The Trade(6)

“Oh shit,” I say, chuckling. “He doesn’t know?”

She straightens and shakes his head. “We agreed it would physically break him, especially since he’s already in a delicate state right now.”

I scratch the side of my jaw and look back at Jason, who’s chugging a glass of water with Knox. “Does his delicate state have to do with this Dottie girl?”

She nods. “Unfortunately. He fell in love, she hurt him, he’s not speaking to her even though she’s trying to apologize—basic relationship stuff. I’m sure they’ll work it out once he figures out he can’t live like this anymore, without her.”

I glance at Jason again, feeling sorry for the guy. Never having experienced heartbreak before, I can’t relate, but I have seen friends go through it, especially Milly with Carson. I felt her pain when they split up, I fucking lived her pain, so I can understand why Jason looks lost right now, as if he can’t quite find his home.

“I hope they work it out.”

“Me too.” Natalie sighs and says, “I should go make the rounds. Thank some more people. It was lovely meeting you, Cory Fucking Potter.”

“You too.” I smile despite the disappointment of her departure. I want to find out more about her life, not simply talk about the one thing we have in common: Jason. I want to know what else makes her cry tears of joy, what makes her throw her head back and laugh, and how I can bring that smile to her face. Unsure what comes over me, I say, “If you get bored of saying thank you, I’ll be over at that table, drowning myself in baseball cupcakes.”

Once again, the corners of her mouth tilt up and she says, “It’s the strawberry jam in the middle that has you addicted, isn’t it?” I’m thinking right about now that it’s the way her dimples make an appearance on her smooth cheeks that has me growing addicted to something else.

“Yeah, the fruit compote with the chocolate is killer.”

She points to herself. “All me.” With a friendly pat to my shoulder she says, “Catch you around, Potter.”

And then she takes off, leaving me wanting way more than cupcakes.





Chapter Two





CORY





When it comes to fundraising events, I’d say I generally stay the average amount of time. I make the rounds, introducing myself to people I might not know and having a quick chat with the people I do. I sample the food, have two drinks, donate some money, smile for some pictures, and then I take off. Not staying too late or leaving too early.

Tonight is different.

Tonight, I’m lingering.

Carson and Milly took off a half hour ago along with Knox and Emory. Jason is talking with Walker Rockwell, the catcher for the Bobbies, and there are a few other attendees snacking on Cracker Jacks and cupcakes, me being one of them.

Sitting at a high-top table, I scan the space looking for the one reason I haven’t left, but for the life of me, I haven’t been able to find her ever since she said goodbye to Carson and Milly. Did she leave too? I can’t imagine her leaving before everyone is gone.

Casually sipping on the beer I’ve been nursing for over an hour, I stare down at the golden liquid, trying to understand this immediate attraction I have toward Jason’s sister, because frankly, I’ve never felt this way before about a woman. Yes, I’ve found them attractive. Yes, I’ve been able to have good conversations. But they’ve never extinguished the breath right from my lungs with one look, and that’s what’s concerning me.

“How many cupcakes have you eaten?” That voice. Immediately, my stomach flips in excitement as I turn to see Natalie step up next to me, looking exhausted but happy.

Leaning on one arm, I turn toward her and say, “Three.”

From behind her, she sets down a tray of the mini cupcakes that have been a hit. “Three is entirely not enough. Get to work, Potter.”

“Only if you help me.”

Her eyes look over the dwindling guests and I can see her shoulders relax. “I think I can spare a moment or two. But I refuse to stand any longer. Can we sit at that table?” She points to a table not far from us, and I nod.

Taking the cupcake tray and my beer, I say, “Can I grab you a drink?”

She shakes her head and we both take a seat. “Water is fine.” Picking up the table pitcher and an unused glass, she pours herself a drink and then sits back in her chair. “If you ever think about wearing heels to an event, you should think better of it.”

“Really?” I ask, taking a quick glance at her black high heels. “That kind of screws up my plans for my next event.”

Her lip twitches up. “Man, would I pay a lot of money to see you walk around in heels. Hell, to see you or my brother walk around in heels. Talk about a true rebel.”

I chuckle. “Think it will help my image with the fans?”

She shakes her head and sips from her glass before handing me a cupcake and grabbing one for herself. “No, I think you’re going to have to do some real shady things to earn the respect of those fans.” She taps her chin. “A few things come to mind.”

“Oh yeah? Let me hear them.”

“Well”—she folds down the wrapper to the cupcake—“there’s always the obvious—getting thrown out of a game for spouting obscenities at an umpire and then kicking him in the shin.”