Page 33 of I Wish He Would

Aw, thanks! That’s really kind. Picking a favorite song of mine feels a little like picking a favorite child.

But if I HAD to pick, I think it’d be my favorite, too.

It embodies everything I wanted my first single to be, and I think I’ve been chasing that feeling again ever since.

Can I tell you a secret?

ME

Always!

RHETT

I wish it had been you that I was serenading in that chair.

The crowd erupts into cheers. I frantically direct my attention to the field and watch the center fielder throw the ball to home plate just as Hayden slides in. Everyone collectively holds their breath until the umpire finally motions that he’s safe. The responding uproar in the stadium is so loud I can’t hear myself think. I cheer along with them as my eyes search for Austin, who is safe on second base.

I can’t believe I missed the play.

For a text message.

One where Rhett is seemingly making his intentions very clear. He said he wishes he was serenading me with my favorite song of his in front of a cheering crowd. But all I can think about is how I just missed out on Austin’s game-winning hit.

He looks up, searching for me in the stands. I know the minute Austin spots me because his smile grows even wider. I raise both of my arms, cheering for him, and he responds by pumping a fist in the air.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach. It takes me right back to the night we met. When he lifted the invisible award I gave him above his head like it was a championship trophy.

I close my eyes, trying to wipe the memory from my brain. I should be excited about Rhett’s text message. I should be experiencing all the butterflies. I should not be thinking back to when I met Austin like some kind of obsessed girl who can’t get over someone who made it very clear from day one that he only wanted to be friends.

All the Mustangs jog out of the dugout and celebrate their victory at home plate. Watching Austin’s teammates clap him on the back and shoulders and ruffle his hair brings a smile to my face. He looks happy, enjoying the praise for securing the win. But I’m sure later he’ll say it was all a team effort. We love a humble king.

Well, not we as in me. I need to move past this unrequited crush. Especially now that I have Rhett to think about. A good, solid country man who seems to be enjoying getting to know me.

I’m just glad tonight’s game ended on a positive note for Austin.

My phone buzzes in my hand again.

RHETT

Sorry, that was probably too forward.

ME

No, you’re fine!

I’m at the Mustangs game! They just scored the winning run, so I got distracted.

RHETT

My poor Fireflies *loudly crying face emoji*

But I guess since you’re friends with the player who drove in the winning run, I should tell you good win. I’m not too much of a sore loser fan to admit that it was a great hit.

ME

You’re watching the game?

RHETT