“Deal. Also, here’s a little something you don’t know about me that might come in handy. I used to keep score for our softball team in high school. I could keep score for y’all tonight if you want me to.”
“Aren’t you full of surprises?” He glanced over his biceps at her, his lips quirking into a smile.
When he looked at her like that, it made her insides tumble.Just friends,she reminded herself. This was all she needed. Safe and easy.
When they got back to the precinct, he pulled up next to the truck. “I can pick you up at Sheila’s house.”
“That would be great. I’ll text you the address.” She typed it into her phone and sent it.
“Got it. I’ll see you in about an hour?”
“See you then.” But as soon as she got on the road she was kicking herself for agreeing to it.
She dialed Sheila’s number, thankful she answered on the second ring. “Hey, Sheila. I texted you earlier. I’ve got the truck. Can you believe it?”
“Natalie! That’s great. It’s just the beginning. I know it. You’re not going back tonight, are you? I don’t think I like the idea of you driving that truck in the mountains in the dark.”
“No. That’s why I was texting. Do you mind if I spend the night at your place?”
“Of course not. You know you are always welcome. I’m still at the office, but you make yourself at home.”
“Great. I’m headed there now.”
“I wish I could get out of here early so we could do dinner.”
“Well, actually,” she said, with her stomaching spinning, “I agreed to go to Randy’s softball game.”
“So you’re finally going to admit there’s a spark there?”
“No. I am not, and honestly I’m regretting agreeing to it already. I’m about to throw up. I don’t know what came over me. We got my truck. He even took me to the DMV to get the tags, and followed me to put the Mustang back in storage.”
“That’s way above the call of duty. I mean, I’m not sure I’d have even done the DMV with you, and I’m your best friend.”
“I know. Right?”
“I hate the DMV. So, you’ve got tags on the truck. You’re driving that beast, and now you’ve got a date?”
“No. Not a date. Just friends. Softball. A big crowd, and I’m already thinking of canceling. Why did I say yes?”
“Because he’s hot? Nice? Got your truck back?” Sheila’s tongue clucked. “If you don’t go for it, I will!”
“And I’m crazy.”
“No, you’re not. You’re showing signs of being human again. Thank goodness. Look, if you are sitting on my couch in your pajamas when I get home instead of out with that detective I’m going to disown you. Go. Have fun.”
“I’m afraid I’m going to throw up on his cleats.”
“You will not. Quit being dramatic. You’ll have fun.”
“You really think I should go?”Why did I think for a second she’d tell me to cancel?
“Yes! Quit overthinking this,” said Sheila. “It’s softball. Just go and enjoy yourself.”
She let out a breath. “Fine. I’m almost to your house.”
“Have a glass of wine. Settle down. I’ll see you tonight and I want to hear every detail. Or if you don’t come home untilmorning, I’ll not even sing the walk-of-shame song. I’ll be cheerleading. Pom-poms and all.”
“You are not helpful.”
