Page 38 of Saving The Shortstop

It’s sucked that Noah has had to live in the dorms this year, but in this situation, it’s kind of in my favor because I’d be dodging him like crazy if he lived here too.

With another bag of cold supplies I picked up in my arms, I head down the sidewalk. Yesterday, she only ate a little soup and a few saltines. Today, I got all the ingredients to make smoothies. That way, at least she can get some protein too. Like me, she’s a Division 1 athlete. What she puts into her body matters.

Sometimes, I wish it was my dick. But a smoothie will have to do.

Taking the steps two at a time, I stand in front of the door. The house is full of girls right now, and I’m sure there’s about to be a whole lot of speculation coming my way when I show up to take care of her—yet again. Even so, I knock on the door and wait for someone to open it.

It’s her teammate Gigi this time. And right when her Caribbean-blue eyes land on me, looking at the bag in my arm, she smiles.

“Hi,” she says shyly. “Here to see Haven?”

“Yep,” I confirm, nodding my head once.

She swings the door open the rest of the way, and I walk inside, pulling it shut behind me.

I’ve seen Gigi around. She always comes off as reserved and super intense when it comes to softball. Her father is one of the top sponsors for the program, and I’m pretty sure that if something doesn’t have to do with softball, training, or school, she wants no part in it.

“She’s up in her room. I think she showered and came down for some medicine, but other than that, no one has seen her.” She glances at the grocery bag. “Do you … want me to put that stuff away for you?” She pauses, her cheeks reddening a bit. “So that you can go and see her.”

I look from the bag to her. “Oh, that’s okay. I don’t want to be a pain.”

A timid smile tugs at her lips before she takes the bag from my arm.

“It’s all right. I don’t mind,” she says, nodding toward the hallway. “Go see her. I’m sure she’ll be happy you’re here.”

I frown, not knowing what the hell that means. Maybe Haven talks about me more than I think she does, but if that’s the case … what the hell does she say? Before I can question her, she takes off toward the kitchen. And slowly, I head toward Haven’s door.

I slowly push it open, cringing when it creaks ever so slightly because with the lights off and the curtains drawn, I dare to say she’s asleep. Whatever sickness she has, it’s taken a lot out of her. I hope by tomorrow she’s feeling back to herself because I’m sure she hates missing practice.

The light of the hallway illuminates part of the room, and before I close it, something sitting on her dresser catches my eye. It’s not pitch black, but when I close the door, it’s pretty dim. Still, I can make out what’s sitting there.

A huge bouquet of red roses …

I close the door behind me and look toward the bed. The covers are over her head, so I take this as a chance to investigate whatever the hell these flowers are. But when I step closer, reading the small card, I’m filled with anger.

Feel better soon, baby.

- T

P.S. - I can take care of you better than he ever will.

My heart pounds in my chest and my fists ball at my sides. I don’t know when he was here, but as fucked up as he is, I hope she doesn’t give him a second chance just because he dropped off flowers.

“Dallas?” Haven whispers, sitting up slowly in bed and rubbing her eyes. “You’re back.”

There’s no mistaking the smile on her face when she sees me, but when her eyes float to the bouquet, they widen.

“Did you … bring those to me?” she whispers, clearly surprised.

I could lie and tell her yes, but not only would that give her the wrong idea, but she also wouldn’t understand the level of fucked up I’m beginning to realize Tabor is.

I assumed she had already seen them, but when my eyes float around the room, noticing the open window and remembering I cracked it last night because her body was so hot … I feel sick.

“No,” I mutter. “But I’ll be right back.”

Without another word, I walk out of her room and toward the kitchen to find Gigi and whoever else is home, because I hope one of them brought the flowers into her bedroom. But something in my gut tells me that isn’t the case …

Something tells me that motherfucker … he came through the window when she was alone.