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Chapter 11

Ican't catch a break.

Seriously. Not only am I forced to be with the baseball team all semester, but now I'm forced to be next-door neighbors with him every road trip.

Why must Coach go in alphabetical order? Why can't he just exclude me and stick me on the end? Or I'll even take another floor like the rest of the coaching staff, trainers, and equipment team.

I must've done something in my past life to warrant such awful karma. Is it because I used to wish the kids growing up would get lice or have explosive diarrhea in school? I used to wish awful things on the bullies, especially in elementary school right after my mom left us.

Karma really is a bitch.

And why did he have to stand in front of me in nothing but a pair of boxers? Isn't that a weird thing to be wearing when you're sharing a room?

Of course, he just had to bang on the door as soon as I got out of the shower. The bathroom was full of steam after my long, hot shower, and I didn't want to leave the room. It seriously felt like a sauna and after this weird travel day where I fell asleep on Ty Billings—ugh, don't even go there Chloe—I just wanted to enjoy a little self-care.

But typical me, I forgot to adjust the temperature in the room. I think the staff set it to the Antarctica setting because I swear I could see my breath. The extreme temperature change had my body reacting with nips so hard they could cut glass.

Whatever you have to tell yourself, Chloe Mariano. The hard nips had nothing to do with the Adonis standing in front of you.

Sighing, I hit play on my Spotify playlist and up the tempo of the treadmill. I tried so hard to fall asleep tonight, but sleep kept evading me. Every time I was about to drift off into a sleepless state, images kept popping into my head.

First, it was the dreadful ‘show-up-naked-in -front-of-everyone dream.' You know, the one where you're running late, so you rush through your routine only to be caught standing in the nude in front of your peers. Or for me, it was arriving at the baseball game and walking into the dugout in front of the entire baseball team…naked.

That is the worst dream and completely unlikely to ever happen.

As if that wasn't bad enough, images of Cody standing before me captured my thoughts. Only this time, he appeared in the doorway separating our rooms, but he swapped his boxers for a towel hung low across his hips. That perfectly defined ‘V' led straight to the Promised Land. His tall, lean, chiseled body was on full display. Abs cut so deep that I wanted to drop to my knees and run my tongue over the edges.

The Promised Land? Get a grip, Chloe.

I couldn't get the image of him taking in my body out of my head. His eyes darkened from his usual hazel color to dark forest green with specks of gold that heated as his arousal ignited. The way his eyes kept trailing my body had me wanting to damn it all to hell and jump the man. It has been so long since I'd been touched by someone other than myself. But tonight, with Hudson watching us like we were his own personal soap opera, was not the time.

My body turned warm as images of him hovering over me, naked, tangled up in the sheets, were starring in their own movie in my brain. I felt the slickness start to coat the inside of my thighs as the ache grew in my center. As badly as I wanted to slide my hands underneath the satin material of my panties, I was not going to get off on the idea of Cody.

Even as I attempted to read my latest romance novel, I kept picturing the main character as him, despite the character not being described as anything like Cody. He was taking over my whole damn mind, and I needed it to stop.

In the end, I decided to go work out my frustration on the treadmill. This brings me to where I am now, continuing to up the speed to past five as "Power" by Kanye West blares in my AirPods. I need the distraction. If I run a couple of miles, I'll hopefully be exhausted enough to finally get a few hours of sleep.

I watch my body in the mirror in front of me as I assess my form. I'm a runner. I love the high that comes with pushing my body. My only problem is the more I run, the more my form starts to deteriorate, the more my body closes in on itself. I'm still perfecting my form, and as I watch myself, I keep an eye on how I'm positioned so I don't lose my form. I usually prefer to be outside, but hitting the treadmill is a nice change of pace. I can also really watch my form and figure out at what point I start to close myself off instead of running tall and relaxed.

Mile one is within reach, and that's when I notice I'm no longer alone.

Cody freaking Jacobs is standing in the doorway of the hotel gym in the middle of the night.

I can't catch a break.

Instead of stopping, I hit the increase speed button again, pushing myself to a tempo I don't typically run unless I'm in a road race. Try as I might, my eyes can't help but follow him as he enters the gym. He's still behind me and instead of climbing onto a machine, Cody grabs two free weights and makes his way to the edge of the bench.

He sits and begins to curl the weights that are gripped tightly in his hands. His jaw is set tight, and I know it's not from the weight. He can lift a lot more than what he is right now, but considering there's a game tomorrow, he must not want to tire his muscles too much.

The two of us continue our workouts without a word passing between us. Quite frankly, I have nothing to say to him. The whole point of me coming down here was to escape him and the thoughts of him. Instead, I try not to watch him in the mirror as his corded muscles tighten and the oh-so-sexy veins protrude in his arm.

I'm lost, shimming my shoulders and bopping my head to ‘Super Freaky Girl' as I approach the halfway mark of mile three. Pushing myself, I continue to focus on clearing my mind and making sure I'm maintaining good form. I haven't spared a glance at Cody since he came in. But my willpower is slipping, and I hope to take a quick glance, just one more image to get stuck in my brain of his bulging muscles.

