Page 16 of Double Play
Jackson and I take turns batting, our laughter and cheers echoing through the cage. It’s the best time, laughing with him, competing with him, and just being together.We needed this.
We finish up, and as we walk out, a group of teens eyes us. Jackson is oblivious to the boys watching us, and while they aren’t saying anything, I see the look in their eyes.
Judgment.
Fuck that.
I pull Jackson closer to me, slipping my arm around his waist and kissing the side of his forehead. Nobody will make me feel ashamed for loving him.
The beach is just a short forty-minute drive away, and as we pull up, I can see the perfect spot for our picnic. A stunning view of the ocean, just the way I imagined. I grab the blanket and basket from the trunk, and we make our way down to the sand.
Jackson spreads out the blanket while I unpack the food. I made sure to get all his favorites—tortas, mango and pineapple with green grapes, and his favorite chocolate bar.
Okay, so I spoil him.
I get to.
“This looks amazing, baby,” he says, his eyes wide with appreciation. “You really went all out.”
He called me baby.
Okay, that totally hits all the right parts of my brain.
“Only the best for you, Jack.”
We sit down, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore providing the perfect backdrop to our conversation.
Jackson looks the happiest I’ve ever seen him.
I’ll do this every week if this keeps him smiling.
As we finish eating, I watch him give himself a bolus, then lean back on my elbows, looking out at the ocean. “You ready for the game on Monday?”
We have an away game in STL, and I know he hates flying.
Jackson turns to me, his expression serious. “Yep. Long plane ride… absolutely not.”
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “I’ll be right there with you, Jack. You can hold my hand all you want.”
Jackson gives me a playful smirk. “Can I sit in your lap if I get too scared?”
“La única manera en que te sentarás en mi regazo en el avión es si estarás montando mi verga, hermoso.”
Jackson smiles, but there’s a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Is that so?”
I nod, leaning in closer. “Absolutely.”
I want the world to know that Jackson Michael Baker is mine.
Before Jackson can respond, I see a woman walking by, her eyes lingering on Jackson a little too long for my liking. Now I’m not normally a jealous person—normally being the keyword. But I can feel my territorial instincts kicking in. I stand up, pulling Jackson to his feet, and before he can react, I crush my lips to his in a passionate, claiming kiss.
Jackson’s eyes widen in surprise, but he melts into the kiss quickly, his arms wrapping around my neck. I can feel the woman’s uncomfortable gaze on us, but I don’t care.
Let her look.
Let her see Jackson is mine.
When I finally pull away, Jackson’s cheeks are flushed, and his breath is ragged. “Was that necessary?” he asks, a smirk playing on his lips.
