Chapter 24

I staredat my reflection in the mirror, running my hands over the silky material of my gown. The light pink fabric hugged my waist before flowing out in layers of chiffon.

A knock at my bedroom door made me jump.

"Come in," I said, as I began to put my necklace on.

Parker stepped inside, decked out in a crisp black suit. "Wow, Chan. You look beautiful."

I smiled, though it didn't quite reach my eyes. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself."

I turned back to the mirror, applying another coat of lip gloss. "I know you're bummed about the game," I said gently. "You guys worked so hard this summer and deserved that championship. I know you didn't win, but I still think you guys are the best team."

"Yeah, maybe. But that's life sometimes. You give it your all and still come up short." He smiled ruefully as he began to lean against the door frame. "Now come on. One pity party is my limit for tonight. I still can't believe you're going to the ball with Reese Carrington. If only he knew what you looked like first thing in the morning."

"Very funny," I said, rolling my eyes and turning to face him. Parker's playful grin didn't waver, but I could see the protective older brother lurking just beneath the surface. "And you going with Willow? Who would have thought we'd be here right now?"

"Never," he replied with a laugh. "I just hope I can make it through the night without coach benching me for next season since I'm taking his daughter."

Parker pushed off from the door frame and approached me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Anyway, just be careful with Reese, okay? I've seen a different side of him this summer, I have to admit, but we're not like them. We didn't grow up here—with fancy boats and limitless credit cards."

"I'll be careful," I reassured him. "Besides, if things go south, I can always count on my big brother to save me, right?"

"Of course," he said, offering a gentle smile. "Unless I'm with a girl, then you're on your own."

I smiled and took one last deep breath before shutting the light off in my room. Parker's initial reaction when he found out about me going to the ball with Reese had been more shock than anger, which was a relief. I noticed Parker"s perception of Reese gradually changing this summer. As his catcher, he had no choice but to build a connection with him.

As I took one final glance in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves for the evening ahead.

"Boston already left to meet Caroline's parents before the ball," Parker said.

My smile faltered. "Oh. I was hoping to see him before he left."

Parker shrugged apologetically before stopping to take one last look at himself and fix his shirt in the hallway mirror. Sighing, I stepped onto the front porch to find Reese standing there holding the most gorgeous bouquet I had ever seen.

"Reese!" I said, surprised.

He looked so hot in a tailored suit that accentuated his strong broad shoulders and hugged his body in all the right places.

"Damn, Hartford… You look so good," Reese said, his voice low and husky as his eyes lingered down my body with an undeniable lust while handing me the bouquet. "And these are for you,"

I liked being the one who made his body stiffen, who made his eyes glaze over with desire. It was a thrilling feeling, knowing I could have such an effect on someone like him.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling my face get warm. "You don't look so bad yourself." He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. That smile of his was lethal.

"Do a spin for me," he said, a playful grin on his lips.

Feeling slightly self-conscious but unable to resist his charm, I obliged. As I twirled around, the hem of my dress fanned out, creating a whirl of fabric. Reese's eyes followed every movement, taking me in as if he were trying to memorize every detail.

"Seeing that dress on you makes me want to take it off you," he whispered, reaching for my hand and placing a gentle kiss on my knuckles. His touch sent shivers down my spine.

"I know what you mean, that suit is doing something to me too," I grinned, a little shocked I said that out loud. Who am I?

"But too bad we have to get going," I said, eager to leave for the ball and finally get to see for myself if this event was going to live up to all the hype.

"Hey if you wanna get out of there and fog up some car windows—you just say the word," Reese said, winking flirtatiously.

I let out a laugh. "I'll keep that in mind."

He grinned, offering me his arm. "After you."

The past few weeks with Reese had been exhilarating. We had spent a lot of time on his boat, talking and laughing until sunset. We pulled pranks on his neighborhood watch—a sight that still made me laugh myself to sleep when I thought about it. Every day was a new adventure, drawing me deeper into his thrilling world.

At the same time, Boston and I had never felt further apart. I didn't know if that childhood crush would ever die but I still found myself wondering about him, and the things he opened up to me about. Lately, he was always busy, Probably with Caroline. It left an ache in my chest that I couldn't explain.

I knew he still had my friendship bracelet tied inside his glove that he took to every baseball game. But lately, it seemed like the only thing still tying us together was the past. We'd been like two ships passing in the night.

I was pulled from my thoughts as Parker suddenly appeared again, slightly out of breath.

"Hey, I put my flowers in the car and I'm about to take off," he said. "I know I convinced Coach to let me take Willow to the ball, but he wasn't too happy about it, and he'll kill me if I'm late."

I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Still not sure how you did it."

Parker gave a shrug. "I managed to persuade him after promising I'd organize the equipment."

"Nice," I smirked. "I'll see you there!"

Parker gave Reese a quick fist bump.

"See you at the ball, bro. Take good care of her," Parker said.

"You got it," Reese laughed, giving him a playful smile.

Parker grinned as he walked around to the driver's side of his truck. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," he called out.

"That doesn't leave much." Reese shot back.

Parker just shook his head, chuckling as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine sputtered to life.

"Shall we?"

I took his hand, soaking in the feeling of his palm against mine. He led me down the steps to his shiny black truck, opening the door for me like a true gentleman.

