Chapter 7

Jake

I keep my head down, waiting for the next pitch. I have ten more to go before my time is up, and I plan to smack the hell out of every single one.

A perfect fast ball crosses the plate and I swing. "Shit," Cruz whistles. "That shit's gone."

I've always loved my time in the batting cage. It's my church. A place of focus and reflection. Nothing but my eye on the ball, and my mind on my form. But today I can't focus worth shit. My striding is off and I'm dropping my shoulder, which is sending every ball that I hit, high into the net.

"Focus!" Cruz calls out.

"Yeah, yeah," I grumble. Focus. Like I can.

It's been a week since Jenica's visit, and we haven't talked. She hasn't called nor returned any of my calls. I knew having sex would change things between us, but I didn't think it would in the way that it had.

I thought for sure we were on the same page. Her admission that night, proof that she wanted me, the same way that I did her. But instead of bringing us closer it only pushed us apart.

Keeping my head down, I wait for the next pitch, and when I swing and connect, the bat cracks, sending the ball flying right back at the machine. Better. Thank fuck. That's all I need, a drop in my batting average, this early in the season.

"Nice," Cruz whistles. "There you go."

I do the same with the next few pitches, and when the last one crosses the plate, I knock the hell out of it. When I'm done, Cruz turns off the machine, and when the light above the gate changes from red to green, I exit the cage.

"Want to tell me what that was about?" He looks at me out of the corner of his eyes.

"Nope." I hang the bat up, then remove my helmet, and peel off my batting gloves. "You're up."

He watches as I toss them down to my bag. "You sure?"

"I'm sure." I run a hand through my hair, scalp tingling. "Get in there. Don't you need to get in and out so you do the same back home?"

He smirks and picks up his bat, pointing the end at me. "Don't be jealous."

"I'm not. I just didn't think when I suggested you and Ellery bury the hatchet last summer, you would take that to mean bury your dick all the fucking time."

"Aw," he pretends to pout. "Is Iceman not getting any action?"

"Fuck you, my action is fine."

He looks at me as if he doesn't believe me, and why should he? I haven't brought a girl home since we lived in the apartment. The first weekend we were back at school, to be exact, because the next one Jenica came up to visit and we picked up right where we left off at the end of the summer and that was it. My nights became about her, whether she was visiting or not.

She'd call at night when she couldn't sleep and I was perfectly content to stay home and wait for her call because it meant hearing her voice, which was the next best thing to having her here. Actually, the next best thing was my mouth on her pussy and her hand in my hair, but since she only visited once a month, those nights were limited.

I didn't mind, however. There was a different kind of intimacy in talking on the phone, which allowed us to get to know one another on a whole other level. We shared everything from music and movie recommendations to our favorite memories and how we were doing with our classes. Sometimes we talked until the sun came up without even knowing that night had passed.

We may have evolved into friends that respected one another and hooked up when the opportunity presented itself, but I knew the deal. There was no commitment. We were free to do whatever we wanted. Keep it simple. Easy, breezy. I never pushed. I even let her come to her own conclusion that night of the party. She came to my room on her own desire and will. So why did it feel like we had crossed a chasm and now stood on opposite sides, practically strangers?

"Ready?" I nod to the cage when I see Cruz staring at me.

He brings the bat behind his head and lays it across his shoulders, gripping the barrel with his right hand. "You know, you too could be…"

"Get in," I nod to the gate. I don't want to hear it right now.

"Alright, alright," he waves me off. "Man, you're a surly bitch lately."

I flip him off and wait for him to step up the plate before turning on the machine. We always paired up when we hit the cages. Taking a fast ball to the side of the head wouldn't just be career ending, but potentially life threatening. That's why you never worked the cages without a partner. One guy goes in, and one stays out to man the machine and keep watch. Coach's rules.

Once Cruz is set up in the batter's box, he whistles for me to start the machine. When the first pitch crosses the plate, he swings with textbook form and the bat cracks, sending the ball flying straight and hard into the net behind the machine. When the next pitch comes across, he swings in near identical form, and smacks the ball with the same force. Seeing he's in a zone, I turn away from the cage and let him swing away.

Bringing my hands to my head, I take a deep breath and look up. He's right. I have been in a bad mood this week. Today's practice was an early one, and since I hadn't been sleeping well, my ass was dragging.

But I can't blame my attitude on that alone. Sleep was a tenth of the problem. The rest was because I missed Jenica. Chemistry aside, we were friends, and she listened to me—really listened—and I missed that. We could talk about anything and had. So why was she afraid to talk to me now?

I couldn't stop thinking about her. That smart mouth and those gorgeous eyes. The grovel in her voice when she'd call in the middle of the night after waking from a bad dream. Shit, I would give anything to hear it right now. We could never have sex again and I would be okay with it, if only I could just talk to her.

Although, it would suck if we never did find our way back to that point again because sex with her had been an out of body experience. Watching her ride me, long dark hair tumbling down her back, and those perky tits on full display…goddamn, it was a sight. And that body…shit, it's a work of art. Her physicality was hot and her beauty stunning. Even now in the dead of winter her skin is golden brown and I love the way it feels against mine.

