Page 5 of Taking the Pitch (Love & Baseball #2)

CHAPTER FOUR

judd

Jesus. She’s beautiful.

No, not just beautiful. She’s fucking enchanting.

The thought keeps popping into my head since the moment I saw her walk into the coffee shop. Ashen-blonde hair, long enough for me to wrap around my hand a few times. Blue eyes so sharp and bright; I feel like she’s staring straight into my soul. And fuck , her smile? Her real smile, not the fake one she plastered on when she ‘apologized’ to me. No, the one she gives the people who mean something to her. That one would light a whole town on the darkest night.

I wonder if this is what Kessler felt when he first saw Lucy? Because fuck, I’ve never felt this before. Like she stole the breath right out of me. But I can’t seem to stop saying stupid shit. Which is the reason she’s storming off right now, giving me an amazing view of her tight little ass.

Jeremy chuckles. “Don’t bother.”

Prying my eyes from Amelia, I look over at Jeremy, who’s smirking at me. “I’m sorry?”

He tips his head towards Amelia. “With Millie. I said don’t bother. None of her relationships last more than a few months.” He shrugs. “And if they do, they don’t last past Christmas. She’s got some baggage and seems like no one can handle it.”

We start back towards the gate where Amelia stormed off, all dogs having done their business. “What kind of baggage?” I noticed Bruno is wearing a service vest, but I haven’t had the chance to ask why. Everyone has some type of baggage, some more than others, but what kind of baggage does that blonde firecracker have that seems to drive men away?

Jeremy shrugs and opens the gate. “I’m not sure. She’s never told me. Whatever it is, seems like a deal breaker for everyone.”

We head through the door leading to the library, and I tuck that information away to think about later. Once we get inside, it’s all hands on deck, getting things ready for the kids to arrive. After setting out the dog beds, getting the refreshment table set with drinks and Halloween cookies, and making sure there are a variety of books for the kids to choose from based on their reading level, we have only a few minutes to spare before the kids arrive.

Earlier, when Amelia was explaining how the program works, she said they like to keep the groups small to limit distractions and for better one-on-one help. So, we’re expecting six to eight kids tonight. Since tomorrow is Halloween, the library is decorated with pumpkins on the tables, bats and witches on brooms hanging from the ceiling, and a string of purple and orange lights is draped around the main desk.

Voices at the entrance catch my attention while I’m giving Ruby another belly rub. I wish I could have a dog, but my travel schedule during the season really doesn’t allow for one. And it wouldn’t be fair to the dog to have me practically abandon it nine months out of the year. Disappointing Ruby yet again when I stop the belly scratches, I get to my feet just as a handful of adults come in with kids in an array of different costumes.

There’s Spiderman and Iron Man, a black cat with a sparkly black tutu, a cop, Harry Potter and a… Ninja/Ballerina? They all bustle in, happily chatting with one another. When they get to the main desk, Amelia claps her hands, quieting the group.

“I am so excited to see everyone, and what amazing costumes. Katie, I’m loving the Ninja/Ballerina combo.” Her voice is soft and cheerful, completely the opposite of the tone she used with me. “Now, we have a special guest today,” she says, gesturing towards me with a wave of her hand. “This is Judd Davis. He is a pitcher for the Salem Silverbacks and he’s here to help with the program. Isn’t that exciting?” she asks enthusiastically.

I have to give her credit. She sounds so excited, I almost believe it.

Only one of the kids, Iron Man, seems to recognize me. His eyes widen and his mouth opens a fraction after Amelia introduces me. His mom nudges him and whispers something into his ear. He reddens slightly and shoots his eyes away from me and back at Amelia.

“Parents, after we get the kids settled, Judd and I will talk to you about a journalist coming next week.” The parents murmur their agreement and Amelia continues. “Alright guys, you know the drill! And we have a special treat for you after your 20 minutes of reading time is up!” she says excitedly.

The kids’ voices rise, trying to guess what it may be, and Amelia raises a hand, making bunny ears with her two fingers and raising a finger to her lips with her other hand. Once the kids quiet back down, she continues, “Read first, surprise after. Now, go find your books.”

The kids split off with their parents to the table with the books. Earlier in my meeting with the ladies, they explained each child has a specific reading level, and they make sure there are multiple options in each level for the child to choose from.

While the kids choose their books, the remaining adults take the dogs to the beds laid out among the room and wait for the kids to join their assigned dog. Honestly, it’s a really cool program and I’m really impressed with how it’s run and organized.

Kneeling next to Ruby, giving her yet more scratches, Katie, the Ninja/Ballerina, joins me, sitting on the opposite side of the bed. Ruby moves from me and crawls across the bed, lying her head in the girl’s lap. Releasing a giant sigh, like it’s what she’s been waiting for all week, Ruby closes her eyes as Katie begins to scratch her big head, not paying an ounce of attention to me.

