I tilted my head. “You’re that sure, huh?”
Jack frowned. “Aren’t you?”
“I don’t know. Tonight was sort of crazy with all the phone numbers and the girls waiting outside for you and stuff…” My voice trailed off as he reached for my chin, tilting my face up.
“I know it’s not easy, but please remember that I’ve been dealing with this craziness for a long time now. It’s not new to me like it is with some of the other guys. They have fucking stars in their eyes when they walk out those stadium doors at night. ”
“And what about you?”
He huffed out a breath, as if surprised at my question. “Honestly? All I’m thinking about when I walk out those doors at night is how long it’s gonna take me to get home so I can call my girl. ”
“Uh-uh. ” I shook my head and tried to hide a smile.
“It’s true. ” He bent forward to kiss the side of my head before leaning back into his pillow.
“You’re not even tempted? At all? Some of those girls are really pretty. ” I hated like hell to admit that, knowing that Jack could hear the disbelief in my voice.
“Why would I be tempted by any of those girls when I have you?” He grinned before his expression fell flat. “What I should be worried about is someone stealing you away while I’m out of the picture. ”
“Oh please, like anyone will even come near me. They know better, Jack. You trained every male on campus well. ”
He let out a loud hoot before smacking his palm against the bed. “That’s fucking awesome. ”
“I’m glad you’re so pleased with yourself. ”
“Do you know how shitty it would be if I had to worry about that kind of stuff? I want to go out of my mind right now just thinking about it. ”
I placed my hand on his thigh. “Then don’t. There’s no point. ”
“We’re good, right? Me and you?” His voice faltered slightly and I noticed the clouds forming in his eyes.
“I love you. ” I longed to reassure whatever unpleasant thoughts were creeping into his mind.
“And you’re happy?” His eyes tensed.
“Extremely. ” I smiled at him.
He exhaled. “You’re my game changer, you know that?”
“Game changer?” I shook my head, unsure of his meaning.
“The one girl who changes everything. The one you’d give it all up for. ” He brushed his thumb down my cheek.
“I don’t want you to give anything up. ”
“I know that. But here’s the thing about baseball, Kitten. There’s an expiration date for every single one of us who plays and we all know it. Eventually my baseball career will come to an end, and I can live with that. But I can’t live without you. ”
I blinked back the tears forming in my eyes as I leaned into his chest, his warm arms wrapping around me. “The only time I feel safe is when I’m with you,” I admitted.
“Because you know I’ll kill anyone who hurts you. Because I’m a superhero,” he said seriously, his fingers twisting locks of my hair.
“You’re something, alright. ” I laughed into his bare chest, my eyes closing.
“I’m your something…” His voice trailed off into a whisper as I drifted off.
I woke up the next morning to the sound of Jack’s alarm beeping relentlessly. I shook Jack’s shoulder and he grumbled before flipping over.
“Jack, get up. Turn it off,” I whined.