But when my eyes flashed to him in the mirror, I found him already watching me. Our eyes meet, and an explosion sets off in my brain as his intense gaze sears straight into my soul. My breath hitches, and I feel my toes catch on the moving belt.

In one instance, I witness my life flash before my eyes and my inevitable collapse on the moving surface. Squeezing my eyes shut, I wait for impact.

Only impact doesn't come.

Strong arms wrap across my waist. Cody grips my hip with one arm while his other hand grips the handle of the treadmill keeping me from a very painful fall.

Adjusting his stance, he brings both of us to a standing position, his grip never leaving my hip forcing our bodies to be pressed against each other. My breath comes in fast pants causing my sports bra-clad chest to brush up against him. He groans at our contact, but neither one of us moves away.

"Shit, Wildflower," he says, concern lacing his voice.

Breathlessly, I stare up at him. "Thank you."

He nods. The hand not clasping my hip moves to brush a spare piece of hair from my face. My heart stutters at the contact. Cody's eyes move from mine as they run over my body, and suddenly I feel like I'm standing in front of him stripped bare. He's looking for any injury, but there isn't one. Thanks to him.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his eyes finding mine.

With a small smile, I nod. "I am. How did you catch me so fast?"

"I don't even know. I saw your foot catch on the belt, and I just knew what was coming next. I practically dove to make sure that you didn't hurt yourself."

My smile falls as the realization of what he just said hits me. "But you could've hurt yourself."

"Would've been worth it." That cocky smirk is back on his face, and it causes me to wobble a little.

I watch his eyes bounce from my eyes to my lips and back like he's asking for permission. He must see something on my face because before I know it, his head is dropping, and his lips are a whisper from mine. Reality comes slamming back into me, and I push my hand to his chest.

"I need to go to bed," I blurt the words out in a rush needing this moment to stop. Needing space from the one who seems to be everywhere all of a sudden.

A frustrated sigh escapes him and the hand gripping me releases my hip as he brings it to run through his hair. Slowly, he steps away from me, but his gaze never leaves mine.

"When are you going to forgive me?"

A frustrated laugh leaves my lips. "Forgive you?"

"Yeah, forgive me."

"Maybe when you give me an explanation. Or hell, I'd even take an actual apology. How am I supposed to forgive you when you can't even be honest with me?"

"Chloe…" He starts, but I'm quick to put my palm up interrupting him.

"Don't, Cody. Look, I'm here to do a job just like you have a job to do on the field. Stop pretending like the two of us have anything to do with each other. Let's leave the past in the past and move on. I don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here."

Turning from him, I storm out of the gym. Suddenly, I'm ready to sleep and forget this night ever happened. Pushing through the door, I'm rounding the corner when I hear a frustrated curse come from behind me.

I don't turn around.

And I don't stop until I'm safely behind my door. A place where Cody can't randomly show up.

I don't bother to shower either. I just toss my phone and AirPods on my nightstand before crawling into bed.

I run my hand through my ponytail as I take in my reflection in the mirror. My eyes look tired. They're bloodshot with blue bags underneath them. No amount of eye patches or concealer is going to make me look like a human today.

After last night's run and gym debacle, I was able to fall asleep immediately, which surprised me. But it still wasn't long before my alarm was going off.

Today the baseball team has a noon game, but there's a lot that has to be done beforehand, and I'm on the same schedule as the team if I want a ride to the stadium. I could tell Coach I will catch an Uber, but this is my first game, and I need to make a good impression. I want to see the ins and outs that go into a game day.

Reaching for my lipstick, I'm about to apply the pinkish-nude shade when there's a knock on the door. Thankfully, I'm fully dressed, and the knock is coming from the main door, not the connecting door. We won't be having a repeat of yesterday.

With a quick glance in the peephole, I notice it's a member of the hotel staff.

"Hi there."

"Good morning, ma'am," the young concierge greets. "I'm sorry to bother you this morning, but we got your request for a honey lavender latte."

Accepting the coffee from his outstretched hand, confusion must line my face as he's quick to explain. "We received a call this morning that the occupant of 513 would require a honey lavender latte. Was this not the correct drink?"

"No, no. It's correct. Thank you."

With a smile and a head nod, the concierge leaves me standing there with another cup of my favorite latte.

Is this Ty's doing? I wonder as I shut the door to my room. He showed up to the bus yesterday with a drink and now this morning. I really hope this isn't a sign that Ty has feelings for me. As much as I think he's a great guy, I don't want the drama. Especially since he's Cody's teammate and roommate.

Can we say awkward?

Taking a sip of the delicious drink, I savor the warmth as it spreads through my body. I'm a ho for a good latte. The added honey just makes it even better.

After another drink, I quickly line my lips and apply the lipstick. With one last glance in the full-length mirror, I take in the outfit that Brynn picked out for me.

For the first game, I went with a simple spaghetti strapped, red and white micro-stripe dress—that is tight in the bodice and slightly flares out at the hip—a light wash denim jacket, and white Converse. My hair is curled but pulled up in a long ponytail, and I have a small backpack purse that will hold my camera and notepad, along with my other essentials.

