Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Cassidy
“Little things are big.”
Yogi Berra
Lauren stepped aside as the sound guy gave us the countdown, her clipboard clutched and her face set in determination.
Nate and I sat side by side in the plush interview chairs, the field-level lounge dressed up with soft lights and a few branded banners in the background.
It was professional but cozy, and my nerves fluttered in my gut.
I was on the field, again, with the lights beaming down on us.
My outfit was perfect—an old-school Gila Monster jersey opened up with a crop top and loose jeans.
Nate looked ridiculously handsome. Warmup polo, sleeves rolled just enough to show his forearms like it was casual.
His jaw was clean-shaven, his posture relaxed but alert, and his thigh pressed lightly against mine.
Heat radiated off him, and everything from the last twelve hours played on repeat.
Him showing up, him sleeping with me, him telling me he watched every video I posted.
The cards, the shirt, the cuddle … I cleared my throat and crossed my leg over the other, needing some distance from him.
I refused to embarrass myself on live TV and he was just too distracting.
He frowned, glancing down at the space between our legs, but I refused to meet his eyes. We could talk. Later.
Devin Blake, the host from MLB Inside Access, sat next to me. He was all smooth tan skin, cheekbones, and TV-ready confidence. He shook my hand and smiled, his gaze moving from my eyes to my mouth and down my body. Appreciation radiated from his gaze and Nate stiffened next to me.
“Cassidy Calloway,” he said, voice warm and practiced. “I have to say, you’re even more stunning in person.”
I flashed my go-to grin. “Oh stop. You say that to all the girls, don’t ya?”
Nate’s arm dropped behind my chair, his fingers landing on my shoulder. “Only one of those girls is mine,” he said, not smiling.
Goosebumps broke out over my skin from the possessiveness in Nate’s voice. Mathias never cared when I got hit on or if I flirted a little for fun. It was like I didn’t matter enough to care, so when Nate did it with the growly, grumpy tone … I liked it.
Devin chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement like he didn’t hear the warning.
“Well, you two have been making headlines for all the right reasons lately. The charity softball game was a hit. The viral moments, the fans, the photos—people are obsessed. So, we have to ask … when did sparks first fly?”
I turned toward Nate, giving him my best saccharine smile. “The second our gaze met. It wasn’t happy sparks at first though. I believe our trope for all the booktok girlies is enemies to lovers. He hated me.”
“What? No. Who could hate you, Cass?” Devin leaned closer; all charm. “Nate, is this true?”
He didn’t miss a beat. “I never hated her. She just looked like trouble.”
“And were you right?” Devin asked, winking at me. “I think she looks like the best kind of trouble.”
A deep, unpleasant sound grumbled from Nate’s chest and I placed a hand on his thigh, hoping that would calm him. Devin was flirting hard, and while it was for the show, it was clear Nate didn’t like it. “I’m the best kind of trouble.”
Devin laughed. “I bet you are. Now, you are baseball’s favorite couple. How’s that been? Dating in the spotlight?”
“Mostly good,” I said, playing it like a media pro. I adjusted my curled hair so it cascaded down my shoulder. “Except when he pretends not to like my TikToks. If we check his history, you know all my views are from him.”
“Okay what are your favorite of hers?” Devin asked him, once again not deterred from his grumpy exterior. “I prefer the dancing ones.”
“I like the ones where she’s not mocking me,” Nate deadpanned.
“But those are the lowest-performing ones,” I shot back, to the crew’s amusement.
Devin grinned. “You two are unreal. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of dynamic—tough veteran pitcher and queen of chaos turned into a Gila Monsters power couple.” He leaned forward slightly. “So Cassidy, what was your first impression of Nate off-camera?”
I gave him a look. “Off-camera Nate is grumpier, bossier, and hotter than advertised. Which is rude, really.”
“Bossier?” Nate raised a brow, his thumb brushing the back of my hand where the cameras couldn’t see.
“He acts like he doesn’t like attention,” I said, eyes locked on his. “But the man thrives when he’s center stage.”
Devin laughed again. “And what about you, Nate? What caught your eye?”
