17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Dominic

I t had been four days since I had talked to Cassie and four days since I got that heartbroken message from Tony. Man, talk about gutting someone and not even knowing why. I tried texting Cassie back when she sent her text, but nothing. I even called, but it went straight to voicemail. I went to her work, but they told me she wasn't in, which I found hard to believe. But there was no way for me to contact her because I sure wasn't using Tony.

We texted a bit, and he was thrilled to know that I wasn't gone and that I would still be there for him. Just waiting to see what his mom did, but he couldn't be mad at her. Shit, I wasn't even mad at her. Pissed at someone else, because I knew that wasn't Cassie's doing, but couldn't figure anything out for sure.

I have no doubt that Peter was behind this. Because, in his mind, Cassie was his. I warned her, stupid as it may be. Peter was set for a pissing contest, and currently, I was losing. And I sure as hell didn't like to lose.

I twisted my arm as I waited for the guys to get back in formation. With a grunt, I lifted my arm, and threw the ball, watching as the catcher made a face. It wasn't always easy to catch some of those hard balls, so I did have to give them props.

"Okay, ladies, wrap it up. We better get a good rest for our home game," Coach Raul called. I lined up one more pitch but stared as the coach caught it barehanded. "You stay," he told me, pointing at me with the ball in his hand.

"Oh, Dominic got called out by the coach, what did you do?"

"Shut it, McGee," I told him, flipping him off. The man cracked up but led the rest of the team through the tunnel to the locker room. "What's up, Coach?"

"Why don't you tell me?" he said, tossing the ball back to me. I caught it and tossed it from hand to hand before throwing it back to him. "I know it has to do with Cassie. You've been depressed and withdrawn. Nothing like the man who first showed up here. "

"Cassie ended our relationship. And it's killing me. I've fallen fast and hard for her, but something is going on and I have no clue what."

"Peter."

"Excuse me?"

"Peter," Coach said, walking over to me. "He called me up the other day, said he wanted to know what I would do if I found out someone was using my stadium to have sexual relations." Lord, I tried so hard to fight the blush that came over my cheeks, but it was impossible. I didn't think Coach would ever find out about it. And the last thing I wanted was to drag Cassie's name and reputation through the mud.

"It was a bad choice," was all I could mutter.

"Sometimes the urge takes us. I can't say I condone it, but if there were no witnesses, no cameras, no proof, well, I couldn't say anything happened. I refused to take action on someone's word alone. When I asked who he saw, he said you and Cassie. Then he told me that I should throw you off the team.

"I don't recall laughing so hard in all my life. When I finally stopped, I could feel the smoke through the phone. And I straight out told him that one, I didn't believe shit he said because Cassie wouldn't do that. And coming from her ex-husband, it sounded like even more bullshit to me. And two, Peter doesn't direct my team, doesn't support my team, doesn't do a goddamn thing, so he has no say in how I run it.

"Needless to say, he didn't like that at all. Then he blurted out he had proof, that he recorded it. I told him he needed to show me. That was three days ago, and I haven't seen anything yet. But I would stake my next World Series championship that Peter got into Cassie's head and threatened her. And because Cassie loves you, she wouldn't hurt you. But the question remains, what's your game plan to fight?"

"Coach, I love that woman. I love that little boy. If I could fight every mountain, every hill, every little fucking thing thrown her way, I would. If the choice was given to me between my career and my lady, no blink of an eye, no hesitation, I want my cougar.

"I told Cassie I didn't want a family yet because I knew what the game requires. How often I would be away. But even as young as I am, I'd give it all up for them. They've become my world.

"And as bitter as I was to be traded here; to hear that god-awful chant, I love it. Santa Fe is beautiful, the city is special, and the fans are something else. I can't walk away from this place and be okay." I stopped talking, noticing the smile on Coach's face. "What? "

"I don't think bitter is a strong enough word for how you were. But I'm glad you like the city. It does have a charm you won't find elsewhere. And the locals, they're a class all their own. Still have to take you down to Hatch though."

"No thanks, not sure my asshole can take more chili." Coach cracked up, throwing his arm around my shoulder. "So, help me here, Coach. How do I win Cassie back when she believes I can't fight against Peter?"

"You talk to Tony, right?"

"Sometimes."

"Text him. Tell him that he needs to get his mom out to the game tomorrow. What you choose to do with that, I'm leaving up to you."

"And Peter?"

"Let me deal with Peter. I have an idea of what he's thinking. He was pissed that someone else snagged what he lost."

"Fuck, I told Cassie that and she thought I had lost my mind," I mumbled, shaking my head.

"Women, they don't get how stupid men can be. You handle your woman; I'll take care of my nephew who is going to be mighty pissed I'm stepping in, but he left me no choice. He won't bother you again, Dominic. Deal? "

"Deal." I took his hand, giving it a firm shake. "Thanks, Coach." He nodded and I ran down to the locker room, yanking my phone out and sending a text.

Hey little man, I need you to get your mom to the game tomorrow. I need to fix this, and I need your help. Think you can do that?

On it, big guy. Wont disappoint.

That's my guy.

I shoved the phone in my back pocket. Now, all I needed to do was get the ring that would be perfect for one Cassie Espinosa.