Page 16 of Curve Ball (The San Jose Coyotes #2)

GAEL

I walk into the clubhouse, the familiar scent of leather gloves and fresh-cut grass filling my nostrils.

The guys are already suited up, going through their pre-practice rituals.

I spot Kai, Jackson, and Andres in the corner, reviewing the practice plans.

Right before I join them, I pull out my phone and send Adri a voice message.

Gael

Mama, I can’t wait to see you tonight. I have some plans for that beautiful body of yours.

I’m going to fuck you so good when you get home.

I want you to think about that all day. Think about my cock inside you, stretching you, filling you up.

I want you to be so wet and ready for me.

I love you, and I can’t wait to see you.

Putting my phone in my bag, I head to join my teammates. Kai looks up and grins. “Gael, Papi! Ready to show me what ya got today?”

He jumps on my back and starts air humping me. I shake him off me, laughing hard. “Always ready. But first, I gotta tell you guys something.”

Kai raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh yeah? What’s up?”

I take a deep breath, the words practically bursting out of me. “So I’m keeping this to the short version since we’re about to go out on the field. I hooked up with Isla’s friend Adriana.”

Kai’s demeanor shifts, and he stares me down. “Uh huh, why do I feel like there’s an ‘and’ coming?”

“And she kind of ghosted me for, like, four months, and when I saw her at the gender reveal, you know, when I chased after her. She told me she’s pregnant. So we made up and are together now and we found out not only are we having a baby, but two babies. Identical twin boys.”

The clubhouse falls silent for a moment as my teammates process the news. Kai’s eyes widen in shock, and then a huge grin spreads across his face. “Dude, that’s amazing! Congrats, man! Oh, shit! We’re about to be dads together.”

Jackson lets out a whoop of excitement, high-fiving me. “Just adding more to the Coyotes family! Fuck yeah!”

Andres, usually the quiet one, just stands there with his mouth open, shock written all over his face. “Twins? Really?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, twins.”

Kai pulls me into a bro hug, clapping me on the back. “That’s insane, man. I’m so happy for you.”

Jackson chimes in, “So, when’s the big day? When are you popping the question because I know you’re already planning on asking her to marry you, right?”

I run a hand through my hair, a nervous energy coursing through me. “Soon, I hope. I want to ask Adriana to marry me as soon as possible. I just need to find the right moment.”

Kai’s expression turns serious. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner, though? I’m your best friend, and you kept this from me?”

I sigh, remembering the whirlwind of emotions Adriana and I have been through. “She found out she was pregnant when she was about nine or ten weeks along, but she was already dodging me. Then, finding that out, she thought I wouldn’t want her or the baby. Can you believe that?”

Kai’s brow furrows in confusion. “Why would she think that?”

I shrug, a pang of sadness hitting me. “She has her reasons. Her ex was a real piece of work from the little bits she’s told me. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around it all since then.”

Kai pulls me aside as we head out to the field, his expression thoughtful. “You know, Isla and Adriana are due pretty close to each other. Our kids are gonna be so close in age. They’ll grow up together; fuck, that’s gonna be so awesome.”

I nod, a warmth spreading through me at the thought. “Yeah, it’s gonna be crazy. But in the best way possible.”

He hugs me tightly, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy for you, man. You deserve this.”

I hug him back, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Thanks, man. It means a lot.”

As we pull apart, Kai’s expression turns serious again. “Does Isla know yet?”

I shake my head. “Adriana was supposed to tell her today, so don’t worry about keeping it a secret.”

Kai lets out a sigh of relief. “Good, because I’m a shit liar when it comes to my wife. All she has to do is look at me, and the truth just comes out.”

I laugh, clapping him on the back. “I get it, man. I’m the same way with Adriana. I can’t lie for shit.”

We join the rest of the team on the field, and batting practice begins. My mind is a million miles away, though, thinking about Adriana and our babies. I can’t believe I’m gonna be a dad. Twins, no less. It’s surreal, but in the best possible way.

I step up to the plate, and I can feel the eyes of my teammates on me. They’re excited, proud, and maybe a little envious. I grin, adjusting my grip on the bat. “Let’s see that fastball, Brooks. I’ve got some pent-up energy to work off.”

Brooks grins back, winding up and throwing a blazing fastball right down the middle. I swing, connecting with a crisp crack, and watch as the ball soars through the air, disappearing over the outfield wall.

“That’s what I want to see at the game, Mendoza!” Coach shouts.

Kai pulls me out of my reverie, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know, we should have a double baby shower. For Isla and Adriana.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, that sounds like a plan. You know how to throw a baby shower?’

“Nope. What about you?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know shit about baby showers.”

Jackson butts in. “Guess that means Dre and I are gonna have to do it.”

Kai and I look at each other and crack up, bent over laughing because Jackson and Andres doing anything other than fucking is a nightmare.

“What?” Andres stares at us. “At least I’ve actually been to one. My sister has three kids, remember? I can help put this together, no problem.”

This is gonna be a disaster. Hopefully, our women understand we have good intentions.

It’s still in the afternoon when we get done with practice and I text Adriana to see if she’s still out with Isla.

Gael

You still out with Isla, Mama?

Adriana

Yeah, I’m going to stop by my apartment before I head over to grab some more things.

Gael

We should just bring everything over here.

Adriana

Are you asking me to officially move in with you, Papi?

This woman.

Gael

Our home is wherever we are. Together. We should be in the same place for our boys and each other. If you want us to live at your place, okay, we’ll do it. If you want to move here, great. If you want me to buy you a house, I will. I just want to be in the same space with you always.

Three dots appear, then disappear.

Adriana

You are my home, Gael. I just want to be where you are. We can get all my stuff this weekend.

Adriana

And seriously, buying a house right now is a terrible idea.

Gael

I’ve got the money, Mama. Don’t you worry.