Chapter 8 Fletcher
Fletcher
Hudson shows up with another round of shots and passes them out like candy. We may not drink a lot during the season, but how can we not celebrate with a few drinks tonight?
Not only was the night a great one, especially for those on the Honky Tonks, but it was the most successful night our league’s ever had. If opening night was any indicator of what we can expect for the rest of the season, I’d say we’re in for a good fucking time.
We throw back the shots and slam the empty glasses down on the bar, cheering like we just won all over again.
I should be focused on the team and everything we have to celebrate tonight, but my eyes seemingly move on their own as they scan the bar.
So much for thinking I had her this time. Sure, I got her to the official after-party at the stadium, and had rallied the guys to help convince her to come out for drinks. But in the end, she gave them all the same answer she gave me: maybe.
“Come on man. Just let it go and have fun,” Jaxon, our first baseman, says from beside me.
I scoff. “I am having fun.”
Sure, maybe, my mind is a little preoccupied, but that doesn’t mean I’m not taking everything in. I’m aware of how huge and monumental this moment is, and I deserve to relish this victory with my teammates.
“But let me guess, you’d be having an even better time if a certain brunette were here?” he smirks, arching a brow that’s equal parts knowing and judgemental.
I shrug. There’s no point in lying. Hell, he’d call me out if I tried.
“I just don’t get it. Sure, she’s a cool chick and hot as hell,” he begins as my jaw instinctively clenches thanks to his word choice in describing her. “But I’ve never seen you act like this over a woman before, especially not one who’s made it abundantly clear she’s not interested.”
“Say what you want, but I’m not buying that act of hers,” I say, choosing to ignore the ‘are you serious’ look he’s sending my way. “There’s something there. I can feel it, and I know she does too. And that’s exactly why I’m not giving up.”
“And what about coworkers?” Jaxon attempts to remind me. “You ever think that’s all you two should be?”
“Oh, we’re definitely meant for more than just coworkers.”
He’s welcome to think whatever he wants, but after tonight—and the way she went out of her way to make sure I got picked for the punishment—there’s no changing my mind. She might be fighting whatever this is between us, but I’m more than willing to put in the work for both of us.
“Well, looks like you get to test that theory of yours,” he says nodding toward the entrance.
My head snaps toward the doors. Hollis is here, and she hasn’t come alone, as two other women stand beside her, but like usual, she’s the only one I see.
She’s traded the Honky Tonk jersey for a chocolate brown corset top that traces every curve and paired it with ripped denim jeans that cling to her hips as though they were made just for her.
I can’t be sure it’s me or the team she’s looking for, but the second our eyes meet, it doesn’t matter.
There’s something electric flowing between us.
Something humming beneath the surface that’s just waiting for her to notice.
Given the shy smile and nod she sends my way, I can’t help but hope she’s finally giving in and surrendering to the pull.
As if on instinct I move toward her, not even offering Jaxon a goodbye.
“You came.” I smile.
She casually lifts a shoulder. “I told you I was.”
“Considering how much you love messing with me, it wouldn’t exactly shock me if you only said that just to get my hopes up,” I remind her, my gaze trailing down her body. Yep, just as I thought. She somehow looks even better up close.
She arches her perfectly manicured brow.
“Wow, someone’s a bit full of themself tonight,” she huffs, folding her arms across the chest, which I not-so-subtly check out.
“You really think you’re special enough for me to go out of my way to say I’m coming, just to not show up and miss out on time with my work friends?
” She shakes her head and clicks her tongue.
“Sorry Fletch, but unfortunately, that would require me to think about you, and well, I just don’t. ”
I love this side of her, especially since I don’t believe a word of it. I mean, come on. She orchestrated a whole live broadcast and punishment just to “teach me a lesson.” Even so, I’m willing to play along.
“I don’t know,” I say, folding my arms as I mirror her stance. “We all know how much you love to torture me, and since we all know you have a thing for kinks, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if this is just another way you like to get off. So yeah, I might actually be that special.”
Her red lips part in shock as the two women beside her break into a fit of giggles.
“Hey ladies,” I say with a wide grin, as I turn to face them. “Pretty sure we’ve somewhat met, but not officially. So, I’m Mason, but feel free to call me Fletcher, or Fletch. Everyone does.”
