Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Drake

The city blurs past me as I rush to Miranda's apartment. After agonizing all night long, I decided to end things with Miranda. The timing couldn't be worse, considering I have a game later today.

I scratch the back of my head before pulling my baseball cap back down. This will be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It doesn't seem that long ago I was telling Miranda how committed I was to her, but it needs to be done.

My left hand tightens on the steering wheel, the inked designs on my forearm straining with tension. I'm nervous, regretful even, but it's time. The weight of this decision feels like a crushing fastball to my chest, but still, it's a pitch I have to take.

I just hope she doesn't take any retribution out on Lila.

This brings me to my next dilemma—when to pursue my forever girl.

Mark my words. I will pursue her.

But there's Jake as well to consider. That little guy means more to me than I expected, even though he isn't mine. He's part of Lila's world—so he matters.

It's not only about rekindling an old flame or making up for past mistakes; it's about starting fresh and proving to her I'm not the same Drake Gunner who broke her heart once.

I flex my grip on the steering wheel at the thought of claiming Lila for myself again, this time for good. It sends a thrill coursing through my veins in a rush that rivals running bases after hitting a home run.

The traffic light turns red, and I brake, gazing at the Boston skyline in the distance. The city could change, but I want to build something real with Lila. I see a future with her—something stable, solid.

But first, Miranda…

Pulling into the parking lot, I spot Lila standing in front of her car with its hood propped up.

"Uh-oh. What do we have here?" I mutter as I pull up in front of her car. I take in her white blouse and navy skirt and frown. Definitely not the attire to check out an engine, but also not something to wear to the store. Where is she heading?

I don't waste time hopping out of my car. "What's going on?"

"Gun Man!" a little voice yells beside her. "We're having car trouble."

Lila spins around to face me, and my heart nearly stops. Tears glisten in her eyes as her bottom lip trembles. "Something's wrong with it," she says frantically. "I have an important appointment that I can't miss, but I don't know how to fix it. I'm already late, and I can't cancel because I don't have his number, and if I don't show up, I'll lose everything, and?—"

"Whoa, slow down there, Tiger." I place a finger on her lips to stop the longest run-on sentence ever spoken and wrap my other hand around her waist. She hiccups under my touch, bringing back painful memories. But I push them aside; there's no time for memory lane. Her urgency is palpable. "Where do you need to go?"

"I'm meeting my banker at the café on Ninth."

"What time?"

"About ten minutes. I was going to drop Jake off first at his friend's house, but I don't have time now."

I check the time and wince. There's not enough time to make it to the game if I run her to the appointment and talk to Miranda. Showing up late after they've benched me won't look good. Management could see this as a big "fuck you" on my part. But seeing Lila's panicked face guts me. What was it AJ said? Fame isn't everything. Don't let the good ones slip away. Yeah, I have zero intentions of making that same mistake.

"Hop in the car. I'll take you there."

"B-b-but what about Miranda?" Lila asks, but she's already gathering her purse and Jake's booster seat.

"Let me handle her." You're way more important to me. "I'll take you to the café first and then drop Jake off."

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Trust me, Tiger, you'd be fine," I say, though I'm not sure who I'm trying to convince more, her or myself. "But let's go."

I guide her toward my sleek sports car. How her petite form fits into my side reignites the reason for calling things off with Miranda. But I swallow down the wave of emotion threatening to consume me. This is not the time or place.

As she climbs into the passenger seat, I round the car and slide into the driver's seat. The scent of her perfume fills the inside of the car, a sweet floral aroma that reminds me of spring mornings and the old times we shared.

Waiting to go after her will be more challenging than I thought.

I shake the thought from my head, focusing on now. Green lights and smooth roads guide our journey as Lila frantically checks the time.

"Try not to worry. We'll make it," I reassure her, pushing the sports car a little faster.

Jake pipes up from the back seat with his Spiderman action figure. "Gun Man, Spidey says ‘thanks for the ride'."

I chuckle. "Tell Spidey he's always welcome."

Lila turns in her seat to check on Jake. The blue of her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, catches me off guard. I have to look away, focusing on the road ahead. Everything about her tugs at me; her vulnerability brings out an unexpected protective instinct I've forgotten I had.

