Page 41

forty

Cole

I stretch my back out when we get to the clubhouse after practice today, watching as Knox makes circles with his arm to loosen up the tension in his shoulder.

I love getting back to baseball, but it’s more physically demanding after some time off. My body is going to feel like gelatin for the next week.

Ari plops down on the chair beside me with a groan. “Holy shit, you guys work hard here.”

“Which is why we won the World Series,” I reply, stripping off my sweat-soaked shirt.

“We almost beat you.”

“But you didn’t,” Knox chimes.

“Fuck both of you,” Ari chides as we laugh. “Goddamn, my hip is killing me right now.”

“Get one of the trainers,” I reply.

“Already talked to Dr. Coltrain. He said he’ll send someone in.”

The clubhouse door opens slightly just then, barely enough for a voice to sneak through. “I’m coming in, so cover yourselves up. I really don’t want to be flashed right now.”

I throw my head back and laugh as Lucia stalks toward us, looking like a woman on a mission in her team-issued polo shirt.

Beside me, Ari scoffs. “Seriously?”

“I’m just as thrilled about it as you are, Morgan. Just be quiet and let me do my job.”

Knox and I exchange a confused look. He mouths, ‘What’s that about?’ but I just shrug. The last time we were all together was that night Ari came to New York, and as far as I know, nothing happened.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it also gets you all the gossip.

“Uh, what’s that about?” I ask, looking directly at Ari and Lucia as she has him on the ground working on some hip stretches.

“Ari’s annoying, pushy, and thinks he knows best.”

“Lucia’s uptight and condescending with a stick up her ass.”

“What the fuck happened? You guys were fine last time we were together.”

“It’s nothing,” Ari mutters, wincing as he moves.

“Nothing at all,” Lucia adds, “except that your friend is a self-righteous dick.”

“You really gonna put all that on me? Because I seem to remember things differently.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do. Men always remember things differently. That’s why most of you are completely useless.”

“You know what?” Ari says, popping up to his feet and groaning as he moves his hip. “I think I’m good. I’ll stretch on my own. I don’t really want your help.”

“Suit yourself,” Lucia replies, rolling her eyes and standing herself up. She looks at Knox and me. “See you guys around. I’m out.”

And she strides out of the clubhouse, mumbling something under her breath in Spanish as she goes.

Immediately, Knox and I turn to Ari.

“Okay,” Knox says, “I know Lucia can be a bit abrasive, but what the fuck was that?”

“How the fuck did you piss her off like that already?”

“Like I said,” Ari huffs, “she has a stick up her ass. I’m heading to the showers. Hopefully, the hot water will do more for my hip than she did.”

Without another word, Ari walks to the showers, leaving both Knox and me confused behind him.

That was a strange interaction. Ari’s a good guy, so hearing him talk about Lucia like that is surprising. And after knowing Ari as long as I have, it’s surprising to hear Lucia say the things she said as well.

I don’t know what the hell happened, but since we’re all in the same friend group, things will surely only get more awkward from here.

Skip lets us loose on Saturday night with no practice on Sunday. To Knox’s dismay, this means that we’re heading out to a bar tonight, celebrating the first week back on the field.

We ask Lane and Josh if they know what’s going on between Lucia and Ari, but they seem to be as clueless as we are. To Ari’s credit, he doesn’t say another word about her after that tense interaction. They both seem to be trying to pretend the other doesn’t exist.

It’s awkward as fuck for the rest of us.

At least tonight is just the guys, so we should be able to have a good time without having to walk on eggshells.

We bring Ari to mine and Lane’s favorite dive bar down here in Bradenton—The Tipsy Turtle—and start off with a round of some local IPA.

Josh holds up his bottle in a toast. “Here’s to surviving our first week back on the field.”

We all laugh and clink our bottles together before sipping.

“You feeling good about the season, Ari?” Lane asks, popping a pretzel into his mouth.

“Yeah,” he says, clasping his hands behind his head and leaning back against the booth. “I think I’ve adjusted well enough. Season should be fun.” Ari turns to face me, smirking. “How’s the secret relationship treating you, Pierce?”

I roll my eyes. “Everything is going really well. Just wish I didn’t have to hide her.”

Knox takes a swig of his beer before asking, “How long do you think you guys can really hide this?”

I let out a deep breath. “I have no fucking idea. Skip’s been suspicious of her seeing someone, he just doesn’t know who.”

“Fuck,” Josh says. “That’s not good.”

“Oh, it gets better,” I laugh derisively. “I never told you guys about how he asked me to find out who she’s seeing.”

Lane chokes on his beer, spraying it all over the table.

“What the fuck, Brooks?” Knox gripes, grabbing a napkin to clean off his hands.

“He asked you to find out who she’s dating?” Lane asks, ignoring Knox completely. “Holy shit, that’s hilarious.”

I stare at him with a flat look on my face. “Yes. It’s fucking hilarious to have to be in this situation with my girlfriend’s father . I’m having a great time while trying not to slip up.”

“You’re so fucked,” Ari chuckles while shaking his head.

“I know,” I sigh. “But it is what it is. I don’t regret a goddamn thing.”

“Damn,” Josh says in surprise. “You’re really serious about her.”

“Yeah,” I say with a slight smile. “I’m obsessed with her.”

“We all knew that,” Knox laughs.

“And you’re obsessed with my sister.”

Knox just smiles. “Yep. Fucking love that woman.”

“Ooh, the L word,” Lane says teasingly. “Where are you on that front, Pierce?”

