“Exactly. We got a nice crew going for us. So having you in a nanny position doesn’t really make sense anymore, especially since the world now knows about us.”
I fake gasped. “And what will they say when they find out you’ve been nailing the nanny instead of a ‘family friend turned more’?”
“Did I already tell you that you’re fired? Might want to nail the nanny one more time.”
“At least I get to keep my benefits.”
And now I’m home, a place that I’m getting more and more comfortable calling my own. I’m making myself a cup of coffee before getting ready to answer my overflowing emails when Mateo walks into the kitchen.
He has his practice bag in hand and a worried look on his face.
“Got a second to talk?” he asks as he drops the bag to the floor by the island.
“Yeah, what’s wrong?” I put my coffee down as I round the corner and make my way to him.
He pulls me into his arms and holds me a bit too tightly.
“Breathing would be nice.” My words are muffled into his chest.
“Sorry.” He releases me slightly, then plants a deep kiss on my lips.
I put my hands on his cheeks and study his golden eyes, taking in the concern laced in them.
“What is it, babe?”
He sighs. “I was thinking maybe you stay home tomorrow instead of coming to my game.”
I’m taken aback. I haven’t missed a single home game since I’ve been living here, and I don’t understand why he would want me to start now. “But it’s the big one. We’ll know tomorrow whether the Monarchs have made the World Series. Why would I miss out on that?”
He squints his eyes slightly. “How about you just take my word for it and agree nicely?” I drop my hands and cross my arms in front of my chest, my face surely giving off the annoyance radiating from my body. “Yeah. Figured.” He sighs.
Without another warning, his hands find purchase on my hips, and he’s setting me on the kitchen island. My legs naturally open to make room for him as he settles in.
“You know what team we’re playing against, right?” he starts, and I nod.
“It’s not the first time you’ve played against the San Diego Sparks. It wasn’t a problem before.” My tone is clipped at the reminder of the team he has to play against.
Jeremy’s team.
Although it’s hardly that, since he’s been out most of the season with an injury. So Mateo hasn’t had to pitch against him. He’s been on medical leave and hasn’t been obligated to attend away games, so it truly has been fine.
“He’s cleared to play tomorrow night, baby. So I’ll be playing against him for the first time since you and I…”
“Oh.” My heart sinks.
Not only at the reminder of my sleazy ex, but because Mateo even has to worry about something like this during such a monumental game.
I’ve grown from my past. I’m not the person I used to be. But I can’t deny it’s a gut punch imagining my new love playing against my spineless ex.
But it’s an even worse feeling imagining myself hiding back here, once again in the shadows, while Mateo sees my empty seat in the stands.
With that thought, I lean forward and kiss him. It’s much deeper than I anticipated, but he welcomes the affection freely.
“I’m coming to your game, and you’re gonna put on a hell of a show.” I look up into his smiling eyes.
“Oh yeah? And why’s that?”
“Because you’ve got someone you want to impress coming to the game.” I shrug my shoulders. “So don’t let me down, Martinez.”
