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“I’m glad to hear that,” I said. “I saw he started at shortstop last week.”

Rex nodded. “He just needed a few nudges in the right direction. He’ll get better as he matures.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Putting his hat back on, Rex said, “Better get down there for warmup. Talk soon.”

“Good luck,” I said.

As soon as the door shut behind Rex, Liv stared at me, incredulous.

“What?” I asked.

“Golden Valley?”

I clenched my jaw. I didn’t like the tone in her voice.

“You're having the Ropers coach and players work with your coworker’s kid.”

The accusation in her tone put me on the defensive. “And? It was just to do something nice.”

Liv scoffed, looking ridiculous to be so offended dressed up like she was. “You're kidding, right? No guy gets aprofessional baseball teamto go play with a high school team for a girl they’re not into.”

Well, to be fair, Liv didn't know that I was already technically getting with her, but also, “Can't someone just care about kids?” I asked. “It's a nice thing to do, and I can afford to do it.”

She shook her head. “You can do it all you want, but even though you're a nice guy, I don't know that you'rethatnice. Surely you have tons of employees who have kids who like baseball. Why this one?”

I lied to my sister, and maybe to myself. “I don't know.”

29

Gage

As soon as Liv headed back home for Cottonwood Falls, I got in my Tesla and drove toward Farrah’s house because I couldn't stand being away from her any longer. When I arrived, I pulled along the curb but out of view of the front window and turned off my headlights. That mixed with the lack of streetlights made me feel a little bit like a stalker, but I wasn’t just going to hide out.

I got out my cell phone and sent Farrah a text.

Gage: Kids asleep?

The front window looked dark save for the glow of the TV screen.

Farrah: They’re not asleep, but I’m alone in my room. ;)

Gage: You should go outside and look at the moon. You might be able to see it from the south side of your house.

I chewed the inside of my cheek, hoping she’d go out the front door like I suggested instead of looking out her backyard.

A few moments passed, and then the front door opened. Farrah slipped out, her curls pulled into a high ponytail and leggings hugging her legs and ass. She wore a baggy, light gray sweater that almost looked white in the dim lighting.

She wrapped her arms around herself, her face tipping up toward the sky.

My heart jolted with Liv’s words.What is it about her?

It was this. The moments when she was full of wonder, completely herself, even when she didn’t think anyone was watching.

Gage: Check behind you.

A moment later, she reached into her shirt, pulling her phone out of her bra and making me chuckle. As soon as she read the text, she glanced around, and her eyes landed on my black Tesla. With her mouth open in a surprised smile, she walked toward me.