Incumbent(20)

He bent over to pick up our food from the cardboard tray, and handed me mine.

“Thanks.” I couldn’t help but take in the beautiful man sitting next to me. He was truly stunning from the inside out. His heart was as pure as his smile.

His dimple winked at me. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s eat and watch the Nats kick some ass.”

The crowd stood as the national anthem boomed through the half-filled stadium. Drake removed his cap and held it over his heart as his eyes fixed on the American flag waving in the stadium. As soon as the lyrics started, he began to sing with his back straight and his chin held high. There was no doubt this man loved our country, and a sense of pride filled me.

Before we knew it, the first inning was over. Drake and Josh cheered loudly, and Gretchen would chime in at times too. She turned toward me to say something, but then she looked past me with wide eyes and stayed silent. I turned in my seat, and an instant smile took over my face when I saw Mason standing there.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said with a grin. “Traffic to the Metro was horrible.”

Drake introduced him to Josh as we stood so he could make his way to the empty seat next to Gretchen.

Mason stopped in front of me and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Luce.”

“Hi! I didn’t know you were coming.”

I was sure Drake could hear the joy in my voice, so I tried to take it down a notch. I was stunned to see Mason there, but thrilled that he was. When I looked at Drake, he winked at me.

“When did you invite Mason?”

“When you were getting ready. I wanted to give him more time, but I wasn’t sure if you were going to go with me.” Drake shrugged. “Are you happy he’s here?”

“Of course. Thanks for inviting him.”

Mason took his seat and looked at Gretchen. “I’m Mason.” He held out his hand, which she took in hers to give a quick shake.

“Oh, sorry.” I leaned forward and made the introductions.

By the time the seventh inning came, I’d consumed a hot dog, peanuts, and shared some of Gretchen’s cotton candy. Not the healthiest of dinners, but I quickly learned there was something especially tasty about ballpark food.

We also dodged a home run that was hit well over our heads, but the optical illusion made me duck my head into Drake’s chest. His strong hand covered the back of my head and held me close to him. The pounding of his heart under my ear was intense and fast, and I was sure mine was triple that.

When I peeked up at Drake, he grinned and released his hold on me. I looked back to see a man holding the baseball in the air and high-fiving the people around him.

“That seemed a lot closer,” I said sheepishly. “Thanks for protecting me anyway.”

“Never apologize for putting your body so close to mine,” he said in a low voice. “I’d protect you from anything.”

When he said those words, it was as if he knew I’d need him one day.

It was now the middle of the seventh inning, and apparently it was called the seventh inning stretch. Everyone stood and did exactly that. Then the entire ballpark sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Everyone in our group laughed when they found I didn’t know the words and needed to read the lyrics as they scrolled across the illuminated scoreboard. I felt a little silly not knowing something so basic, but the teasing was good-natured and fun. By the end of the song, I was belting out the words, which made them laugh even harder.

When we sat back down, Drake placed his hand on mine. I glanced up at him and smiled, and he smiled back as he asked, “Is this okay?”

Glancing at our joined hands, I nodded.

No one was paying attention to us, which shocked me. How could the people around us not recognize him? Sure, the young lady who sold us our peanuts had batted her eyelashes at him, but she did the same to Josh. And who could blame her? They were both handsome men, so they must get that a lot.

After the eighth inning had ended, we decided to leave to fight traffic, which was becoming a joke amongst us. The Nats were losing, but the game was still great, and I hoped to see many more. Growing up, I’d lost all interest in sports in high school, and hadn’t been to an organized game except for watching Mason play soccer in college.

As we made our way outside, Mason said something to Gretchen that made her laugh. She blushed prettily, and I wondered what that was all about. I had been so engrossed in the game and Drake, I’d almost forgotten they were sitting next to me.

Gretchen left with Josh, and Drake offered Mason a lift but he declined, saying he was all set with the Metro.

Turning to me, Mason pulled me into a hug and whispered, “He’s a great guy, Lucy.”

I said nothing, but squeezed him tightly in acknowledgment.

Before we parted ways, Mason thanked Drake. He gave him a firm handshake and said something to him, but I couldn’t hear what it was with all the noise around us. But as Mason spoke, Drake’s brows rose and he nodded.

When Mason waved good-bye and left, Drake and I walked out of the park alone. We made our way to his car slowly, chatting along the way, and I realized my hand was back in his.

It felt like the most natural thing in the world.





Chapter 6


Drake



Josh had thought I was nuts inviting another guy to the game. When I explained I’d done it for Lucy, he laughed at me.