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forty-four

Cole

A good round of batting practice is enough to finally clear my head.

I just had to trip this morning while Rory’s dad was over.

I just had to fall to the ground loudly enough that there was no other explanation for it.

Rory thinks we’re on borrowed time, and I hate that I think she’s right. We aren’t ready for her dad to find out, but I also don’t know if we ever will be.

He has to find out at some point if I keep her around like I want. Maybe getting it out of the way sooner rather than later is best.

Since we’re just days away from the start of the season, the pitchers have all been rotating on the mound as the batters take the plate. It’s Knox’s turn now.

I watch him rear back, the positioning of the ball in his hand making it clear he’s pitching his famous knuckleball. It’s erratic, but I anticipate that, keeping my eye on the ball until it’s close enough for me to smash it into the outfield.

The guys behind me cheer as I hear Collin Ware, one of our relief pitchers, shout, “There’s the MVP!”

I smile as I round the bases, pointing at Knox as I go.

“Goddamn, Pierce,” he yells, more impressed than irritated. “You’re going to have a hell of a season, aren’t you?”

“Hope so,” I laugh, turning around and jogging backward to home plate. “This is going to be my year.”

It’s already been my year. I’ve got my girl. I’ve fallen in love. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

There’s no way that doesn’t show up on the field this season.

“That’s enough for today,” Skip says to us as I make my way into the dugout. “Enjoy tomorrow, but be ready for practice on Monday. Season starts Tuesday, and we’ve got a pennant to defend.”

We all break for the clubhouse, ready to shower and get home to enjoy our day off tomorrow. It’s the last Sunday we’ll have free until October.

I grab my things to head to the showers, but Skip stops me before I can.

“Got a minute, Pierce?”

Fear creeps up my spine. Does he know it was me this morning?

“Yeah, sure, Skip.”

I follow him out of the clubhouse and into his office. He takes a seat behind the desk and gestures for me to take the closest one. I slide into the chair while gearing up for what might be my death.

He lets out a deep sigh. “Have you found out anything from Rory yet? She still isn’t telling me anything, but I heard someone in her room when I dropped by to see her this morning.”

“And you didn’t see who?”

“No. I just know he was there.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. He doesn’t know it was me.

Not yet, at least.

“She hasn’t said anything to us,” I lie, determined to make this as believable as possible. “She’s been secretive with us, too. None of us know who she’s seeing. I’m still trying to find out, though.”

Skip pinches his brow and leans forward with his elbows on his desk. “Who the hell could she be seeing if she isn’t even telling her friends?”

“I don’t know,” I say uneasily. “But Rory’s a smart woman. She wouldn’t be seeing someone that isn’t good for her.”

“You know what I think?” he says. “I think it’s someone on the team. I think that is why she won’t tell anyone.”

My stomach drops when he says it. “Someone on the… team?”

“It has to be. Why else would she refuse to tell me? She knows very well that I’ve told all the players to stay away from her.”

“Do you really think one of them would defy you? I can’t see any of the guys doing that.” I’m trying to muster every bit of confidence I have, not that I have much left at the moment.

“Half of those guys don’t think with anything but their dicks. I’m telling you, it’s one of them.”

“I’ll see what I can find out then,” I say, gulping.

“Thanks, Cole,” he sighs. “Go and shower. Get out of here and enjoy your day off tomorrow. I’ll see you back here on Monday.”

I quickly stand from the chair. “See ya, Skip.”

I casually walk to the door. Once it closes behind me, I all but sprint down the hallway toward the clubhouse. I can’t help but panic now.

I pull out my phone and fire off a text to Rory.

Cole

Just had another meeting with your dad

Rory

Jesus fuck

The man won’t give it up

Cole

He’s not going to

I had to lie and tell him you haven’t told any of us who you’re seeing

I don’t know how long he’ll believe that

Rory

I really wish he would let me be

Cole

I do, too

But we both know it won’t happen

Rory

God, now I’m going to be anxious all night again

Cole

Come over then

I really want to see you tonight

We’ll have a date night

That should help take your mind off of it

Rory

That sounds great, Cole

I’ll come by in a couple hours

I’ll bring dinner, too

How do wings sound?

Cole

You know the way to my heart

I’ll see you in a bit, baby

“That was fucking delicious,” I say, leaning back in my chair and wiping a bit of hot sauce from my lip.

“They have the best wings, I swear,” Rory says, resting her elbow on the table and looking at me.

Just looking at her is enough to calm me down. She always eases any tension I’m feeling. Her brown eyes pull me in, and suddenly, everything is okay.

“I’m glad you’re here, Starlight,” I say, shooting her a soft smile that she returns.

“There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.”

I stood no chance when it came to falling in love with Rory. It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

Like it’s the only thing in life I’m meant to do.

I stand up and grab her hands, bringing her up with me. “Come here.” I wrap her up in a tight hug, enjoying the floral scent of her perfume. “I’m sorry we can’t get out and ever have an actual date night, Rory.”

“I get to have you here, Cole.” She gazes at me with the sweetest look in her eyes. “This is enough. You’re enough.”

“You’re perfect,” I murmur, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

I place one of her hands on my shoulder while I clasp the other in mine, intertwining our fingers. Now, with my other hand low on her waist, I start gently swaying us from side to side.

“I love it when you do this.”

“What’s that?”

“Dance with me in the kitchen. We could use some music, though.”

“Are you asking me to sing?” I ask softly, smiling at her.

“Always,” she replies, and I hand myself over to the tenderness of the moment.

As we continue swaying, I start singing. I choose the first song she ever heard me sing, my favorite song— Chasing Cars .

I’ve always liked this song, but something about the way I sing it for Rory makes me love it all the more.

It’s emotional and tender and sung in a way that’s meant only for her, even if she doesn’t realize it.

It’s sung with love.

Because I’m so fucking in love with her.

I continue gazing at her as her lips turn up into the sweetest smile, and my heart flutters in my chest.

I’m in awe of her effortless beauty. Rory looks just as stunning when she dresses up as she does when she dresses down. In fact, I think her casual looks are my favorite. She looks so comfortable in a T-shirt and leggings, and I love how she doesn’t feel the need to make herself up for me.

I spin her around before pulling her in close again as I finish out the song, and we stop swaying.

Rory presses her forehead against mine with her eyes closed. “I love listening to you sing. You have such a beautiful voice.”

I rub my thumb across her cheekbone. “And I only share it with you, Rory girl.”

“I like that,” she smiles, eyes fluttering open and catching mine. “I feel special.”

“You are special. You are so fucking special to me, and I hope you always remember that.”

“How long is always?” she questions softly, eyes pleading with me for honesty.

And I can’t deny her.

“Forever, if you want. I’m crazy about you.”

“Forever sounds perfect.”

This is it.

This is the moment.

I can’t waste it.

“Rory, I need you to know how incredible you are. How much you mean to me. I thought for years that we’d never get the chance to be what we are now, so the past few months have been the best of my life. You’re special, so fucking special. It’s taken me a while to grasp what I feel for you because this is new to me, but there’s no mistaking it anymore. I’m completely and hopelessly in love with you. You make every day better than the last, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life if you let me.”

Her smile is radiant as emotion swirls in her eyes. “Yes,” she breathes. “Yes, I’ll let you because I love you , Cole. No man has ever cared for me the way you do. You’re my best friend, and loving you and being loved by you for the rest of my life would be the greatest honor.”

I press my lips to hers, and there’s a promise in our kiss.

A promise to never give up, to fight through every obstacle that life throws at us.

Our love is already strong, and we can get through everything together .