9. Chapter 6
Jax
If there is one thing I love more than anything else, it’s sitting on the pitcher’s mound when the stadium is empty. It’s like my home away from home. My favorite place in the world.
I sit down on the ground and roll the red dirt through my fingers, glad Horner decided to go with real grass and dirt vs. turf, because the smell of dirt and wet grass early in the morning is the most amazing smell. I bring my mug of coffee to my lips and send a quick selfie off in my family chat.
“Morning. I thought we could enjoy our morning coffee together.” I love how soothing and calm her voice is.
“Morning,” I say as I raise my mug to cheers her through the screen. “Where’s dad?” I’m surprised he’s not right next to her on the screen.
“He’s down in the gym. What are your plans today?” she asks.
“Just got here early to take in my favorite spot before a busy day of practice.”
“No rehearsals today?”
I chuckle at how much she loves to hear about the rehearsals. I’ve been playing baseball my entire life, but the dancing is what she looks forward to. “No, just batting practice, and then trick play practice. I’ve been working on this backflip throw to either second or third, and I’m so close.”
“Juggling and flipping. What else do you have up your sleeve?” She smiles, and I love it, but my focus quickly shifts to Sloan in the stands, and I decide this is the perfect time to get to know her better.
I flip my camera around, “See that cute blonde up there? I’m really trying to make her go out on a date with me.”
Mom gasps, “Ohhh. She’s pretty. But I don’t like that she’s making you work so hard for her attention.”
“She’s coming off a pretty bad injury and a breakup. I don’t want to rush her.” That makes her happy. I can tell by the look in her eyes.
“You’re such a sweet boy,” she says confidently. “Go talk with her, and call me tomorrow.”
I blow her a kiss and hang up before gathering my few things and running up the bleachers to the press section.
I walk up behind Sloan and grab one of the light stands laying on the floor when I notice that she’s setting everything up herself.
“Let me help you,” I say, offering her a bright smile.
“Oh my god. That would be amazing. Tanner’s too cheap to pay a crew to set up, so I have to do a lot of it myself.” She points to her leg, “And this brace makes it a little more difficult than it would be without it.”
The thought of her having to do all of this while hurt pisses me off, and wouldn’t be something Horner would be ok with either.
After I set up two of the lights and both chairs, I send a text to Horner.
Me: Sloan’s boss isn’t sending anyone to set up her shit while she’s hurt. Can we get the grounds crew on it? I did it today.
His text comes immediately.
Horner: On it. I asked him if they needed anything, and he said they had it covered.
I look over at Sloan just as she sits down in her chair and takes a sip of water. “Don’t worry about taking this all down after the show. Horner has the grounds crew on it. They’ll have it all ready to go before each show.”
The relief that washes over her face makes me warm from the inside out. There are tiny beads of sweat collecting around her hairline, and her leggings and Mango Ball tank top make her fit right in.
Maybe one day I can replace that tank top with my jersey.
“Thanks, Jax. Once I’m all healed up and out of this brace—”
I cut her off. “You won’t lift a damn finger. Even if I have to show up here every morning and do it myself.”
I try to make my tone playful, but I want her to know I’m serious. She’s not going to come here and set this shit up and then record a show and tear it all down. “Horner takes care of his employees,” I reassure her.
“So, who are you interviewing today?” I ask, curious who gets the honor of sitting next to her today.
“I don’t know. Horner hasn’t confirmed it yet.” She leans over and hands me a bottle of water. Her eyes never leave mine, even when she reaches down to place hers back into the cooler. I watch as her eyes rake over my chest and shoulders.
“What were you doing down there on the field this morning?” Her words are heavy with both curiosity and lust as she speaks.
“I was having a morning coffee date with my momma.”
Her eyes light up, and her smile softens. There’s something behind her smile I can’t quite read when she speaks, “That must be a great way to start the morning.”
“Hey there,” Ali says as she comes walking up. “You got this all set up fast. I was coming to help you.” She hands Sloan a coffee and grins at me.
“Well,” I say, standing. “I have to go get ready for practice. I’ll leave you two to your pre-show work, and get out of your hair.”
I turn and start jogging back down the stands to the dugout when her voice stops me in my tracks. “Jax.”
When I turn back around, she’s leaning over the railing with bright eyes. “Thanks for helping me today. It was fun visiting with you.”
“It was the best part of my day,” I say, meaning every single word.
I wonder if I can convince Horner to assign me to the exclusive. Plus, she’s going to need time to prepare the questions, so the sooner he confirms with her, the better.