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“My sister-in-law!” is called out, and I turn in time to see Cameron Taylor smile and wink at her.
His sister-in-law?
“What’s up with you?” Wade Hoffman, my fellow Tomahawk that was a part of my multiplayer trade, asks.
“That’s the girl.”
“What?” He turns to look at Parker.
“The girl who keeps turning me down at every turn. That’s her.” I nod toward where Parker still stands at the front of the room, talking to Drew and Coach Drummond. I’d told the guys about her when we were at Shorty’s the other night. I had a few beers and ended up spilling my beans about the beauty who continues to baffle me.
“Hold on. Drew Milton’s niece is the girl you’ve been chasing?” Wade asks.
“I haven’t been chasing her.” Lies. Lies. Lies. I have been chasing her, and I don’t understand why I can’t just let it go. She clearly isn’t willing to give in to what her body wants, so I should move on. However, no matter how many times I tell myself this exact thing, I keep going back to that coffee shop to hopefully get a glimpse of her.
Today is the first time I’ve seen her since that day at Cup of Joe, and like a jolt to my system, she’s as beautiful as ever. I wish I could explain this intense pull I have toward her. And the chemistry we have, it’s palpable.
“Dude, she’s out of your league,” Sonny chimes in.
“Fuck off,” I grumble. “I could have her if I wanted her.” More lies. She’s resisting me.
“Keep telling yourself that, buddy.” Sonny laughs.
“You’re just pissed off someone finally told you no,” Tucker taunts.
He’s not wrong. “She will be mine.” The words are out of my mouth without thought. The truth is, that’s not the truth. It’s a lie. I do want her. I’m finding that I want her more than even I first realized, but she’s not budging. Hell, she’s been avoiding one of her favorite spots just to keep from seeing me. Sure, I don’t know that for certain, but I’ve spent a hell of a lot of time at Cup of Joe, and I’ve only seen her the one time.
“I call bullshit,” Tucker fires back.
“Boys, I sense a wager,” Sonny says, rubbing his hands together.
“No wager. It will be satisfaction enough to prove you assholes wrong.” Not only that, but if I end up failing, I’m not at the losing end of a bet. Besides, I can’t help but think that Parker deserves better than some bet. “I wrote the playbook, boys. Trust me, Parker will be screaming my name before opening day.”
“He’s afraid he’s going to lose,” Sonny quips.
“Fuck off,” I say, my eyes going to the front of the room, once again landing on Parker.
“You’ve got it bad, Bailey,” Wade says.
I don’t bother to reply. We both know I don’t chase, and I barely know this woman. I’ve had my hands all over her and my tongue in her mouth, but I don’t even know her last name. Wait. Cameron said she was his sister-in-law. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I google Cameron Taylor and his wife. I click on the first article, and my mouth drops open. Parker is Parker Monroe. As in Easton Monroe’s middle daughter, according to this article. My girl, well, she’s not mine, but you know what I mean. She’s baseball royalty.
That actually explains so much to me. She’s not impressed by my career or my position on the team. Why would she be? Her pseudo uncle is the general manager, and her dad, one of the best first basemen to ever step on the field. I should let this newfound information deter me. I should back away while I can. The waters are too muddy already. However, as I watch her turn to walk out of the room, I know I’m not giving up. When her eyes find mine, her step falters. She squares her shoulders and rushes out of the room.
This chase has turned into something more. Something that I can’t define, but I’m going to. I’m not going to stop until I know what this is and why I’m so drawn to her. It’s more than chemistry. Of that, I’m certain.
“What do you think, Bailey? Think you can execute the play?” Tucker asks.
“I’m not only going to execute it but I’m also going to fucking excel at it. Watch and learn, boys. Watch and learn.”
Sitting back in my chair, I zone out the rest of the meeting. My mind is racing as to what my next steps should be. Parker Monroe thinks she can run, but I’ve got other plans. I might be new to this chasing a woman plan, but I never fail. I fight for what I want, and I want Parker Monroe.
CHAPTER 9
Parker
I pull into the parking lot of Cup of Joe and heave a sigh of relief. I’ve been avoiding my favorite spot like the plague, but today, I couldn’t stay away. My booth in the back corner of Cup of Joe has been my go-to study destination the last four years, and with finals looming, I need my coffee fix and the quiet to get some studying done.
