“What Austin is trying to say,” Gareth glares at him, “is these women find you attractive and it's really boosting the team’s favor this season.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I clamp my eyes closed. “Shouldn’t you two be practicing.”
“On it, Coach Hottie!” Austin hops to his feet.
“Austin,” Gareth scolds, groaning with annoyance. “Respect the coach.”
“I do respect him. I also envy him a little right now.” He winks at me, then jogs back to the field.
“Sorry, Coach.” Gareth picks up his mitt from the bench.
“Not your apology to give, Fox. For what it’s worth, it’s not needed either. I’ve figured out Austin and his personality.”
“I know, but there should be a line of professionalism, too.”
I laugh. “Professionalism ended when you guys set up that group chat.”
“True.” He grins.
My phone starts to vibrate in my hand, and I see Hailey’s name flash across the screen. My pulse quickens—she never calls.
“Gotta take this,” I slur in a single breath before answering. “Hello?”
“Declan, hey,” Hailey’s sweet voice filters through the phone, “sorry to bother you at work.”
My thoughts stray to dark places.Is Sailor hurt? Is she?“It’s fine. Is Sailor okay?”
“Oh, yes! Sailor is perfect. That’s not why I’m calling.”
Immediately I relax, exhaling a deep breath as I run my hand through my hair.
“I...um… Have you been on the internet today?” she asks with hesitation.
She’s seen the video, too.
“Yeah. A couple of my guys just brought it to my attention. Hailey, I’m so sorry. A family member of one of the players took it and posted it.”
“I’m not upset, I just was a little surprised. But I wasn’t sure if you’d seen it yet and I feel compelled to let you knowIwasn’t the one who did it.”
“Of course you weren’t.” I’m baffled she’d even say that. “Why would you think I’d accuse you of posting it?”
“I just wanted to be clear that it wasn’t me. I don’t want you to think I’d do that—try to chase clout or whatever.”
My thoughts flash back to the night after her accident where I told her about Sailor’s mom leaving us to try and become a Hollywood star. Then I think about Austin’s words—you’re an internet sensation—and put two and two together.
“Hailey, I promise you that wasn’t even a thought in my mind, but thank you for the reassurance.”
She sighs, and I can hear the relief in her words. “Okay, good.”
A tangible silence settles between us and I look out to the baseball diamond where the guys are working on the drills we open every practice with.
It’s wild to think that in less than twenty-four hours I’ll be sharing a hotel room with Hailey.
And it’s even crazier that rather than be focused on opening weekend, our practice, or hell, baseball at all, I’m thinking about the hours of uninterrupted time we’ll spend in each other’s company after Sailor goes to sleep. That is, if she doesn’t immediately retreat to her room in the suite.
“Well, sorry again to bother you while you’re working,” her voice lulls me from my thoughts.
“Hearing your voice is never a bother.” Goddamn do I mean it. I’m so fucked when it comes to this woman, and with every day that passes I feel that last thread of control threatening to sever. I shouldn’t have voiced that thought, but I’m having a helluva time pretending like I don’t have an interest in her.
