Page 180 of Hiding in the Outfield

“I love you, too.”

It’s just past eleven when we walk through the front door of our condo. The place erupts. Despite being the most exhausted I’ve ever been in my entire life, that jittery, overexcited feeling spreads through my body.

We had our clubhouse celebration—and I was the main person being attacked with spraying champagne. Then we had a hot minute to shower and change into our suits before it was time for a private celebration of players, staff, and family with the Berkeley owner. But this right here—this is what I’ve been waiting for all night.

Paulie’s the first one to me. He wraps me in a bear hug. “Congrats, man.”

Someone jumps on my back, and I stumble forward, Paulie bracing me. Then I’m hit from the side. Then the other side. I get a peek of Easton and Maddox, and I’m not surprised in the least to figure out that leaves Shane on my back—who is currently pressing kisses to the top of my head.

“Our own little Olliebear brings home the win!” Shane shouts. “I, for one, am taking this as a Clippers win through, like osmosis or something.”

“Does that mean if I rub up against him, I get to be a World Series champion?” Easton asks.

Shane gasps. “Cowboy! That was totally a me line. I’m so proud of you.”

Easton grins and falls into Maddox’s side, wrapping an arm around Maddy’s back.

Maddox presses a hard kiss to Easton’s cheek. “Only one man he’s rubbing against, thank you very much.”

A series of dings echoes around us, and we all share a grin before we whip out our phones.

There’s a message in our group chat, and we all know who it’s from. There’s only one of us not here.

Trent

Congratulations, Olander. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you in person. What you did out there…that was big.

My heart squeezes. I know he’s not talking about the World Series.

Me

Thanks, Trent. You just rest up, so you’re ready to go next season. You can congratulate me in person when I’m back for the Halloween party.

Michaels

What are you doing up, young man?! I’ll be having a word with a certain clubby for slacking on watching over you!

Barnes

That’s probably why he’s still up. Bet a certain clubby was watching over him with extra “care”.

Michaels

Well, that’s all wrong, Madz. Nothing should still be up. At least not if Aiden’s doing it correctly. Does he need to be added to our sex tips chat?

Easton and I snicker.

Trent

On that note, I’m actually going to bed this time.

We all type out goodnights and see you laters. It’s amazing how close we’ve all stayed. I still can’t believe everyone flew out here to cheer me on.

My gaze snags on Jed, leaning casually against the island, arms crossed over his massive chest. His lips are curled into a small smile, and he nods to me.

I walk up to him, and we clasp hands.

“Congrats, Jackson.” His attention flickers over my shoulder for a moment, and I know exactly who he was looking at. “A big night for you. How do you feel?”