Page 24 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

The players’ movements are fluid and graceful, well-practiced from years of repetition, and the force of the ball when it leaves their hands is extraordinary. Even though I’m not really a sports person I understand the competitive nature and drive that needs to be present when you’re working towards something. Watching that on display from the men on the field is truly impressive.

Clink.

The batter aims between second and third base, my eyes drawn to the man playing that position. I watch his body easily pull the ball into his glove and take a few steps before effortlesslythrowing it across the field to first base. A thud reaches me as Evan Hanson, the Smokies’ first baseman, catches it like a bolt of lightning wasn’t just thrown at him.

Clink.

The sound of what can only be another ball being hit reaches my ears, and I assume whoever is getting it follows the same pattern as David. But I can’t be sure since my eyes are glued to the man at shortstop.

It’s obvious he feels at home here. I don’t know any other way to describe how relaxed and comfortable he is standing on the field. The bill of his hat tilts toward my window and a tingle shoots down my body at the thought that he can see me standing here.

But that’s not possible. He’s too far away, right?

“Watching anything interesting?” Hope teases, walking in with a stack of designs to review.

Snapping my gaze toward her, my cheeks heat and her grin widens. “Just some warm-ups I think.” I move back to my chair and unlock my computer screen in an attempt to redirect her from anything to do with me and David. “I thought it was a good opportunity to test my knowledge of the players and their positions.”

“Um-hmm,” she goads, and my body heats. “Who’s our right fielder?”

Diving into the deepest parts of my memory, I work to remember that specific player’s name. I’ve been studying the team roster and checking our social media, but I by no means have them memorized. It will be easier when I actually meet them in person. “Nate?”

“And his last name?” she asks, putting the stack of designs on my desk and sitting in the chair across from me.

Nate is a rookie…I remember that, but what’s his last name? Usually, I pair their full name with a distinct characteristic whengetting to know a new person. What did I pair Nate’s last name with so that it would help me? Chewing my bottom lip I try to ignore the dip in my stomach. “Newman?”

“Okay,” she chuckles, and settles into the chair a bit more. “Sounds like you have been doing some homework.”

Phew. I passed that test. Turning my attention to the designs, I start flipping through them in an attempt to keep the conversation focused on work.

“How do you feel about being David James’ mystery woman?” My fingers freeze, my brows shooting past my hairline, and she laughs at my expression. “Haven’t you seen the newTea Timepost?”

When I stare at her like a deer stuck in headlights, she pulls out her phone.

“Here.” She reaches over the desk and pushes it out so I can see what she’s talking about. Gently taking the phone, I read.

“This doesn’t mean anything,” I laugh nervously, fanning the collar of my shirt. “The only thing we’ve done is talk. Catching two people talking is hardly gossip.”

“Yes, but—” My face is on fire as I cut her off.

“No buts.” I turn back toward my screen and attempt to read the email before me, but it’s impossible with what I just read. This is my first week with the Smokies. What if upper management sees that?

“But…” she says, ignoring me, “David is Finn Mitchell’s client.”

I roll my eyes and snicker. “Still doesn’t mean anything.”

She crosses her arms, leaning back in the chair. Her grin widening. “Tea Timeis rarely wrong. Not to mention, Logan is even talking about the sparks flying, and he doesn’t notice anything.”

“I find that hard to believe,” I respond, thinking about my first time meeting Logan. “He doesn’t lack confidence.”

“Confidence, no. But he’s not one to pay attention to people and their feelings. He’s usually oblivious.”

“What’s going on with you and Logan?” I chuckle when she gives me a look that tells me I’m not getting off so easily. “I’m curious.”

“We’re not dating, if that’s what you’re asking. We’ve been friends since grade school. Just friends.” I watch her eyes cloud before she snaps her gaze back to mine. “But we were talking about you and David.”

“David and I grew up next to each other when I was younger, and I had a crush on him,” I say softly, feeling vulnerable. “But then my family moved away.”

Hope’s eyes are the size of soup bowls, and I can’t help but chuckle. “Is that why you took this job?”

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