EPILOGUE SHANE
OCTOBER
What a fucking crazy turn of events. This baseball season has been wild.
We literally just got back from Cali. We’d flown out for the World Series.
Unfortunately, the Jetties didn’t make it that far.
Knocked out in the wildcard round. I didn’t get any playing time, but it was pretty cool to be asked to be on the taxi squad.
We didn’t make the playoffs for Triple-A. It was a rough year with all the roster changes. I swear there was more drama on the Clippers than you’d find on Gossip Girl.
I finish rubbing the body oil into my abs and grin at my lubed-up self in Jed’s full-length mirror.
Hell to the yeah. He’s not going to be able to resist this.
Shane is officially slick-a-fied. I spin and check out my ass.
Just normal, cheeky briefs. I flex. Yup.
Jed is going to be putty in my hands later.
I’d have gone a little more risqué, but we’re going to be in public company.
The lingerie I bought is for my man’s eyes only.
And, damn, I’m a fan of what me wearing lingerie does to Jed. The man is a fucking animal. It turns him into a total caveman. He actually threw me over his shoulder and carried me to the bedroom one time. I may have been taunting him a bit. But brats will be brats, what can I say?
Off-season has been a literal dream. We’ve bopped around, visited Mom in Tampa, spent some time in the City and a bit in Providence.
Jed took me to my first fall fair a couple weeks ago too.
That was an experience. I’ve never come across more fried things in my life.
Fried dough. Fried pickles. Fried Oreos.
All of which were bomb. Fall fairs? Your bro is a big fan.
My gaze lands on the giant stuffed panda.
My heart swoops. Jed won that guy for me.
I swallow hard. It was with that strongman hammer game. Holy sexy.
We have so much to look forward to this off-season too.
Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years. Gah, I can’t wait.
And the best part? There’s zero stress during it all.
The Rule 5 draft takes place in December, but this guy right here is safe from it.
My eyes slide shut, and I send a thank you to the baseball gods.
I’ve been walking on air since I got added to the 40-man. It feels like this is really happening. If I keep at it, keep my head down and work hard, I can get the call-up. And play major league ball with my boyfriend.
Like, what is this life?
It’s going to happen.
Manifest.
My phone dings, and I walk over and snatch it up. My heart bounds around my chest.
Graham Cracker
Happy Halloween, Shane!
My gaze traces the words. Graham and I have gotten pretty close. Especially now that he’s at college. I haven’t had a chance to go out and visit him yet, but I’m definitely planning a trip.
I type out a quick reply.
Me
Happy Halloween, lil bro. Be safe. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
He texts me all the time for advice. And, fuck…I force a swallow down my tightening throat. I can’t believe he looks up to me. His reply pops up.
Graham Cracker
So…basically anything’s up for grabs?
I chuckle. He’s got a point.
“Shane! Are you ready to go? We’re already a half hour late.”
Jed’s bellow rings through our Providence apartment, and I grin. The reason why we’re late was totally worth it though. Let’s just say I can’t be expected to control myself when putting body paint on my boyfriend.
“Almost!” I call back.
I step into the little project I’ve been working on for a couple weeks now. I adjust the cardboard contraption around my hips, then secure the strap around my waist. I give a little jiggle, and it stays put. Yes. I turn side to side, checking out my costume in the mirror. Fucking nailed it.
I snag my captain’s hat and settle it over my golden curls.
Yeah. I’m ready.
Thank you so much for reading Stealing Forever!