He lets the second pitch go too. Another strike.
“What’s he doing?” Flynn demands. I don’t take my eyes off Austin.
“He’s waiting for the right one,” Seb says. “Instinct, remember? He’ll know.”
The third pitch is straight down the middle. And sure enough, Austin swings, the bat slamming against the ball with a giant CRACK.
We all spring to our feet, screaming and hollering as the hit soars away over the field, landing in the stands.
“Yes!”
“Wohoo!”
“Way to go, Austin!”
Everyone’s jumping up and down, howling in celebration. The stands rattle beneath our feet. He did it!
On the field, his teammates rush over, celebrating.
“Come on!” Seb yells, “Let’s go.”
The whole group charges down the bleachers and joins the group on the field. Millie and I exchange a look. “When in Rome,” she grins. “After you!”
I hurry down after them, reaching the melee just as Austin pulls away from his teammates and jogs to reach me, sweeping me up in his arms.
“You were amazing!”
He laughs, “I had some pretty great incentive.”
He kisses me hot and hard, lifting me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist, pressing breathlessly for more.
“My God,” Seb says from somewhere. “Get a room.”
“Now, there’s an idea.” Austin finally releases me, setting me down. “You know, Lainie was telling me about an amazing spa in the Caribbean… We should really go check it out. For research purposes.”
I gape. Him and me on a beach, clothing-optional? “Umm, yes please! That sounds like an amazing idea. For the business, of course.”
“Love you, baby,” he breathes, capturing my mouth in another kiss. And I give a happy sigh. Because this time, it’s all real between us. I’m not standing on the sidelines anymore, watching someone else live the life of my dreams – I’m making it happen, for me.
And now, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.