I didn't date or do relationships. The one and only girlfriend I had in high school had been enough. But I have never wanted a second night or more with any girl the way I have with Jenica and that was dangerous because she roused feelings I'd worked hard not to feel my entire life.

The tingle in my fingers and burn in my core. That anxious energy that nearly reduced my dreams to ash once….it snaked through me, looking for release. It was powerful and relentless and filled me with an unbridled energy that was unlike me in every way.

"Shit," I mumble angrily, kicking my bag.

Cruz whistles and I look up. Seeing he's done, I turn the machine off, and once it's safe for him to exit, he steps out of the cage.

"So, I've been thinking," he says slowly. "The other day in your room, when I asked why Jenica was at the house that day shit went down, you never answered me."

"Man," I shake my head. "Not this again."

"She was there." He points his bat at me and grins. "You two were together, weren't you?"

I turn and reach for my bag. "She was there because she came to pick up the fliers for Caleb's sister. That's it. End of story."

I turn around, bag in hand and watch as he hangs up his bat, then removes his helmet and gloves, and shoves them into his own.

"What?" I ask when he doesn't say anything.

"Nothing," he shrugs.

"Bullshit." I motion for him to speak. "Out with it."

"Out with what?" He zips up his bag.

"Clearly, there's something you want to say."

"Well," he slings it over his shoulder and stops to look at me. "I was just going to say that I haven't seen you with a girl in months."

"And?" I press.

"And…girls are your thing, man. You know them as well as you do baseball."

"So, what, because I'm not getting laid—"

"Ah ha!" He points. "So you admit it! You're not hooking up with anyone because she will cut your balls off if she finds out, right?"

"Man Cabron," I click my tongue. "Your fascination with my balls is becoming a little weird."

"Screw you," he laughs. "Stop changing the subject and answer me."

"Why!" I fire back.

"Because my girlfriend loves her best friend and wants her to be happy. And she thinks that being with you will make her happy. Happy wife, happy life."

"Wife?" I arch my brow. "Brother, did you two get married?"

"No," he grins. "But we will and the sentiment is the same. I want my girl to be happy and she is when everyone she cares about is happy, too."

"Cruz…"

"Sorry," he shrugs. "You're her brother from another mother and she wants you to be happy. Her words, not mine."

"You know I adore Ellery and she is my sister from another mister. But I'm fine, honestly, and you can tell her that."

"Look…" He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "You were right last summer when you said that I had a type when it came to girls. I did. Anyone that wasn't Ellery because she was it for me. Always was. But you don't have a type. You're all over the place."

"What can I say?" I force a grin. "I'm an equal opportunity lover."

"Yeah," he nods. "Or you play the field because it's easier that way."

"Jesus," I shake my head. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"No man, I'm right and you know it. Seeing you with Jenica last weekend it's obvious. You've never looked at another girl the way you do her. You like her. I know you do. And if you didn't, you would be getting laid a lot more. She is your type. "

I look at Cruz, shaking my head. "Brother, I—"

"That was some fucking show you put on," O'Brien cuts me off as he walks by.

"Learn something?" Cruz tosses back.

He stops and turns, flashing us his smug as fuck grin. Whenever I see O'Brien lately, I want to knock his teeth in. It's not like me. I'm the chill one. But with practice being moved indoors this week due to bad weather, we're all a little on edge. Cruz and I are both from the Northeast, so we're used to indoor practice dominating the first part of the season, but nothing beats being on the field, and a lot of the guys are feeling it.

Luckily, our indoor training complex makes things a bit easier. A lot of D1 schools have facilities like ours, and thanks to generous alumni, Highland's experienced some pretty sweet upgrades over the summer. The weight room had been expanded, the locker room gutted and remodeled, and there was now a player's lounge with a big screen TV, all you can eat snacks and drinks, and a theater room where Coach reviews tapes of previous games and practice reels.

"Man," O'Brien laughs. "I don't have to learn shit. My game is fine on and off the field."

I hold the handle of my bag with a white knuckle grip. "I think the lack of Vitamin D has fried your brain because I saw nothing but K's from you in the season opener."

"Looks like the one in need of some vitamins is you, Chambers. Noticed you were dropping your shoulder a bit earlier. May want to work on that. Scouts tend to skip sluggers in a slump."

"I take it you managed to break out of your slump then?" Cruz jumps in, running a hand through his hair. "Poor performance at the plate isn't good for the team, man."

"If by slump you mean being balls deep in pussy every night, then sure," O'Brien laughs. "Speaking of pussy," he flicks his chin at me, "thanks for the heads up on my date the other night. If I hadn't caught her in time, she would have gone home with that fraternity dick. It's a shame I had to leave that gorgeous brunette, though."

"What brunette?" Cruz asks curiously.

"Your girl's friend."

Cruz looks over at me and arches his brow. "Jenica?"

"Right," O'Brien smirks. "Forgot her name. But man, didn't forget those legs."

I let out a short, dry laugh, as the fingers on the hand dangling at my side, twitch. "Didn't you come here to focus on baseball?"

