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Roxie hadn’t had her period in six weeks.
Yes, I kept track.
That’s how utterly obsessed and head over heels in love I was with Roxie.
Jeremy called a sign, and I shook my head. He signed for a different throw, and I shook my head again. It wasn’t until he called for a fastball that I nodded. I needed to get this guy out as fast as possible to go straight to my girl. I threw my fastball and didn’t even bother holding my breath before the sound of the ball hitting Jer’s mitt sounded.
“Strike three, you’re out!” the umpire called and stood.
Everyone became a blur around me.
Our team on the outfield hurried to head to the bleachers, the team from Arizona running in field to take their position before warming up. I should have moved. Headed to the bleachers. Adam ran up to me, his gaze confused.
“You okay, man?”
“I’m in love with Roxie,” I blurted out.
No one knew about our arrangement or that we were together. It was one of the ways Roxanne tried to keep a hand up between us, but I was done fucking around. Time was fucking up, and I was going to make my move no matter how goddamn reckless it was or what it might cost me.
“What?” His eyes widened and then bunched. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Roxanne. I love Roxanne.”
“Roxie? My cousin Rox?” I nodded. I felt like I suddenly couldn’t catch my breath.
“I love her. I—“ My head shook. “You’re her cousin. You’re like a brother to her. I need to tell you I love her and I’m about to do something crazy.”
“You know this game’s being televised, right?”
“Right.”
“A scout from the goddamn Yankees is out in the stands, man,” he hissed. I could see him scanning the field. He made a face, probably to one of the coaches, as he put his hand out, silently asking to give us a minute.
“I don’t care,” I answered.
“You love her?” I nodded. “Seriously? You know she’s a little… much?”
“She’s fucking perfect,” I growled. There was no way she was too much. She was fucking exquisite.
“Shit. You’re serious about this?” He chuckled, and I nodded. “Does she love you?”
“I think so. I’m just not sure if she’s willing to admit it yet.” He stared at me for the longest moment.
“What are you thinking about doing?”
“I’m leaving the game,” I answered honestly. “Tell Jay to hit a homerun, and we’re even for that thing we helped take care of.” Adam stared at me and nodded. With a pat on my shoulder, he breathed in and exhaled.
“Why tell me?”
“You’re her family. Need your blessing.”
“Blessing?” He coughed, looking at me like I had just grown an extra head.
“You trust me?”
“Fuck no,” he chuckled. “But as long as you make her happy and don’t hurt her, you know I got your back.”
“Thanks, man.” I smiled, then I turned and caught her out in the stands. Concern shone in those pretty green eyes I loved so damn much. Green eyes I hoped the baby she was carrying would have. And if she wasn’t pregnant already like I suspected, she would be. I’d make sure of it.