"You can do this," I tell my reflection. With one last deep breath, I head out the door to meet the team in the lobby.

The hallway is bustling with guys from the team. I follow a group of them, whom I'm unfamiliar with, to the lobby.

"Honey lavender latte?" Ty asks, nudging my shoulder as he steps up beside me. The two of us enter the elevator together. The space is tight. Ty gently touches my hip and adjusts me so that my back is to his front. It's a little awkward, but I'd rather be pressed up against Ty than someone I don't know.

"It is," I finally answer his question. "Did you get…"

My question is cut off as a strong hand grabs the closing door, pushing it open. I know those hands. I had that hand on my hip last night. My cheeks heat as the memory of us pressed against each other flashes through my mind.

Cody steps on, and everyone makes space for him which causes me to press even further into Ty's front. His grip tightens in the same place Cody's did last night.

I watch as Cody's eyes track Ty's movement. His eyes narrow into slits, and his jaw ticks.

Aw, is someone jealous?

The ride down is awkward and silent. No one talks. It's like everyone can feel the tension in the air. As soon as the doors open, everyone takes Cody's lead, darting out to meet the rest of the team. Ty and I step out together, but before we get too far I turn over my shoulder and give him a tight-lipped smile.

"Good luck, today."

"Thanks, Chloe. Have fun today."

And with that, we both go our separate ways.

Game time is quickly approaching. We've been at the field for almost two hours, and the guys have been busy warming up. Some guys are practicing fielding grounders while others are taking part in batting practice.

Coach Weber instructed me that I had full reign to come and go inside the dugout as I needed. If there was ever a game I didn't want to sit inside the dugout, he would make sure that I had seats available to me. He really is a great guy, and at the end of the day, I'm really excited to be covering his story. I only wish a certain someone wasn't on the team, or that Weber was a coach for a different team.

I've been walking the stadium for thirty minutes, taking it all in and watching different players do their own warm-up routines. Somehow I've managed to walk the dirt path that leads to the outfield where the pitchers are warming up with catchers.

I find a spot against the fence, one that's out of the way and won't be a distraction. I've noticed the lingering glances some of the players have thrown my way. Each time I find their eyes on me, that annoying blush creeps up my neck and warms my cheeks. I don't do well being the center of attention of any guy, let alone a whole team. And I don't want to be the cause for anyone's focus to shift.

After only a few minutes, a shadowed figure stands beside me. My first instinct is it's Ty since the two of us keep finding ourselves in the same situations. But with a quick look out of the corner of my eye, I realize I'm way off. I'm thankful for the sunglasses I'm wearing, hoping that they hide the surprise in my eyes.

Niko Vega is standing beside me.

"So what's the story between you two?" Niko asks, startling me from where I've been not so subtly watching Cody throw pitches.

"Wh-what do you mean?" I stumble the words out, embarrassed that I was caught watching him. I was really hoping the sunglasses would help shield my eyes better.

He chuckles. "C'mon. Don't bullshit me."

"Excuse me?" My eyes widen at this blatant comment.

"You watch him a lot, yeah? You might try to hide it and keep up this hatred facade, but you suck at it. Because you don't stare at him like most girls stare at him."

Turning toward him, I steel my shoulders and put on my battle face. "What's that supposed to mean? How exactly do I stare at him, Niko?"

"You stare at him like there's a story to tell. Other girls watch him because they want him to give them attention, hoping to get him in their beds. You look at him, like…like…"

"Like he hurt me?" Shock laces Niko's eyes at my own admission. He wasn't expecting me to say that. I imagine Niko was waiting for me to admit my love for Cody Jacobs just like every other girl on this campus. There might've been a time when I would've loved him, but the first cut is the deepest, and I won't be forgetting what he did to me.

"Because he did, Niko. Then I had to sit back and watch him develop a flirty, brotherly, whatever friendship with my best friend. I thought things would start to change and that he wouldn't constantly be in my presence, but life said ‘watch this' as my professor assigned me the task of covering the baseball team this semester when I shouldn't even be covering sports. I can't fucking escape him."

I watch as Niko's eyes widen—no doubt because I said fuck—but I was swept up in the heat of things.

"Shit, Chloe, I had no idea it was that deep."

"No one does." I sigh, feeling the moisture gather in my eyes. I will myself not to start crying right here on the baseball field. "Everyone thinks I have this infatuation with him, when sure, maybe at one time I did, but there's so much more than that."

Niko watches me, and I feel his eyes bore into me, like he's reading my soul. I want to cringe under his assessment, but I don't. I straighten my shoulders and walk past him. When I think he's going to let me pass, I feel his arm reach out and his hand lightly wrap around my wrist. I glance over his shoulder and see that we've garnered the attention of some of the guys throwing in the outfield—Cody being one of them.

"Does he know how you feel about him?"

I shake my head. "There's nothing to tell. Our story is over, and I just want to get through this semester."

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