Page 64 of The Score We Never Settled

My gaze floats up to Layla, whose face is lifted, awaiting news of the conversation.

I’m going to the big leagues.

I’m going to be playing for the MLB.

“You’ll meet the coaches and team. Call up Mallory so she can meet you up there and get your shit together.”

My head is spiraling because my teammates are downstairs, probably feasting on that Chinese place they’ve been on a kick with, and I’m leaving.

“Flight’s at 10 a.m, Kerrigan. Get some sleep, boy.” He pauses a moment before muttering proudly, “Congratulations, son, you’ll be missed.”

Then he hangs up.

My phone is still to my ear because I haven’t come down from what he just said yet.

I did it.

All my hard work, it finally paid the hell off.

I can pay off the balloon payment on the house and just provide for Adeline and Everly for whatever they need. I still might be helping my dad, but inadvertently, and I don’t think of him.

I can make a life for Layla and me, too.

“Are you okay?”

Nope.

I’m leaving tomorrow, and she was supposed to stay for another one of my games tomorrow night.

I still had time.

Everything is going to change from now on, and it’s not even overnight yet.

“Was it bad news?” she presses. “Do I need to beat someone up?”

Like she would.

She’s too damn sweet and good and everything I’ve ever wanted.

“I got in,” I emit, still in a bit of a fog. “I got into the MLB.”

Her hazel eyes widen before she launches herself on me, crashing my spine into the bed while she straddles me and begins bouncing up and down.

“You did it!” she beams, bouncing her ass on my dick and, geezus fucking Christ, I love her but damn. I’m not immune to her at all. “Briggs, I’m so proud of you! This is everything!”

My hands find her hips, silently begging her to stop because we’re going to get nothing done tonight, because I’m going to take her, and that’s all we’re going to do.

“I leave tomorrow mornin’,” I croak out a bit nervously. “For New York.”

The news doesn’t wipe the joy off her face because she cups mine and leans in, her soft chest pressing into my body, and I try my best to relax, but I’m anxious as all hell, and I didn’t expect it.

I guess you never do, but I wasn’t ready mentally.

“I’m so freakin’ excited for you, Briggs,” she continues to speak happily. “You’re going to beamazing. This iseverythingyou’ve worked so hard for. Even with those outside pitches, youdidit.”

Ha.

Yeah, I did.