Page 123 of Hiding in the Outfield

“I’d beg to differ,” I say faintly. “I think you’ve lost your mental faculties.”

“I think…I’m in love with you and want the world to know it.”

Oh God.

“They say love makes people do crazy things.” My voice shakes slightly. This is definitely crazy.

His lips dust over mine. “They do.”

Another brush of lips.

“Be crazy with me, Frankie.”

He kisses down my jaw and hovers by my ear, one hand sliding to cradle my head. “I choose you, Francesco Nebiolo.”

My eyes well, and I squeeze them tight, but the burn doesn’t stop. Those words. A stuttered breath falls from me, but Jackson’s there to catch it. Catch me. Nothing gets past this outfielder. Stealing home runs. Stealing hearts.

His lips graze over my skin. My heart thunders in my chest, the room spinning slightly. This can’t be happening. It can’t be real. It’s too good to be true.

“I’m going to prove it to you, Frankie.” His fingers tighten in my hair, pulling my attention back to those serious blue eyes. “I want you to be mine. My man. My partner.” My world tilts. “And I want to be yours.”

A storm of fluttering roars to life in my chest.

“What do you say?” His whisper puffs over my lips. “Will you be my boyfriend, Frankie? For all the world to see?”

My fingers dig into his sides, latch on as everything around me goes unsteady. I nod, my lips trembling as they tilt into a smile. “Y-yeah, dolcezza. Let’s do this.”

Hands slide under my thighs, and I’m yanked into his arms at the same time his mouth crashes down on mine. A deep growl rumbles from Jackson and vibrates against my chest. My dick perks up. Mmm, give me more caveman.

“I’m going to love you so fucking loud,” he growls against my mouth.

“Yes, sir, more, sir, please, sir.”

His lips curl against mine.

He tosses me on the bed and follows me. And then makes true to his word.

He loves me really fucking loud.

FORTY-FIVE

JACKSON

I walk into the coffee shop Charles Wentworth texted me to meet him at. It’s pretty empty besides the line of customers and a few people standing around the pickup counter waiting for their orders.

My attention catches on someone at a small table rising to stand. He smiles at me and sends me a wave. My jaw goes slack. Holy shit. The man is…is incredibly attractive. He’s got ear-length blond hair that’s slicked back, prominent cheekbones, and a look that leaves you with no doubt he’s in charge. Oh, and the suit he’s wearing? Looks like it was painted on. He’s got Nicholas Galitzine vibes. I can’t wait to tell Frankie; he’s going to lose his shit. Frankie has a huge crush on Galitzine.

I somehow remind my feet to move and walk forward.

The man holds out his hand. “Jackson Olander. Nice to meet you. I’m Charles Wentworth, but please call me Chuck.”

I give him a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, Chuck.”

We sit, and he pushes a coffee toward me. He’d asked for my usual order when he sent me the details of our meeting. He sends me a smile. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

“Thank you. I’m a bit shocked you wanted to meet with me. I know you represent Stone, and I’m not exactly the same caliber as him.”

He chuckles. “Not full of yourself. Good to know. I have to say, I’m more used to the opposite, so that’s refreshing.” His dark eyes shine with amusement. “But…I beg to differ. And I’m not just saying that because I want to sign you. I don’t believe for a second that agents haven’t been clamoring over you.”