Chapter 35
Maren
“What does it feel like having another season under your belt?” Sloan asks Ozzie on the live stream before the game.
He lowers his head in thought, placing his chin in his hand, and the way his muscles ripple under his uniform are somehow even more delicious than they were the last time I saw them in person.
One year—that’s how long it’s been since I was wrapped in those arms, engulfed in the musky smell of his embrace post game, and on the receiving end of that gorgeous smile.
His beard is a little longer than it was then, and there is the tiniest hint of grey peaking though by his sideburns. He’s greying early, and it’s beautiful.
“You know, this season has been really different for me, but it feels good. I feel like I’m finally getting to the point where the showmanship and sports are aligned.
Playing shirtless used to feel weird, but now it’s my signature.
” He winks at the screen, and you can audibly hear giggles coming from girls in seats nearby waiting for the game to start.
“Are you nervous about the potential of being traded to another team this year?”
When Sloan asks that question I sit up straight in my bed, waiting on bated breath for his response.
I haven’t stepped foot in Mango Bay since I left.
Sadie has been here to visit a few times because her job is more flexible, but I’m supposed to go back next summer, and the thought of him not being there makes my skin prickle.
“No.” He smiles. “I have big plans for next season, and I know the fans will want to see them no matter where I am.” His answer also makes my skin prickle. It’s vague enough to not give anything away, but also not a commitment to stay.
“So are you saying you’d be open to leaving Mango Bay?” Sloan leans in with curiosity.
“The new fan pick for trading makes things a little unpredictable. They have a lot of power when it comes to forming teams. The coaches and management have a say for two players, but Horner decided to stay true to fans first, so they only get to pick players for trading immunity after fans work their roster magic, part of the fan pick is suggesting trades. If fans want to see a player on another team, that’s a huge possibility.
I trust that I’ll be where I’m supposed to be. ”
I watch the rest of the interview, but my mind wanders all over the place.
It’s not until the bottom of the 8th when I see Orbit sliding into home throwing glitter in the air to “I Will always Love You” by Whitney Huston over and over again trying to hit the plate in time with the crescendo that I finally take a breath.
“Did they win?” Becks asks as he walks into my room all sweaty from his workout downstairs in the gym.
“They’re down one run. One more inning to go,” I say.
I look up and he looks so hot, standing there all sweaty. He’s the exact opposite of Ozzie in every way. There is not one tattoo on his tan skin, his hair is always done perfectly, and other than working out, I’ve never once seen him in sweats.
That’s probably why our relationship has been mostly platonic.
I say mostly, because while he sleeps here most nights and keeps me company every single day, we’ve only slept together a handful of times over the past year.
Really only when either of us has an itch that needs to be scratched.
He’s gone on a few dates with other women.
I haven’t been on any dates other than the first day he and I spent together.
He tried to make it more, but as time went on, we just settled into a rhythm that was not romantic. I mean I’m not an idiot, I know if I gave him the green light he’d be all in. I’m just not there.
“How was your date with Ivy?” I ask him, hoping it went well. He seems to really like her.
“It was fun. We went to a little art festival they had set up in the park.”
“Are you going out again?”
“Yeah, we’re meeting for coffee in the morning. Actually, we’re meeting at Rooster’s across the street. Do you mind if I stay here tonight?”
“No, but don’t you think she’ll feel weird about you meeting her after staying the night with some other chick?”
He smiles at me, but it’s like he’s questioning every word that just came out of my mouth.
“Yeah, if there was any chance in hell of this turning romantic, but right now I’m laying in bed with you watching your ex play baseball and dance shirtless on your iPad.”
I turn to look at him and my eyes water just thinking about saying this out loud.
“I’m pathetic. I know I am, but my contract is up this time next year, and I’m supposed to go back to Mango Bay.
He’s hooking up with the same redhead he was when I met him and part of me hopes he’ll see me and dump her ass. ”
“For the record, you don’t know that they’re hooking up. You saw her in one video.” He reminds me.
“That’s not the point. She’s no good for him.
If he’s been balls deep in her for a year, that means she’s something special to him,” I cringe at my own words.
“And that can’t be true right?” I don’t wait for his response.
“Before you say anything, remember, you never saw them together the first time. She’s not his type, she’s just any easy lay. She blew him—”
“And he kept eye contact with you the entire time… yada, yada, yada. I know, Mare.” He finished my sentence like he’s heard this a thousand times, and honestly, he has.
“I’m pathetic,” I say as I cover my face with my pillow.
“You’re in love.” He moves the pillow and kisses me on the cheek.
“He might be too, just not with me.”
And that realization is a dagger to my already bleeding heart.