"Yeah." He spits into the garbage can next to him and shrugs. "And?"

"And…maybe give Highland's female student body a break."

"Aw, what's the matter, Chambers, worried?"

"Worried?" I repeat with little interest. "About?"

"Well, from what I hear, Highland's trick pony hasn't left the stables in quite some time. It seems he's been put out to pasture. Leave those fillies unattended for too long and someone else will come in and tame them."

I toss my bag down and take a step toward him. "Woah," Cruz steps in front of me and puts a hand on my chest. "Take it down a notch."

"Yeah, brother," O'Brien grins. "Take it down."

"You," Cruz whips his head around. "Don't you have a drill to run?"

"Yo!" He holds up both hands. "Take it easy, Cabron."

Cruz drops his hand from my chest and turns, squaring his shoulders with O'Brien. "What did you call me?"

"He needs to take it easy," O'Brien chin checks me. "Like you said."

Cruz runs a thumb across his chin and lets out a dry laugh. "Let's get something straight. I'm not your brother. You don't know me, so don't act like you do."

I'm not sure why I'm loving this, but God help me, I am.

"Another thing," he continues. "Shut your mouth about Jenica. She's off limits. Not a word, not a glance, nothing. Comprehende?"

"Yeah, yeah. I know. She's your girl's best friend."

"She's more than that. She's family. That means back the fuck off."

"What the hell is this?" O'Brien's eyes flick between Cruz and me. "You two have some kind of girlfriend swap going on?"

"Actually," Marcus cuts in, coming over to stand with Cruz and me. "It's an orgy. Nonstop those four."

O'Brien looks at Marcus who looks at me and Cruz and winks. "Man, I don't need this shit. I came here to help this team."

"Help?" I bark out. "How, by tanking our batting average? We don't need your help in case you hadn't noticed."

"Well, apparently Coach thought you did, thanks to your roided out shortstop."

Cruz is stoic. Cal may be dead to him now, but the guy was one hell of a ballplayer, and once, our best friend. But saying anything in support of Cal would be like forgiving him, and Cruz doesn't, nor will he ever, and I have his back, unconditionally. That means, I stay quiet, as does Marcus, even though he's loosely in touch with Cal.

When it's clear none of us are going to say anything, O'Brien crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. "It makes sense that the three of you are tight-lipped about your former teammate. I would be too, given what happened."

Cruz takes a step toward O'Brien, warranting a side-eye from Marcus. What's happening sends a wave of déjà vu crashing into me, and clearly him as well. It's just like last summer, only this time, the smart ass on the receiving end of Cruz's imposing presence isn't Cal, but O'Brien.

"What are you talking about?" Cruz grits out.

I keep an eye on his hands, making sure he keeps them open and at his sides. Don't need him throwing punches this early in the season.

"Oh, come on," O'Brien rolls his eyes. "We all know you four went down south last summer to that town that became a media circus. Why you would go there of all places, is beyond me. But really, I don't care," he shrugs. "What I want to know is what does it and your fallen from grace shortstop have in common?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Marcus asks.

"Come on," O'Brien drops his head back. "One guy disappears, another gets so addicted to steroids he has to check into rehab, and some secret society blows up, all in one summer. Sounds like some kind of movie if you ask me."

Cruz steps forward again, pressing his forehead to O'Brien's. "You wanna talk shit, you talk shit. But I suggest you stop running your mouth about things you know nothing about. You feel me, friend?"

"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" O'Brien turns his hat backward and presses his chest against Cruz's. "You may be the star here, but don't think I won't fuck your shit up. You push me, I'll push right back."

"Meaning?" Cruz grounds out.

"I think you know what I mean."

Cruz places a hand on O'Brien's chest and points with his other. "You're out of line."

"Am I?"

Marcus clears his throat and glances to the left. When Cruz and I do the same and see Coach approaching, he steps back from O'Brien.

"Everything alright?" Coach growls in his trademark gruff voice.

"Yeah, Coach." O'Brien flips his hat around. "The guys and I were just talking."

"Well how about less talking and more practice, huh?" He claps his hands and looks at me, Cruz, and Marcus. "Are you three done with your rotation?"

"Yup," I pat Cruz's back. "Marcus, you?"

"All done," he confirms with a nod.

"Good," Coach lifts his chin toward the exit. "You three get home. O'Brien, finish your circuit with the others and do the same. Storm is getting closer and the winds are picking up. Dean is about to cancel classes for the rest of the day, so I want all of you to get home as soon as you can. No funny business today. I mean it. You get your asses inside and keep them there."

"You got it." Marcus claps O'Brien on the back. "Right man?"

"Sure," he bites back, giving each of us a once over, then turns and walks away.

Coach moves on, giving the same order to the rest of the team, as Marcus, Cruz, and I sling our bags over our shoulders and head toward the exit.

Jordy, our first baseman, jogs over and falls into step with Marcus, the two talking animatedly, as Cruz leans over and whispers to me."What the hell was that?"

"I don't know," I look over my shoulder. "But I don't like it."

"Me either brother," he agrees. "Me either."