The shorter one with strawberry-blonde hair steps forward first. “I’m Logan,” she says and offers her hand.
I take it, giving a firm but easy shake before turning toward the taller of the two women.
“I’m Candice,” she greets, extending her hand as well.
“Candice,” I repeat with a nod, committing both names to memory.
Hollis might be a challenge, but I’m hopeful her friends will be an easier crowd.
“It’s nice to officially meet Hollis’s infamous entourage.
You all look fantastic, by the way,” I say with a grin as my eyes do a quick, polite sweep for the first time.
Since, up until now, Hollis has been the only woman I’d checked out all night.
“Thanks.” Candice beams. “You look great too,” she continues, giving me a quick once over. Though, I’m not sure I agree, since while they came dressed to kill, I’m just standing here in a plain olive green T-shirt, jeans, and boots.
“You really do!” Logan adds, her smile wide and a touch mischievous. “I totally get why Hollis here hasn’t been able to stop talking about you,” she giggles, bumping Hollis’s arm in the process.
Hollis lets out a dramatic gasp and gives her friend a light shove. “Don’t listen to her. She has no idea what she’s talking about,” she says, shooting her friend a glare as her cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink. “If anything, she’s only heard me complain about how annoying you are."
“Oh yeah. Totally,” I say with a straight face, nodding as if I'm somehow buying it.
“And on that note,” Hollis says, spinning toward the bar. “I need a drink.”
“Let me get that for you,” I say, falling into step beside them. No way I’m letting her slip away right after she got here. “Actually, all your drinks are on me tonight.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet!” Logan beams, throwing an excited glance at Hollis who looks far less impressed. Little does she know, I’m not about to let those gorgeous, pursed lips of hers deter me. If anything, it only makes it more fun.
“Sounds like a bribe to me,” Hollis shrugs. “But hey, it’s your funeral. We’re Texans, and we know how to drink,” she warns, a cocky smile gracing her features as she turns toward the bar and bartender. She flags him down before rattling off her order like a woman on a mission.
Maybe I should be worried. The look on her face practically promises she’s going to cause my credit card some pain, but I’m still smiling. If she’s trying this hard to prove a point, it only confirms just how far I’ve gotten under her skin.
I shrug. “Sounds good to me. All I want is for everyone to have a good time tonight.”
After all, I was the one who encouraged her to come out in the first place.
Still, I can’t help but hope that perhaps the real reason she gave in was because she wanted to see me just as much as I wanted to see her.
Sure, I was having a decent time before she arrived, but now I know without a doubt my night just got a hell of a lot better.
Hollis of course slips right back in with the guys as she sits next to me at the large table the team claimed the second we walked in.
They excitedly welcomed not only her, but her friends as well.
With the country hits blaring through the speakers, it doesn’t take long before Jaxon, Hudson, and Mateo manage to charm Candice and Logan onto the dance floor.
“So,” I begin, lifting my glass of sparkling water to my lips, "glad you came out?”
I’d let myself indulge at first with a shot of whiskey to celebrate the big win, but I’ve since taken it easy.
Someone’s gotta keep an eye on the guys, but most importantly Hollis and her friends.
If I’m part of the reason they showed up tonight, it only feels right to make sure they’re safe as they let loose and have some fun.
"The jury' s still out,” she says before taking a leisurely sip from the straw of her most recent bright red and fruity cocktail. From what I’ve witnessed tonight, she isn’t the huge drinker she led me to believe she was.
If anything, I’m fairly convinced the only reason she has a drink right now is to prove a point and, of course, add to my still-growing tab.
Her friends also haven’t been shy with my offer and have downed more than their fair share of drinks.
It probably explains why they’re out on the dance floor busting a move with the team.
At least I know with them, the ladies are safe, which makes it much easier to focus my full attention on Hollis.
“Anything I can do to help change that?” I ask, leaning back.
“Honestly?” She looks down as she swirls the straw in the red liquid. “I might have lied a little bit there. I’m actually sort of glad I came out. In fact, I’m pretty sure I needed this,” she admits, her eyes still refusing to meet mine.
“Oh yeah?” I ask, an annoyingly large grin on my face as I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table.