Page 14 of Pitching for Keeps
"We live in different cities," I protest weakly.
"Austin to Dallas. Two and a half hours. I've timed it."
"Your schedule is crazy."
"You have it memorized."
"I'm scared."
"Me too." His thumb traces my cheekbone. "But I'm more scared of spending another five years wondering what if."
"Jay?"
"Yeah?"
"Please kiss me before I overthink this."
He laughs. "There's my Tracy."
And then he's kissing me, and it's like coming home and starting fresh all at once. It's everything I've been trying not to want.
When we finally break apart, there's actual applause from the country club windows.
"So," Jay says, resting his forehead against mine. "Think you can handle dating a Triple-A pitcher with major league dreams?"
"I don't know," I say, smiling. "Think you can handle dating a marketing manager who color-codes her entire life?"
"I guess we'll find out."
We walk back into the dining room hand in hand to find everyone pretending they weren't just pressed against the windows.
"So," Megan says innocently, "anyone want dessert?"
"I do," I say, squeezing Jay's hand. "I suddenly have a lot to celebrate."
"Like what?" she asks, all fake confusion.
"Like getting the best wedding present ever—a second chance."
Jay pulls me closer. "That's funny. I was thinking the same thing."
CHAPTER FOUR
Oh,my gracious, I don't do mornings and I definitely don't do smiling before coffee. But my lips are still tingling from kissing Jay Talley in the garden last night, and apparently my face didn't get the memo that we're supposed to be playing this cool. I’m smiling before I even slide out of bed. Quite alarming when you think about it.
I reach over to check my phone on the nightstand.
Jay: Good morning, lucky charm. Sleep well?
I bury my face in my pillow to muffle what might be a squeal. I'm twenty-seven years old. Marketing professionals do not squeal.
Me: Morning. And yes. You?
Jay: Best night's sleep in five years.
"Get it together, Tracy," I whisper to myself. "You are a mature adult who is definitely not grinning at her phone like a teenager."
Jay: Have to be at the field by 8 for a mandatory team meeting. Coach's orders.
