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At least that makes me feel better. “I’ll be sure to get my spot in your calendar as quick as possible from now on.”

She shrugs, a flirty smile spreading across her face. “How about from now on, I give you my schedule? That way, you know when you can ask me.”

“Sounds perfect.”

I’m just about to lean over and take the kiss I’ve wanted since she walked in, but Gauge turns around at the exact same time. It occurs to me we’ve never had the discussion about what to tell him and, right now, I don’t wanna rock the boat.

Even if I want her more than anything.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Natalie

“Yeah, go after it Trinity!”

We’re at my parents’ house getting ready to have dinner and I’m hitting pop flies to her. The first couple she was scared of, but since she successfully caught a few of them, she’s been a beast. Her drive to be the best reminds me of how I was when I first started playing.

I’ve had a weird relationship with softball since I’ve left the game, and I’m slightly hoping however she feels will rub off on me. Maybe this is what I needed to rediscover a love I let get away.

“Thank you.” She smiles, the gap in her teeth showing.

“You’re doing so well. I can’t wait to show your dad some of the videos we’ve taken.”

She runs over to me. “Wish he were here with us.”

“Me too, kiddo, but he’s at work.”

“And his work is important,” she finishes for me. Those are the words Cam’s been saying to her since the first morning he had to leave her with me. I think it was more for his benefit than for hers.

“Never more important than you,” I remind her.

“I know, just sometimes other people need him too.”

If only she knew I’m one of those people. We haven’t been able to get together the past four days and the loneliness is more than I figured it would be. The need to see him and be around him is almost all-consuming, but I’m only seeing him long enough to give him a quick kiss while Trin’s not looking before rushing out to make it to work in time. We haven’t even been texting much.

We saw each other more before we fooled around.

Maybe that’s the punishment we’re getting because we’re the epitome of a porno. Hot firefighter with his daughter’s babysitter. However, I don’t have to work tomorrow, so I plan to be at the house when he gets off-shift and stay until he asks me to leave.

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Pulling it out, his smiling face stares back at me.

C: You’re still gonna be there when I get off, right?

N: I mean, I hope to be.

C: LMAO! Aren’t I the one who should be making a joke like that?

N: Nah, we’re equal opportunity.

C: I like that.

N: I do too. BTW we’re at Mom and Dad’s for dinner tonight. Think Gauge is gonna be here. Been hitting some pop flies to Trin and she’s getting under them. She’s gonna be amazing before the beginning of next season.

C: That’s my girl. I’m glad she’s hanging out with a group tonight. We haven’t been to see my parents in a while. My fault totally, but she enjoys being around older people, ya know?

N: Oh, I know.


Tags: Laramie Briscoe Romance