Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 44342 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44342 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
The guys are on their second load when someone backs through my front door carrying one end of my couch. I recognize the broad shoulders immediately. Guy.
Finn Peters, the Bears’ second baseman, is carrying the other end. “Look who we found,” Finn says as they maneuver the couch through the doorway.
My face heats. “Oh. Hey, guys. Thanks for doing this.”
Finn flashes me a smile. “Anything for you, sweetness.”
My eyes instantly move to Guy, and his jaw tightens. Oh no.
Finn has flirted with me the few times I’ve seen him around the stadium, but I know it doesn’t mean anything. He flirts with everyone.
Guy apparently doesn’t care. They set the couch down and stare at each other.
“Thanks,” I tell them.
A few more guys carry boxes through the apartment before heading back outside. Finn and Guy both stay behind. Finn turns toward me. “Hey, so I was wondering if you’d want to go out sometime. I know you’re new to town. I could show you around.”
My eyebrows lift. I’m about to answer when Guy steps beside me and hooks an arm around my waist, pulling me firmly against his side. “Forget it. She’s taken, Peters.”
My mouth drops open. Did Guy Brody just claim me in front of one of his teammates?
Finn looks between us. “Oh.”
Guy’s arm tightens around me. “And make sure the other guys know too.”
Finn lifts both hands and backs toward the door. “Got it, Brody.” Then he looks at me and grins. “But let me know when he’s done with you.”
Guy starts toward him, but I grab his arm. “Guy. Stop.”
Finn laughs and disappears outside before Guy can reach him. Thankfully, Dad is still near the moving truck and missed the whole thing.
I turn on Guy. “What were you thinking?”
He plants his hands on his hips. “I’m thinking that asshole asked you out right in front of me. What was I supposed to do?”
I match his stance. “I don’t know. Maybe let me answer for myself?”
He drags both hands through his hair. “Shit.” He lets out a frustrated breath. “I’m sorry, Nicole. I am. This whole situation is driving me crazy. I don’t want Finn or Max or any of those guys thinking they have a chance with you.” He reaches for me, but this time his touch is softer. “I’m sorry.”
I stare at him. I understand why he’s frustrated. The problem is, I’m frustrated too.
Every time someone else finds out about us, this gets more real. And the more real it becomes, the more awkward everything is going to be when it ends. I hate that I’m already thinking about the ending.
Guy squeezes my hand. “Hey.”
I look up.
“I said I’m sorry.”
I shrug. “I know.”
Before either of us can say anything else, Dad walks through the door carrying a box. His eyes go straight to Guy. “Well, look who decided to help.”
Guy lets go of my hand before taking the box from him. “Couldn’t let you guys do all the work.”
Dad studies him for a second. I suddenly have the uncomfortable feeling that my father sees way more than I want him to. He nods toward the bedroom. “That one goes back there.”
“I got it.”
Guy carries the box down the hallway.
Dad looks at me, and I immediately turn away. “Don’t.”
He laughs. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You were thinking it.”
“Probably.”
I grab another box from near the door and start opening it just so I have something to do. The next hour goes surprisingly fast.
Guy stays and helps with everything. He carries boxes, helps put some shelves together, moves furniture around when I decide I don’t like where it is, and never complains once.
Watching him with my dad and his teammates is strange. No one treats him like Guy Brody, baseball legend. They give him a hard time and make fun of him when he carries too many boxes at once, and Guy loves every second of it. He orders pizza for everyone, and soon my small apartment is filled with laughter and fellowship.
Eventually, most of the guys start leaving until it’s just me, Dad, and Guy left.
I’m in the kitchen unpacking dishes when I glance through the doorway and see Dad and Guy standing near the front door. They’re talking quietly. I probably shouldn’t, but I listen.
They’re talking about the locks on my door. Or I guess the lack of locks.
Dad nods toward me. “This is a decent neighborhood, but I’ll still worry when I’m out of town.”
Guy doesn’t hesitate. “I’m changing the locks and adding a deadbolt today. And If Nicole needs anything, call me.”
Dad looks at him for a long second, and Guy continues. “And if we’re out of town on a series, she can call my family. They’ll come.”
My dad looks at Guy, not even trying to hide the surprise on his face. “Oh. It’s like that, is it?”