Chapter 4

I mademy way onto the wooden deck to lay out and get some sun. The planks were slightly heated under my feet from the midday rays. Boston cast another line into the lake and the lure plopped quietly into the still water.

"Think you'll actually catch something today?" I teased, stretching out on a nearby lounge chair, my eyes squinting against the brightness of the sun.

I wasn't mad about the possibility of having more of Boston's attention. He wasn't constantly surrounded by girls and friends like he would be at home.

"Oh, they're about to bite. Just you wait," he replied without looking back, his focus unfaltering.

"Uh-huh. I'm sure," I laughed softly, letting the sun bathe my face as I settled in and listened to the gentle lull of water against the dock, which was the most beautiful sound. "I could get used to this."

"Used to what? Me catching us dinner or you being lazy?" Boston responded, finally turning to flash me a smile. I could have easily spent my entire summer on this lounge chair just enjoying the view, and by view, I meant him.

"Definitely the second one," I shot back playfully.

Looking back, I caught sight of Parker ambling down from the cabin with a baseball mitt tucked under his arm. "You guys hear the news?" he asked eagerly.

Boston raised an eyebrow. "That you finally learned how to throw a curveball?"

Parker shoved him good-naturedly. "No, that we were assigned to the Blue Devils team this summer! Coach Ivy must"ve pulled some strings with the Blue Devils coach."

"No way!" Boston's face lit up. He turned to Parker, a grin spreading from ear to ear. "You know what this means? The Blue Devils—that's big. It's where the best of the best play the summer before they get drafted…"

"But wait, there's more," Parker said, holding up a hand. "You know this means we'll be on the same team as Reese."

Boston froze, eyebrows drawn together. "Shit. Reese Carrington."

Parker nodded. "One and only."

"Of course," Boston breathed. He raked a hand through his windswept hair, and I could see the competitive tension in his shoulders.

Reese Carrington was Boston's biggest rival. They had been on opposing teams every summer, cross-town rival teams. They were constantly compared by parents and coaches, though they were much different players with different positions. Boston was a shortstop and Reese, a pitcher who had expensive equipment and a cocky attitude to match his skills, which riled up Boston's competitive streak to no end.

It was a big deal when Boston stepped up to bat against Reese on the pitcher"s mound. Reese and his team were notorious for their trash-talking, and allowing them to win was not an option. Two big fish in one small pond sounded like a recipe for disaster. But the potential outcomes for Parker and Boston outweighed all else.

"So what's the plan?" I asked Boston gently. "Your teammates now. You can't just avoid him all summer."

Boston's eyes flashed with determination. "I guess I'll have to focus on the game. If he still has an issue with me when we're on the same team, then that's on him."

I knew that look. This summer just got a lot more interesting.

I laid back and soaked up the bright sun as the two of them talked excitedly about the opportunity. This was no ordinary team—only the wealthiest families in town could afford for their sons to play on this elite summer squad, and I wasn't exactly sure how their college coach managed to get Boston and Parker on the team.

The next evening, we were summoned for our first Blue Devils event.

"Chandler! Over here!" My mom's voice stood out through the chatter, pulling my gaze to the left where my parents stood in excitement.

"Mom! Dad!" I called out, my eyes lit up as I spotted them standing next to a large sign that read "Welcome Blue Devils Family!" in bold, friendly letters. The sign, adorned with blue and white balloons, stood tall, inviting us all to celebrate the shared passion that had brought many of us to this lakeside paradise.

My parents had made the drive from Stillwater, wearing the Blue Devils colors, looking every bit the proud supporters they were.

"Look at you three!" my mother exclaimed, her embrace encompassing both Parker and me before she turned to Boston, who had become an honorary member of our family. "And Boston, you"ve grown even taller if that"s possible!"

Her words caused a sheepish smile to spread across his face. "Thanks, Mrs. H. It"s good to see you," Boston responded warmly.

"We're so proud of you boys," my dad said, his voice rich with emotion as he clapped Parker and Boston on the back. "We can't wait to watch you this summer."

A large white tent was set up just outside the Blue Devils clubhouse. Under its billowing canopy were tables draped in sky-blue cloths, each with centerpieces showing the team's colors. The food stations offered everything from artisanal cheeses to tenderly grilled meats.

"Definitely not a backyard barbecue," I nudged Parker, my gaze roaming across the crowd.

