Page 77 of Double Play

“India.” Declan pulls me back to him, cupping the back of my head, and resting his on top of mine.

A throat clears behind Declan, and he turns, keeping me pinned to his chest. “Our drinks have arrived.”

I haven’t ordered one yet, and neither has Declan. Penn’s concerned eyes focus on us before I finally nod and pull myself out of Declan’s embrace.

I need space to think.

Which feels almost impossible when later that night, I’m hanging out with Penn in the lobby of our hotel. Declan and Isaiah are feet away from us, lost in some argument about who was a better closer: Carter Callahan from the Terrors or Everett Gallagher from the Victors. Declan is fiercely claiming Carter is the best closing pitcher.

“What are you feeling?” Penn eventually asks.

While I spent the day with my brother and sister-in-law, our conversation revolved around their kids, their future, and the game itself.

“You know I’m just trying to live my life.” I don’t let my childhood battle define me. Or perhaps it did. I want the best for me, and I forgot what that was for a little while.

“But are you loving your life?” my sweet friend asks. “Is there love in your life?” Her gaze shifts to Declan who has his head bowed like he’s listening to our conversation more than Isaiah’s argument.

“You’ve been given a second chance,” she states, and my head whips back in her direction.

“My whole life is a second chance,” I counter, when I rarely use the defense as a crutch.

“Then don’t balk at another one.” She tips her head toward Declan.

I chuckle. “You’re saying that because you’re all gaga with renewed love for Isaiah.”

“Yes. Renewed. Which also means refreshing, invigorating, stimulating.” She wiggles her thin brows.

“Gross. I do not want to know about my brother’s sex life.”

“Then how is yours?” she counters, smiling sweetly while a little mischief resides inside her.

I risk another quick glance at Declan before holding my gaze on Penn. “It wasn’t about sex.”

“Oh.” Her mouth forms a perfect circle of false surprise. She knows me too well.

“Stop it,” I tease, swiping my hand in the air between us.

“You stop it,” she says, sitting up straighter. “Stop fighting what’s right in front of you. A man willing to change everything for you. Not someone trying to change you to fit some ultimate plan.”

I hear what Penn is saying. The tough love mingles with what Montgomery once asked her dad.

Is a job more important than love?

I’d put my job above Malakai, probably because I felt safer at work, better while working. Declan is different. He makes me feel safe, safe to be who I want to be. He steps back so I can step forward.

Risking another glance at him, I catch him watching me and not pulling away his gaze.

He’s standing his ground, openly admiring me, making changes for me.

And maybe it’s time I stand my ground as well.

For me.

For him.

For us.

It’s late when a soft knock comes to my hotel room door. Isaiah and Penn offered to get a suite, and we’d share the space, but Isaiah also wanted the kids to see our dad, and I didn’t want to force my negative relationship on the rest of the family. I had breakfast with my mother in a local diner earlier in the day.