“Tell you what, if you want to come to a game, you give me a call, and Steve and I will set some tickets aside for you.”
His face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning, and he wraps his arms around my midsection, pinning my arms to my side.
“Thanks. I’ll tell him.”
I hand the boy a card with my agent’s number on it. “Just call this number if you want to go. He’ll be expecting your call.”
As soon as lunch is over, we’re back to walking. The last half of the zoo seems to go a bit faster than the first, and the kids are all dragging behind by the time we reach the entrance again. They’re going to sleep the whole way back to their school, that’s for sure.
My new friend, also known as my lookout, gives me a hug and thanks me for being her walking partner. As she heads toward her teacher, I realize I should’ve thanked her for being my eyes today. We could’ve been partners in crime if we’d had more time together.
When the kids line up with each of their schools, it’s time for a photo op. The media is escorted into the zoo, and the cameras start going off. The sound is annoying, but one I’ll have to get used to. We assemble around the kids and take an array of photos with each class. Afterward, the staff gets their chance.
“You should stand by her, put your arm on her shoulder,” Davenport whispers into my ear as he motions toward Ainsley. I like his idea and maneuver my way toward her. She sees me, and from where I’m standing, I think she smiles. There’s a soft glow to her skin, and I find myself wanting to reach out and touch her cheek. It’s dimpled and leaves me wondering how I can make her smile just so I can see it. Her nose is small, yet it’s perfect for her face. I like that she’s not covered in eye makeup, and I can see the fine lines that come with laughing too much. Standing this close to her, my heart starts beating faster, and my palms are sweating—of course it’s eighty degrees out—but it’s the thickness of my tongue that has me speechless and swallowing hard when she runs her hand over her reddish blond ponytail, moving her hair to the side as if she’s giving me a clearer view of her. She hasn’t stopped smiling since I’ve been standing here, and while she could be getting ready for the photo, part of me is also hoping it’s because I’m next to her, and that’s what I’m going with because it makes me feel good about myself.
At the last moment, I set my hand on her shoulder and squeeze, keeping my eyes forward even though I just want to stare at her. The media coordinator tells the photographers that their time is up. A few of them grumble and continue to shoot while most of us stand here, smiling, but the veterans all turn their backs.
I don’t move, and neither does my hand, until she turns to face me.
“I’m Cooper Bailey,” I tell her, even though I’m not sure she wants to know.
She steps back and offers me her hand, and once I take it, I can’t let go. This is very unlike me. I’ve never chased a woman before so I feel a bit unsure, but the feel of her hand in mine makes me feel like I’m soaring through the air. The exhilaration I feel from holding her hand is downright crazy.
“Do you want to let go of my hand?”
“No, not really,” I tell her honestly. I loosen my grip, giving her the opportunity to slip away if she wants.
She doesn’t want. “My name is Ainsley.” Her voice is sweet and soft, sending a chill down my spine. Behind me, I can hear the guys snickering, so I let go of her hand and adjust my ball cap.
“They’re probably waiting for you.”
I look over my shoulder to see Travis Kidd acting like a woman. The jackass is blowing kisses and posing like a supermodel. I shake my head, wondering how immature he really is.
“They can wait,” I say without looking at her. When I turn back, she’s still staring at me, and I like it. I like the way her eyes connect with mine. It’s as if she’s trying to figure me out.
“Can I call you sometime?”
Ainsley looks down at the ground and crosses her arms over her chest. “Listen, I’m sure you’re a nice guy and all, but I don’t date baseball players. You guys all come in here, acting sweet and caring about the kids, but will be gone in two months. We’re forgotten all about until next season.”
From her spiel, I can tell someone has hurt her in the past, but I’m not willing to give up. There’s no way I can now.
“Whoa, why the one-eighty?”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, a second ago I sort of thought…never mind.” I shake my head and start to walk away, only to turn back. “I don’t know about the other guys. I only know me, and I’m not like that. I’d like to prove myself. Just one date to show you that I’m genuine?”
She shakes her head no again, but there’s a glint in her eye that tells me she’s thinking about it. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” Ainsley is walking away before I can even think to form a rebuttal. Kidd is there to pick up the pieces and remind me that I just had my first strikeout of my Major League career. Wonderful.
I drag my sorry ass out toward the waiting bus with my head hanging in shame. I thought for sure I’d at least get her number and be able to convince her that I’m not an epic douche like some of the other guys.
Just as my foot touches the bottom step, my name is called from behind. In a heart-stopping moment, I think it’s Ainsley, only to find another female worker running toward me. I step away and wait for her to get to me.
“Here,” she says, slapping a piece of paper into my hand. When I look at what’s written on it, I’m surprised to see Ainsley’s name and what I’m assuming is her number. “She’ll kill me if she knew I did this, but it’s her cell. Sweep her off her feet. She deserves it.” The woman winks before running back toward the zoo.
“Well, you lucky dog,” Michael Cashman says as he slaps me on my shoulder.
I look at the piece of paper then back at the zoo entrance and smile. Now the challenge is to get her to return a text message or go on a date.