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Miles proudly smacks him on the shoulder, and he and Jamie share a bro-hug. Then Sarah, who has been watching him like a starstruck girl with a crush, steps up and proudly smiles at him. She whispers something to him and he smiles the cheesiest smile at her. I notice little moments like that between them every now and then. Moments when it seems like something more is going on between them. I wonder if that’s how everyone else felt watching Aaron and me all those years.
Miles and Jamie talk about the game when I see Aaron walking with Tanner and the pitching coach.
I squeeze Joel’s arm and step to the side.
“Nicecoaching, Ace,“ I call loudly.
He stops in his tracks, then turns to look at me, a huge smile on his face.
He runs over and pulls me into his arms, lifting me up and squeezing me tight.
He sets me down and leans me against the wall, his head resting against mine.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Would you stop acting so surprised about that? You know this matters to me.Youmatter to me. I’m glad I was here to see it. You were amazing out there tonight.”
He pulls his head back and shrugs one shoulder. “Nah, I didn’t even do that much.”
I smile proudly and squeeze his hands. “Yes, you did. I was watching you. You knew exactly when to approach Tanner and exactly what to say when you did. You knew how to connect with him, and it affected the outcome of the game. Plus, I know you gave Joel advice on which ball to wait for from that pitcher.” I smile widely. “I’m proud of you, Aaron. The look on your face, in your eyes, I haven’t seen that in a long time.”
He gives me a big smile and hugs me again.
“It means so much to me that you’re here. I did this on my own, but your support… it means more than anything or anyone else’s.”
“I love you, Ace,” I whisper.
He pulls back slightly and meets my eyes before leaning forward and brushing his lips over my mouth. I melt instantly. His lips press into mine and his tongue sweeps my mouth, giving me the kind of kiss that sends tingles all the way to my toes. The kind of kiss that has always made my heart feel bound to his. Even when I’m angry or hurt or anything else.
When he pulls his lips from mine, he rests his head against mine again.
“Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have done that,” he says.
I shake my head and contain a smile. “It’s okay. Not like I tried to stop you or anything.” I move my lips up his cheek until they’re right at his ear. “Besides, that’s the kind of sexy-possessive I always liked.”
“Rae,” he groans.
I inhale deeply, using every ounce of willpower not to press my body against his. I squeeze his arms, then step back.
He takes a steadying breath and looks at me. “I talked to Doug.”
My eyes go wide. “When?”
“After you,” he clears his throat, “talkedto me. I was honest about what I said and why I said it. Hopefully that was enough—“
I run my hand down his arm. “It was. Kev is fine.”
“Are you? I hate the idea of rumors going around about you.”
I shake my head. “We aren’t in middle school anymore. I’m a big girl. I don’t give a crap what anyone who doesn’t matter says about me.”
Relief washes over him.
“Don’t burden yourself so much, Aaron.”
He shrugs and smiles. “But I’m good at it.” He breathes out slowly. “Thank you for coming, Beautiful.”
My heart pounds when he says that and my eyes widen. “It’s the first time you’ve called me that in a while,” I whisper.
