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The game doesn’t start until seven tonight, but the entire team has gathered in the clubhouse by one-thirty. Some guys got here earlier, but most of us showed up for the group stretches planned for two.

Getting here too much earlier than required usually means killing time or allowing nerves to kick in, though my poker buddies and I have a table set up in the clubhouse should the need arise for a quick card battle before game time since video games and poker are fairly traditional ways to pass the time before warm-ups.

We have batting practice where we each take turns hitting the ball or shagging in the outfield, but after spring training and the last several months, I’m ready for this. My body is ready for this. And, thanks to Gabby, my body and my mind are both relaxed.

We’re all ready for this.

After batting practice, we have some time to kill. I play a few hands with Danny and Rush. Nick is busy making sure everybody is healthy and ready to play, so AJ takes his spot.

Since it’s opening day and we’re in Vegas, the marketing team decided to book some surprise guests for our fans. Even we don’t know who they are—and I’m pretty sure Gabby doesn’t know, either, or she would’ve spilled it to me. Troy let us know they’d be coming through the clubhouse on their arrival to hang out and chill before they take the stage for their performances.

A little after four as I’m deep into another hand of poker, the door to the clubhouse opens and a woman walks in. Behind her are the four members of the band Vail, all easily recognizable because they’re international superstars. I’m fairly sure they have a residency here in Vegas now, but I’ve been a little busy since I moved here and haven’t had the chance to check out the local entertainment. Maybe in eight months when the season is over, Gabby and I can check it out. Or maybe we’ll just want to stay home, sit in front of the fireplace with a movie playing in the background, and stare at the little life we created.

Perhaps we’ll find time for both, though I tend to think I’m going to want the latter above pretty much anything else. I set my cards down without finishing my hand and lift to a stand to introduce myself to the band.

“Cooper Noah,” I say, and I walk up to the lead singer, Mark Ashton. I stick my hand out and he shakes mine.

“Cooper Noah,” he echoes. “Man, I know who you are.” He shakes his head. “Always beating up on my poor Cubbies back when you were a Dodger. You’re here now?”

I nod. “First game in three years after an elbow injury.”

“I remember that,” he says. “Glad to see you’re playing again. I’m Mark, by the way.” He nods toward his bandmates. “Ethan, James, Steve, and that feisty lady is our manager, Vic. Everyone, this is Cooper and he’s a beast on third.”

I hold up a modest hand. “I don’t know about that, but it’s nice to meet you all.” I nod at James. “And great to see you again.” We played golf together not so long ago, and it makes sense that they’re here given that James and Troy are colleagues.

“Haven’t seen you by the club,” James says quietly to me.

I chuckle. “Yeah, that’s not likely.” He looks offended for a beat before I follow it up with, “I’m with Troy’s daughter.”

He makes an exaggerated O with his mouth before he laughs. “Probably best to stay away.”

I laugh, too, and then I get back to my poker game while the band members walk around the clubhouse as they introduce themselves to the players and wish us luck on our opening day. I wonder who else might show up to perform.

A short while later, the door opens, and a man walks through it. Standing just behind him is the triple threat Alexis Bodega—the woman Danny said would be his hall pass if he had the option to have one.

She’s wearing a royal blue dress with a huge Vegas Heat logo stamped across the middle in shimmering red sequins, and she nervously flips her dark hair over her shoulders as she glances around the room.

I glance over at him, and his eyes are wide as they land on her.

The man with her slides his hand behind her and has her take the lead, but he still directs her where to go with his hand on the small of her back. Is he her bodyguard? Or her husband?

“Jesus Christ,” Danny mutters beside me. “She’s even hotter in person.”

“Go introduce yourself,” I prod teasingly, and he shakes his head.

“Nah. She’ll come to me.”

I laugh at the balls on this guy. “All the women in the world and the one you named as your ultimate fantasy just walked through the door.”

“Shut the fuck up,” he says, and I swear his cheeks redden just a little.

I stand and make my way over to her like I did with Vail. I hear Danny’s faint protest behind me as I make my way over toward her, but I ignore him.

“Cooper Noah,” I say, sticking my hand out toward her. She smiles at me, and she really is a gorgeous woman. She’s got nothing on Gabby, though. “Are you here to sing?”

She nods. “I’ve been asked to do a song to open for Vail, and I’ll also be singing the national anthem.”

“Incredible. Thanks for being here to support us today.”

“I’m so pleased the team asked. I’m happy to be here to cheer for the home team.” She smiles, and it lights up the room.

“Are you local?” I ask.

She nods. “I grew up in Henderson and still have family here, though I’m based out of Los Angeles now. And sometimes New York.”

“My buddy Danny is dying to meet you.”

She chuckles, and the man with her doesn’t react—which makes me think he’s either used to it or he’s not married to her. “I’d love to meet Danny.”

I lead her over toward him, and he’s clearly pretending to focus on the five cards he holds in his hands. “Brewer,” I grunt out, and he turns to look at me. He sets his cards down and stands as his eyes edge over to the woman beside me. “I’d like to introduce you to Alexis Bodega.”

Now I’ve known Danny Brewer a long time. I’ve seen the way he handles women. He’s confident—as he should be. He’s never had a problem with a single one of them falling over their own feet to get to him.

But something happens when Alexis Bodega’s eyes fall to his.

I think Danny Brewer might be in a whole lot of trouble.