Page 85 of Saving The Shortstop

I snuggle lower against him so that my nose is touching his arms as they remain wrapped around me. I know he has homework that I was going to help him with, but right now, I can’t do it. And selfishly, I don’t want him to either. I just want him close to me.

“Do you think he’ll ever come back,” I whisper, my voice so weak it’s barely audible. It’s a thought that just keeps running through my head, but I haven’t wanted to say it out loud or put it into the universe. I can’t help it though. It’s too consuming.

“No, Short,” he says back softly. “I don’t think he’ll bother you again.”

I know that even if he believed he would be back, he wouldn’t tell me. So even though I’m sure he’s lying, I take comfort in him saying it anyway.

“Thank you for …” I stop as my throat grows raw and the backs of my eyes sting. I know there was probably a big part of Dallas that wanted Tabor to die today so that he had the reassurance he’d never come back. Yet he talked him down so it didn’t end that way. And even though he hasn’t said it, I think he did that for me.

Because as great as it would be to sleep knowing Tabor would never be able to hurt me again, I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if he died in front of me. I’ll take this fear over that burden any day.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight. Hell, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep for a long, long time. But I know that if I have any shot of it at all, it’s going to be in this man’s arms. So, reluctantly, I close my eyes, hoping to drift off to sleep.

Knowing as long as he’s here, nothing bad can happen.

THIRTY-SEVEN

DALLAS

We drive to my parents’ house where Haven’s parents, Noah, and our parents’ other best friends Cameran, Trent, and their kids, are all going to have dinner like we do once every few months. We were supposed to get together last week, but Haven was still really struggling with everything that happened with Tabor, so it got pushed back. She’s still struggling with sleeping and being alone, but each day, she seems to be a little stronger and a little more herself.

“You sure you’re up for this?” I ask as we pull into her parents’ driveway. “Because if not, it’s okay.”

“Yeah,” she answers softly. “I think it will be good for me to see everyone.”

“I think so too,” I say honestly. My family, the Kings, and the Cades have always been so close. I think a house full of people who are like family to her will make her happy. And fuck, I miss her smile so much that I’d love to see it tonight.

It’s been a little over two weeks since the incident, and I know that it’s weighing heavily on her. She hasn’t gone back to The Nest at all, instead staying with me at The Tower. For the first few days, she didn’t go to classes or practice, but then she knew she couldn’t miss any more. She says softball has been the one thing that’s kept her mind busy enough to stop thinking about it. When she’s on the field, she’s able to forget, even if it’s temporary.

I park my truck up front, but before we get out, I turn toward her and lean closer.

“Hey,” I utter. “I love you, Short.”

She gives me the smallest, halfhearted smile before she leans in too, pressing her lips to mine. “I love you too, QB.” She kisses me once more. “Let’s go.”

I breathe her in once more before we both get out of my truck. As we walk toward the front door, I slide my hand to hers and lace our fingers together.

Lately she hasn’t wanted to be alone, that’s true. But I also hate not being near her because I feel like when I’m at practice or a game, I can’t keep her safe. I know I can’t be there twenty-four-seven, even though I want to be, but I think I came up with something that’ll help both of us feel better. And in a little bit, I’m going to surprise her with it.

The second we walk in, the smell of burning candles hits my nostrils, and I feel a sense of comfort. My mom and Anna both have candles burning at all times, always making it smell like home.

Cameran is first to walk toward us because it’s been over a month since we’ve seen her, and for this group of friends, that’s a long time.

“There they are!” She smiles, her long blonde hair pulled into a loose French braid.

She throws her arms around both of us, pulling us into a group hug. “Wow, you two somehow look even more grown up than the last time I saw you.”

Uncle Trent has always called her Sunshine, and I get it because Aunt Cam is like sunshine. She’s warm and bright. Anna is outgoing, bold, and funny, and my mom is on the more reserved side but so kind. They all balance each other out.

Trent follows close behind, shaking my hand once she releases us. “There’s the second best QB NEU has seen,” he says with a grin, and Cameran rolls her eyes but smiles. “How are you, kid?”

“Not too bad,” I say, and he moves on to hugging Haven.

Trent was one of the best quarterbacks that NEU has ever seen, leading them to multiple championships and being an all-around great player. He may be joking, but in all honesty, he probably is the best QB the school’s ever had, and if I can be half the player he was, I’ll be doing all right.

“Speaking of second best,” Coach calls down the hallway. “The second-best wide receiver isn’t going to make it.”

Like Noah, his dad was a wide receiver too. And just like his dad, Noah is extremely fast and stupidly coordinated. Though I don’t know why that fucker isn’t coming tonight.