Nate looked at me. Really looked at me. “She’s a walking contradiction,” he said simply. “Sharp, but soft. Loud, but thoughtful. She sees everything, and then she chooses to care anyway. That caught me.”
My throat tightened. For a second, I forgot we were filming.
Devin cleared his throat. “Whew. Okay. Um—so, what’s next for the two of you?
We’ve heard rumors of another charity event, some new content projects.
You’ve been really outspoken about your grief and healing, which has been incredible to see the online reaction.
Do you want to continue expanding that?”
“That’s the hope,” I said carefully. “I want to launch something bigger. It’s early still, but I’m excited. Hopeful for what’s next.”
Devin nodded before he glanced at his phone, a smirk forming. “Okay, Cassidy, quick question from an online poll. If you weren’t with Nate … which Gila Monster would you draft next?”
I laughed. “Oh no. I’m not answering that. I know a trap when I see one.”
“Come on,” Devin pressed. “Hypothetical.”
“Hmm.” I chewed the side of my lip, sneaking a glance at Nate who stared daggers at me. His green eyes were narrowed, his jaw flexing. “I mean. There are some great—”
“She’s not answering it,” Nate said, voice firm. “She’s with me.”
My heart flipped. She’s with me.
Devin lifted his hands in surrender. “Fair enough. You two are clearly locked in. It’s been incredible having you here. We’ll cut it there.”
As the cameras shut off and crew started shifting around us, Devin moved closer to me with an outstretched hand. “You were a dream to meet, seriously. Any chance I can grab a photo with you?”
“Of course.” I slid off the stool, yet felt my jersey tugged back from Nate’s grip.
Frowning, I faced him but before I could speak, he gripped my chin and kissed me.
His mouth landed on mine with no hesitation, firm and slow like he wanted to brand it into memory.
His hand stayed on my jaw, thumb brushing the edge of my cheek as his lips moved against mine with a possessiveness that made my knees go soft.
It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t fake. It was Nate claiming me in front of everyone with a kiss that said back off, she’s mine.
His other hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me into him just enough for my breath to catch. And when he finally pulled away, he didn’t move far—just stared at me with a hungry look on his face.
My lips parted as I stared at him, my lips swollen and wet. That was a hell of a kiss and I forgot we were on the field in front of an entire crew. Someone whistled, snapping me out of my trance.
“There goes any shot I have,” Devin muttered, chuckling as he put an arm around me. “Mind taking the photo of us, Nate?”
“I do mind.” Nate crossed his arms, his gaze lethal. “You don’t need to touch her for a photo.”
Devin blinked and immediately dropped his arm, a slight blush covering his ears. “Right, of course. I’m sorry, Cassidy.”
“It’s alright. Come one, let’s take a selfie.” I smiled and posed with him, all while feeling Nate’s gaze on me. It was wildly fun to know he was so jealous, but I didn’t want to push him. This wasn’t a game to me.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel if someone hit on him in front of me. Picturing him smiling at someone else caused a dull pinch in my chest. Yeah, better not to imagine it.
I finished the photos with Devin, then took a few with the crew before finding my way back to Nate.
God, he was so handsome and images of his bare chest flashed in my mind.
His gaze was always so intense, like he studied everything about me.
The way I walked, how I breathed, all of it.
He watched my videos … brought me those gifts.
He was so thoughtful and my crush morphed into something more.
The lines around his mouth softened when I closed the distance between us and pushed one loose strand of his hair off his forehead, and he caught my hand in between his.
“Go on a date with me,” he said, voice deep.
Swoop.
“That sounded like a demand, O’Brien.” I couldn’t prevent my grin. “Is someone feeling a bit caveman-like?”
He flexed his jaw before he looped his arm around my waist, settling his hand right above my ass. “Who were you going to say?”
“What?” I frowned, loving that I could freely touch his chest now. Sure, he wore a shirt, but that didn’t stop the heat radiating from him.
“When he asked you who else on the team, you started to answer.” His gaze moved to my mouth. “Who were you going to say?”
“If we date for real, are you always going to be this jealous?” I smiled, unable to not rile him up. It was so damn fun.
