Page 33 of Third Strike Smitten

Padrick gives me a knowing look. “Uh-huh.”

I can feel Killian’s presence before I hear him, that strange electricity in the air that seems to follow him everywhere. “Hi, Coach,” he says, his voice low and smooth as he approaches me.

I turn to face him, trying to maintain my professional demeanor despite the way my heart is pounding. “Mr. Haynes,” I say, my voice coming out surprisingly steady.

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Mr. Haynes? That’s a new one.”

Padrick looks between us, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “I’ll just...go check on the pre-flight preparations,” he says, backing away slowly.

Once he’s out of earshot, Killian steps closer. “You okay? About…you know,” he says, his voice dropping to a level that’s just for me.

“Yeah,” I reply, suddenly very aware of how close he is. “You?”

His smile puts me at ease more than I expect it to. “I’m good.” He nods, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. Good.”

“Good,” I repeat, and we both stand there staring at each other like we’ve forgotten how to speak English.

“So...” Killian rocks back on his heels. “We’re doing this.”

“We’re doing this,” I confirm, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Great.” He nods, that confident smile returning. “I’m going to flirt with you on this flight. Just thought I’d warn you.”

When I lock eyes with him, he winks and reminds me, “Gotta make it feel real, you know? For them.” He gestures with his head toward the rest of the team boarding the plane.

“Right. Right.” I nod. “Yeah.”

“Think you can handle it, Coach?”

There’s a sense of calm, playful whimsy about him this evening reminiscent of a few nights ago when he bought me a drink. Maybe it’s because he didn’t pitch today so he’s not as tired or stressed as usual but I’ll take fun Killian any day.

“Bring it on, Haynes.”

9

KILLIAN

Isettle into my seat, keeping my eyes on the redheaded beauty as she continues with her pre-flight routine. She’s professional and efficient, completely focused on her job as the rest of the team boards the plane. She catches me watching her from the front galley and narrows her eyes. I grin, and when she mouths, “Don’t,” I grin even wider and laugh silently to myself. Fuck me, this is already my favorite relationship.

I mean fake relationship. Whatever. Same difference.

The second she reaches my row, I smile. "Hey."

She doesn't stop walking. "Hello, Killian."

"How's your day going?"

She pauses and slowly turns. "Are you making small talk?"

I shrug my shoulders and smile at her. "I can stop if you're uncomfortable."

"With you? I think I’m always uncomfortable."

"Good. We're both having fun then."

She shakes her head and continues down the aisle, so I wait approximately thirty seconds before speaking again.

"Hey Coach?"