Page 85 of Dibs
“The boys are officially Giants fans,” Gage stated as he looked up from his book.
I chuckled slightly. “They’re Aron Parker fans.”
“True, but can you blame them?”
“Nope.” I kissed Gage quickly. “But I wasn’t lying when I said he couldn’t hit outside.”
Aron had fouled off almost all the outside pitches he was thrown throughout the game. Of course, the Padres’ pitchers didn’t only throw him balls that were outside, and therefore, he went four for five.
“Maybe you’ll be a major league coach one day.” Gage winked. “You know your shit.”
“Yeah, okay.” I snorted a laugh and unbuttoned my shirt.
“I’m serious. You never know.”
Gage was right; I didn’t know what the future held. Some players went on to coach, but I wasn’t sure if I would want to given I’d retired and enjoyed not having to travel city to city and was home with my family. Then again, I hadn’t imagined I would be an analyst either.
After undressing, I took a hot shower and then crawled into bed with Gage.
Just like I did every night since we’d moved in together.
26
GAGE
When we were house hunting,the first thing that caught my eye about the place we ended up buying was the massive deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These days, it was where Chase and I spent the most time, eating our meals, watching the waves, and relaxing when we were home.
“It looks great out here,” I said and planted a kiss on my boyfriend’s cheek.
The Padres had an off day, so Chase didn’t have to work. Instead, he’d spent the morning decorating and setting up tables and chairs for the 4thof July party we were hosting. I had spent that time getting all the food ready.
“Thanks, baby. I’m going to grab a shower before everyone gets here.”
“I’d join you, but I’ve got a few more things to prepare.”
“That’s okay, but you’re all mine tonight.” He grabbed my ass, pulling me in for another kiss.
A shiver ran through me and I was grateful the boys would be spending the night at the hotel with their grandparents who were flying in for the holiday.
We walked inside, and I put my foot out so Arlo, our new gray and white cat, wouldn’t escape from the house. Cammie had pleaded for us to adopt a kitten as soon as we’d moved in. I couldn’t deny her anything when she looked at me with her bright blue eyes and told me that her dad said it was up to me. I could have kicked his ass for that because he knew damn well I wouldn’t say no.
Chase headed to our bathroom, and I veered off toward the kitchen. I had pulled the homemade baked beans from the oven when I heard the doorbell ring. I checked the time on my phone and saw that the party wasn’t set to start for another thirty minutes. “Who shows up early for a party?” I muttered under my breath.
I walked to the door and pulled it open, grinning like a fool when I saw who was standing on the other side. “Mom, Dad, you’re early, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Sorry about that,” Dad replied, clapping me on the back. “But your mom began pacing the second we checked into our hotel room, eager to see her baby boy.” My parents moved to Florida ten years ago, so we didn’t see them as often as I’d like. Having them here for our party only made the day better.
I chuckled. “Sounds about right.”
My mom wrapped her arms around my waist. “We’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I gave her a squeeze.
“Your house is beautiful,” my mom commented while looking around the open-concept first floor.
“Thank you. Let me get the boys down here, and they can give you a tour.”
I jogged up the stairs and knocked on Tyler’s open door. “Hey, Grandma and Grandpa are here. I told them you’d give them a tour of the house.”
