Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Foster
Too bad time machines don’t exist, because I really wish I could go back to when I bribed Callie to live with me and take it the fuck back.
The lines between us are blurry at best, and we’re crossing them every second we’re together.
I asked her for a second chance to sleep with her so I can give her an orgasm. What the hell?
I’ve made her my pasta recipe, and my caveman mentality last night—telling her she’s mine? Jesus. I’m sure my attempt to save myself by saying it was only because of the baby was transparent as fuck.
But Easton or Decker seeing the outline of her tits just wasn’t an option. Not that I’m excusing my behavior. I already know she deserves a helluva lot better than me.
And now we need to be a united front after the game when we tell Hayes that I knocked up his sister. What has happened to me? I left Seattle to uncomplicate my life and now it’s more of a dumpster fire than ever.
As I stand to get ready to leave the dugout after the game, my throat closes up because it’s finally time to tell Hayes. Callie gave me a small nod after the last out when I came off the mound.
This is when shit gets real, and if I’m lucky, Hayes will be so pissed it’ll burn every damn desire I have for his sister right out of me.
“You’re really in your head.” Drew comes alongside me. “You looked sick. Good thing I got us that run in the eighth. Let you breathe a little until you fucked up the ninth. That old arm hurting you?”
I whip around, fist his jersey, and slam him against the wall.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” a few teammates shout behind me.
Easton and Hayes intervene right away. Hayes puts his hands on our chests, and Easton drags Drew away.
“You just don’t know when to shut the fuck up, do you?” Easton tells Drew. “And learn what being a good teammate actually is, asshole.” He pushes Drew out of the dugout and toward the locker room.
I go to follow, but Hayes stops me. “Hey, man, what’s going on? You’ve been moodier than usual today. I know you had a shit sleep with the alarm and everything, but is there something more?”
It wasn’t the alarm keeping me up—it was the thought of his sister half naked in the next room.
“I’m fine. He just needs someone to beat the shit out of him, so he learns his lesson.”
Razzing is normal. Ribbing is normal. Drew was taking aim at my motherfucking wounds, and I want him off the team.
“Really, man, I’m fine.” I shrug off Hayes’s hands.
He pins me with that look as if he can pry my thoughts out of me.
Not happening. I’m terrified of what he’s going to do, so I keep dragging it out—waiting until the last possible moment until we get here. Like a punk.
“Okay. Okay.” He retreats a step, both hands up.
I walk ahead of him. When we hit the locker room, I shoot Drew a look that says fuck off, and Hayes drops into the chair at the locker beside mine.
“I know I’ve been so busy with Leighton and the kids. But you know if you need to talk, I’m here. I’ll find the time—even if you’re doing pickup with me.”
“I know.” I yank off my jersey and unfasten my pants.
“Thanks again for having my sister. I’m sure that’s not helping your mood. She hasn’t found anything yet, huh?”
“No,” I say a beat too quickly.
“I heard about Maren Hale. That’s amazing. Who else do you have lined up?”
I sit on the seat, more mentally wrecked than physically tired. “I’m working on some people.”
I have two other people already lined up, but I still need two more.
“I’m not sure who was more excited about Maren Hale—Leighton or Callie. You started big, man.” He works the straps on his chest protector.
“Don’t doubt my skills.” I toss him a grin, trying to play it off, but it’s forced and I’m sure he sees it. “I’m gonna go shower.” I pat his shoulder and don’t wait for an answer before heading to the showers.
“Don’t forget we’re going to Peeper’s after,” he calls.
I want to correct him that actually the plan entails that as soon as we get outside, we’re going to let everyone else go in, then Callie and I will take Hayes and Leighton upstairs to our condo and tell them the news.
Then I’m gonna pray he doesn’t get blood on my new sofa that Callie’s fallen in love with.
“Yeah, man. I remember.” I lift my hand in a wave even though he probably can’t see me.
I shower, get dressed, and stay away from Hayes because I’m so close to the moment, I’m about to crack.
I want the secret out. I want it over with.
I don’t know how I’ve kept it in as long as I have, but every time he looks at me like you okay?
I want to tell him. I fucked your sister, and she’s pregnant.
Hey, we’re tied together forever now, buddy. Lucky you.
“Let’s go, media room, guys,” Wentzel points at Easton, Decker, Hayes, and me.
Just another fucking delay.