The moment we stepped into the grand ballroom, I was in awe. Chandeliers glittered above us, illuminating the space in a warm, golden glow. White linen-draped tables were adorned with blue and white floral centerpieces.

But it wasn't just the lavish decor that surprised me. As we entered, all eyes turned our way. I felt my cheeks flush, unaccustomed to this kind of attention. Reese, however, was unfazed. He guided me forward with a reassuring hand on the small of my back, his charming smile easing my nerves.

"Don't worry about them, just focus on me," he said, low and calm. His eyes locked onto mine and I forgot about all the noise, getting lost in his mesmerizing green gaze. I wondered how he was hardly ever phased, even in the most intimidating surroundings.

We were interrupted by a voice calling Reese's name. A slender, youthful-looking blonde woman hurried over, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug.

"Reese! There you are! I've been calling you." she exclaimed.

He returned the hug warmly. "Sorry, I had it on silent. Mom, I'd like you to meet Chandler."

So this was Reese's stepmom. I had imagined someone older but her energy was infectious. She gave me the same warm, welcoming embrace that she gave Reese.

"It's so wonderful to finally meet you, Chandler! You can call me Britt," she said warmly. "Reese has told us all about you."

Before I could respond, a tall, clean-cut-looking man joined us. He greeted Reese with a firm handshake and clapped him on the back before he turned to face me.

"Chandler, right?" His handshake was firm, warm. "It"s good to meet you," he said, his gaze holding mine for a beat longer than necessary, as if trying to read the story behind my eyes.

"Likewise, Mr. Carrington," I replied, feeling the weight of his assessment.

"Good to see you, son. Hope you're ready to claim your MVP title tonight." Though his tone was casual, I sensed an intense competitiveness behind the words. This must've been Reese's dad. It was clear that winning was important to him.

Reese's jaw tensed almost imperceptibly. "Guess we'll see what happens."

Reese's dad gave him a curious look, though the moment quickly passed.

Reese's hand found mine, his grip tight. I knew he was feeling the pressure, but I refused to let him feel it alone. Hand in hand, Reese and I walked through the crowd, mingling while his parents circulated separately.

I scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face among the sea of people. That's when I spotted him—Boston, sitting at one of the tables with Caroline practically in his lap. He caught my gaze and shot me a playful wink before turning his attention back to the giggling girl beside him. He looked so handsome, but it was Boston, so I wouldn't expect anything less.

The announcer's booming voice came over the loudspeaker, welcoming us all to the ceremony, and asking us to take our seats. I leaned forward in anticipation, listening for what the announcer would say next.

Sure enough, when the announcer called out "Best Batting Average," Boston's name was announced and Reese rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated yawn. I noticed the dismissive gesture and shot him a glare.

Boston walked up to the stage to claim his trophy, the crowd was cheering him on. He took a dramatic bow and I couldn't help but smile, proud of how far he had come. Something told me this wouldn't be the last of Boston's baseball accolades. I clapped loudly as Boston made his way off stage, trophy in hand. I knew how hard he had worked to earn that award. But the ceremony wasn't over yet.

"Next up," the announcer's voice said, "the award for Best Defensive Player of the season goes to "Parker Hartford!"

The cheers exploded all around me. Parker's grin was infectious as he accepted the award. I yelled, hoping he could hear how proud I was.

The ceremony seemed to be winding down, and I leaned back in my chair, thinking we'd seen the last of the accolades for the evening. That's when the announcement came that perked up every ear in attendance.

"Before we conclude tonight's celebration with the MVP award," the presenter announced, a hint of mystery lacing his tone, "We have our annual leadership award winner to announce. This next one is going to a player who is the voice of reason—someone who many look up to."

"Quiet down, I want to hear this," a voice whispered nearby, as everyone's focus returned to the announcer.

"The Christopher Michael Leadership award for excellent leadership goes to Crew Morrissey."

A loud applause erupted, the noise echoing off the walls, as players and staff stood to their feet. Crew, with his sun-bleached hair and bright smile, stepped forward from where he was seated. Reese couldn't help but smirk and cheer because Crew was his best friend.

"Way to go, Crew!" someone shouted amidst the clapping, and several whistles cut through the air.

"He's so dreamy," sighed one of the girls from the table next to ours.

"Total eff boy, unfortunately," her friend chimed in, leaning in closer as if sharing a secret. "I heard he was hooking up with someone in the bathroom earlier."

"Seriously?" the first girl gasped, her eyes growing wider.

Her friend confirmed with a knowing nod, her lips curling into a smirk that suggested she enjoyed the gossip as much as the news itself.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for," the announcer bellowed. "The Most Valuable Player for this season is... Reese Carrington!"

The crowd exploded as Reese stood up before jogging up on stage. I joined in the applause, extremely proud of him. As he accepted the MVP trophy, flashing his trademark smirk, I noticed Boston's smile fade ever so slightly. I knew Boston must've felt disappointed not to receive it, and I'm sure it stung a little that Reese got it.

But as the team came together on stage for one last team photo, I saw the two of them smiling together despite their rivalry. I let out a small sigh of relief. In the end, the game brought them together, even if only for a moment.