AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What was he doing before he answered the phone? Then a thought entered my mind that I hadn’t considered before. Was he married when we were together? He had a child. I swallowed over the lump in my throat. “Hunter’s excited to be part of your team.”
There was a slight pause before he answered, “That’s great.”
Did he like the idea of us being forced to spend more time together, or was he regretting his decision? I wanted to thank him for not letting our past get in the way, but I didn’t think he’d appreciate it after his reaction earlier.
“What positions has he played?” The deep timbre of his voice rumbled in my chest.
“He played shortstop, center field, and pitcher. Sometimes catcher, but I don’t think he wants to do that anymore.”
“I have a few kids who could play short and outfield. He said he’s played first, but those are specialized positions. I need him for pitcher.”
“How does he compare with the other pitchers?” I asked, not able to help myself.
“He’s right up there.” He paused as if he wasn’t sure he’d should say anything else. “He’s in the mix.”
I thought he’d been about to say something else, like he was the best, but he hadn’t. And I didn’t blame him—though I was curious. If Hunter was talented, I should let him pursue baseball despite the time commitment and cost. That was what a two-parent family would do.
And it was better to ask about his thoughts on baseball than how he was in bed or if he ever thought about me. Why had Nick come? Why couldn’t he have stayed away? Then I’d be able to use the one-night stand memories whenever I wanted. Now, I needed to keep those errant thoughts and fantasies in check. The answers to those questions wouldn’t get me anywhere.
“The league we’re in is all about teaching kids the sport while teaching responsibility.”
“That sounds good.” Hunter needed more male figures in his life. He had my father and Brooke’s boyfriend, Ben, but it wasn’t the same as a father figure.
I wanted to ask if we could keep our one night to ourselves, but it didn’t feel right with Hunter in the other room.
“I’ll schedule a parent meeting as soon as I pick the rest of the team.”
“You know, I was surprised to hear from you so soon. You’d said midweek.”
“That gives me more time to hear back from my first picks.”
Hunter would be pleased that after not making the first team, he was the first pick on Nick’s. I’d made the right decision in researching other options for Hunter. It was good to feel wanted, and the overall program sounded like it could be good for him.
“You know, this means we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
I was very aware of that fact, and I’d need to get my attraction to him under control. “Hunter wants to play baseball. I won’t screw this up for him.”
There were many times I wondered if it was my fault that Seth left, but over the years, he’d assured me it was all him.
Nick let out a breath. I don’t know what he’d been hoping for, but I couldn’t date Hunter’s coach. That would be the worst thing I could do.
Nick cleared his throat. “I have a few other calls to make.”
“Thank you,” I said, encapsulating our night together, wanting Hunter on his team, and respecting my wishes in my appreciation. I wish my life was different, but longing for things I couldn’t have never got me anywhere.
Ever since Hunter was born and Seth walked out, I’d had to be realistic. Seth wasn’t coming back, stepping up and being the father Hunter needed. I would be the only parent Hunter could count on. It was exhausting at times, but it was what he needed. And it was a good situation for Hunter. I’d meant what I’d said to Nick; I wouldn’t do anything to mess it up.
“Welcome to the team,” Nick said before hanging up.
They weren’t the words I wanted to hear, but they were what Hunter needed to hear and that’s what mattered.
I set my phone aside and settled on the couch next to Hunter.
“What did Coach say?”
“He said he needs you at pitcher.”
Hunter nodded like it’s what he wanted to hear. “I love pitching.”
