The Dugout(62)

If anyone was questioning our relationship, they’ll have no questions now.

His mouth covers mine in hungry nips and languid strokes. My hands fall to the back of his neck as he grips the base of my spine, just above the swell of my ass. He holds me in place, groans when my tongue slips past his lips and quickly pulls away.

On my tippy-toes, I rest my forehead against his and grip his cheeks. “I’ll see you later.”

“Let me walk you to your class.”

“Don’t you need to eat and get to class yourself?”

“Nah, came to see you, and then I’m going to get a quick run in.” He releases me and slides his hand into mine. He brings our connection to his lips and presses them softly against my knuckles. “Come on.”

And just like that, Carson walks me to my class. My stomach swirls with joy and wonder that this man is completely and utterly infatuated with me. Even more incredible? Carson Stone is holding my hand. Holding my hand.





Milly: I know you can’t talk right now, but I have to tell you something.

Cory: Getting my muscles unknotted. I might cry soon. They’re using the devil’s tools on me. What’s up, sis? Did you finally finish your proposal for the boys?

Milly: No, still working on that, coming close to finishing though.

Cory: Good. Once it’s finished, send it to me and I’ll look it over. Do you need more leggings?

Milly: No! OMG, my dorm room is flooded in leggings. I have every color ever made. I’m good. Thank you.

Cory: Just making sure you’re all set. Did you get the bike shorts too? Cheryl said they’re comfy.

Milly: They’re really short, like, barely cover my butt short . . . Huh, maybe I’ll wear them today.

Cory: Please don’t be showing your ass off.

Milly: We’re getting off topic. I have something huge to tell you.

Cory: I’m all ears.

Milly: Carson kissed me last night, like a lot, and now we’re dating.

Cory: . . .

Cory: . . .

Cory: WHAT?!

Cory: Wait, seriously?

Cory: Carson, the guy you’ve pretended not to crush on kissed you? Wait . . . did he hold your hand?

Milly: He did, and I cried.

Cory: Ah, Mills. Fuck, I love you so much. I wish I could call you right now, but I’d be grunting in pain the entire time and that would be awkward. He finally got a clue and realized my sister is fucking amazing.

Milly: Honestly, I didn’t believe him at first. I was quite clueless, but yeah . . . he really likes me and has for a while now.

Cory: I have a huge smile on my face. That’s great. I’m really happy for you, and he’s a smart man for asking you out. You’re keeping things exclusive, right?

Milly: Yeah, his idea. Seems like he’s all in.

Cory: He better be. You’re a catch and he’s lucky to have you.

Milly: I’m lucky too. He’s really sweet and funny and attentive.

Cory: Damn, Mills. You’re totally crushing on him.

Milly: Guilty. I like him a lot.

Cory: I could tell when you first started working with him, but I let you figure it out on your own. I do have a serious question though.

Milly: We haven’t had sex.

Cory: That was not my question, and Jesus, don’t talk to me about that shit.

Milly: LOL. Sorry. What’s your question?

Cory: The World Series, if we were playing against each other, whose jersey would you wear?

Milly: What is with you two? He asked me a similar question but I’m not answering this one.

Cory: I demand an answer.

Milly: That’s cute . . . not going to happen.





“You have got to be kidding me.”

“What?” I ask innocently, batting my eyelashes as I pick up a ball and toss it in my hand.

With his bat, he points at my smooth legs and says, “What the fuck are those shorts?”

“These?” I glance down at the bike shorts that barely slip past my butt and then back at him. “Cory sent me some new things. These are super comfortable. Do you not like them?” I give him a quick spin.

His eyes bulge. “Do I not like them? You don’t wear things like that, Milly.”

Aaaand, the confidence I had putting these on vanishes. I know I dress a little more conservatively and might not wear a bunch of makeup or curl my hair, but I do sometimes. On those rare occasions, I always feel a tad self-conscious, like someone is going to mock my attempt at being more girly.

Like Carson just did.

My face falls flat and I stare down at the ground, unsure what to do. “Uh, maybe I should go change then, we can pick this up tomorrow.” I toss the ball I’m holding at the bucket and sink it.

When I attempt to walk past Carson, he catches me by the waist and stops me.

“I’m sorry,” he says quickly. “I didn’t mean to make you upset when I said that. I only meant, you don’t normally wear shorts this short, which means you’re going to distract me for this entire practice.” The hand not holding the bat falls to the base of my spine and spans slightly over my rear end. “You have a great ass, Milly.”

It’s hard to stay upset when he says things like that.

“I do squats,” I say awkwardly.

He chuckles and says, “I can tell.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head and lingers for a few seconds. “Did you wear those on purpose? To challenge me?”