AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Strike.
I scream in excitement along with all of the other Lonestars fans in the stadium. I’m on my feet, hugging Morgan and jumping up and down.
“He did it!” I scream. “We won!”
“World Champions baby!” Morgan hoots along with me.
Abby and Andy climb onto their seats, squealing and cheering as loudly as the rest of us.
Players rush out of the dugout and charge the pitcher’s mound. I laugh as I watch the guys swarm Corey. His head disappears for a second before it pops back up when the guys lift him above their shoulders. He has the biggest smile on his face. The sight brings tears to my eyes.
I am so, so happy for him.
The Loons might’ve made it back to the World Series without Corey, but they couldn’t win against him. I’m not usually one to hold a grudge, but I hope it’s at least fifty years before that team wins a championship ring. Hell hath no fury like a former childhood love, now girlfriend whose man has been scorned.
My family exchanges hugs and high-fives with each other and the Lonestar fans around us. But like a moth to a flame, it’s not long before my attention is pulled back to Corey. I’m surprised to find him looking at me. In this chaotic crowd, I don’t know how he found me.
I’m too far away to make out his expression, but it feels intense.
I watch Corey lean down and shout something to the man holding his right arm—Kendrick. The family man nods and barks something at the guy next to him—Joshua. Word travels, and Corey is eventually placed back on his feet.
My forehead furrows as I watch the Lonestars players part like the Red Sea, clearing a path for Corey to walk off the field. Right towards me.
The crowd around me goes wild when they spot the star pitcher walking in our direction. Corey hops up onto the dugout and then scales the railing separating the seats from the field. Fans reach for him, patting his arm, head, back, shoulder—any part of him they can reach. He takes their enthusiasticcongratulations in stride, even shaking hands with a couple of kids he passes, but his focus never stays off me for long.
He reaches our row.
“Great game, my boy.” Dad is the first of us to intercept him. The perks of having the aisle seat. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, Coach J.” Corey moves along and hugs the twins, reaching between them to shake hands with their dad. He embraces my mom, and then, finally, he and I come face to face.
Corey opens his arms wide, and I throw myself into his chest. I bury my face into his neck, not at all bothered by the sticky sweet sweat rubbing onto my skin.
For a moment, we just hold onto each other. I feel Corey’s rapid heartbeat against my chest. I feel the way his hands tremble from adrenaline.
I’m not sure how much time passes before he tells me, “I’m so fucking glad the Loons traded me to the Lonestars.”
I pull back and see his eyes shining with unshed tears. It makes one of mine roll down my cheek. “Me, too.”
I can’t even imagine what my life would be like if Corey Johnson hadn’t come back into it. It wouldn’t be this joyful, that’s for sure.
“I love you so much, Carlee.” His hold around me tightens. “Move in with me?”
I huff a laugh, thinking I didn’t hear him right given all the noise around us. “What?”
“Move in with me,” he repeats louder. “Better yet, how about you marry me?”
Saywhatnow?
My body goes numb. Time slows as Corey sets me on my feet and takes a step back. The crowd erupts in a fresh wave of screams when he kneels.
Is this really happening?
I close my eyes, expecting to wake up in my bed at any moment. Or maybe in Corey’s bed. I sleep there just as often as I sleep at my place these days.
But the sound of the crowd doesn’t fade, and the sight of Corey kneeling before me doesn’t disappear when I open my eyes.
This isn’t a dream.
