Page 174 of Drop Three

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“That’show we kick off the season, boys! You make me proud to be your coach. Don’t get too comfortable, though. We’re just getting started, and I can already tell it’s gonna be one hell of a year,” Coach Leggins cheers over the buzzing crowd.

We won.Of course we won.

If I could map out a perfect game in my head, tonight would be it. We played as a united team—blood, sweat, and tears together.

Tonight, the tears were coming from the other team.

The feeling of throwing my gear on and taking my place behind the plate is unlike anything else.

It’s bliss. The stamina kicks in, and I feel invincible.

We’re just getting started.

“Don’t call it a comeback, boys,” King yells at the top of his lungs.

Chest bumping and all the rage swarms around me as our team celebrates the start of a great season.

Coach Leggins ushers us away. “Now, go shower and get the hell off my field. You deserve to celebrate. See you tomorrow. Be ready to put in the work.”

We file into the clubhouse one by one when a voice sweet like honey calls out to me, “Hey, catcher. Good game.”

I leave the team entirely and turn to find Navy on the other side of the clubhouse. “Hey, little earthquake.” My grin can’t be missed.

“Terremoto. It’s terremoto, remember?” Navy says, strutting toward me, legs for days on display.

I smirk, taking a step in her direction. “It’s the same thing.”

Navy shrugs and smiles innocently. “I like it better.” She pauses for a moment. “You owe me a chat.”

I nod. “I do. How about you get over here and kiss me first, then we’ll talk.”

No other words are necessary before Navy takes off, jumping into my arms and kissing me with everything she’s got. “You looked really hot out there.” She kisses me again, wrapping her legs around me.

I’d be content like this for all of my days.

“Did I now?” My brows raise as I walk with her in my arms, heading for the team lounge.

Navy nods repeatedly. “It’s the ass for me.”

“Is that all I am to you? A hot piece of ass?” I tease her playfully.

I lead Navy in my arms to the lounge, where the team comes to chill and recoup during downtime.

High-end leather couches and a black geometric rug layered with a cow print accent rug on top are the focal points when entering the room. The walls are lined with gold-framed photos of legends in baseball from over the years.

A wall I hope to be featured on one day.

Navy giggles as I set her beside me on the leather couch. “Well, yeah. That and your coffee-making skills.”

“Brat.” I tap her nose playfully.

She smiles brightly and settles her head across my lap. I realize how filthy I am, covered in red dirt and likely smell like shit. “You sure you wanna lay there? I need a shower,” I tell her.

Navy waves me off. “Eh, I’m used to it. Callaway Hayes is my brother, remember?”

I laugh and reach my hand out to stroke the curls sliding across her face. “You weren’t so bad out there yourself.”

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