Page 66 of After Hours Lectures

I glanced at Ford, who grinned at me. I couldn’t help but wonder if his offer to help was sincere, or if he was doing it to force me to stop ignoring him, knowing I couldn’t turn him down without raising suspicion among our frat brothers.

“That’s great. We could use an extra set of hands when the gates open,” I responded and then turned my attention back to Preston. “I emailed you the final schedule. I’m going to order a rideshare to head over to the stadium in the morning to make sure everything is ready. Did you still want to go with me?”

“I can drive you,” Ford offered before Preston could answer.

Fallon turned to me and lifted an eyebrow. I was stuck, and we both knew it.

“Uh … there’s not much that needs to be done, and it’s going to beearly.” Knowing Ford wasn’t a morning person, I hoped he’d change his mind.

“That’s fine. I’m happy to do it.”

Preston stood and clapped him on the shoulder, oblivious to my discomfort. “Works for me. Thanks.”

“All right, I want to head over at eight,” I said.

“I’ll be ready,” Ford replied and followed Preston to chat with another group of brothers.

“What was that about?” Fallon whispered. “A couple of months ago, he asked me to put him on another committee so he wouldn’t have to work with you.”

I shrugged. “Who knows.”

I hadn’t told Fallon about Ford wanting to get back together, and it wasn’t the time with so many people around. Besides, it didn’t matter what Ford wanted. I was happy with Hayden, and nothing my ex could do would change that.

* * *

We arrived at Liberty Field—homeof the Hawkins U softball team—just as the maintenance crew set up the last tables where the players would sign autographs. Thankfully, since Preston had caught a ride with us, Ford hadn’t been able to trap me into a conversation on the way over.

“Hi, Tyler,” Tim, the head groundskeeper, said as he shook my hand. “Do you need any more tables out here?”

I looked around the grassy area behind the center field wall where we stood. “I think we’re good. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. The band’s crew is already here to set up, so I’m going to check in with them. If you need anything, you’ve got my number; just shoot me a text.”

Flirting with Fire, the band I’d been able to secure because of Aron Parker and his connection to the lead guitarist’s husband, was going to perform a quick set after the meet and greet and then they would kick off the game with the National Anthem.

“Will do.”

I spent the next hour going over my checklist to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Once I was done with my tasks, I pulled out my phone to text Hayden:

Good morning. Are you on your way?

HF: Just got in my car. Do you need anything before I get there?

Me: Nope. Just need you ??

HF: It’s going to be hard keeping my hands off of you all day

Me: You can have your way with me tonight

HF: Can’t wait

With a smile on my face, I tucked my phone away only to look up and see Ford watching me with a frown on his.

* * *

Hayden textedme when he arrived, and I told him where to find me, knowing he wouldn’t have a problem getting inside with his school ID.

“Good morning,” he said, keeping a respectful distance between us.