Page 8 of Stolen Bases

When he demanded to pay for me to go to the best private school for my senior year and my college tuition, I let him. There is no negotiating with Nico once he sets his mind on something. It’s not worth the fight. He’s a good brother. In some ways, he’s more than a brother. He’s been like a father to me.

Five years older, at thirty-two, Nico has carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, taking on more responsibilities than a brother should.

“Yeah, the press conference was this morning. Then I had to meet with my new manager.” His demeanor flips again as he stomps towards our table, my mother in tow.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end as controlled rage boils off him in waves.

Oh boy. Here we go.

“Get this. The manager is forcing me to make nice with that pretty boy, Miller. Fucking entitled prick,” he mumbles under his breath.

I inwardly groan as he plops down in the booth and runs his hands over his face, trying to tamper down his anger.

“Language.” Mamma hates it when we curse.

“Sorry, Ma.”

“You knew you were going to be on the same team if you signed with the Evaders, Nico. You’re going to have to control your temper,” Mamma continues, scolding him like she would a little boy throwing a tantrum.

“I know. I made my peace with that. Being here for you is more important.” He drops his head back on the back of the booth, staring up at the ceiling. “What I wasn’t prepared for was being torn a new asshole by Coach Anson.”

“You just joined the team. What could you have possibly done already?”

I listen without a word, wiping knives and slinking into the background.

“Apparently, Anson is less than impressed with my attitude. He thinks I need a lesson in teamwork.”

“He’s not wrong.”

“What the fu—”

My mom glares daggers at Nico.

“Sorry.Heck. Why aren’t you on my side?”

“I’m always on your side,figlio. But sometimes you put your foot in your mouth. I told you to leave it alone a long time ago. He’s not worth ruining your career over.”

Nico groans.

Mamma is right. She repeatedly told Nico to put his feelings aside and focus on the game. Unfortunately, he can’t help himself. He’s a total hothead and can hold a grudge like no other. I don’t know what went down, but one thing is for sure…

Nico hates Cameron Miller.

I bite my lip and turn away. I’m ashamed to admit that back when his feud with my brother began, I looked up Cameron on the internet.

Saying the Evaders’ number-one pitcher is handsome is an understatement. The man oozes charisma and sex appeal. He looks like the player my brother says he is. Women probably line up outside the locker room for hours, hoping he chooses them to go home with for a night spent in his bed.

My tummy somersaults and the spot between my legs tingles as I think about his thick broad shoulders, bubble butt, hazel eyes, and smoldering smile. How his wavy hair curls out the bottom of his baseball hat. The way his enormous fingers wrap around the ball, making it look microscopic in his palm.

“Lia.”

I snap out of my daydreams about a certain pitcher at the sound of my name.

“What?” I hope no one catches on to my guilty thoughts. Maybe I do need someone to give me a tune-up. I should not be lusting over my brother’s enemy.

“Mamma said you’re stressed over your test and that you need a break. That true?”

Guilt washes over me for thirsting after my brother’s mortal enemy. Then Nico’s words register, and I lock eyes with my mother.

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