“You are a fucking menace,” he said, his voice softer this time, but his lips curved up a bit. “I know you said you didn’t know if you were ready but damn it Cass, you and I both know we belong together and—”
“Okay,” I interrupted, with the easiest response of my life.
How could I not try? The man made me feel safe and alive, sexy, and fun all at the same time. He brought me tornado gas station cards. That was like two steps away from loving me. Mathias had never brought me cards and thought my tradition was silly.
“You—what? Okay?” Nate repeated my words, his hand frozen on my waist. His eyes turned greener, almost clear. “What does—”
“You two are perfection.” Lauren joined us, her smile wide as she glanced at our bodies with a raised brow. “You two have chemistry. I’ll give you that.”
I backed away from Nate, my skin buzzing like we got caught. I placed a hand over my heart, hoping it made me look calm and casual and cool, but I was none of those things. I could feel Nate’s gaze on me, caressing me from afar, as Lauren smiled at me.
“Seriously, Cass, this is incredible. You agreeing to do this has changed our numbers online, brought in more sales. Nate, the top management is pleased.” Lauren beamed at him, and I snuck a glance.
He stood a little taller and his shoulder bunched. “What do you mean?”
“J.O. is thrilled with the community and younger generation interest in this. He’s also wanting us to partner with you, Cass, on whatever community outreach program you’re thinking about. He wants to set up a time to talk with you if you’re up for it.”
“J.O. as in…”
“The owner of the team.” Lauren’s cheeks turned slightly red and she pushed her hair behind her ears.
“He’s been very complimentary of this plan and idea for you two, and he is a fan of yours, Cass.
He even tossed out the idea of naming something after your dad.
But, that’s a conversation for another day.
You two are great. Keep it up.” Lauren pointed at Nate. “J.O. wants to meet with you too.”
“What.” Nate blinked, his jaw flexing. “Why?”
She shrugged but a flicker of worry crossed her face. “Not sure, but I’m sure its positive.” Her phone rang and she held up a finger. “I gotta take this.”
She walked away, leaving Nate and me standing alone in the hallway once again.
“You need to go talk to him,” I whispered, my stomach twisting with nerves for him. “See what he wants.”
“Yeah.” Nate ran a hand under his jaw. “This isn’t usual.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s bad though.”
“Fuck.” Nate swallowed and rocked back on his heels, running a hand over his hair. “J.O. doesn’t call players to his office for a casual conversation.”
“I believe you, however,” I said, stepping closer to him and taking his hand in mine. “They also don’t send someone from a different department to fetch you if this was a bad conversation, you know?”
He stared at our hands, his thumb brushing the back of mine. “You make a good point.”
“I might be a menace but I do have good points.”
He snorted and his eyes softened as he stared at me. “So when you said okay … you meant that you’re in this with me? You’ll give me a shot?”
“You’ll see tonight,” I said, winking.
“Be ready at your place by six tonight.”
God, his assertiveness was hot, yet I didn’t want to give in so easily. There was something about making him work for it that brought me so much joy. I chewed my lip and shrugged. “Might not be home.”
“Be home.”
“Mm, there is that bossy tone again.”
“Cassidy,” he said, stepping into my space and tilting my chin up so our mouths were an inch apart. “I’m taking you on a proper date.”
“I might have plans,” I replied, my stomach summersaulting at the unhinged look in his eyes.
“Such a fucking brat.” He nipped my bottom lip before grinning at me. “Your plans are with me.”
“Alright, calm down, no need to get so worked up about it.” I weaved my hands around his neck, smiling at his frown. “What type of date are we talking? Dinner and drinks or robbing a cemetery?”
“Somewhere in between those two options.” His hands rested on my ass and he squeezed, a sexy, deep groan rumbling from his chest. “Fuck, I want to be alone with you.”
My face flushed at the gravelly voice and promise to his words, and I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him with a quick peck. “Go talk to the owner. I’ll be ready at six.”
I patted his chest and walked away, sneaking a glance over my shoulder. “What would happen if I wore Pavin’s jersey to dinner tonight?”
Nate laughed, sharp and loud. “Then I’ll make sure he’s on speakerphone when I make you moan my name tonight.”