"Is everything okay, Mama Lila?" Jake asks, his voice filled with worry. Lila reaches back, gingerly brushing the hair off his forehead.

"Everything's okay, sweetie," she replies with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Drake will get you to your friend's house."

I catch a glimpse of her just as she turns back to face the front windshield. She's beautiful, even when she's on the edge of panic; maybe even more so then. And it hits me how much I've missed her presence, how much I've missed being there for her.

Once we take off, I ask, "You're meeting a banker at a café shop on a Saturday?"

Her cheeks blush, and that slight hint of embarrassment causes my hands to grip the steering wheel tighter.

"He's a customer of mine." She shakes her head. "So much has happened. My boss's wife—the owner—had a stroke. She's not doing too well. Anyway, that prompted him to step up the timeline of selling his business. We've been discussing the terms for a couple of years. He wasn't supposed to sell until next year, but that has changed with his wife's health condition. Owning a pet salon is my dream. I've been saving for a down payment for a while. Anyway, Jett overheard my situation and offered to help."

I bet he did.

"By going on a date?" I ask, earning a stern glare.

"He's the bank president. A new program is supposed to help first-time small business owners. He's offered to review the financials and help me apply for the loan."

I shift in my seat, not liking the sound of this at all. "Are you sure this is legit? I mean, he's meeting you in a café."

"After he left the other day, I looked up the bank he represents, and he told the truth." She glances over her shoulder at Jake, but he isn't paying us attention. He's too busy playing with his Spiderman toy. "Besides, he's been a loyal customer."

A million emotions swirl through me, and none has any right to be there. But I can't stop the burning inside me at the thought of another man vying for her attention. Then I recall what Miranda had said the other day. "Is this the customer with the Tibetan Mastiff? The one who likes you?"

Her cheeks deepen in color. Does she like this fucker back?

"Yes, he's the one with the dog, but our relationship is strictly platonic."

Our gaze meets and holds momentarily.

"If you need money, I'd be more than happy to help," I say before I can stop myself.

"I could never ask that of you."

"Just saying. If I get the contract I'm after, I'll have plenty to spare." I flash her a pearly white smile. "I just need enough to get by."

That caused her to smile at the line from our past, but her smile turned sad. She probably remembered the rest of the phrase. The entire sentence went like this: I just need enough to get by as long as you're beside me.

"I never asked why they traded you to the Bears."

"Keeping tabs on me?" I grin.

"No, but ironically, Jett told me." She leans in closer to me. "He's a huge fan."

"Most people are, babe."

I laugh at her exaggerated eye roll. "I had one more year left on my contract with the Phillies, but since much of their talent was retiring, they sent me to the Bears, who are trying to win a championship."

"Ah, I see. Guess the team knew outstanding talent when they scouted."

"You best believe it. I'm hoping to be rewarded in the end."

"Where's your sister Mia?" Lila asks.

"She's in Los Angeles."

"How'd she end up there?"

"Remember, she attended Cessna U until … Mom died." That memory still guts me. "She had moved to Philly and dated their catcher, AJ Gonzales. They had met in college. The Dodgers gained him in a trade, and they settled there. She owns an art gallery."

"Wow, I'm glad she's doing well."

We pull up to the café with just minutes to spare. Lila sighed in relief, quickly kissed Jake on the forehead, and stepped out of the car.

"Do you need me to walk you in? You may score points with the Bad Ball Hitter beside you."

"Big ego, much?" she laughs, tilting her head and smiling. "I'll call if I need reinforcements."

"Okay. I'll drop Jake off and come right back." After programming the address into the GPS, I point to the parking structure down the road. "I'll park over there."

"Thanks again."

"I'll do anything for you. Just have to ask."

She nods a silent acknowledgment before turning to walk away. I try not to let my gaze linger on her retreating figure, but I can't help myself. I love the way her hips sway with each step. When she disappears from view, I turn to face Jake.

"I need to make some phone calls first, then I'll get you to your friend."

Once I secure a tow for Lila's car, I tell the team I'm running late. Then, I dial the number I dread most—Miranda's.