Page 81 of No Easy Catch
“Just one letter.” It sat in my nightstand drawer and would remain there. “Nothing new, but he did have enough information to get a better deal than the others.”
“Will you visit him?” He ran his hand over my collarbone and gave me a little squeeze. It was those little touches that meant so much to me, as though he knew when I needed a little extra strength so he gave me some of his. “I can go with you.”
This is why I love him.“In time, yes. It’s too soon and for the first time, my mom and I are on decent speaking terms. I’ll write to him, but the wound needs to heal.”
“I understand. It’s admirable you’re able to still find a way to have a relationship with him. You impress me.”
“Are you trying to sweet-talk me to do inappropriate things in the conference room, Jeff Maddow?” I teased.
“Is it working?” He grinned his goofiest smile, making his eyes bug out, and I rolled my eyes.
“Nope.”
“Well, when you’re ready to head out, we’re having a get together at the house tonight with all the guys. The draft is next week and I’m not sure where we’re all going to be. It’ll be our final pre-draft party.”
“No regrets?” I asked, like I did every time he brought up the draft. He was playing the best he had all four years, but it didn’t sway him.
“None.” He kissed me again and stood. “I’m excited about the future being unknown to me. For the first time, I want to enjoy the surprises and ups and downs and I want to explore them with you.”
“Don’t get sappy on me,” I replied, feeling more emotional than I expected. “You know, you’ve been really good at this boyfriend thing.”
“I’ll be even better as a roommate.” He winked and gave me an expectant look. “Are you staying for a while or ready to wrap up?”
“I’ll leave with you.” We packed my things in my backpack and set off, but just as we left the library, someone pointed at us and whispered to the person next to them.
“Hey, that’s that girl who wrote the article I was telling you about!”
“Really? No way!
“Yeah, it made national news. She’s a legend now.”
I smiled so damn big my cheeks hurt. It was me, not Jeff, who they were talking about and I had never felt cooler. Jeff heard it too and slung his arm around me. “Guess I’ll have to get used to people knowing you everywhere we go. Especially the more youwrite and uncover. I have no doubt you’re gonna be famous one day.”
“You think you can handle me getting all that attention, Mr. Hotshot Baseball Boy?”
“Oh yeah. I can see us now. Lawyer and investigative journalist.”
The pure joy and anticipation of the future in his voice eased any self-doubt I had. It would be hard, I knew, but my entire life had led to this point and I was going to enjoy every damn second of it. “We’ll make a good team.”
“Yes, we will, Henderson.”