“This is her favorite day of the week,” Katie’s mom comments, coming up beside me. I stand and she holds her hand out to introduce herself. “Jane, I just want to say thank you for coming to help. This program means everything to us.” She looks at Katie, who is telling Ruby all about her day at school, and lowers her voice. “It would be such a shame if they had to shut it down. Katie has gained so much confidence in her reading, which has helped her self-esteem too. I’d hate for her to regress.”

I return her shake. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Even if it means donating money myself, which I already planned to do. But if I can start a foundation that specifically supports the needs of this program, they could expand so other kids can benefit. I already know there’s a waiting list for kids to join. There’s just not enough funding to support them yet.

Once the kids are settled into their reading, Amelia gathers the adults at a table away from the kids. I take the seat next to her and she shifts slightly away from me, but not enough to be noticeable. I fight a grin and act like I don’t notice. “Okay, so I wanted to chat with you all really quick while the kids are reading,” she starts. “As you know, we’ve run into some funding issues as of late, especially with us not getting the grant we rely on to fund the training part of the program for the dogs. So that’s where Mr. Davis–”

“Please, call me Judd,” I interrupt.

Amelia gives me a tight smile. “That’s where Judd comes in. His PR agent Charlie, who happens to be my best friend, connected him with my program in hopes Mr. uh, Judd’s foundation would be a good fit and a new source of funding for us. In order to bring attention to the budding foundation and the program, Charlie suggested an article be published. We wanted to speak to you all first before just moving forward with it.” She pauses to pass out papers to the parents. “These are consent forms giving the reporter permission to speak to and publish photos of your child for the article. There is absolutely no pressure to have the kids do this, but it would be beneficial.”

Amelia pauses, just as Bruno pops up from his place on the floor beside her and thrusts his head into her lap. She lays her hand on his head and gives it a couple of strokes, while taking a deep breath and letting it out. Dots start to connect as Amelia gathers herself. “Sorry, I–” She clears her throat before continuing, “I wouldn’t ask this of any of you if I didn’t have to, but I really have exhausted every other resource I can think of.”

Jane covers Amelia’s hand with her own. “Of course we want to help. I think I speak for everyone when I say we would do anything to keep RUFF running.” Jane looks around the table at all the parents, who are nodding their heads in agreement. Turning back to Amelia, she gives her a smile and squeezes her hand. “See, nothing to be anxious about. We’re happy to help.”

Blinking furiously, Amelia gives the parents a watery smile. “Thank you,” she whispers.

Jane pats her hand again before changing the subject, asking everyone where they’re taking the kids to Trick or Treat tomorrow, taking the attention Amelia is clearly uncomfortable with off her.

After the kids and parents leave, with special cookies Amelia had made courtesy of her friend from the café, and the dogs are loaded up with special cookies of their own, we finish cleaning up the refreshment table before Gladys and Irene shoo us out of the library despite our protests to help.

Amelia and Bruno head out the doors and down the steps first and surprise turn the same direction that I need to go to get to my apartment. Falling back and slowing my steps, I decide to enjoy the view of the fiery little blonde in front of me as she struts down the sidewalk with her dog. I could have driven today since I got my license back yesterday thanks to RUFF also serving as community service but seeing as it’s one of the last nice days for a while and the fact that I only live ten minutes from here, I decided to walk and let my mind wander.

Up ahead I see Amelia and Bruno disappear around a corner, the same corner I have to turn at too. You know the feeling you get when you realize something that you can’t believe is happening, but. It. Actually. Is.

Yeah, that’s the one I’m getting too.

I turn the corner and look ahead through the throngs of people ahead of me, but I don’t see the tiny blonde and her hairy sidekick. A small wave of disappointment rolls over me and I give myself a shake.

Get it together Davis. She doesn’t even like you.

I chuckle to myself; wouldn’t that be a hilarious coincidence though? Well, I would think it’s hilarious. Her, not so much. I reach the intersection and wait for the little crossing guy to make his appearance before I cross. Once I’m safely across the street, I dig my phone out and see a text from Charlie waiting for me.

Charlie

Well, how did it go? Do you think this program will be a good fit for you and your foundation?

Me

I do. I think it’s a brilliant idea. There’s only one problem.

Charlie

What’s that? Tell me how I can help.

I snort. I don’t think there’s any helping the hate Amelia has for me. I tell Charlie just as much.

Me

I don’t think you can fix this, Charlie. It seems Miss Morgan has taken a disliking to me.

Dislike is an understatement.

Charlie

Oh, Um. I’ll talk to her. She’s been under a lot of stress lately. I promise, it’s probably not you.

I can guarantee it’s me.

Me

Don’t stress it, Charlie. I can deal with Amelia’s attitude. And I’m absolutely all in with the program, so let’s get that reporter booked for next week.

Charlie

You’re a Godsend Judd. This will take a huge stress off of Amelia’s shoulders. She’ll be in better spirits next week. You’ll see.

I doubt that, but I decide to let Charlie believe it will. Pocketing my phone after confirming a few more details with Charlie about the interview next week, I enter my building and look up. That feeling I was talking about earlier? Yeah, it’s back and confirmed.

Standing right in front of the doors I just walked through is none other than Amelia Morgan, and she does not look happy to see me.