Page 98 of I Wish He Would

“I can go roll around the outfield, if you want, to get my stink back on.” Hayden gives a cheeky grin.

I press my lips together. “No, that’s okay. I’m surprised is all.”

“We don’t want to make you look bad, bro.” Cooper nods.

“I appreciate it.”

I check my phone for any messages from Alyssa, but instead I find a voicemail from my agent. I excuse myself and click on it, hoping with every fiber in my being that whatever he’s about to tell me won’t place thousands of miles between me and Alyssa now that we’re finally together.

“Hey, Austin. Just wanted to give you an update on that potential trade. It sounds like they’re going with a player from the Fireflies. There’s obviously not a guarantee, but with the trade deadline coming up, I think it’s pretty safe to say you’ll be a Mustang next season. Give me a call back after your game if you have any questions.”

Relief floods my body. Like he said, there’s no guarantee. But we’re never guaranteed anything in life. We’re not even promised tomorrow, so why should I bother wasting any more time when all I want to do is tell Alyssa how much I love her?

I slide my phone back into my pocket with a smile and rejoin my teammates.

“What’s got you grinning like that?” Hayden asks.

But I don’t get a chance to respond before I hear Alyssa’s voice say, “Thanks, Henry. You’re a gem.”

My cheeks hurt from grinning so big as I turn around to face my girlfriend.

“Dude has it bad.” Hayden draws out the last word.

I’m man enough to admit that I really do.

I take Alyssa in as she walks toward me in a cropped white tank top and colorfully striped pants. It’s all tied together with silk scarves around her space buns, in the exact shade of Mustang maroon. I love how she sticks to her usual thrifted looks for each game but still ties in our colors for some team spirit. She always supports me no matter what.

I step out of the locker room and take a few large strides, meeting her halfway. I pull Alyssa into my arms and immediately feel at home breathing in her coconut-scented hair and subtle perfume. “I missed you,” I whisper, even though it’s only been a day. It’s been the longest twenty-four hours without her, especially after being together for five days straight.

“I missed you, too.” She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her cheek against my chest.

I could be content staying like this for the rest of my life. No outside world. No baseball. No distractions. Just us.

I press a lingering kiss to her lips. When she pulls back and I look at her, my entire being screams that I love her. It’s a core part of me now as much as my own name.

“Are you going to keep sucking face, or do we finally get to meet the Alyssa Cartwright?” Hayden smirks.

“If a sweet kiss is what you call sucking face, I think you’re doing it wrong,” Alyssa deadpans.

The guys hoot and holler.

“Ooh, she got you good.” Dawson claps Hayden on the shoulder.

“She’s allowed to stick around.” Fletch steps around them and shakes her hand. “I’m Fletcher.”

She smiles. “Nice to meet you.”

Hayden steps forward with narrowed eyes, but when he reaches Alyssa, his face transforms into a wide grin. “I can’t even fake being mad. That was awesome.” Alyssa’s arms are trapped at her sides as he wraps his arms around her and lifts her off the ground in a giant bear hug. “Welcome to the family.”

“Okay, let’s not break my girlfriend,” I say.

Hayden sets Alyssa back on her feet, and she smiles up at me.

Dawson steps forward next, pulling Alyssa in for a much gentler hug. “I’m Dawson—it’s great to finally meet you.”

“You too.” She grins.

Cooper approaches next, shaking her hand. “Cooper Sinclair. We’ve heard a lot about you.”