Page 77 of Third Strike Smitten

Maybe he’s really not interested then because I promise you nothing happened.

Tara

That kiss at the game was not him saying he’s not interested. We all saw it.

Me

Tara, I’m just doing him a favor.

Tara

ROFLMAO Girl, you could be doing him a lot of favors right about now!

I roll my eyes at Tara’s message, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. She’s not entirely wrong.

Me

You’re ridiculous. This isn’t about that.

Tara

Then what is it about? Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds like you wanted him to make a move and he didn’t, and now you’re disappointed.

Me

I’m not disappointed. I’m just...confused. Why would he go through all that trouble to help me shower and then not even try to kiss me?

Tara

Maybe because he actually cares about you? Like, genuinely cares? Not just as a fake girlfriend but as a real person?

I stare at her message. The thought sends a flutter through me that I immediately try to suppress. This isn’t supposed to be real. We agreed on that.

Me

That’s not possible. This is just a favor, remember?

Tara

Are you sure about that? Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Isla. That man is not faking anything.

Me

He’s an actor. He has to be convincing.

Tara

Umm, last time I checked, baseball players are not actors unless they’re playing one in a movie. Also, seriously Isla? How can you be so obtuse about this? I’ve seen you two together. That’s not acting. And I think you know it.

When I don’t answer for a few minutes because I’m reading Tara’s words over and over again, she sends another text.

Tara

Nobody fakes the way he looks at you. I saw it at the whiffle ball game before you got smacked. That man is GONE for you.

Me

He’s not gone for me. He’s just...good at pretending.