Chapter 17

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

DANI

The Reapers won, and the city is electric with fans filling all the bars and restaurants after the game. Luis texted Jenny and asked us to meet him at a brewery close to my house, so we go home, drop the car off, and walk a few blocks. Parking in this area is such a pain.

Casey warned us the guys would be hungry and hopped up on adrenaline, so be on high alert for anything. I’m caught up in the excitement and flying high after my banter with Alexander, so I know how they feel. I’m as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

I can’t believe I sent that picture. He hasn’t responded, and I’m worried I may have crossed the line. Corey was nervous about letting me into the offices, but I assured him it was fine. He trusts I’m not some rando. He saw me for the first time when he delivered the pants to the suite after my shorts were drenched. Then Alexander sent him to check on me tonight, and I made Alexander buy the WAGs a round of drinks for that stunt. If Corey gets i n trouble because of me, I’ll call Ashleigh to help him. He’s just an intern trying to do the right thing. Sweet kid.

Alexander’s desk was neat, with nothing laying out or cluttering his space. He had one picture on his desk facing him. It was of a group of cheerful people, some smiling at the camera, others looking at each other. Ashleigh is kissing someone, and I assume he’s her fiancé. Alexander and Julian looked at her with loving smiles, but it seemed like Alexander was being playfully held back from them by a handsome Black man. Everyone else was hamming for the camera. Darcy and Matt were in the picture too, but not next to each other. There was only one other girl, surrounded by lots of stunning men. I wonder who she is? Was that Chance Fuller, captain of the Raleigh Renegades? And Tripp Stevenson? His family.

Tyler’s card was next to the picture. It was enough to make my heart melt when Tyler showed it to me. And now, it’s one of the few things on his desk. Puddle of goo.

I feel a little bad for sending the picture, but I couldn’t resist pushing his buttons. Was the jersey too much?

Jenny and I arrive at the crowded brewery. Most people are wearing Reapers shirts or hats. I see two large picnic tables outside with reserved signs, and we approach them where Casey and Darcy are already seated with a few other girls.

“The guys will be here soon,” Darcy says. “Matt is excited to see y’all again.”

“Tyler will kill me if he finds out I get to see Matt. He absolutely adores him.”

“He is adorable,” Casey giggles.

“Stop.” Darcy playfully pushes against Casey. “But yeah, he is.” Her smile lights up the room when she talks about Matt. They are the perfect couple and support each other with everything they have.

We order food and drinks while we wait for the guys. The place continues to fill up, and I’m amazed at how we can hold both tables. Cheers erupt from the other tables, and I look around to fi gure out why. That’s when a group of guys walk up to our tables and greet their partners. I can’t believe I’m sitting here with eight Reapers who just won their game.

Darcy hops up and runs to Matt. He spins her around and gives her a kiss that could melt steel.

“Hey, pretty girl,” he says as he breaks the kiss.

“I’m so excited for you. You knocked in the winning run!” She gives him a quick kiss and drags him to our table.

Luis greets us with side hugs and sits between me and Jenny when Matt clears his throat. “Luis, why don’t you sit on the other side of Jenny? I’m sitting here.” Matt claims the spot beside me, with Darcy on his other side. I’m in a Jenny and Matt sandwich. He nods to Tripp Stevenson, who sits across from me. I’m not sure what this seating chart is about, but it’s comical and a little suspicious.

Everyone chats and eats when an occasional fan breaks through the crowd to ask for an autograph or selfie. The guys are gracious and kind and have a polite way of letting them know they’re with their significant other. There’s a lot of laughing and joking, and everyone is having fun. Spirits are high.

The guys quickly devour the food we ordered, and someone orders another round of wings and beers. Casey wasn’t kidding. These guys are putting away the food. I’m amazed at how they eat so much and still have the bodies they have. Okay, so yeah, I noticed their bodies. It’s hard to ignore.

My look must give away my thoughts when Tripp says, “This is a cheat meal. We usually eat a lot cleaner than this during the season. But tonight? We celebrate.” He lifts his hot wing to me in salute, and I crack up.

“Was I that obvious?”

“A little. It’s cute. Most people have preconceived ideas about us. They aren’t all correct.” He gives me a wink, and I blush.

Tripp may be quiet, but he’s clearly a leader on the team. He’s one of the older players, according to the roster. It makes me sad that thirty-four is old, and your career is almost over. Tripp pitche d the first few innings, but they pulled him once the Reapers were ahead. The girls were telling me they need to save his arm, and that’s why they limit his play. He’s still got what it takes, but he wants to keep it going for another season or two.