"Grabbing a drink, then heading to the buffet," Dad yelled over his shoulder, motioning towards a server who was offering glasses of sparkling champagne.

"Hey, Mom, I'll be right back," I said, gently tapping her on the arm. "I want to use the bathroom and check out the clubhouse."

"Alright, darling." She offered a soft smile.

The door to the clubhouse gave a reluctant creak as I nudged it open, slipping inside, cautiously scanning the area to see if anyone was around. The room was still and silent. The walls were lined with gleaming trophies. I had known about the Blue Devils, but I never thought I'd be cheering them on.

My gaze drifted over the collection, pausing on a particularly impressive trophy that looked different from the others. It was a monument to breaking some sort of no-hitter record. The name etched onto the metal plaque beneath it caught my eye: Reese Carrington. I couldn't help but let my fingers trace the cold, embossed letters.

A smooth, calm voice broke through the silence. "You couldn't pay me to put that giant ass trophy on my wall."

Startled, I spun around—a gasp escaped my lips. Leaning against the dimly lit wall was someone who took my breath away—his posture was effortless and confident. A shiny pendant hung around his neck that caught my attention for a moment before I took him in. He was the kind of handsome that nearly rendered me speechless. It wasn't just his striking appearance, but it was those bright green eyes that were a stark contrast to his dark features. They sparkled with a mischievous glint that was both alluring and intimidating, making it almost unbearable to tear my gaze away.

"I agree," I managed, trying to keep my voice level, despite the way his eyes seemed to make me feel. "Anything associated with the name Reese Carrington seems to be... overcompensated."

"Overcompensated?" he echoed, raising an eyebrow as amusement flickered across his face.

"Definitely. I've heard his ego needs its own private island," I shrugged, mostly just trying to make conversation.

"Sounds like you're not a fan," he quipped, crossing his arms over his chest, and the motion drew attention to the way his shirt stretched across his well-defined muscles.

"Clearly," I replied, trying to sound unimpressed.

"Then I guess you've been warned." he pushed away from the wall, a shadow of a grin playing on his lips. "Stay away from that one."

"You don't have to tell me twice," I smiled, then tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Well, I should get back," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the empty hallway of the clubhouse as he tilted his head toward the door. "See you around."

Without another word, he slipped out of the exit. And just like that, he was gone, leaving me standing alone, my thoughts a jumbled mess of curiosity—wondering who the heck that was and why my heart was still beating so fast.

I slid into the seat next to Mom as I checked my phone, wondering how Kristina was doing—but there were no alerts and nothing from her.

"Still no word?" Mom asked as she sipped on her iced tea.

I shook my head, trying to keep the frown at bay. "Nope. Nothing yet. But she's probably busy. She said it was a pretty intensive program."

"Sometimes it's good to disconnect and enjoy the moment," Mom offered with a reassuring smile.

"True. I just hope she's enjoying it." I managed a weak smile.

"I'm sure she will text you as soon as she can." Mom gave my hand a comforting squeeze.

I noticed a girl sitting alone at a table nearby watching the festivities, with a hint of boredom in her eyes. Her curly blonde hair was full of volume, and her energy radiated a sense of approachability.

Intrigued, I made my way over to her and introduced myself. "Hi there, I'm Chandler Hartford," I greeted her, trying to sound as friendly as I could.

She looked up at me slightly; her smile was warm and welcoming. "Willow, the coach's daughter and underpaid assistant. Nice to meet you."

We started a conversation easily and effortlessly—realizing how much we had in common. Willow's laughter was infectious, and I was drawn to her stories and how much knowledge and passion she had about the game. There was an instant connection—a sense of kinship that felt like reuniting with an old friend.

Just as we began to exchange phone numbers, the sharp clink against glass silenced us. We turned toward the sound, and it was the Coach, ready to make an announcement.

"May I have your attention, please?" His voice boomed through the gathering as conversations dwindled into silence. "I'd like to take a moment to welcome back all our returning families and extend a warm welcome to the new ones joining our team this year. I have high expectations of these boys and we're going to have a great season."

"Let's play some ball!" Coach Levy exclaimed, a twinkle in his eye that suggested he was as excited for the season. Then, with a slight shift of his stance, he gestured toward the back. "Now, let's hear a few words from last season's MVP. Come on up, son!"

The energy shifted, becoming electric as all eyes turned to the back. I glanced over and my pulse quickened as I tried to place who it was. Cheers erupted, whistles and howls pierced the air. The guy I had just been talking to in the clubhouse earlier rose from his seat and made his way toward the coach. His presence seemed to capture the attention of every eye in the area.

