Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
By the ninth inning, we leave the stands with the Armadillos still in the lead, praying the other team doesn’t score on us again. With the large checks in hand, we rush back to the tunnel at the edge of the field and watch the final batter step up to the plate. I’m holding my breath when he hits the ball, sending it into the outfield where it’s promptly caught. “Yes!” Savvy and I hip bump in celebration of winning the game. We’re also thrilled by the amount of money raised.
The teams are shaking hands and chatting as they line up in a designated area. The two high school teams run out to join them when Savvy and I walk out with the checks. Coach Barth speaks on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and our community. The Dover Creek Bank president shares words of gratitude, then introduces me. After a quick wave to the cheering in the stands, I make my speech. I didn’t write it down, wanting it to be genuine and from the heart. That’s easy to do when we raised so much money.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers who made this possible, our sponsors who supported this event and the continued growth of these high school programs, the players,” I say, looking off to the side where they’re standing. Those eyes aren’t hard to find in a crowd, especially when I’m so drawn to them. Even standing in the back row doesn’t hide him from me. “You made this day possible, you brought in the crowds, and the opportunities you have given these future pro ballplayers are because you gave up your time and paychecks to be here. Thank you.”
Savvy steps up to the microphone. “We are thrilled to present checks to the baseball teams at Dover Creek High School and Peachtree Pass High School. Enough was raised to support their programs for the next two seasons, including travel fees and new uniforms. We’re also hoping to make this a yearly ev—”
A round of applause drowns out the rest of her words, so we take the opportunity to hand the checks to the teams.
When everyone disperses, Savvy runs and jumps into Blake’s arms. Since we won, I guess it’s going to be a good night after all. After thanking Coach Barth and the players again, I head back toward the tunnel.
He doesn’t say anything yet and isn’t next to me to see, but I can feel his presence behind me. So I say, “Thanks for the homer.”
“My pleasure.” His voice is deep, cockiness ever-present in his tone. His words shouldn’t, but for some odd reason, having confirmation that he’s near makes me smile.
I keep walking, but then stop just on the edge of the grass. I don’t turn back but stand there, allowing everyone else to pass. He doesn’t—I knew he wouldn’t. I don’t have to be a player to be cocky like he is. A thrill flows through my veins like butter on hot pancakes. Satisfyingly predictable. He’s exactly who I thought he was.
When the scuffle of cleats and the chatter of the others leaves me in silence, I turn around. My eyes connect with his, and that smile he retrieved from me grows. Like my joy is contagious, Greene’s grin looks suspiciously like I planted it on his face myself. “If you’re not careful, I might get the wrong idea.”
“Wrong ideas are sometimes the most fun.”
“Hmm.” He’s not wrong . . . Tossing my arms loosely from my sides, I ask, “What do you want, Twenty-two?”
That smile turns on a dime, a smirk replacing it in point two seconds. With his baseball glove wrapped around his other hand, he takes a step closer. My breathing shallows as he keeps his eyes locked on mine like the prey he’s ready to devour. “So many things come to mind, Little Chirp. None of them are appropriate for my boss.”
My lips part, my lungs desperate for air. I picked this man out of a crowd four years ago. I’m feeling that same draw to him now. But I exhale and take a step back, needing the space and clarity without him causing my hormones to go haywire. “Probably best to keep them to yourself then.” I turn to walk away because it’s what I need right now. Otherwise, I’m going to end up in bed with this guy. Again.
“Hey, Cricket?”
I stop at the sound of my name, having never felt a pull to the very sound of it before. I hate that I like the way it rolls off his tongue with such ownership. Looking back at him, I ask, “What?”
“The fun’s all over.” A smile has lifted his cheeks but not enough. If he’s not careful, I might think he’s being genuine. “You going to miss seeing me come tomorrow?”
I grin because, annoyingly, the guy can be kind of charming when he wants to be. Also, that he’d think I’d miss him is just funny. “In your dreams, Greene.” I start walking away again.