Page 36 of Baseball and Shifters

“What are you doing?”

“Finding the perfect outfit for you to wear on your first date, of course,” she says as she walks out of my closet holding several hangers.

“Who says I’m going?”

“Oh, please. We all know you’re going. Just give in so we can help you get ready.” She rolls her eyes.

“You’re not going to leave me alone until I agree, are you?”

“If you really want me to, I’ll leave you alone right now and we’ll never bring it up again. But I think a part of you wants this. You’re just too scared. I know how hard it is to make yourself do something that terrifies you. I also know how amazing it feels when you defeat your fears. I want you to feelthat. Don’t let what ifs stop you from enjoying the good things in life.”

“What if my mates aren’tgood things?”

“What if they are?” she counters. “What if you let yourself experience new and exciting things? What if you stop looking for the bad and start embracing the good?”

“I thought I wasn’t supposed to think about what ifs,” I chuckle.

“And I thought you were a quiet girl who didn’t back talk. Looks like we’re both wrong.” She smirks and I can’t help but laugh.

“Give them a chance, Rach. We’ll be right here if anything goes wrong. We’re only a phone call away. I don’t care if I have to take on the entire baseball team to rescue you. You’re not alone. People care about you. I’m sorry you didn’t have that growing up, but you have it now. We’re not going anywhere. But I don’t think your mates are either. Maybe if you give them a chance, they’ll prove to be just as on your side as we are.”

“You think so?”

She’s wearing me down, I can feel it. Okay fine, maybe she’s right. Maybe I secretly really do want to go on this date. But I’m still terrified.

“I think you’ll never know if you don’t take the chance.”

My heart pounds as I weigh my options.

I’ve already bonded with both of them. There’s no going back now.

But what if they fight over me?

Bastian already told you that was a misunderstanding. He didn’t know they were both your mates. Now that he does, he won’t stand in the way of you being with both of them. Lucas said the same thing.

Could they both really be okay with sharing a mate? What if they change their mind when I find my third and fourth mates?

Do you really think they would?

Ugh. I hate arguing with myself. Why do I have to be so rational?

Dallas must see the moment I conceded because she cheers and throws my clothes on the bed.

“Yay! Go get in the shower and get dressed. Come out to the living room when you’re done and Aubree and I will do your hair and makeup,” she orders.

“Do I have to? I’m a makeup minimalist at best,” I grumble.

“You don’t say.” She rolls her eyes. “Just do as I say. I promise to keep it understated. It won’t be some big transformation.”

“Fine. But if you make me look like a clown I’m not going.” I grab my clothes and head to my shared bathroom, finally letting loose the smile I’ve been holding back as soon as I’m behind the closed door.

I’m suddenly giddy. For the first time ever, I’m looking forward to something. The thought of seeing Lucas and Bastian again sends a thrill through me as I turn on the hot water and strip. It doesn’t take long before I’m set on a stool in the middle of the living room being poked and prodded by the girls. Even Maya joins in on the Rachel makeover and when she grabs the floor length mirror from her room to show me the finished result I’m shocked.

The outfit they chose makes me feel slightly exposed with the swooping neckline that exposes both collarbones and a large swath of my chest. I’m not sure whose shirt this is but I can’t deny I look good in it. My hair and makeup are understated but gorgeous. I make the decision to leave Bastian’s mark on my neck uncovered tonight. He looked heart broken when he saw me this morning and I need a chance to explain before he sees it covered again. Feeling beautiful for the first time in a long time makes me feel stronger than I could have imagined and that takes me by surprise. I’m even more surprised when after I thank them all and give them a hug they don’t shove me out the door alone. Instead they all walk me to the doors of the boys dorm and offer me one last pep talk before turning and heading back.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. How could I let them talk me into this?

Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step into the boys dorm lobby. I don’t know why I’m shocked it’s not the same as the girls’ lobby. Yeah, there’s tables and chairs, but it’s set up completely different. There’s also multiple TVs with groups of guys already sitting around playing video games. As I scan thelobby, I see Lucas and Bastian talking to another guy. Lucas, all charming confidence in a forest-green Henley, is leaning against the wall with a lazy grin. Bastian’s arms are crossed, his dark hair still damp from a shower. The third guy is the tallest by a few inches at least. He’s broad chested and massive, but weirdly I find myself wanting to curl up in his arms. I think he’s on the baseball team too. The catcher, maybe? I don’t know his name but it looks like he’s pretty close to Bastian and Lucas.

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