Page 36 of Out of Left Field

“What? No. Not that I know of,” Nate answered, frowning.

The back of my neck tingled and I turned to find Kate watching me carefully. Luckily it was just Kate. I had no idea where Stirling was or if he’d seen his prize ballplayer putting on a shit show. Would anyone notice if I shot her a smile? Maybe. But would anyone know the difference between a worried glance and one full of desire?

I cocked my head just a little and let the flirty bastard out. The one who always came alive for Kate. She went stiff as a board and her cheeks flushed just a little. But the real telltale was the very small smile that touched the corners of her eyes and lips.

I grabbed a bat. “My turn.”

“Aw, cap! Come on man!” Wes groaned.

“What? Seth stressed me out. Would you rather I yell at you instead.”

Wes hooked his fingers through the cage behind home plate. “Fine. Hit some balls.”

I only took ten pitches. Just enough to hit a couple of very satisfying line drives and one moonshot into the little row of seats in the outfield. Was I showing off? Yes. Was I doing it specifically for Kate? Absolutely.

All the guys applauded my home run hit, but it was Kate I cared about. She sat now, one leg slung over the other, a smile on her face as she held up her hands and clapped specifically for me to see.

“So it’s the doc, huh?” Wes murmured.

“What?”

He took a practice swing and then stepped closer and dropped his voice to a loud whisper. “The one who has you staring off into space with that stupid grin. It’s the doc. Totally get it, man. She’s a stone-cold fox. A real hottie. And she’s super nice. I like her a lot.”

It was unnatural how jealous it made me when Wes said he liked her. Especially because Wes genuinely meant he liked her. Just like. Friendly. Wes had eyes for no one but the team’s orthopedic surgeon. But it didn’t stop my instinctual response to mark my territory.

I glared at him because if I tried to say anything it would be harsher and worse than anything I said to Seth. Wes put up his hands and rocked away from me. “Walking away, Cap. Walking away.”

“Hey boss,” Gordo came rushing over.

I swear no one called me by my name except Stirling. “What’s up?”

“Seth won’t make today’s game.”

“That bad?”

He made a face. “Oh yeah. I’m not sure how he stood long enough to swing the bat.”

“Did he say what happened?”

“I don’t think we’ll get answers for at least a few hours. He’s sleeping now.”

Maybe one of the guys had answers. “See if Erik or Wes have any ideas.”

“You got it, boss.”

I started towards the dugout for a second time. Kate stood at the netting beside it where kids came with their balls and markers to get the players' signatures. Her blazer hung from her arm and her hair was swept up into a ponytail. She looked like a fan. A gorgeous fan. The kind I always wished was waiting for me.

Her eyes danced. “You sure you’re the manager and not one of the players?”

“I told you I like to practice with the team.”

“You looked good.”

I wanted to flirt back without it being obvious to Wes or anyone else. “You look better.”

She blushed and looked away. “I shouldn’t have come over here.”

“But you did.” Damn, I loved how she made me feel. Young and alive.