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BODHI

“You know, all you had to do was say something, brother. I would have backed off.”

Briggs startles me from behind, placing his hand on my shoulder. We’re fully suited up in our home game uniform—black jerseys, white pants, and Strikers neon yellow.

Damn, it feels good to be back.

I send him a look of uncertainty. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah, man. You’re my boy. I had no idea. I mean, look at her…she’s incredible,” Briggs says, pointing at Navy across the field.

I knew exactly where she was before he said anything.

I beam at the sight of my little earthquake.

She’s interviewing the coach for the other team with Coach Leggins, and seeing her doing what she does best makes me proud.

It’s as if Navy knows I’m watching because she blows me a cute kiss, smiles brightly, and carries on with her interview.

With my eyes already dialed in on her, I take her in from afar.

Her neon yellow stilettos showcase her long, tan legs. We’ve been spending more time by the pool lately, and my pale girl is turning sun-kissed. Her black shorts have pleats by her navel, giving her hips that delicious hourglass shape I love so much. My favorite part about her outfit choice, however, is my last name plastered in neon across her black Strikers jersey.

Bodhi St. James. #33.

If I had a kink—this would be it. Can’t wait to fuck her in it later.

Another thing that makes me happier than I care to admit is that Jared is nowhere to be found.

After my phone call with Coach Leggins, it was a matter of days before Jared was sent packing and banned from Makers for good.

Good riddance.

“Fuck off, Briggs, She’s mine,” I tell him.

Thankfully, he laughs. “Yes, I know. You made that very clear.” Good, I’m glad we have a mutual understanding. “Quick question, though,” he continues, “Navy got any sisters? I’m lonely, man.”

Idiot.

“You looking for a new mommy or something?”

“Or something,” Briggs says.

“Only a brother, fortunately for me,” Cal walks up, throwing his arms around the both of us.

“That’s a shame,” Briggs tells him.

“What’s a shame?” Gus makes his way into the conversation.

“The size of your dick,” Cal tells Gus. We burst into laughter as Gus fights to maintain his man card. “Hey, now. I never get complaints.”

I shake my head, questioning how I can be so different from these dudes yet somehow could never live without them.

“Atlanta boys, where you at?” Mack yells above the stadium speakers, drawing our attention and amping up the team for our first spring training game of the season.

It’s go time.

With the whole team bouncing on our feet, we holler and chant, “We right hereeeee!”

“My House” by Flo Rida plays over the Makers Park surround sound, sending us out to take the field and kick off a new season.

This is our house. These people are my family. That woman over there is my present and future.

And the future is looking really fucking bright.

* * *

“That’s how we kick off the season, boys! You make me proud to be your coach. Don’t get too comfortable, though. We’re just getting started, and I can already tell it’s gonna be one hell of a year,” Coach Leggins cheers over the buzzing crowd.

We won. Of course we won.

If I could map out a perfect game in my head, tonight would be it. We played as a united team—blood, sweat, and tears together.

Tonight, the tears were coming from the other team.

The feeling of throwing my gear on and taking my place behind the plate is unlike anything else.

It’s bliss. The stamina kicks in, and I feel invincible.

We’re just getting started.

“Don’t call it a comeback, boys,” King yells at the top of his lungs.

Chest bumping and all the rage swarms around me as our team celebrates the start of a great season.

Coach Leggins ushers us away. “Now, go shower and get the hell off my field. You deserve to celebrate. See you tomorrow. Be ready to put in the work.”

We file into the clubhouse one by one when a voice sweet like honey calls out to me, “Hey, catcher. Good game.”

I leave the team entirely and turn to find Navy on the other side of the clubhouse. “Hey, little earthquake.” My grin can’t be missed.

“Terremoto. It’s terremoto, remember?” Navy says, strutting toward me, legs for days on display.

I smirk, taking a step in her direction. “It’s the same thing.”

Navy shrugs and smiles innocently. “I like it better.” She pauses for a moment. “You owe me a chat.”

I nod. “I do. How about you get over here and kiss me first, then we’ll talk.”

No other words are necessary before Navy takes off, jumping into my arms and kissing me with everything she’s got. “You looked really hot out there.” She kisses me again, wrapping her legs around me.

I’d be content like this for all of my days.

“Did I now?” My brows raise as I walk with her in my arms, heading for the team lounge.

Navy nods repeatedly. “It’s the ass for me.”

“Is that all I am to you? A hot piece of ass?” I tease her playfully.

I lead Navy in my arms to the lounge, where the team comes to chill and recoup during downtime.

High-end leather couches and a black geometric rug layered with a cow print accent rug on top are the focal points when entering the room. The walls are lined with gold-framed photos of legends in baseball from over the years.

A wall I hope to be featured on one day.

Navy giggles as I set her beside me on the leather couch. “Well, yeah. That and your coffee-making skills.”

