“Yes. I’m renting a condo not far from here. Baseline Condominiums.”
His grin grows wider. “I know the area. Nice place.”
“It is. I was lucky to find one available.”
“Almost sounds like fate.”
“Yes.”
“Well, let’s take a tour.”
“Um, before we go, can I ask you something?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Can I have Paisley’s number?” The question is out of my mouth before I can think better of it. My voice is strong, but my insides are quivering. I could have just fucked up my chance to play for the Blaze, but the thought of seeing her again pushed me to take the risk.
“That’s rather bold of you, don’t you think?” Drew raises his eyebrows, challenging me.
“Maybe.” I shrug. “But it could also be fate that I got called up and that you’re her uncle.” I can’t seem to keep my fucking mouth shut. I could be single-handedly ruining my career.
“Tell me, Cameron. Why do you want my niece’s number?”
“I want to ask her out on a date.”
He nods. “She spends a lot of time here,” he says cryptically. “I have no doubt that you’ll run into her again. I won’t give you her number. You’re going to have to ask her for it yourself.”
“Is that an issue? If I were to date her?” I’m trying to keep the excitement out of my voice, knowing that she’s hangs out at the stadium. I’m bound to run into her. Even if he won’t give me her number, I can ask her for it myself. I know our interaction was brief, but I can’t get her out of my head.
“No. As long as you’re good to her, that’s all I care about. Her dad, on the other hand, is going to be harder to win over. Let’s just say he wasn’t even a little bit impressed by that kiss.” He grins, and there is something behind it, something he knows, and he’s not telling me.
“We didn’t know it would turn out to be what it was. We didn’t realize it would last beyond the game.” I never imagined the media circus it would cause, and I would never have guessed I’d finally get called up and learn how much time she spends here. It was a moment, an afternoon at the ballpark, but it feels like so much more.
“Easton spends a lot of time here too. I’m certain he’s going to want to meet you. In fact, I called him last night and told him you were getting called up. He wanted to be here today, but I convinced him since this was official business, he’d have to stay home.”
“Great,” I mutter, making him toss his head back in laughter.
“It won’t be easy. Easton is protective of his daughters. And those girls of his, they are all strong and full of independence. You’re going to have your work cut out for you.”
“I’d like to think she’s worth it.”
“You know this from an afternoon sitting next to her at a baseball game?”
“Yes.”
“I like a man who knows what he wants.” He stands from his chair and walks around his desk. “How about that tour?” he asks, slapping a hand on my shoulder and moving to walk out of his office.
I scramble to my feet to follow him. He rambles on about my stats, and I manage to keep up with the conversation, but in my mind, all I can think about is seeing her. He said she’s here a lot, and the idea of running into her has my body on high alert. Is she as beautiful as I remember her?
“This is the gym,” he says, pushing open the door. “This is where the required workouts will take place, and you are free to use the facility anytime you want.”
“Thank you.”
He nods, turns, walks out of the gym, and heads down the hall. “This is the locker room,” he explains. My eyes scan the lockers, and that’s when I see it. C. Taylor followed by the number twenty-two.
On their own accord, my feet carry me to my locker, and I run my hand across my name.
“It’s a good feeling,” Drew says from his spot next to me. “To see your name in the big leagues. I will never forget that day as long as I live.”