Page 58 of Crew

Matthewson gave a small nod. “Good to hear. He’s talking with Parker now.”

It was like I needed to see for myself that Knox was in the same building as me, so I made my way toward the skipper’s office. The door was closed, but just as I was about to turn and head back to my locker, the door opened.

My stare met Knox’s and at the same time, we both beamed.

“Hey,” I greeted as he stepped into the hall.

“Hey.”

After a brief pause, we gave each other a bro hug. I wanted it to be more. Wanted to wrap both arms around him and feel his entire body pressed to mine, but since we were in public, I couldn’t possibly.

We pulled apart, and my eyes connected with Parker’s as he sat at his desk.

“We played together in Denver,” I clarified.

“I know.” My manager smiled. “Mind showing Singleton around?”

“Not at all.”

My hand itched to reach down and lace our fingers together, but instead, I motioned with my head for Knox to follow, and I gave him the grand tour of the clubhouse.

When we got to a rarely-used closet at the far end of the hall, I pulled him inside and locked the door.

“I had no idea you were traded,” I whispered.

“I was surprised you didn’t call or text me.”

“I didn’t see the trade news. You should’ve called or texted me.”

“I had packing to do.”

“So it’s like that?” I teased.

He stepped closer, his body brushing mine. The space was tight, but I didn’t care. I reached out and cupped his cheek.

“Nah. It’s like this.” Before I could think, he was kissing me.

It wasn’t slow or hesitant. It was like we’d both been waiting for this, and as soon as our lips met, I wanted more. I drew him closer until no space remained between us. The kiss deepened and became hungrier. Like a few weeks apart had been too damn long.

We broke apart, both of us breathless. I ran my thumb overhis bottom lip. “Come over after the game,” I murmured. “We need to talk.”

He didn’t hesitate. “Text me the address.”

“Better yet, I’ll drive us.”

After we beatthe Reds 3-2, Knox climbed into my passenger seat, his hair still damp from showering. I tossed my game bag in the back and then slid into the cab.

“Not that I’m surprised, but that off-balanced throw from Jacobs you snagged was awesome.”

“Coming from you, I’ll take it.”

“Think you’ll like it here?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “Already feels better than Minnesota did.”

I nodded, eyes on the road. “Parker runs a good ship. Matthewson too. The guys are great and you’ll fit right in.”

“Hope so. Seems like you’ve got a solid team.”