“Brat.” I tap her nose playfully.

She smiles brightly and settles her head across my lap. I realize how filthy I am, covered in red dirt and likely smell like shit. “You sure you wanna lay there? I need a shower,” I tell her.

Navy waves me off. “Eh, I’m used to it. Callaway Hayes is my brother, remember?”

I laugh and reach my hand out to stroke the curls sliding across her face. “You weren’t so bad out there yourself.”

“Thanks. It felt good to report again. There’s not much excitement happening now with it being spring training, but god, B, that win was legendary.”

Fuck, if it doesn’t make me happy to hear her support me. Yeah, Navy works for the Strikers, but pride seeps from her soul for this team—this League, this field, all of it.

She’s one of us, cleats and baseball pants or not.

I wouldn’t mind if she became even more a part of me.

I never thought I was capable of experiencing feelings like the ones Navy brings out in me. The desire to love someone unconditionally, to be mentally sound enough for a healthy relationship, and to envision a future with someone I love.

Now, here it is, she is, right in front of me, ready for me to hold her close and keep her forever.

Nothing has ever sounded more right.

“I’m proud of you. You handled everything with Jared in stride, and look at you now. The fuckers gone, and you’re in the lead.”

“That’s not what it was about, B. I don’t care about being the top dog.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be there.”

She pauses for a moment. “I think I want to design clothes.”

My brows rise. “Yeah? You’d be great at that.”

Navy nods. “It’s always been a dream of mine, but I never took it seriously enough to risk trying. I’ve got a journal full of sketches and different ideas.”

“Baby, that’s incredible. You can do it. I’ll help however I can.”

She smiles. “Thanks, B. You’ll be the first to know.”

“Are you saying you’d want to design over reporting?” I ask her.

She thinks about my question and my eyes are drawn to the way she bites her lip, lost in thought. It’s her small, unintentional mannerism that sends me spiraling.

She’s sexy as hell.

I shift in my seat, fighting back the bulge I know will be nudging her in the head soon.

“You incorrigible man.” She doesn’t miss a lick.

I laugh it off. “Ah, ignore it. It’s got a mind of its own. Back to designing.”

Navy reaches for her dainty gold necklace and twiddles it between her fingers. “I love reporting, don’t get me wrong. I think it just doesn’t give me the joy I feel when I design something I’m proud of. I love working for the Strikers and I could never imagine a time when I don’t, but I keep thinking this isn’t enough for me, ya know? I know I have talent, and it seems like a waste not to use it.”

Navy is the most confident woman I know, but she embodies humility, and you would never know how great she is unless you see it for yourself. Her skill is not something she will ever go around boasting about.

I admire that about her.

Thankfully, she has me, because I’ll boast enough for the both of us.

“I’ve seen your sketches, Navy. You’re incredible; you’re right, it would be a shame to not utilize what you’re so naturally great at.”

“You sneaking peeks in my sketchbook, catcher?”

“A time or two, yes,” I admit honestly. “I was curious.”

Navy doesn’t seem to mind. “I don’t know. It’s something for me to think about.”

I tilt her head in my direction. “Baby, look at me. If it’s your dream, then I say grab it by the fucking horns and go after it. You have my full support. Hell, I’ll even model the designs for you. You know how much I love an unpredictable outfit change. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”

Tears fill her eyes. “It was because of Callaway, wasn’t it?”

My stomach drops. I know what she’s referring to and I expected this conversation, but seeing how upset even the thought of Fiji makes her, it fucks me up inside.

“It was.” I nod, feeling ashamed. “Cal is my best friend. He was there for me when I had no one. He visited me every day in prison and he looked out for Penelope.”

Uncertainty crosses her face. “I didn’t know that.”

“Which part?” I ask her.

“That Cal looked out for Penelope, too.”

I nod. “He did. He made sure I had a job in the League to come back to. Shit, I owe him everything. He texted me when we were in the shower in Fiji and I panicked.” Navy nods like she figured as much. “I didn’t know if he was joking when he said to make sure you were untouched and unharmed, but I knew it was wrong of me to have already put my hands on you. I didn’t want to blame him, so I made you hate me.”

Her face crumbles. “You succeeded…until you didn’t.”

I lift my ball cap and run my hand through my hair. “Yeah, turns out I suck at staying away from you.”

“I’m glad you came to your senses.” She smiles at me with so much love, and I feel unworthy. There’s no hesitation in her forgiveness. There’s no trial run for me, just unequivocal trust.

Fuck, she’s too good for me.

“I hope you know how sorry I am for the way I reacted and treated you. You never deserved that,” I tell her, hoping she hears the sincerity in my voice.

“I forgive you,” she says without hesitation.

My heart threatens to beat out of my chest.

“You shouldn’t, but I’m glad you do.” I kiss her forehead.