"Who is that?" I leaned over to whisper to Willow, still not taking my eyes off of him.

Willow smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I see someone is caught in his spell already—That's Reese Carrington, our starting pitcher, and a fellow local like myself."

Reese Carrington? Shit. My stomach plummeted, embarrassment and disbelief tangled in a sickening knot. Moments like these have to be the reason phrases like ‘died of embarrassment' are a thing.

The coach patted him on the back and shook his hand with a proud expression.

I guess I never paid close attention to what he looked like when we played against him, but he was taller than I had remembered. His backward hat that he didn't have on earlier sat above his short, messy dark hair.

"We're taking it to the championship this year, baby!" he declared, his smile now fully cocky—not a hint of hesitation.

The response was immediate. Cheers detonated through the air, and his teammates roared his name—the name I was bashing earlier.

Teammates and others quickly swarmed around him, and the chatter resumed once again.

I paused, still in shock before I whispered to Willow, "I don't remember him looking like that last summer." My gaze was drawn back to Reese like a magnet. "He's insanely attractive. When did that happen?"

"I know, right?" Willow giggled. "He filled out real nice this past year. His fastball is also about 93 miles per hour."

"Does he play college baseball?" I asked, curious to know.

"Oh, yeah. He"s at Duke. It"s like a 30-minute drive from here. And Dad said he's definitely going pro if he can stay out of trouble."

"Trouble?" I echoed, arching an eyebrow, even though the concept didn't surprise me.

"Yeah," Willow nodded emphatically, her gaze fixed on him. "Every time I hear about some scuffle here at Bayside or even occasionally on the field, he"s always right in the middle of it. He's always been nice to me but it"s like he attracts chaos."

Reese worked the crowd, smug as ever, with an infuriating smirk plastered on his face. His confidence was hard to ignore. He went around shaking hands and clapping the other players on the back, laughing and joking, like he owned the place.

When he got to Parker and Boston, who were close by, he grinned and said, "Well, well, if it isn't the dynamic duo. I see they're letting just about anyone on the team these days."

Boston tensed, jaw clenched, but Parker just laughed it off and shook Reese's hand. "Good to see you too, Reese," he said pleasantly.

After Reese made his way through the crowd, he glanced over, flashing me a cocky grin that made me want to hide underneath the table. Maybe he'll forget about what I said? He probably gets it all the time—or maybe I should crawl into a hole to live out the rest of my days.

But still, that cocky grin somehow made my pulse race—followed swiftly by a pang of guilt. What was I even doing admiring Reese like this? I didn't even know him. It was also alarming that Boston had never had a problem with anyone, except Reese—which meant he had to be bad news. But… it didn't hurt just to have eye candy, right? Reese may be the biggest jerk according to Boston and Parker, but that doesn't have to stop me from appreciating his good looks.

"He's having a party at his parents' lake house later tonight if you want to go," Willow said with a mischievous smile. My cheeks felt hot as I glanced at her.

"What party are we crashing?" Boston said, an amused expression playing across his face as he and Parker took a seat next to me at the table.

I glanced back and forth between Boston and Willow, unsure of how to respond, knowing he wouldn't like the answer.

Willow's eyes sparkled as she exchanged a glance with Boston. "Reese is having a party tonight. First one of the season."

"I've heard stories about his parties," Parker said with awe.

Scowling, Boston shook his head. "Sounds like torture."

"Come on, don't be like that," Parker said, clapping him on the back. "Reese might be a jerk, but I've heard his parties are epic. Just look at it as a team bonding experience before we start the season."

"Willow, meet Boston and unfortunately, my brother Parker," I said, with a hint of annoyance.

Parker grinned widely, rocking back in his chair and injecting his unwanted charm into the conversation. "If this beautiful lady is going, we have to go."

Willow chuckled, a bit of sarcasm in her voice. "Of course, it wouldn't be a party without the coach's daughter."

"You're coach Levy's daughter?" Parker asked, his eyes widened in surprise.

"One of three, but definitely his favorite," she replied, winking at Parker.

Willow and I exchanged grins, already plotting our plan for the night. Parker's enthusiasm spilled over, and soon even Boston lightened up to the idea. I found myself swept up in the collective enthusiasm, momentarily forgetting about that embarrassing moment earlier.