Page 127 of Stolen Bases

I’m always up early, working out or off to practice, but for the first time in my entire career—hell, my entire adult life—I’ve slept in and skipped my morning run.

I regret nothing. Lying here, in bed with Talia, is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Leaving for away games is going to be absolute fucking torture from here on out. It’s going to be like leaving half of my heart behind every time I hit the road.

The ringing starts again.What the fuck?

Talia’s knee bumps my cock as she lifts her leg and uses me like a pillow, waking the fucker up. My dick stands at attention, ready to be inside his new home.

Golf. Old ladies in bikinis. My brothers in speedos,I try willing my extremely hard morning wood down.

Talia is spent and bound to be sore. She burrows deeper into my side. A cute little breathy moan vibrates in her chest, similar to the noise she makes when she comes, and I’m fucked.

My cock is harder than stone. There’s only one way to make my problem go away. I really hate to do this, but I need to get out of bed and make my phone stop ringing.

I picture Nico’s scowling face, his deep-V shirts, and blinged out chain. Like magic, my fucking cock deflates, leaving me softer than a soggy strip of bacon.

With a restrained shiver, I take a deep breath and slip out from under the duvet. I pull on a clean pair of boxers and some athletic shorts before grabbing my phone and heading to the kitchen.

Three missed calls from Jace stare back at me, and I know it’s Rhys trying to video call. I tap my phone to call him back and make my way to my favorite spot on the patio.

His little face fills the screen as I plop onto the fluffy daybed. “Uncle Cam!”

My chest heats with so much love for this guy. He is the best thing that ever happened to our family. “What’s up, my man? Why are you home on a Thursday?”

“Papa and Grandad are taking me fishing because it’s Memorial weekend.”

“Both grandpas are taking you out?” I gasp in faux shock and hurt. “Did you plan a special guys’ trip without me?”

I’m used to my parents heading up to Oregon to spend time with Rhys. I know that’s where they’re headed when the time to retire rolls around. But I’d be a liar if I didn’t say it made me long for the days when they would travel around the country to watch me play. Especially my dad. He’s always been my rock, but for the last two years, his focus has been his grandson.

Not that I blame him. My nephew is fucking awesome. I guess I just long for the nostalgia of talking shop and waking up to hit the batting cages with him.

Rhys guffaws, his sweet laughter shaking his chest. His floppy brown hair falls over his eyes as he shakes his head. “No. We are only going for one day. Are you coming to Riah’s birthday party?” he asks, changing the subject.

“I play in Seattle, so that’s the plan.” I lucked out that my niece Sariah’s first birthday fell on one of the few Sundays I have off. I’m even luckier that my kick-ass sister-in-law planned her party for the same day.

“Awesome. Can I go to your game?”

“Always. I’ll get you tickets if your dad can take you.”

“Dad? Uncle Cam got me tickets to his game. Can you take me?” Rhys yells, rushing off. I can hear him bickering with Jace in the background.

I cover my mouth with my fist as my older brother steps in front of the camera and points at me. “You’re the fluffing worst, kid.”

I tuck an arm behind my head and give my brother a smug look. “Nah. I’m fantastic.”

“Seriously, I can’t take him. Ry’s going to need my help setting up for the party. With her being pregnant, I can’t just leave her here alone.”

“Yes, you can,” Rylann’s sweet voice pipes up.

Jace pulls her into view and kisses her. Once upon a time, their mushy displays of affection grossed me out. Now that I’ve met Talia, I get it.

“Ace, I’m not alone. I have my mom and dad. Scarlett and Levi are next door. Mason and Emery are down the street. And your parents will be in town.”

“No, effing way, sunshine. What if something happened while I was away?” He scowls at her.

I get his reasoning. He wasn’t around when she had Rhys, and he doesn’t want to chance missing something while he’s gone.

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