Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
I’m looking at him, and automatically I’m even more attracted to him. This is crazy, and I know it is, but no one has done something like this for me and Cole before.
Haven taps me on the shoulder. “Look, there he goes.”
I watch as Cole jogs to the mound. I’ve seen it plenty of times, but I can see a difference in him this time. He has a swagger to him, and he’s holding his head high with confidence, and I know exactly who to thank for that.
I watch Cole on the mound in awe. He strikes out the first batter. The second batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop and gets thrown out at first. The third hitter hits a ball over the second baseman's head, and the runner makes it to first. I gasp and watch Cole, waiting for him to react. I know he worries if someone gets a hit and it puts more stress on him, but he seems to shake it off. The fourth batter gets up to the plate, and I’m holding my breath. He swings at the first pitch and the ball comes right back to him. He catches it and jogs off the field.
Holden puts a hand to my back. “Breathe, baby. You gotta breathe.”
I shake my head. “That was—”
I stop talking when Cole looks up at us into the stands before he goes into the dugout. He gives us a short head nod, and Holden gives him a thumbs-up in return. “What? How?” I start, but I don’t even know what I’m asking.
Holden shrugs, but the pride on his face is clearly there. “I worked with him on his pitching.” He holds his hands up. “And no, I didn’t throw with him; I just helped him with his mechanics, that's all. But it’s him that put the work in.”
Our next three batters strike out, and in no time, Cole is back on the mound. He throws a nine pitch inning allowing no runs. He’s so proud of himself I can practically see him vibrating with it. As he comes off the mound, Holden pumps his fist in the air. “Way to throw it, Cole.”
Cole's smile gets even bigger, and I want to throw my arms around the man sitting next to me. I know I can’t do that, though, so instead, I put my hand over my heart. “Thank you, Holden. You don’t know what this means to me… I mean, just… thank you… really.”
He reaches over and squeezes my knee. “You’re welcome, honey.”
I have to force my eyes back to the game because if I keep sitting here, looking into his big brown eyes, I’m going to kiss him, and I know that would be a mistake.
15
HOLDEN
We won. I mean, Cole’s team won, but why does it feel like I won? I’m standing next to Cat, surrounded by my family, and we’re all on our feet, cheering when we win the game.
You would think it’s the world series by the way the boys all dogpile in the middle of the field.
Gabe, King, and Dom are all giving me high-fives, and Haven and Chrissy are hugging Cat. As soon as they release her, I grab Cat and haul her against me. I’m not surprised in the least that she fits perfectly in my arms. This feels good and right on so many levels.
I hate to release her, but if I don’t, I’m going to embarrass her and kiss her right here in front of everyone. “I’ll be right back.”
I walk off the stands and go to the side of the dugout. “Hey, Coach. Congratulations on the win. I’m going to order some pizzas from the Pizza Haven. Wanna bring your team to celebrate?”
Before he can answer me, the players that overheard me ask start cheering, and the coach laughs. “Yeah, sounds good. