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6
Elizabeth stood on the softball field on Wednesday afternoon with a few of the women on her team, anxiously anticipating Will’s arrival and wondering how she should greet him. Sighing, she shook her head and told herself to stop overthinking it. Whatever was happening between them had come from out of the blue, and while her tendency would usually be to nip it in the bud right away, she just…didn’t want to. Not this time.
She could tell he’d been surprised when she told him on the phone last night that she pitched for the reserve’s softball team in the town league. When she told him the games were family-friendly affairs and that everyone brought picnic dinners, he asked if he could come and bring dinner for them. Of course she agreed; she wanted to see him again.
She suddenly spied him walking down the lane to the ballpark. Her heart did a somersault, and she was thankful her sunglasses hid her blatant stare. He was drop-dead gorgeous in his faded jeans, a pristine white T-shirt, aviator glasses, and sneakers.
Brenda, one of her coworkers, spoke in a hushed voice. “Ladies, ladies. Heads up. Hottie alert. Who is that divine man?”
Elizabeth bit back her grin as she listened to their whispered comments.
“Whoo boy, I'm having a hot flash!” “Is he on the police team? Because if he is, I’m about to go on a crime spree.” “I’d wear handcuffs for him.” “Anyone see a wedding band?” And then finally, “Wait, why is he walking toward us?”
“He's with me,” Elizabeth stated softly.
The women collectively turned their heads to her, and she felt her cheeks color. Before anyone had a chance to respond, she broke away from the group and walked toward him, and then he did it...he smiled that smile, dimples and all, and her insides turned to mush.
“Hi,” he said quietly when he reached her.
“Hi.”
He gave her a soft kiss. “I’m very happy to see you.”
“I'm happy to see you too. Um, I need to finish warming up.”Though I’m feeling pretty warm already.
She rose on her tiptoes to place another quick kiss on his lips and then walked away.
As she turned toward the field, she was relieved to see that the group of women had dispersed, though they were still staring. She smiled and headed to the pitcher’s mound.
* * *
Will lay backon the grass, propped up on his elbows, thinking he’d never enjoyed a game of softball this much. Actually, he wasn’t even sure he'd ever watched a softball game until today.
His eyes were focused on Elizabeth. She looked adorable in her shorts, T-shirt, and sneakers, wearing her sunglasses and a pink Red Sox hat. He loved watching her pitch, her enthusiasm when she struck someone out, and especially the way she laughingly taunted the batters.
The other team was mostly made up of men, and he noticed the way they playfully teased her. They were respectful, not crude or too forward, and she seemed to take it in stride, laughing and not taking anything seriously.
Watching her at bat was an entirely different experience. The way she wiggled her bottom in those shorts was more than a little…distracting. He watched in amazement as she swung and connected with the ball, sending it far out between the left and center fielders. She ran to first and rounded for second, never slowing her pace. The center fielder threw the ball in, but he was too late; she’d slammed a double.
Her team cheered from the bench, and Will whistled. The second baseman smiled and said something to her, making her laugh as she elbowed him lightly in the ribs. The next batter made a big play, sending her around to score. She headed to the bench and was high-fived by the members of her team. She glanced over to him, and he smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.
He watched as she tilted her head back to take a long drink of water, and his eyes followed the curves of her body from her face to her neck and her breasts and all the way down to her beautiful legs.Runner's legs.
Her cheeks were glowing, and as she smiled and chatted with one of her teammates, he tried to picture any of the women he’d dated running around in shorts and a T-shirt and playing softball.It would never happen. Being here, watching Elizabeth, was like a breath of fresh air.
The game ended after six innings, and even though Elizabeth's team lost, it didn’t seem to matter; everyone pulled out blankets and joined together in the field. Kids chased each other, coolers appeared, someone turned on some music, and it was an instant party.
He smiled when Elizabeth made her way over to him. “Hey there, killer.”
She laughed. “Killer? Not exactly.”
“Yes,exactly. You slaughtered the ball every time you got up to bat. I wouldn't want to be the pitcher who faces you.” He smiled and nudged her with his shoulder. “The catcher had a nice view, though.”
She swatted his shoulder. “You're awful.”
“I can't help it. Are you aware of how much you wiggle around when you’re up at bat? It's very distracting.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Maybe that's why I do it.”
