Page 41 of Grand Slam

“Well just so you know,” I lean in bumping my shoulder to hers, “I’ve seen how he watches you. You are in the same room, but he can’t look away. It’s sweet. So even if he’s the kind of guy that finds it difficult to say what he’s feeling I think it’s written all over his face.”

She shrugs like it doesn’t matter, but I know her, and it matters.

“As for the beautiful women he is surrounded by, you are one of those beautiful women.” I turn completely sideways in my seat, making sure she is looking at me. “Don’t for a second think they have anything on you.”

Alizabeth has been by my side for as far back as I can remember. She has been my cheerleader, my voice of reason, and yes even the person that at times I hated, but never once stopped loving.

I have never in my life met a person who has a more beautiful soul.

That also happens to be wrapped up in a fiery package that if you cross you better run. She is hilarious, loyal, and someone I have always been able to count on, no matter when, when, or how.

“Have you noticed Kelton has an extra bounce to his step?” she says out of nowhere, breaking through the heavy. Instantly I look to the field just in time to catch him and the player next to him do a little hop, and some hand body wave and I burst out laughing. It’s her way to get us back to the fun and leave the deep stuff behind but honestly it’s perfect timing.

And once again my cheeks heat from the reminders of last night and I smile so big it makes my cheeks hurt.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Kelton

The game is so close,it has been from the start. Like a tug-of-war, we pull ahead and then they jump forward. It’s been a constant battle and some of the guys are growing irritable with the uncertainty, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

I know there isn’t much that could ruin my mood. Not after the night I had, and morning.

For the first time in weeks, I feel like maybe things would work out. I think Emerson and I have hit that point where we know this is happening, she and I would make this work. One way or the other in the end, we’’ll be together.

But for now, she is here and I’m fucking floating on cloud nine.

“You need to stop smiling.” Tripp kicks my shoe as he walks by and I chuckle. “Haven’t you noticed we are down by two?”

“Yeah.” I lean back crossing my ankle over one knee. “I noticed, but what’s me getting all pissy about it gonna do? You are pissy enough for the both of us.”

He flips me off and walks off to grab his bat.

“Piss him off before he goes up to bat?” Evan says, also leaning over to rest his elbows on his knees.

“He’ll get up there and imagine the ball is my face.” I shrug. “Just might get grumpy a home run.”

“Or at least a double.” Evan smiles. “Hell anything at this point. We’ll take what we can get.”

We watch and wait, seeing the tension in Tripp’s shoulders as he walks toward the plate. When I hear the crack of the bat as the ball goes soaring I chuckle. “And there goes my head.”

A few other guys who’ve overheard Evan and my conversation join in and the rest of the inning allows us to once again pull ahead. Continuing our tug-of-war.

When I’m up to bat I glance toward the area I know Em and my sister are sitting in. Tipping the bill of my hat down, I offer a smile, then get into position.

The crowd is humming, St. Louis locals chanting for their home team. It’s all the thrill of the game, the things I love the most. The electric feeling of the fans, and the news crews, all those who aren’t here watching but are on the edge of their seats at home, eyes glued to the screen.

The first pitch comes in a little outside and low.

Ball one.

I know it the second the ball leaves the pitcher’s glove, it’s right down the middle. Just how I like it.

We lose,and I should care, I know I should. It was a good game.

Win or lose, I had a hell of a time playing the game I love. It was close, and we still have three more games against St. Louis.

The truth is, I don’t think anything can bring me down.

---