Page 68 of Miss Manage

Before I could respond, Austin jogged up, glove still in hand. “So glad you made it, Gabe.” His grin was huge as he shook Gabriel’s extended hand. “I’m probably not pitching today unless they need a relief pitcher, but I’ll be playing center field.”

“I’m excited to watch you play in any position,” Gabe responded. “I’ve missed the smell and excitement of the game.”

Something about the sincerity hit me square in the chest. Steve, who’d decided to join the party, stopped a foot away, his smile tight.

“Hey, son, how are you feeling about today?” he asked.

“Really good.” Austin appeared unsure about the dynamic, which spurred me to make introductions. But Gabriel beat me to it.

“Hi, I’m Gabriel. Nice to meet you.” He held out a hand toward Steve.

Steve shook it, but I could practically hear the teeth grinding. “Steve, Austin’s dad.”

Michelle jumped in with, “Gabriel, my mom said to say hello, sorry she missed you today, but perhaps dinner next week.” She was a real diplomat, if diplomats had zero filter.

“Please tell her I look forward to eating more of her cooking.” There was the faintest flicker of amusement in Gabe’s voice.

Steve’s eyes narrowed.

Austin, thankfully oblivious to the tension, said his goodbyes. “Thank you all for coming today. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck,” we all answered in chorus.

I pressed a hand to my temple. “I’m grabbing coffee. Want one, Gabe?”

“I’d love one, thank you.” He easily lowered himself to the grass beside Michelle.

I escaped toward the concession stand, only to hear footsteps fall in beside me.

“Who’s the guy?” Steve’s manner was deceptively light, but I knew that tone, the one he used when he didn’t like something.

“You met him. His name’s Gabriel.”

“And who is he to you?”

I stopped abruptly and turned toward him, my irritation snapping into focus. “Does it matter?” One, it was none of his business, and two, the last thing I needed was for Steve to find out we worked together and say something to the wrong person.

He blinked, taken aback by my retort, flexing his jaw. “Just making conversation.”

“Right.”

Behind us, Michelle’s laugh rang out. I didn’t need to turn around to know exactly who she was laughing with.

“You’re welcome to join us if you’d like.” I’d always take the high road for the sake of our son but was relieved when he declined.

“Thanks, but I’ll watch from the bleachers.”

When I returned with three coffees, Gabriel stood up to take two of the cups and pass one to Michelle.

His fingers brushed mine as he did, just a glancing touch, but it sent a current straight up my arm. The contact lasted barely a second, yet it lingered, a low hum beneath my skin. And judging by the slight pause in his breath, he’d felt it too.

“Thanks.” His gaze stayed locked on mine as he asked quietly, “Did me being here cause any issues with your ex?”

I blew on my coffee, trying for casual when everything inside me was anything but. “No,” I replied, too brightly. “He’s super happy for me.”

Gabriel’s mouth curved up into a smile. “That right?”

“He especially liked how every woman stared at you getting off your Harley,” I added, unable to stop myself.