The conversation flows, and every time Luis asks me a question, Tripp or Matt highjacks the conversation. Luis finally gives up and focuses all his attention on Jenny. I don’t know what’s up with them because he’s clearly into Jenny, but they are acting like bodyguards or something.

Tripp is attentive and peppers me with questions about school and Tyler. He seems shy but works to keep me engaged in conversation. When he gives me a hard time about wearing Luis’s jersey, Luis pretends to be offended, and I ask whose jersey I should wear. They discuss something about a custom jersey, and I laugh at their ridiculousness.

“Hey Dani, any new pictures of the hedgehogs?” Matt asks.

“Sure.” I pull out my phone and see I have an unread text. I gasp when I read what it says and pull my phone to my chest, not wanting anyone to see the message.

Jenny turns to me, concern filling her face. “You okay? Tyler?”

The volume dies down while everyone waits for my response. My face flushes from the embarrassment. Or maybe from the text, I’m not sure. I swallow hard, take a deep breath, and nod. It’s okay. Alexander Decker responded to my picture. And his response was not what I was expecting.

“Yeah, yeah. Fine.” I give them all a reassuring smile. I drop the phone below the table to open my picture roll. Jenny peeks and sees my last picture is a view of the field from Alexander’s office. She cocks her head and hits my thigh, letting me know we’ll talk about it later. I pop her leg in response. I gather myself, scroll back a few pictures, and find some of the hedgehogs and Tyler.

“Here are my boys.” I share the picture of Tyler with Joe and Mickey cuddl ed in his arms. His smile must be contagious because everyone smiles. I know I’m biased, but he’s adorable.

“Oh my god, I just want to squeeze them,” Darcy says.

I scroll to find another one, and Matt sees one of Tyler with a bat at practice.

“Is Tyler playing fall ball?” Matt asks.

“Yeah, he is. I swear, the bat is bigger than he is. But he loves it. He wanted to play third base because he has a little hero worship going on, but the coach makes them rotate positions every game.”

Matt laughs, and Luis reaches around and knocks his hat off his head. I’m amazed how his arm can reach around Jenny and me, but then I remember that incredible catch he made that seemed like he was ten feet away from the ball.

“Outfield is where it’s at,” Luis says.

“Catcher is the one calling the shots,” Joey says.

“Pitching is where the money is,” Tripp mumbles.

All the guys nod in agreement with Tripp.

“When I visited the school, I told Dani we would try to make a game or practice.” Luis smiles. The players scowl at him. I knew he shouldn’t insist. It’s too much.

“Oh, no. No.” All the players give me a stern look, and now I’ve officially crossed the line with them. “I hope you’re too busy winning the playoffs and the trophy and don’t have time for little league.”

“I remember what it was like, watching my heroes, hoping for the chance to meet them someday.” Matt looks at Tripp and laughs. Clearly, there’s a story there. “If I can make it happen, I will. Drop me his schedule.”

“Oh, you don’t have to,” I start.

“Drop him the schedule, Dani,” Tripp says with more volume and authority than I’ve heard all night. “It will happen.”

I look at the players, who all have a determined glare. “Okay,” I whisper. “Thanks.”

The party winds down, and everyone pairs off to head home .

“Can I take you ladies home?” Luis asks me and Jenny.

“I took the light rail,” Jenny responds. “I can…”

“Nope, I’ll drive you home. It’s too late to be alone on the train. Dani?”

“Oh, I just live around the corner. I walked here. I’m fine.”

“I’ll drop you off,” Luis says.

“No, Rodriquez. I’ve got her.” Tripp’s tone puts an end to the discussion. “You just make sure Jenny gets home safe. Jenny, is that okay with you?”

She looks at me, waiting for my approval. Funny that Jenny gets a choice, but apparently, I don’t.

“Thanks, Tripp. Luis, be careful with her.” I give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “And thanks for the tickets and this.” I shake the jersey I’m wearing. “I think tonight was exactly what I needed.”

Tripp scowls at Luis, and I laugh.

Tripp’s phone buzzes. He excuses himself and steps a few feet away. He nods and says, “Yeah, I’ve got her,” before he hangs up.

I can guess who’s on the phone. I think back to the picture on his desk. I laugh to myself and shake my head. His family.

Yeah, I hear you, Alexander Decker.

Warning received. I'll be ready.