Page 10 of Fielder's Choice

“Liv?” I can’t help but smile.

“You? Sage’s dad is supposed to be some big baseball hotshot.”

“Emphasis on hot, right?”

She gasps, and I don’t miss the blush spreading across her cheeks.

“Your friend said you were in entertainment,” Liv says softly.

I chuckle at the reminder of what Ari came up with. “Baseballisentertainment.”

“If you told me your name yesterday, I would’ve realized who you were.”

“I told you I’d tell you when I saw you next. And what do you know? Fate made sure I saw you again.” I stick out my one hand not propping up my daughter. “So, hi, my name is Lane.”

She smiles at me gently before taking my hand and shaking. “I’m Olive. Liv for short.”

I can’t help but glance over her. I was right about her being athletic. Her dancer’s body is apparent through her tight ballet outfit.

I’ve always been into athletic women.

“Good to see you again, Liv.”

Sage looks up at me. “Daddy know Owive?”

“Yeah, Lovebug. Olive and I met each other yesterday, actually.”

Liv looks to the ground and takes note of the cup I have resting by my feet. “You went back to Urban Grind this morning.”

I smirk. “I had a caramel latte to try. Solid suggestion, by the way. Absolutely delicious.”

She smiles at me, and I beam. From the brief interaction we had yesterday, I could tell that she’s somewhat shy and reserved. She doesn’t seem to open up easily. So getting her to smile at me seems like a big fucking win.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t around until recently. I could’ve met you when you guys started, but I hadn’t danced since I was a teenager. Six years is a long time, but I thankfully kept in shape and remember what I learned growing up.”

Hold up.

Six years?

Teenager?!

I can feel my stomach drop.

“Olive,” I say warily. “How old are you?”

“I guess you wouldn’t know that,” she chuckles. “I’m twenty-three.”

“Holy shit.” I look at Sage now. “Don’t repeat that, Lovebug.”

“Why is that a big deal?” she asks, confused by my reaction.

“It’s not,” I answer. “I just didn’t realize you were so much younger than me.”

She looks at me in curiosity. “How old are you then? I assumed you were older, but I didn’t think it was by that much.”

“Liv,” I sigh, pinching my brow. “I’m thirty-two.”

Her eyes go wide as we just stare at each other.

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