“I know your heart, B. You don’t have a hateful bone in your body, especially for the people you care about. I knew I was one of those few even before Fiji. I think that’s what surprised me the most.”

“Yeah, well, I surprised myself and hated myself every day for it—still do.”

“I forgave you a long time ago. But it’s nice to hear it from you.”

I need her to know the value she has in my life. I stroke the side of her head, gazing into the eyes of the one my fucking soul will always choose.

“Remember how I told you I was in therapy?” I ask Navy.

She nods.

“I know it was never a secret, but I was fucked up when we first started getting close. I swear to god, Navy, you saved me. My nightmares have been almost nonexistent, I feel happy…and it’s the weirdest thing to say. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to the feeling. My therapist, Dr. Banks, even confirmed it.”

Her hand reaches to stroke the inside of my wrist. “Confirmed what?”

“The magnitude of your love in my life.”

Tears pour down her cheeks and a sob escapes her lips. “B.” She kisses my wrist before I lift her to sit on my lap.

“My mother called my dad her terremoto—her earthquake. Although my relationship with her is tainted, I remember the love my parents shared when they were happy. My dad would light up when she called him that. That’s what you are to me, my love. You came into my life roaring with passion—the opposite of me. It’s almost like you shook me by the shoulders and brought me out of my misery—back to life. Fuck. I’m finally not struggling to feel deserving of good things. I know you’ll always be out of my league, but I refuse to give you up. Even if I have to battle myself every day for the rest of my life.”

Navy’s arms wrap around my neck, consuming me in her warm embrace.

She’s calming. The eye of my storm.

It sounded so tragic when Dr. Banks used a hurricane as an analogy, but now, it makes perfect sense.

Her hands draw to the sides of my face, focusing all her attention on me. “Listen to me right now, Bodhi St. James. I’m gonna take your last name someday. I don’t know when, but you better be ready to share it with me, because just like today, I’m gonna look hot as hell cheering you on from the sidelines—as your wife. We’re gonna get lots of filthy sex in before we have little catcher babies. You are going to be the world’s best dad and I will stop at no expense to tell the world that. You may have hurt me in Fiji, but I’m a Hayes and we don’t break that easily. I’ve recovered and I’m ready to forget about the sad shit we’ve been through and enjoy right now . I love you and you love me—that’s enough.”

“Fuck. I love you.”

She grins the cheekiest grin. “I know you do. Too bad you can’t fuck me right now to prove it.”

I can’t resist her, she knows this. Navy just threw a strike to a Golden Glove catcher; she has no idea what I’m capable of.

“Take your shorts off,” I instruct her with assertiveness.

Her eyes go wide. “Right now?”

I chuckle. “You said you wanted to enjoy right now . Where’s that confidence at, baby?”

“Oh, it’s still here, but we’re in the clubhouse, B. Anyone could see.”

“I don’t see anyone, do you?” I ask her, looking around the empty lounge. “But if you’d rather not be fucked today, we can wait.”

Navy shoves playfully at my chest and slides off my lap. “No takebacks now, catcher.”

My eyes haze over with lust so deep at the sight of her tiny black shorts falling to the ground.

This view. This woman. This life. It’s mine forever.

No takebacks.

Navy’s sassiness is one of her best qualities and I’ll never tell her I think that. Her arms cross with the sassiest smirk on her face as she waits on my instruction.

“Give me your panties.”

She can roll her eyes all she wants, but my girl loves when I boss her around.

Navy slides her hot pink panties off in one swift motion and holds them out in front of her. I snatch them in one grab, bringing them to loop around my neck.

“There. Much better.” I sit back against the couch with a smug grin and appreciate the view.

“Cute.” She grins. “But this is bullshit. I’m practically naked and you’re fully clothed.”

I chuckle. “But look at you, baby. You look lethal in my jersey with your bare pussy on display. It’s an invitation just for me.”

“Bastard,” she bites out playfully.

“Come take out my cock,” I command.

The greedy little minx is frantic. Navy settles herself on her knees in front of me and makes quick work of unbuckling my belt and pulling my baseball pants down in one swift tug.

“God, I’ll never get over how big you are,” she pants. My cock is fisted in her hand before I have to ask. “You’re perfect,” she moans.

We’ve fucked nonstop since the party, and it’s been glorious. Navy is an energetic fiend, and I’m happy to be on the receiving end of her never-ending need.

I bring my hand to the side of her face and caress her cheek softly.

“Spit on it.”

Her head shoots up. “Yeah?” She’s starving .

We’re the perfect match.

“Yes.” I grin.

With my length at large, painfully, if I might add, Navy spits, coating me and taking me into her mouth.

I chuckle. “I think that defeated the purpose, baby.”

But fucking hell does it feel good.

I groan, throwing my head back as heat simmers through my body. “Fuck. Just like that. Bruise that throat.”

