The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game 1)

I pulled at the bow, watching as it released its grip on the box wrapped in white paper beneath it. I tore at the taped corners, ripping the paper away as I glimpsed the familiar red font I’d grown to love. My breath caught in my throat.

“Jack. ” My voice hitched.

“I know it’s not like the one you lost, but Melissa said it’s better,” he started to explain. “She said this is the one you dream about. ” His proud smile lit up his whole face.

“It’s incredible. But…” I shook my head reluctantly. “I know how much this camera costs, Jack, and it’s too much. ”

His smile wavered as he asked, “Do you remember the night your camera got stolen?” His jaw tensed as I nodded. “Do you remember what I said to you?” I shrugged. “I said I’d get you a new one. I promised. Besides, it could be months before the police release yours from evidence. ”

“But, Jack…”

“But nothing. Kitten, I’m getting drafted today. By the end of the afternoon, I’m going to have more money than I’ve ever had in my life. I wanted to do something nice for you. And I made you a promise. ” His voice pleaded, desperate for my acceptance.

“I’ll pay you back,” I offered, feeling the self-imposed weight subside.

“Consider it an investment in your future. ” He reached for my face before tilting my chin toward him. “I believe in you. You have a gift. You are so talented. Now you can show the world. ”

Little tingles pricked the backs of my eyes with his words. “Saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough, but thank you, Jack. I can’t believe you did this. ”

“I’d do anything for you,” he said before pressing his lips against my cheek.

“I got the internship,” I told him softly.

His eyes lit up. “You did? I knew you’d get it! What’d they say? I mean, when they said you got it, what were their reasons?”

“They said I had real raw talent that impressed them. ‘A beautiful eye and a unique perspective,’” I quoted, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

“They have no idea how right they are. Congrats, babe!” He lifted me off the bed and swung me around the room in his arms.

“I was going to have to turn them down because I didn’t have a camera anymore,” I admitted as one tear escaped. “But now I can accept it. ”

“You can just call me your hero if you want,” he taunted, placing my feet back on the ground.

“You’re so irritating. ” I sniffed back the tears and pretended to snarl at him and he laughed heartily.

“I’m just playing. I’m proud of you. You deserve it. ” He kissed the side of my head. “Hey, bring it with you today. Gramps said he wants to see it in action. ”

“I love him,” I said with a laugh, imagining Gramps limping around with a giant-sized professional camera.

“And I love you. Now hurry up, ’cause we need to get to the house before the cameras do. ” He pushed me and smacked my behind.

I tumbled forward before gaining my balance. I turned toward my handsome boyfriend and said, “I’m proud of you, you know? I’m excited for you today. ”

His eyes brightened. “Thanks, Kitten. ”

“Are you nervous?” I asked, realizing he never expressed any fear when it came to this subject.

“Not really. I’d be nervous if I wasn’t sure whether or not I was getting drafted, you know what I mean? If I had to sit there and wait to find out if they were going to crush my dreams or let me hold on to them a little bit longer. Those are the guys who have it rough. Not me. ” His eyes held mine in a serious gaze.

“So you’re one of the lucky ones?”

“I’d like to think so. ”

“You’re not worried about anything? The money, where you’ll be playing, or what team you’ll get on?”

“I’ll be getting paid to play baseball. Paid…to play…a sport I love. I don’t care about the team, how much they pay me, or where I have to go to play it. I just want to do this for as long as they let me,” he answered, flashing the dimples on his cheeks.

“Well, I think they’re the lucky ones,” I explained, “whatever team drafts you. They’re lucky to have you. ”