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“There wasn’t a single time tonight I thought you were flirting with me, Caleb.” There’s a clear challenge in her expression, revealing a glimpse of the girl who kept me on my toes for four years.
I can’t help it; I laugh. “Oh, really?” I take a step closer to her.
“Really,” she confirms, pushing away from the post.
One more step, and she’s inches away. “I’m going to kiss you,” I tell her. “But you have to agree to something first.”
“I don’t think Ryan would make any demands—”
“Don’t be a smart-ass,” I inform her grinning face. She obviously noticed my jealous behavior earlier. “You have to agree to give me a chance. Giveusa chance.”
“And then what?” Lennon asks.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I don’t have all the answers. But I want to try, Lennon. That’s all I’ve ever wanted from you: a chance.”
She searches my face, giving no indication of what she’s thinking on her own. “Okay,” she finally says.
I’m not expecting the rush.
It’s a release, like finally letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Reaching the end of a journey when I thought I still had a long trek ahead.
I kiss her, and I forget we’re standing on a high school baseball field in the small, snooty town I used to dread visiting.
Lennon kisses me back, alongside the patch of grass I spent most of high school on, and for the first time, Landry feels like home.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
CALEB
Three Years Later
“Hey, Caleb.”
I glance up from the bucket of baseballs, already knowing exactly what I’ll see. Sophie St. James is leaning against the chain link fence. Either her practice must have just ended or she stayed late like I did, because she’s wearing a spandex tank top and soccer shorts.
“Hey.” I straighten and swipe my forehead with my arm, brushing away the sweat that’s collected there before tugging the brim of my hat back down.
“Why am I not surprised you’re the last one out here?”
“Probably because I always am.” I shoot her a small smile before uncapping my water bottle and taking a long pull. The ice in it has long since melted, drops of condensation all that remains. They fall to the dirt as I set my water back on the bench, forming tiny puddles.
“Came to see if you want to get dinner later. There’s some Mexican place downtown that just opened.”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Come on.” Sophie leans over the fence, offering up a prime view of her cleavage. I quickly look down at the bucket, grabbing a ball and rubbing my thumb along the red laces. “You’ve been out here all day. Carrie and Lexi are coming. And Brian said he’d round up a bunch of the guys.”
“Of course he did.” I shake my head. In the three weeks I’ve known Brian, I’ve learned he is physically incapable of turning down a drink. Or a hot girl. “We only have five days left.”
“Exactly. Summer is almost over. Have a little fun, Caleb.”
I toss the ball in the air and catch it. “Fine. I’ll be there.”
“Yay! Okay, I’ll see you later.” Sophie smiles, then jogs off toward the cabins.
I pick up the bucket before trudging back out to the mound. Even Zach is gone. He begged off an hour ago, leaving me without a catcher.
That’s fine. I don’t need one.
