Page 175 of Drop Three

“Thanks. It felt good to report again. There’s not much excitement happening now with it being spring training, but god, B, that win was legendary.”

Fuck, if it doesn’t make me happy to hear her support me. Yeah, Navy worksforthe Strikers, but pride seeps from her soul for this team—this League, this field, all of it.

She’s one of us, cleats and baseball pants or not.

I wouldn’t mind if she became even more a part of me.

I never thought I was capable of experiencing feelings like the ones Navy brings out in me. The desire to love someone unconditionally, to be mentally sound enough for a healthy relationship, and to envision a future with someone I love.

Now, here it is, she is, right in front of me, ready for me to hold her close and keep her forever.

Nothing has ever sounded more right.

“I’m proud of you. You handled everything with Jared in stride, and look at you now. The fuckers gone, and you’re in the lead.”

“That’s not what it was about, B. I don’t care about being the top dog.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be there.”

She pauses for a moment. “I think I want to design clothes.”

My brows rise. “Yeah? You’d be great at that.”

Navy nods. “It’s always been a dream of mine, but I never took it seriously enough to risk trying. I’ve got a journal full of sketches and different ideas.”

“Baby, that’s incredible. You can do it. I’ll help however I can.”

She smiles. “Thanks, B. You’ll be the first to know.”

“Are you saying you’d want to design over reporting?” I ask her.

She thinks about my question and my eyes are drawn to the way she bites her lip, lost in thought. It’s her small, unintentional mannerism that sends me spiraling.

She’s sexy as hell.

I shift in my seat, fighting back the bulge I know will be nudging her in the head soon.

“You incorrigible man.”She doesn’t miss a lick.

I laugh it off. “Ah, ignore it. It’s got a mind of its own. Back to designing.”

Navy reaches for her dainty gold necklace and twiddles it between her fingers. “I love reporting, don’t get me wrong. I think it just doesn’t give me the joy I feel when I design something I’m proud of. I love working for the Strikers and I could never imagine a time when I don’t, but I keep thinking this isn’t enough for me, ya know? I know I have talent, and it seems like a waste not to use it.”

Navy is the most confident woman I know, but she embodies humility, and you would never know how great she is unless you see it for yourself. Her skill is not something she will ever go around boasting about.

I admire that about her.

Thankfully, she has me, because I’ll boast enough for the both of us.

“I’ve seen your sketches, Navy. You’re incredible; you’re right, it would be a shame to not utilize what you’re so naturally great at.”

“You sneaking peeks in my sketchbook, catcher?”

“A time or two, yes,” I admit honestly. “I was curious.”

Navy doesn’t seem to mind. “I don’t know. It’s something for me to think about.”

I tilt her head in my direction. “Baby, look at me. If it’s your dream, then I say grab it by the fucking horns and go after it. You have my full support. Hell, I’ll even model the designs for you. You know how much I love an unpredictable outfit change. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”

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