Page 73 of Protecting What's Mine

“You’re blocking my view of the plate,coach,” Luke complained to Linc.

“Maybe you should move then,coach,” Linc suggested.

“Maybeyoushould move,” Luke countered.

“Are you guys fighting again?” Linc’s nephew Brandon asked from his perch on top of the water cooler. “You’re not supposed to fight in front of us, remember?”

“We’re not fighting, Bran,” Linc lied.

“Yeah, we’re practically BFFs,” Luke growled.

Brandon remained unconvinced.

“Would I punch Coach Luke in the arm like this if we were fighting?” Linc asked, socking his frenemy in the bicep harder than necessary.

“Ow. And would I put your uncle in a headlock like this if we were fighting?”

They scuffled until the umpire strolled over. “You boys done causing a spectacle, or do I need to eject you again?” she asked pleasantly.

Linc gave Luke one last shove and beamed at her. “We’re good. Scout’s honor.”

She shook her head in resignation. “Why don’t you find an assistant coach you actually like?” she asked Luke.

“He’s an asshole,” Luke said. “But he knows the game, and he keeps the kids from ganging up on me.”

Linc pretended to wipe away a tear. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, buddy.”

Luke shot him a covert middle finger.

“Opposite ends of the dugout, or I’m telling both your mothers,” the ump ordered before returning to the plate.

Obediently, the coaches retired to their respective spaces, and the game resumed.

While the catcher scrambled after a foul ball, Sunshine perked up from the dugout and ran to the fence.

Linc spotted Mack limping toward the bleachers in sexy workout shorts to accommodate the unwieldy boot and a National Guard hoodie.

She paused to pet Sunshine through the chain link and then looked in his direction. Her sunglasses prevented him from seeing those eyes, that scar. But he felt the warmth of her gaze nonetheless. He jogged over to collect his dog, say hi to his girl.

“Didn’t know you were a fan, Dreamy.”

She held up the loaded hot dog that Sunshine was eyeing pathetically. “I’m a fan of ballpark food and getting the hell out of my house.” Less than forty-eight hours since her injury, and she was already climbing the walls.

“And the assistant coach. Don’t forget that you’re a fan of him, too.” He grinned.

Her lips quirked. “Yeah. He’s okay. Thanks again for dinner last night.”

“You should let me make you breakfast sometime.”

“Yo, coach. Are you gonna pay attention to the game or not?” Luke called.

Dreamy grinned. “Someone’s in trouble,” she sang.

“If you wait for me after the game, I’ll take you for ice cream,” he offered. He didn’t mention that they’d also be taking an entire team of pre-teen baseball players with them.

“Between this injury and you feeding me, I’m going to lose all fitness.”

“One piece of pie and one little ice cream cone won’t kill you. Besides, you’re welcome to use the gym at my place any time you want. I’ll spot you.”