Texas’s second baseman, Evan Porter, has the same ego as Easton. I don’t want to talk to him for that reason alone. Plus, it could all be a distraction.
“What are they saying?” Of course, I take his bait because I enjoy punishing myself. It’s practically a hobby now.
“That she’s fucking hot. Sucks for all you guys. Can’t date the coach’s daughter, but for us… it’s open season.”
My fists clench. Evan Porter’s hands on Penelope… I don’t finish the thought because we’re in the middle of a game, but that should tell me everything I need to know about how I still feel about her.
Torres lets two balls go by, and I take my lead off again.
“The temptation must be hard if she’s as smokin’ as everyone is saying.”
I ignore him, thinking that if he says anything worse, I’ll tackle him to the ground. I don’t need to come off as a Neanderthal who can’t handle his temper. And I especially don’t need Penelope’s name attached to the reason why.
Torres swings and hits the ball to deep center. I look at the third base coach, Paxton, and he gives me the sign to come, so I tag the base before sprinting to third. I slide in right under the tag, standing and leaving my foot on the base as I knock fists with him.
“That might be a record for you.” Paxton gives me a quick squeeze on my shoulder.
“I had to get away from Porter. That guy drives me crazy.”
He laughs. “Well, take your lead off, and let Hayes get you home.”
The first pitch comes in. Usually Hayes doesn’t take the first, but he swings, and the crack of the ball off the bat tells me everything I need to know before I even look up. The dugout explodes. I run, leg muscles burning, and I’m not thinking about contracts or Penelope or any of it. I slide over home plate and jump to my feet to see HOME RUN on the Jumbotron as Hayes jogs toward second.
He not only tied the game but put us ahead by one.
I wait for him, and when he reaches home plate, I hug him and smack him on the back. We head to the dugout, where everyone is fist-bumping both of us.
Everyone except Drew, who is pouting on the bench.
“Relax, buddy. You still have some time to save up for that dinner you’ll owe us.” Easton winks at him.
I swear, the two of them will come to blows before this season ends.
But it feels good. This feels good. I just need it to transfer to my field play.
As I catch my breath and sit on the bench, waiting to see if Ian can help us get even further ahead, Hayes leans in. “Remind me on the bus back to the hotel, I want to give you a heads-up about something.”
My eyebrows draw down. “Tell me now.”
He shakes his head and eyes Ripley at the corner of the dugout.
Fuck. It has to do with Penelope. Just when she wasn’t consuming my every thought. It’s a lie, but I’ve gotten good at those.
Chapter
Ten
Penelope
* * *
With a lot of help from kids two decades younger than me on YouTube, I manage to get my phone to play on our television.
Hazel stands in the middle of the family room with the hula hoop around her waist and a half smile filled with dread on her lips. I’m pretty sure she’s feeding off my anxiety. We’re going to be a disaster together. I’ve never been more certain of that.
I’ve pushed all the furniture against the walls to give us enough room. Especially since Leighton, the kids, Callie, and baby Ellis are coming over tonight for dinner and playtime. A ritual we’ve started when the team is away for long stints.
“We totally have this.” I press Play on the video on my phone screen, then I pick up the hula hoop next to hers.
