Page 97 of Just for the Plot

And then, before I can even make sense of what’s going on, Ryland and Gabby are screaming, jumping up and down, and…ew…making out.

What the fuck is wrong with them?

I look out toward the field, where I see Bennett casually trotting around the bases while his teammates are billowing out of the dugout, bouncing up and down and throwing…is that gum? I hope they pick that up, because what a waste.

“He did it,” Gabby screams, excusing herself from Ryland’s mouth for a second.

“Did he win the game?” I ask.

“He hit a home run! Yes, he won the game. That’s why it was so smart that he let that first ball go. He knows he can’t do much with a curveball unless he needs to, so he zeroed in on that fastball and took it yard.”

Took it yard, what a weird term.

Either way… Yay, Bennett!

You, your bubbly ass, and your lover—his bat—did it.

Now, let’s go to the bar!

CHAPTER 17

BENNETT

Bower:We’re in the back. Be prepared: Your sister is drunk and very handsy. She’s been shoving her tongue down Ryland’s throat every chance she gets. I might throw up.

Chuckling as I ride downthe streets of San Francisco in a professional car service, because I knew we would be hanging out after the game and I wanted some drinks, I stare down at the picture that Bower sent me before the game.

The picture of her wearing my number on her back.

It made my gut clench, because fuck, it looks so good on her. Too damn good. And all it did was remind me that I want her, don’t have her, but if I did have her, that is what my life could be like.

Bower in the stands, cheering me on, wearing my number…eating a hot dog.

It made me long for something I so desperately want, something I’m hopefully working toward, despite fucking Cougar being in the way.

The entire game, anytime I thought about her being there, watching me, my mind kept going toward what I talked about with the guys. Does she like him? Have they kissed? Are they getting serious?

All things I don’t know.

All things that fuel the rage that lives deep inside me.

But maybe I could get some info from Gabby, because there is no doubt that they’ve talked about it. I just need to unearth the truth.

The car pulls up to the side of the street, in front of the bar that Gabby and Ryland chose. I tug on the brim of my hat, attempting to hide my face. It’s dumb, because I’m easily recognizable in a hat, and then I thank the driver before getting out.

I keep my head down as I enter the bar and then walk all the way to the back, where a rope closes off the rest of the place to the public.

The security guy protecting the area gives me one look and nods before saying, “Great game.”

“Thanks, man.” I pat him on the shoulder as he lets me in. I finally look up and the first person I see is Bower. She’s sitting up on her knees, in the booth, holding up a shot and looking me dead in the eyes.

Her Bombers shirt clings to her, highlighting her breasts while showing off about two inches of her stomach. Her hair is wild, curled and falling over her shoulders. The lights bounce off her glossy lips, making them look irresistible, and the expression of utter happiness when she spots me creates a sense ofminein my head.

“Bennett!” she shouts, keying Gabby and Ryland into my arrival.

Gabby flies out of her seat, completely drunk, and wraps her arms around me, giving me a huge hug.

“My baby brother, the game winner.” She sloppily kisses my cheek and then grips my shoulders as she pulls away. “You’re amazing.”