Page 64 of Double Play

twenty-six

. . .

[India]

I’d intended to give Declan and Montgomery some privacy and then slink off to give them the day together. I was rather envious of Declan’s daughter and her relationship with her father as evidenced by his love and concern for her. The envy comes from my own lacking relationship with my father.

Richard Baker would have never expressed concern for tears on my face. Or questioned my understanding of things like dating and respect. He wouldn’t have protected my career or my decisions. And he definitely wouldn’t have hugged me at fourteen like I’d witnessed Declan doing with his girl.

Wearily, he glances at me as I exit his bedroom, wearing last night’s attire of shorts and T-shirt. Nashville in July is hot.

“We’re headed to the batting cages,” Montgomery announces. “You should come with us.”

“Monty.” Declan’s head whips in her direction, his tone emphasizing once more why I cannot go with them.

“It will be fun.” Montgomery wiggles her brows. “Gets the anger out.” She imitates batting, making an impressive cracking sound like she made contact with a baseball.

“Maybe anoth⁠—”

“Okay,” I interject, cutting off Declan’s excuse.

“Yeah?” His blue eyes widen as his shoulders stiffen.

“Yeah,” I whisper. I don’t know why I’m saying yes, other than I don’t really want to say no. Declan’s understanding about why I shouldn’t go, and Montgomery’s insistence that I should, has me all twisted up inside. My desire to be included in their team of two overcomes me.

“I know the perfect, private spot,” Declan states, his expression shifting from cautious to contagious excitement.

And I trust him to make the right call on what’s private enough to protect our tender relationship. He’s doing everything he can to show he’s invested in my need for secrecy, and it just adds to the layers I already love about him, because, yes, I am definitely in love with him. My breath hitched at his daughter’s mention of the word only because I thought she read it on my face. She could visibly see the love I feel for her father.

A half-hour later, we pull up in front of a squat warehouse with a small sign taped inside a rectangular window on the door. BatterUP is written with bold marker strokes, and only readable the closer one gets to the window.

Declan presses a buzzer that opens the front door and allows us to enter a squared, non-descript entryway. After a few minutes, a second, interior door is opened by a man with a weathered face and a gleam in his bright blue eyes.

“Coach.” The older man smiles at Declan, as he instantly recognizes him.

“Monty.” Declan smiles in return and the two men shake hands, only the older displays strength by pulling Declan forward for a hug.

Watching the display of affection between the men, my heart warms. I’ve only seen Declan interact with his brother and my brother in this manner, so it’s touching to see he has other male friendships in his life. Coaching the team forms a type of bond, but Declan is cognizant that he is more of a mentor or father figure to his charges, and a colleague with this coaching staff.

“And who is this?” Monty addresses Montgomery.

“Very funny, Monty.”

Monty glances lovingly from Montgomery to Declan and back. “With that sarcasm, it can only be one person. Bring it in, girl.” He opens his arms while using his back to keep the door open. Montgomery steps forward and Declan holds the edge of the door so the young teen can accept a hug from the older guy.

“How’s my namesake?” He kisses the top of her head. “I see she’s almost as tall as me.” His eyes narrow as he leans away from her, keeping his hands on her shoulders. “Then again, I haven’t seen you much lately.”

“That’s what happens when summers are busy,” Montgomery teases.

Monty smiles affectionately one more time at Declan’s daughter before his gaze falls on me. “And who do we have here?” He practically pauses after each word, curiosity not only in his tone but in the playful twinkle of his eyes.

“Monty Hart. The original Montgomery. Meet India Baker.”

“A pleasure,” I say, holding out my hand to shake his. Only his grip is so firm, he tugs me forward and into his solid chest. With an awkward giggle, I accept his hug when I’m not typically a hugger upon first meeting people.

When I pull back, I’m certain my face is bright red, and Declan’s hand on my lower back is a relief as my skin feels too hot.

“Okay, kids. I have a squad at eleven, so the place is yours until then.”