Page 81 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Gritting my teeth, I begin working on him, cringing as a moan leaves his mouth. Sure, I’ve heard it before while I’m working, but hearing it from Cal makes me nauseous. “That feels so good, just a little higher.”
I dig in harder than necessary, making him flinch and grab my wrist. “What the fuck, babe?”
“Don’t call me babe and let me do my job.”
He wrenches me closer and my eyes narrow. “Layla, please. I miss you. We were so good together.”
“I have a boyfriend. Let me go.”
“So, it’s true? You’re fucking one of the players from the Lions?”
“That’s not your business, Cal. Let go of me and let me do my job or get the fuck out.”
“I just want to talk, Layla.” Glaring at him, I don’t respond and he growls in annoyance. “What if I don’t want to do those things?”
“ThenI’ll report you for harassment.”
“Hurst? Are you bothering Miss Romano?” Mr. Zetner questions as he reenters the training room.
Cal drops my hand like a child who touched a burning stove. “No, Sir. We’re old friends.”
“That’s not what it looks like to me.” Glancing back at me, he says, “Layla, take an extra kit up to the dugout and assist your brother.”
“Got it.” I grab the first aid kit and practically run out of the training room. My heartrate settles when I finally reach the dugout and spot my brother. Sinking down on the bench near him, my body sags with relief.
Leaning towards my ear, he asks, “You okay?”
Gulping down the lump in my throat I nod, but his furrowed brow remains. He knows me better than that. I’ll tell him at the end of the day. I’m not about to piss him off during practice. “Mr. Zetner said you were hurt?”
“Nope, I’m good. Are you sure you’re all right?”
A small smile curls my lips. Looks like I have my own team already watching my back. “Yes, Gabe. I’m great.”
Chapter 43
Levi
Players move in and out throughout the season and during preseason training this year, there seems to be more shuffling than normal with some last minute trades. My pitching is good, but I’m still not throwing like I was before my injury. It gets better every day. Unfortunately, the new guys they brought in are phenomenal making my stomach turn, feeding my concern. My thoughts drift back to the possibility of a trade, especially knowing I was already on Joey’s list. He’d gladly send me somewhere across the country.
Sighing, I massage my shoulder and arm. My muscles are sore as hell and I’d love to jump in the damn shower. Instead, I’m here waiting for one of our trainers. Derek will likely be the one helping me. He’s okay, but he’s nothing like Layla.
Damn, I miss her.
Grabbing my cell, I dial her number, hoping to hear her voice while I wait. She answers almost instantly, bringing a smile to my face. “Levi, hi.”
“Hi, beautiful.I miss you.”
“I only have a few minutes, but you called at a good time. How are you calling right now?”
Chuckling, I explain, “I’m waiting for one of the trainers. My arm is a little sore, so they want me to have it looked at.”
“You probably need my hands,” she teases.
“You have no idea,” I groan, imagining her hands on me. Swiftly shaking the thought away, not wanting to get worked up here, I ask, “How’s everything going?”
“So much better,” she croons. “Apparently, Cal got traded yesterday. I don’t know where, but I don’t care. I will never have to put my hands on him again.”
A smile curves my lips as I breathe a sigh of relief. I knew Gabe was trying to keep him away from Layla, but work is work and it doesn’t always happen the way we would like. I wanted to fly up just to pummel that asshole when she told me about him messing with her last week. “That’s fantastic news.”
