AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My nose scrunched in disgust. “Of course not.”
When I got into the batting position I’d observed Ben using, I realized he’d played me. He knew what would make me engage. He always knew.
Ben walked around me, making me suddenly feel very self-aware. He touched my elbow, nudging it higher. His hands settled on my hips for no apparent reason as he said, “Looks good.”
He jogged to the mound, and I wondered what I’d done to get myself in that position. What happened to the kids practicing? Somehow, we were involved in a full-fledged game.
“You want to take a few practice swings?”
I swung once, then twice, feeling a little ridiculous.
“You ready for this?” Ben asked.
We were in front of two kids, but I took his words completely differently from how he meant them. Our kiss flashed in my mind, and I nodded before thinking it through.
His expression was serious as he wound up and threw a fast one at me. I swung hard when it got near me, hoping to make contact. When I heard the crack of the bat, I watched it fly over Ben’s head. He lifted his glove, but it was too late. The ball bounced near second base and kept rolling.
“Run!” Hunter cried from behind me, startling me. Realizing what I was supposed to do, I dropped the bat and took off.
“Go for second,” Hunter yelled.
I rounded first base. Ben seemed to be taking his time getting the ball, or so it seemed. I should have enough time to get there. I took off faster, my heart racing. I wanted to beat Ben.
Turning, he saw me headed for second and ran toward me. Cammie was still at first, so Ben needed to tag me out. I remembered that much from watching games with Hunter. At the last second, I went for it. I dove headfirst toward the bag, hoping I had enough time. Ben’s glove brushed over my fingers, but I wasn’t sure whether he’d gotten me before I touched the bag.
“Safe,” Hunter yelled.
My fingers still touched the bag as Ben crouched over me. “Nice slide. You played ball before?”
“Never.”
He held out his hand, helping me to my feet. “Impressive, Langley.”
I brushed the dirt off my legs, wishing I’d worn pants.
“Let me help you.” Ben turned me so my back was to him and wiped the dirt off my bare legs and ass.
“What are you doing?” I asked him over my shoulder.
I expected him to be smirking or teasing, but his eyelids were hooded. I turned so I was facing him. Ben’s fingers moved to rest lightly on my hips, and I wanted him to pull me closer. I wanted to feel the press of his body against mine. Everything inside me had sparked to life since that kiss, and I wanted more.
“That was so amazing,” Hunter said, running up to us.
I’d almost forgotten the kids were there. We stepped apart, the moment lost.
Hunter high-fived me. “Nice hit.”
“I woulda had her if I’d had an outfielder,” Ben said, his voice laced with irritation.
Cammie crossed her arms over her chest, her hip jutting out. “Daddy, don’t be a sore loser.”
“Yeah, Daddy, don’t be a sore loser,” I mimicked.
Ben looked at me; his gaze on me was hot with desire and holding a promise of more to come. I wanted to say yes to whatever he was thinking in that head of his.
My body was betraying me. My limbs felt warm and weak and my skin tingly.
Ben looked away first, breaking the connection. “Let’s try some pitching.”
