Page 43 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“Thanks. Any ideas on how I can show her I care?”
“Honestly, that’s an individual question. With Sam, it was all about paying attention to what she needed or wanted from me. I fucked up too, but not intentionally. No one is perfect, Levi, just be smart and remember to always consider her. If she’s worth it to you, go all in. Listen to her.”
“Sounds simple enough.”
Brady laughs. “Nothing is simple if you love her.”
“Whoa. I didn’t say anything about love. I’m interested. I like spending time with her and I think about her all the damn time, but it’s too soon to be in love with this woman. It’s barely been a week.”
“And it’s been over five years since you’ve had any interest in a woman besides getting them into your bed. I’m pretty sure it can happen faster than you expect. It did for me.”
Running my hand through my hair, my heart pounds against my ribcage like a jackhammer at the idea of being in love. It’s the first time I thought of love and haven’t wanted to punch something at the mere concept. Maybe that’s a possibility with Layla, but I would have to get her to agree to see more of me beyond her appointments to treat me. She can’t keep pushing me away or our chance will be over before it begins. Spending time with her is exactly what I’m hoping for. I want more of everything when it comes to her. But does she feel the same? I crave everything about her.
“Levi? Did I lose you?”
“Sorry,Brady, I’m here.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind. But I need to go. I have something I’ve got to do.”
“Okay. Take care of your arm. Sam and I want to come to a game next season and we’d like to see you on the field.”
“I will. Thanks Brady. Tell Sam I said hi and congratulations,” I say and end the call.
My mind races, thinking about the things I’ve already learned about Layla and connecting them to something special I could do for her, or something we could do together. Hopefully spending time with her will convert to her giving me a real chance.
An idea forms in my head. Turning towards the door, I stride to the main house, calling, “Aunt Miranda?”
Chapter 22
Layla
Dressed in black leggings and a pale pink, off the shoulder, short-sleeved sweater, I walk next to my best friend towards town. “I don’t know what to do, Chloe, it just feels like it’s moving so fast,” I say, redoing my ponytail. “I went from not ever wanting to see the man again to going out with him again and again. Giving him a chance is just opening up the door for feelings. Isn’t that irresponsible?”
She scoffs, arching her brow. “Really, Layla?”
Halting my footsteps, I spin and look at her. “He met my mother, Chloe. My mother,” I say, emphasizing each word.
She chuckles. “You’re making it sound like it’s a bad thing. But to me, I think he’s exactly the kind of book boyfriend you needed whether you realize it or not.”
My eyes narrow at her. “Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?”
“I am always one hundred percent team Layla and you know it. Liking someone, even a baseball player, is not the end of the world.”
“Ugh. It’s like you read my mind.”
She laughs and I shake my head, fighting my own smile. Being around Chloe tends to lift my spirits, no matter my mood.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I slip it out glancing at the screen. Levi calling.
“Is that him?” she asks.
“Yeah.” I make a face and send him to voicemail, typing out a quick message.
I’m on my way to book club with Chloe. I’ll text you later.
I quickly slip my phone back in my pocket before I read the response I know is coming. It’s better if I ignore it for now.
