Page 108 of Just for the Plot

“You probably are with the right man,” he counters.

And for some reason, that hits home, because I think he might be right about that.

“What about you? How was your day off?”

“Wasn’t a true day off. I still worked out and took some batting practice.”

My expression flattens. “Bennett, that’s not a day off at all.”

“Can’t really take many days off in baseball; have to keep up reps.”

“Really? I know nothing about baseball.”

“You can come with me one day, if you want? To take some batting practice, maybe show you some mechanics.”

For some reason, that actually excites me.

“Tell me when, I’m there.”

“Yeah?” His expression softens. “I’ll send you some days. You can even come before a game, in the morning.”

“Will you give me a tour of the stadium?”

“Do you want one?”

“I do,” I say, excited at the prospect.

“Then it’s a date.”

It’s a date…

Why does that give me so much joy and not an ounce of trepidation? With Cougar, I was coming up with any sort of lie to not go to his game, but Bennett…he’s different.

Maybe because it’s Bennett, and if I can trust any man, it would be him. There’s no pressure when I’m with him. Familiarity, perhaps? Ormaybe because he’s not just trying to score or impress me. He’s not saying all the words to get me into his bed.And then leave.He’s just…Bennett. We have history, a solid friendship. Trust.

Yeah, that’s it. Isn’t that what every woman wants in a friend?

CHAPTER 19

BENNETT

The moment I heard shewas on a date with Cougar, my entire day was flipped upside down. I honestly had no intention of going to the stadium because our manager does ask us to take rest days, but I had to blow off some steam.

I was irritated.

Frustrated.

And fucking annoyed.

Because I couldn’t believe she was on another date with him, let alone him calling her fucking sweetheart.

Sweetheart.

What the actual fuck?

That word, hearing it directed from another man to my girl, lit something inside of me.

I was ignited and ready to fucking blow.