Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
“Throw me out?” he suggests, smirking.
“Call security,” I correct. “Security is more fun than an ejection.”
He chuckles low, but there’s heat in his eyes—a challenge I can’t ignore. “I’ll behave, Coach. I’m just here for my daughter.”
“Great,” I say, forcing a bright smile I’m not sure I feel. “Let’s get started, then. Juniper, come with me. We’ll get you a glove that fits and warm up.”
Riptide nods tersely, stepping aside to let Juniper follow me. I can feel his gaze trailing me, and I swear my skin tingles under his scrutiny. Focus, Kali, I tell myself. You’re here to teach kids baseball, not to get into a stare-down with the world’s most arrogant—and unfortunately attractive—pitcher.
Still, as I lead Juniper toward the equipment rack, my mind buzzes with a thousand questions. What are the odds he’d bring his daughter to my session? And why does the sight of him—hair tousled, arms folded, T-shirt hugging every muscle—scramble my common sense? And more importantly, is he married? I’m half-tempted to pull out my phone and Google the man, but I need to remain professional.
I can Google him later. In the privacy of my own home. Maybe glance at a few pictures. Late at night. In my bed.
Under the covers.
My cheeks heat as I remember where I am.
I push the thoughts aside, forcing my attention on Juniper and the other kids gathering around. I’m a professional here, after all. Sure, Ripley’s going to be watching my every move, but I can handle this. I called a balk on him before—I’m certainly not going to let him intimidate me now.
With a deep breath, I plaster on my best coaching smile. “Okay, kids! Let’s have some fun today!” And maybe try not to get completely distracted by the tall, smoldering pitcher lurking in the background, who I now hope isn’t married.
Would it be weird to ask his daughter about her mother? It’s not, right?
I huddle the kids together, finding gloves for each of them. When I hand Juniper hers, I smile. “Will your mother be joining us today too?” I am so ashamed of myself.
Juniper blinks. “My mother isn’t around. I’ve only met her once. Maybe twice. Daddy says she’s not a good person.” Juniper shrugs as she puts the glove on.
I don’t know if I should be happy or sad about this information. I glance over at Ripley, feeling bad he’s had to step up for a mother who didn’t. What must that have been like for him? For her?
My gut twists, but a slow smile spreads across my face when I realize… he’s not married.
Score.
4
Ripley
I’m leaning against the chain-link fence that wraps around the rec center’s makeshift diamond, watching Kali run through basic drills with a bunch of wide-eyed kids. Juniper stands out from the pack, her blonde curls bouncing every time she hops around to catch the ball. And she’s absolutely beaming—like she’s discovered the coolest place on earth.
I can’t pretend I’m not impressed with how Kali handles all of them. She’s calm, patient. She smiles a lot, and somehow her voice carries that perfect blend of kindness and authority. One moment she’s adjusting a kid’s batting stance, the next she’s dodging a grounder and yelling encouragement to another. Watching her reminds me, uncomfortably, of how much Juniper’s missing with no mother around. Does she need someone to guide her in a way that’s… softer, more nurturing? I do my best, but it’s not the same.
Stop it, I tell myself. Kali’s just the umpire who nearly cost you the game. But I can’t ignore how my pulse picks up when I glimpse that confident grin of hers, or the way her ponytail swishes against her shoulders. She’s in athletic shorts and a tank top, and if I catch myself looking a little too long, well, that’s my problem to deal with, right?
“Nice throw, Juniper!” Kali shouts, and my daughter’s face lights up like the Fourth of July. A pang hits my chest. Juniper’s always been a pretty happy kid—Hattie and I do everything we can to keep her that way. Still, seeing her soaking up praise from someone she admires stirs up all sorts of emotions. She hasn’t had a consistent maternal figure in her life. Sometimes I worry she’s missing out.
I sigh, crossing my arms. We had a little disagreement this morning—Kali and I—about whether Juniper should even be in this class. I’m still not thrilled she’s the coach, but Juniper’s already attached to her, so what am I supposed to do? Pull her out because I have a grudge against the new ump? That wouldn’t be fair to Juniper. And the kid’s right. Kali clearly knows the rules. If I’m honest with myself, I know Juniper’s in good hands. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Finally, the session winds down. Kali gathers the kids in a circle, handing out high-fives and little pep talks. Juniper practically glows when it’s her turn to receive a fist bump. I swallow the odd mixture of jealousy and pride that wells up in me. I hate that I’m jealous of Kali, but it’s there—she’s given Juniper something new, something she clearly loves.