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“Everyone?”

She nodded again. “Everyone. From the top to the bottom. Everyone has a role and everyone has an opinion. They also all have different experiences. I start with interviews and then sort of serve as a negotiator between the executives and the staff. Will the players who haven’t been signed cause you problems with spring training?”

Being reminded that three of my best players weren’t even technically on my roster at the moment sent my stress level skyrocketing again. “Not for a couple of weeks. But the closer we get to opening day, the closer we get to disaster. These guys are good players and if Stirling won’t make them offers they will sign somewhere else.”

“And he if he signs the younger, cheaper players he wants instead?”

“There will be no chemistry.” She seemed to have a very firm grasp on the sport, which was very hot, but then I remembered Mark saying something about athletes last night. “The Mantas are a well-oiled machine right now. They could go out and win games without me. A new catcher can throw off the whole team. Especially if there’s communication or style mismatches with the pitchers. But a new second baseman and a new center fielder? That’s the whole spine of the team.” I barely slept at night trying to plan for worst case scenarios. Eli Stirling made things much harder than they needed to be.

Kate cocked her head to the side and studied me. And I can’t say I disliked being studied by her. Any chance to keep her eyes on me seemed like a great idea, even if her mind was on work and not pleasure.

“You care about these men.”

“Hell yeah I do. I was them once. I have no fucking clue what I’m doing but I know one thing for sure: I will be the coach I wish I had. They aren’t action figures I fuck around with to win games. They’re players with lives and hopes and dreams. If Eli Stirling keeps treating us all like pieces on his expensive chess board I don’t know if anyone will want to stay here, least of all me. This isn’t the kind of baseball I want to play.” It wouldn’t hurt my pride to walk away a second time, go back to my quiet life on my quiet island and raise my daughter in peace.

Although I might miss seeing Kate.

“Your dedication is an asset,” she said quietly. Almost a whisper.

I couldn’t look away. I should. It wasn’t right to stare into someone’s eyes for that long. I tried to move, but my hand touched hers, and then our knees, and all I wanted to do was kiss her.

“We shouldn’t,” she whispered.

“Of course.”

“We’re working together.”

“A terrible idea.” But her lips were right there and I hadn’t felt so alive in a very long time. “I swore off women for the season.”

“That’s probably wise.” Her breaths came fast and shallow.

I wondered what her skin tasted like and if kissing her would melt the rest of my stress away. “But you haven’t technically started yet.”

“That’s true.” Her eyes darted between mine. “I don’t want to distract you.”

“Maybe I need to be distracted.” I swallowed hard, trying to decide if I should be smart or stupid, because right about now stupid seemed awfully smart to me.

“Sometimes distractions are helpful,” she agreed.

I reached out to cup her face just as the door swung open. Kate’s eyes widened and a split second later she plastered on a professional smile while I turned to see who interrupted us.

Max, Asshole Stirling’s friend, walked back in with a grin, clapping his hands. “Thank you so much, Kate. You’re a lifesaver. She’s a lifesaver, isn’t she?”

My mind was so fogged up I barely followed a thing the man said. “Uh yes. Absolutely. Kate’s ideas sound fantastic and I’m looking forward to working with her.” I’d be a hell of a lot happier if my lips were on hers though.

“Excellent. I’ll walk you out.” Max held out his hand to Kate.

I wanted to smack it away. “Will you come to spring training?” Now that she was here in front of me again I didn’t want to wait too long for the next chance.

“Yes. I can’t say which day, but since one of our biggest issues is the player controversy, I will concentrate my initial efforts in that direction.” Her cheeks were still bright and pink and her hands shook a little as she gathered up her things.

“I look forward to it.”

“Kate’s the best, Anson. A miracle worker.”

Kate forced a smile. “I appreciate the praise Max.” She held out her hand. “I’ll see you soon.”

I took it slow, wrapping my hand fully around hers, then placing my other over the top. Touching Kate energized me, made me feel like a man. Not just Rosie’s dad or Everett’s brother. Not the guy who kept the sanctuary running. A full-blooded man who wanted a woman. “Enjoy your weekend.”