Page 84 of Make My Heart Malt

He laughs. “He told me if I’m not on the field by one, he’ll be using my balls to throw the first pitch. When Skip makes a threat, you don’t take it lightly. And I’d rather not have to catch my own balls.”

I scrunch my nose and giggle. “That sounds exactly like Jake. When he says something, he means it. Plus, I kind of like your balls. So, your manager’s name is Skip?”

“His name is Cory Lockwood, but Skip is a nickname some managers go by.” I nod along. “Anyway,” a slow grin spreads across is mouth, “I have eighteen hours before I need to be at the field.”

“And two of those will be spent in a car. So, what are you planning on doing with those sixteen hours?”

“Well first, I’m going to kiss you because it’s been way too long since the last time.” He presses his lips to mine in a soft, lingering kiss. He pulls back, entirely too soon, and rests his forehead against mine. “Next, as much as I want to ravish every inch of your naked body, it will have to wait until later. I have other plans first.”

I drag my fingers over his chest. “I really like the first option.”

“I promise,” he kisses me again, “the wait will be worth it.” His heated gaze drops. “While I love you in this whiteWarblers tank top,” his finger hooks under the strap, slides it over my shoulder, and presses a warm kiss on my bare skin, “I certainly won’t be able to keep my hands to myself. So, I’ll need you to change.”

I press my hips into him. His growing erection digs into my belly. “What should I wear?”

“Something warm. We’ll be outside.”

“Oookay,” I drawl out, not entirely sure what he has planned, but I trust him. I spin around and he smacks my butt before I run up the stairs and tug on a pair of dark skinny jeans and a cream colored sweater. When I make my way downstairs, Garrett’s standing by the door.

“Now that I’m dressed, are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“The Harbor Highlands Huskies are playing tonight. Their pitcher has been drawing a lot of attention. I’d like to see him play.”

“So, on your night off from baseball, you want to watch baseball?” He nods. A soft smile forms on my lips. “Baseball really does flow through your veins.”

“I eat, sleep, dream of nothing but baseball. And you.” He winks.

A laugh bubbles out of me, and I playfully slap his chest. “Good save.”

Garrett drives us across town to Atwood Stadium, where the Huskies play, a Double-A minor league for the Mallards. Garrett buys our tickets, and we find a spot on the steel bleachers. Stadium lights flood the field as the sky darkens above us. I’ve never attended a Huskies game, but they appear to be fairly popular since a majority of the seats are taken. After we sit, Garrett wraps his arm around my shoulder, and I snuggle into his side. I love the warm comfort of him next to me. It’s becoming my favorite thingin the world. Being with him feels so natural, like we’re meant to be.

Since we got here late, we catch the last five innings. Throughout the game, he tells me what they should have done, what they did right, and what they did wrong. Some people may take that as arrogance, but Garrett’s anything but. Baseball is his life, people should listen to what he has to say about the sport.

“Have you ever thought of going into coaching? Once you’re done playing baseball.”

He taps his chin. “I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. If all goes well and I avoid injury, I could still play another ten years.”

“With your knowledge, I think you would be great at it. It’s something to consider.”

He nods.

The Harbor Highland Huskies win eight to five. When the game is over, everyone shuffles out of the stands, including Garrett and me. Before we reach Garrett’s rental car, he stops and turns to me. “Aren’t the Hillside ball fields close to here?”

“Yeah, it’s only a couple of blocks.” I point toward the sidewalk path that leads in that direction.

“Let’s check it out. I haven’t been there since high school.”

A light breeze kicks up, and I wrap my arms around myself.

“Are you cold? We don’t have to go.”

“No, we can keep going. You’ll just have to keep me warm.”

“My pleasure.”

He wraps his arms around my shoulder and pulls me to his side. His scent invades my senses. It’s comforting. It’s my home.He’smy home.

THIRTY-SIX

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