“We’re not there yet,” I reply nervously. “We really haven’t been together that long.”

The guys carry on the conversation as I’m distracted by the vibration of my phone.

I pull it out of my pocket and find a text message from my favorite person.

Rory

Is Spring Training over yet?

I miss you

Cole

I miss you, too

So fucking much

Rory

Wanna FaceTime tonight?

Cole

You mean like we do every night?

Yes, I’d love to

Rory

You’re a pain in my ass

Cole

Not yet, I’m not

You’re still only on the second plug

Rory

I can’t tell if you’re flirting or trying to be funny

Cole

Flirting

Always flirting when it comes to you

Rory

Well then, I think I have something for you

*Attachment: 1 image*

I open the picture she sent and audibly groan. The guys all turn to look at me, but I wave them off while trying to adjust myself and hide the fucking hard-on my girlfriend just gave me.

Cole

Rory fucking Fisher

Rory

My middle name is actually Elizabeth

Cole

You know I’m out with the guys, right?

Rory

I’m aware of that, yes

Cole

So you sent me a picture of you in sexy lingerie because…?

Rory

Because I bought it for you

I thought you might like to see

Cole

Please bring that down with you next week

I’m fucking you while you wear it

Rory

Anything you want, Daddy

Cole

Rory

Rory

Yes, Daddy?

Cole

I’m punishing you for this

I’m so fucking hard right now

Rory

Yes, please

Punish me, Daddy

I toss my phone on the table and groan, scrubbing my hands over my face. God, that woman is a fucking temptress.

I apparently forgot to lock my screen because Ari grabs my phone, peering at the last of our messages—thankfully the picture is far enough up that he doesn’t see it. He looks at me now, cocking an eyebrow while trying—and failing—to stifle his laughter. “Daddy, huh?”

I snatch my phone from his hand, shoving it back into my pocket. “Fuck off, Ari.”

“So, how was your day, Starlight?” I ask, leaning back against my headboard. Ari jumped in the shower when we got back from the bar, so I have the room to myself at the moment.

“Sage and I had a fun day. Too much snow to go out and do anything, but we baked some cookies and had a dance party in my living room.”

“Did you eat half the cookie dough again?” I ask with a laugh.

“Shut up,” she chuckles. “You ate some, too.”

I just smile as I take her in.

She’s wearing one of my old long-sleeve T-shirts and a pair of leggings, her hair in a messy bun on top of her head.

And she still manages to take my breath away.

“What are you staring at?” she asks curiously.

“You,” I answer. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Rory.”

Rory bites her lip as her cheeks flush. “Thank you, Cole. I’m so lucky to have you.”

“Not as lucky as me.”

“Is this a competition or something?”

“You better hope not,” I say, “because I’m winning if it is.”

She smiles brightly, lighting up her dim bedroom. “I’ll let you win then. I’m still a winner if I have you.”

My heart skips a beat when she says that, and I can’t help but grin back.

Rory calls me romantic, but she’s right up there with me.

She’s so fucking amazing.

We sit in silence for a few beats, both of us just soaking each other in.

“So,” she eventually says. “I think I want another tattoo.”

“Yes, please,” I say, running my tongue over my bottom lip. “You’d look great with some more ink.”

“I won’t have as much as you,” she laughs, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “You’re covered.”

“Nah, I still have too much bare skin. I’ve got plenty of room for more.”

“Did you, uh,” she stammers awkwardly. “Did you want to get one… with me?”

“Did you just ask me to get a couple’s tattoo?” I ask, raising my eyebrow.

“I mean…” She fidgets with her shirtsleeves. “I guess I did.”

Warmth courses through me. She wants me to get a tattoo with her? She doesn’t need to ask me twice.

“I’m down,” I reply, and Rory seems to breathe a sigh of relief. “Do you want coordinating tattoos, or do you just want me to get one at the same time as you?”

“Uh, I guess that’s up to you.”

I eye her. “Tattoos are permanent, Rory. You need to decide if you want your own or if you want to match.”

She takes a deep breath. “Then I guess I’m open to whatever. I’m not opposed to a coordinating tattoo with you. We’d just need to make sure my dad never sees them together.”

“I think we can manage that.”

“What do you think we should get?”

“I’ve got an idea. I can tell you, or I can leave that as a surprise for you.”

She looks at me with wide eyes. “You’re not going to have someone tattoo your name on me, are you?”

I laugh heartily. “No, I’m not. I have a better idea, and it’s something I know you’ll love.”

Rory smiles at me softly, a look of pure affection. “I trust you then. We’ll sneak off and do it when I come down.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Have I told you how amazing you are?”

“You have,” I reply. “But feel free to stroke my ego.”

Rory throws her head back and laughs. “Is it normal to miss you so much after a week?”

“Yes. It’s normal to miss someone you care about.”

“That makes sense because I care about you a lot. More than anyone else.”

And I love you .

I have to pause for a moment as I process what I just thought.

I’ve never said that to a woman before that wasn’t family.

But those words filtered through my head without any hesitation.

And just like that, reality comes crashing down.

Holy shit .

I’m in love with Rory.

Those feelings I get around her? The desire to hold her close, to spend all of my time with her, to wake up with her in my arms?

That’s love .

I thought I’d be afraid when the realization hit me, but all I feel right now is contentment.

I’m in love with her, and I’m going to love her until my dying days.

I’m in love with Rory Fisher, and nothing in my life has ever felt so perfect.