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He placed a hand over hers. “Stop apologizing. We all lose it sometimes. And you had a good reason.”
“I saw his little grin when I pulled up to the house. It was like looking into pure sunshine. And you. You were practically glowing.”
“I’m a guy. We don’t glow.”
She laughed. “Oh, you were glowing.”
“Okay, babe. You can have that one, but keep it between us, okay?”
“You’re secret’s safe with me,” she whispered.
“Playing catch with Casey was like seeing the purity of the game. It’s not about how good you are at it. Well, at the level I play at it is, yeah, but when kids play, it’s about the love of the game. You can see it in their eyes. And I saw it in Casey’s. He enjoyed it.” He shook his head and took another sip of coffee. “In my opinion, the best players are the ones who don’t lose that love.”
“Like you.”
He shrugged. “I try to. But it’s tough. There are more than enough things to distract you once you hit the pros.”
“I can see that.”
He took her hands in his and leaned towards her. “Baylee. I would never, ever, force Casey to be someone he’s not. Ever. I want you to know that.”
Another tear threatened to fall but stayed on the top of her eyelashes. “I know. I really do.”
“Good.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips. One of reassurance. She was it for him and he’d do anything for her and Casey.
“Drew. We need to talk about us.”
He sat back on the stool, his heart rate picking up speed in his chest. They’d worked things out. Why did they need to talk? “I thought we just did.”
“Don’t get nervous. I just mean, how are we going to do this? The long distance, you traveling so much?”
Relief flooded his system. “Oh. That.”
He’d thought about that. A lot. And although he had somewhat of a plan, he still wasn’t sure how things would be between them. It would be a lot of distance.
Distance he hoped made the heart grow fonder. “Well, I need to get through spring training and see if I still even have my position on the team.” Funny. A month ago if he’d thought that or said it out loud, his gut would clench, dread overwhelming him.
But not anymore. Looking at Baylee, sitting in the quiet of her bakery kitchen sipping coffee, he knew whatever happened he could handle. As long as she was his.
“After that, we’ll look at the schedule and every chance I can, I’ll come here.”
“I can try and come to New York too.”
“I’d love that.” Thoughts of taking Baylee out of the town, showing her off to the world brightened the dim thoughts of having to leave soon.
“We can do this, Bay.” He took her hand again and brought it to his lips.
She nodded in agreement.
“I have two more weeks before I go. I want to spend every moment I can of it with you and Casey.”
“I like the sound of that plan.” She stood and went to the large refrigerator. “You want a cookie?”
He took in the sight of her. Those emerald depths of hers sparkling, her sassy, flowered dress, showcasing all her feminine curves, and her golden curls settling at her shoulders. What he wanted was her, always.
“I would love a cookie.”
*
