Page 6 of Catching the Coach
Hudson silently hands Kessler his ball. Kessler signs it and hands it back. “What position do you play?”
“I, I’m the catcher,” Hudson squeaks out.
“Alright, a catcher,” Kessler says, holding up his fist for a bump. Hudson bumps his fist, and the spell is broken.
“You were so awesome today, Mr.Davis.”
“Please call me Kessler.” He looks at me and gives me a smile that could melt the panties off a woman. “Who’s this?” he asks Hudson.
“This is my mom, did you hear her yell at you to bunt? Is that why you did it? She said your coach probably gave you the sign, but I told her I think you heard her. Did you?” Hudson asks, talking a mile a minute.
I put my hand on his shoulder. “Woah Hud, take a breath. Give Mr.Davis a chance to answer.” I hold out my other hand for a shake and Kessler takes it, his warm hand engulfing mine. “I’m Lucy. Sorry, he’s just really excited to meet one of his idols.”
“No need to apologize, and please call me Kessler.” He holds my hand a few seconds longer, then releases it, leaving my hand tingling.
“That was your mom?” he asks Hudson, who shakes his head up and down vigorously.
“Actually I did hear you, and no, my coach did not signal me to bunt. I actually got my aa… butt chewed for it, But I owe you a thanks. No one expected it.” His eyes stare into mine and I feel my heart speed up. “ I’m not much of a bunter, but it worked out. I’ve uh,” He pulls on the back of his neck and looks down. “I’ve been in a little rut with batting, that helped knock some of the rust off.” He looks back up at me, an almost shy smile on his lips.
“See, Mom! I told you he heard you!” Hudson practically screams.
I try to ignore the butterflies taking flight in my stomach and chuckle. “Ok, calm down. We should get going, we don’t want to take up any more of Mr. Davis’ time.”
Kessler starts to say something when the PR rep steps forward. “Actually, can we get a few pictures of the guys with your team, Coach?” Kessler raises his eyebrows at me when he hears me being called coach.
Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that. I turn to Charlie. I think that’s her name, and smile. “Sure. Where do you want us?”
“I think a picture out on the home plate would be good.”
“Whatever you want,” I say, turning towards my players. I clap my hands a couple of times to get their attention. “Picture time boys, please follow this lovely lady out onto the field.” I pause and look at the boys giving them my stern coach face. “No running around untilafterthey have the pictures they need please.”
“Yes, Coach,” they all mumble in unison as they follow their parents out behind Charlie.
I turn Hudson to follow the crowd.
“Coach huh?” Kessler asks, falling in step beside us.
“Yeah. Mom’s been my coach since I was in T-ball. Her and Aunt Kara,” Hudson answers for me.
Kessler raises his eyebrows. “Wow, that’s impressive.”
I must make a face because he adds, “Not impressive as in, women don’t know anything about baseball, impressive as in, women coaches aren’t common in baseball, especially two female coaches.”
I give him a shrug. “Yeah, well, no one stepped up to coach when Hudson and Kade were starting T-Ball. So I figured ‘why not?’ It’s just one season and I didn’t want the kids missing out just because no one wanted to coach. Kara, my best friend and Kade’s mom said she’d help me out. Fast forward six years, and we’re still here.”
We reach the rest of the group and Charlie instructs us on where she wants us, ending our conversation. Kara and I are on opposite ends of our team and the players are mixed in with the boys. Kessler stands on my left side. He places his hand at the small of my back and sends shivers up my spine, making goosebumps break out all over my body.
Jesus.
Has it really been that long that a single touch makes my body want to combust? I quickly run my hands down my arms to rid them of goosebumps and place my hands on Hudson's shoulders.
Kessler leans down and whispers “Cold?” into my ear, sending a new round of goosebumps coursing through my body.
Sweet Jesus, what is happening?
I give my head a slight shake. “No, I’m fine,” I whisper back.
The photographer prompts us to smile and snaps a bunch of pictures and lets Charlie know that they have plenty to work with. Some of the players say their goodbyes and head off. A few stay, still talking to some of the boys and their parents. Kessler removes his hand from my back but stays beside me.
