Slipping one hand to the back of her neck, I lace my fingers through her hair and gently reposition her head, deepening the kiss. When she moans softly against my lips, something inside me opens.
A door that’s been closed.
And there’s only one thing that matters. Cat.
A thunderous bark shoots through my ear, snapping me from my haze, and I feel Cat startle. “What the heck?”
Still breathing heavily, I watch Cat’s eyes shift to the left, a slow smile crawling along her lips. Lips that I want to kiss again. When she gently pushes against my chest, I try to pull her back to me.
“David,” she chuckles breathlessly, her cheeks the most adorable shade of pink. “Everyone is watching.”
Reality hits, and I remember the reason I’m out on the field. I shrug, a wry grin spreading across my mouth. “I forgot.”
Her laughter tugs at my stomach and shoots straight to my heart. She awkwardly pushes off my chest, and I laugh with her as I try to help. Finally, she’s able to climb off me. When she reaches her hand down, all I can do is stare.
Hesitation stalls me because I know I’m not just taking her hand, I’m giving her my heart. I sigh, a smile creeping along my face.
My gaze flicks to hers to find an unasked question. My smile broadens, my resolve firming. I trust her. I trust this. I gently place my hand in hers and push up from the turf, our images flashing on the big screen.
“Looks like they came up for air, Ladies and Gentlemen.” Laughter surrounds us, and Cat’s face turns an even brighter shade of pink, making my smile grow impossibly bigger.
I glance down to find Emmy sitting patiently in front of me, her tongue hanging to one side. “Seriously?” I groan, unable to stop the laughter bubbling up. “Did you plan this?”
Her eyes sparkle, and I shake my head. Picking up the leash easily, I walk off the field, holding Emmy in one hand and Cat’s hand with the other.
The PA crackles and the crowd cheers, but I’m not listening to the words.
“David.” Cat puts a hand on my chest and applies pressure, pointing her head in the opposite direction. “I’m going over there. Give me Emmy’s leash.”
Tugging her closer to me before reluctantly letting go, I notice a flicker of something run across her expression. I don’t have time to address it as I hear Coach shout my name. “Here.” I hand her Emmy’s leash and lean in to kiss her cheek before running to the dugout.
Fans are cheering and clapping, guys from both teams are catcalling, and I can’t wipe this goofy grin from my face.
“Sorry, Coach!” He’s doing his best to give me a stern expression, but the gleam in his eyes tells me he’s amused too.
“Well, that’s one way to get the season off to a memorable start.” Logan slaps me on the back as he walks onto the field and heads behind home plate. “Maybe I should get a dog,” he mumbles.
“Can we please get our focus on the game?” Coach grumbles. “We don’t just want a memorable beginning…we want a win.”
Slipping my glove on, I punch it with my hand, my pre-game routine kicking in. A grin tugs at my lip. And if the slow hum vibrating through my body is any indication, I’m pretty sure I already won.
Tea Time
HeyTeaLovers.
I’mdeclaringthe Smokies’ Bark In The Park the event of the year, bold I know. But have you seen anything more fun?
We’re also rethinking our suspicions about Finn Mitchell. Don’t get me wrong, thereISa story where he’s concerned, and we will get to the bottom of it.
But in this case, maybe the matchmaker is the James’ new dog?
Did you see how Emmy expertly escaped, then drew both David and Cat together? It was the stuff romance movies are made of!
Someone get that dog a treat.
Oh, speaking of treats, we have the sweetest, most delicious tea…
But,that’s a story for another day.