Page 4 of Crew

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Got it.”

“Congratulations, kid. You’re getting your first shot at the big leagues.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you.” We ended the call, and I noticed a few of my teammates looking in my direction.

Schultz cocked his head to the side. “Everything okay?”

“Uh … yeah. I just got called up.”

The room fell silent for a second before erupting into chaos.

“That’s fucking awesome, bro.” Pearson clapped me on the back. “While you’re there, you can let Stratton know I’m coming for his job.”

I shook my head and laughed as I started to grab things from my locker. “Not looking to start shit when I get there.”

My heart continued to hammer in my chest as I packed everything. I needed to get my head on straight and prepare to prove myself because plenty of other players just like me were waiting for their chance too. My spot on the roster wasn’t guaranteed.

I had justenough time to go back to my apartment to pack some more shit and share the good news with my family before I had to leave for the airport. When I finally stepped into the Rockies’ clubhouse later that night, I was running on pure adrenaline and caffeine from the energy drink I’d downed on the flight.

A guy approached me and held out his hand. “You must be Knox Singleton.” We shook.

“That’s me.” I knew I had a massive grin on my face, but I couldn’t help it.

“I’m Mickey, the clubhouse manager. We’ve already got your locker set up.” He gestured to the row behind him. “And luckily, you don’t have to change numbers.”

I glanced at the locker with my name on it and saw the jersey hanging inside with the number thirty-three stitched onto it.

This was actually happening.

A few minutes later, my new teammates began to filter in, and I immediately recognized Davenport, who’d done a rehab assignment down in Albuquerque at the beginning of the season.

“Well, look who’s here.” He chuckled and came over to give me a fist bump. “Shitty reason for you to get called up, but we’re happy to have you on the team.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Just know we don’t take it easy on the rookies,” another voice cut in. I turned around and found myself face-to-face with the Rockies catcher.

Damn, he looked even better in person. My eyes immediately took in his broad shoulders and muscular arms with a full sleeve tattoo down his right one. And I was a huge fan of tattoos.

I smirked. “Wouldn’t expect anything less.”

He grinned and held out a hand. “Crew Stratton.”

I shook it. “Knox Singleton.”

“Glad you’re here. Now I don’t have to play first base tomorrow.” He stepped around me to get to his locker, which happened to be next to mine.

He began stripping off his jersey, and I mentally berated myself when I realized I was staring.

This was my shot at playing at the Major League level, and I couldn’t afford any distractions. Even if they came in the form of a sexy, dark-haired baseball player with piercing amber eyes.

3

CREW

The ringingof my phone woke me and I rolled over and grabbed it off my nightstand. Squinting at the screen, my mother’s face and name shined back and me and I swiped the answer bar. “Hey, Mom.”

“Oh, no. Did I wake you?”