laugh, this time with less self-consciousness. "If by magic you mean frantic last-minute adjustments and a lot of coffee, then sure."

Jake chuckles, a deep sound that stirs something in my chest. "I've always admired people who can dive into their passions like that. It takes guts."

I blink, surprised. It's not often someone gives me credit for being passionate rather than just... weird.

For as long as I can remember, I've been called ‘too much’ or 'the quirky twin' or 'Melanie with her head in the clouds.' But here’s Jake, seeing the drive behind the eccentricities. And as I glance at him, I feel seen in a way that's both thrilling and terrifying. I've held onto this crush like a secret charm, never imagining it could become something more.

Could it?

I turn slightly in my seat to face him. "Working at a museum isn’t nearly as brave as opening my own bar. Running the Pitcher’s Brew must be quite a change from playing baseball."

"Eh, it's got its own kind of hustle," he says with a shrug. "And honestly, it keeps me connected to the community, which I love. Plus, you can't beat the feeling of pouring a perfect beer."

"Is that right?" My curiosity piques as I imagine Jake behind the bar, his broad shoulders flexing as he works the taps. "But do you ever miss the game? The thrill of the pitch, the cheer of the crowd?"

"Sometimes," he admits, a distant look flickering across his eyes before his gaze returns to the road. "But injuries have a way of making decisions for you. I'm just grateful I found something else I'm passionate about."

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