Navy’s mouth works me with confidence, taking me to the back of her throat. The gag that leaves her only heightens the sensation, making me anxious to feel her pussy around me instead.

I pull her head free, and I swear, if looks could kill, I’d be a dead man.

“Patience, terremoto. I need you to sit on my cock and ride me.”

Navy contemplates my request for a moment. “If we get caught, you owe me three orgasms a day for the next week.” She climbs onto my lap with a smug look across her beautiful face.

I reach out to trace the freckles across her cheeks. “You act like you would be doing me a disservice. I’d be honored to make you come whenever you asked. How about you sink down on my cock and we take the risk?”

No other words need to be exchanged. We both crave each other to the deepest, darkest pits of our being. The moment she sinks down on me, I lose the ability to breathe.

“Fuckkkk.”

Navy’s head falls forward into the crevice of my neck. “Holy shit. Never gets old.”

I smack her ass as her rocking spurs on, chasing the high we both crave. My cock throbs inside of her and I know she’s just as turned on as I am as the sound of the slickness between us echoes throughout the room.

“Mhmm, B. These piercings…they make me crazy,” she pants.

“Yeah?” I breathe out. I thrust my hips, matching her rhythm, and pull the back of her hair to get a good look at her.

Navy’s eyes roll back in pleasure and her pursuit for friction never eases up. “I love you. Oh, god, do I ever,” she whimpers.

I lift my free hand under her jersey and grab a handful of her tit, clenching the fullness in my palm, and Navy cries out.

My mouth nips at her chest as I groan into her skin. “I’m never letting you go. I can’t.”

A moan leaves her lips. “Never.”

“You own me. For fucking eternity.” I struggle to catch my breath as my orgasm builds. “Thank you. Fuck, thank you, Navy.”

“Always, B. Always.”

At the sound of her words, I feel my body take over and the love between us tether. Her thrusting sends me into another realm of passion and frenzy, while her moans cause my release to consume me. My body shakes and I feel the moment Navy starts to come.

“Yessssss. Screw anyone who sees us. I’ll take you anywhere, just say the word,” Navy cries out.

“Don’t tempt me with a good time, baby,” I tell her through heavy breaths. “Hold onto my shoulders. Let me beat this pussy hard.”

I don’t stop, slamming my aching cock into her tight hole until she’s a bubbling mess, her orgasm swallowing her whole. “B, right there. Right there.”

“Take it. It’s all yours, baby.”

Heat courses through me, and I tense, spilling into her and claiming her as mine once and for all.

Once we’ve settled, I reach forward, smooth the hair out of her face, and kiss her softly. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Navy’s hand stops me at my chest. “Wait.”

“You okay?” I ask her, concerned.

She nods. “Yeah, there’s just something I need to tell you.”

Shit. Did I take it too far?

“Okay, sure.”

Navy fidgets with her bracelet, avoiding eye contact with me before she speaks, “I want to move out of the house.”

Wait, what?

“Why? Did something happen? I told Gus to stop bringing random women around since you moved in. I’ll talk to him?—”

“No. No. It’s not that,” she tells me calmly.

“Then what is it, baby?”

“I was kind of hoping you’d move out with me.”

Navy won’t make eye contact, and I see now it’s because she’s embarrassed. She has no reason to be because the word “yes” leaves my mouth before I can conjure a plan.

“Yes.”

She giggles. “B, you didn’t even think about it.”

“No need. Where you go, I go,” I tell her. “We’ll spend this week packing and house hunting, then move the week after.”

Navy’s giggles are the best sound in the world.

I feel a rush of happiness.

“We don’t need to buy a house. There’s no rush,” she exclaims.

I look at her in question. “I figured that’s what you would want.”

“You hate our current house.”

“Doesn’t mean I’ll hate the next one. Again, if you love it, I’ll love it.”

Navy growls. “Ugh. No.”

My mouth falls open in shock. “What was that? I don’t think I heard you right.”

“I said no. We’re getting a condo in the city.”

How did she…

Before I get a chance to ask, she speaks, “You told me once a year or so ago. You love the city, catcher. So the city is where we’ll live.”

“But all of your people live here. It’ll be a farther commute than the house.”

She laughs. “You don’t get it, do you? You are my people. I don’t give a shit about the rest. I just want to wake up next to you, eat cereal with you, watch you read a book while I sketch—make magic in this life together. That’s more than enough for me.”

How did I get so lucky?

I kiss her fiercely. “Looking at you right now opens my eyes to all the things in life I’ve missed out on. I want to experience all of them with you. Whether we live in a condo in the city or a shack in the outskirts, you’re all I need.”

Navy stands and secures her shorts before turning to me.

“Then let’s do it. We’ve spent enough of our lives doing things for the benefit of other people. It’s our turn.”

Hell yes. “Ready to be selfish with me, terremoto?”

“You don’t even have to ask.”