Page 61 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“I want to do more for you if you’ll let me.” Closing the distance between us, he seals his mouth over mine, his kiss tender. Falling back to the pillow, his eyes flutter closed and I curl into his embrace, savoring our time together.
Chapter 31
Levi
After Halloween, I fall into my regular pattern of working out, physical therapy and a few easy baseball drills Layla will allow me to do, but now I have the added benefit of spending time with Layla, which is anything but routine. I have to admit, my time with her, even if it’s for my physical therapy has become my favorite parts of my day.
I glance at the time, a smile creeping up on my face knowing she’ll be done with work at the high school soon. Heading towards the shower to get cleaned up, I consider our plans for tonight.
My cell phone rings, garnering my attention. I swipe it off the table, looking at the screen. Joey, the manager for the Lions, lights it up causing my stomach to turn. He never calls for anything good during the offseason. Frowning, I clear my throat and swipe to answer. “Hey, Joey. How are you?”
“Hi, Levi. Sorry to bother you during your time off.”
“No worries. What’s up?”
“Just checking in for an update. How’s the arm?” And there it is. His reason. Will I be able to perform next season? Is it worth it with my salary? Am I worth it?
“It’s doing pretty good. In fact, I just got finished doing some drills. My physical therapist has been working me hard.”
“All right, okay. Sounds good. I should be getting her update this week as well, but I wanted to hear things directly from you. Of course there’s time, but it’s good to see you’re making progress.” I flinch, his comment feeling like a death sentence. “Thanks, Brennan.”
“Yeah, no problem.”
He disconnects before saying anything else and my stomach plummets. I didn’t like the feel of that call. What the fuck did that mean? Are they looking to trade me? Bench me? Send me down? What?
My anxiety increases wading into the unknown. I hate the politics of the game. I just wanna play.
Knowing I won’t be able to sit still after that, I text Layla.
Hey. Hope you had a good day. Sorry to cancel at the last minute, but I need to head to the indoor training facility over in Balan.
Layla
It’s okay. Everything all right?
Yes. I’ll text you when I’m on my way back if it’s not too late.
Layla
Okay. Take it easy on your arm.
Yes, ma’am.
Redirecting, I grab my gear, wallet and keys, heading for the door. On edge, I send one more text to Salinger, one of my teammates.
Hey Sal. Hope your enjoying vacation. Curious. Have you heard any trade rumors?
I press send and jump in the car. The moment I drive away, my phone rings, my Bluetooth alerting me to the call through my speakers. “Felix Salinger calling. Would you like to answer it?”
“Yes,” I respond and immediately it connects me. “Sal, hey. How are you, man?”
“You don’t call, you don’t write, I’m hurt, Brennan,” he jokes. “But I’m good besides. I saw your text and had to call. How’s the arm?”
“Fuck the arm. It’s fine. It’s good. It’s great.”
He chuckles. “You sure about that.”
Heaving a sigh, I laugh at myself. “Yeah, but I’m still sick of that damn question and after hearing from Joey–”
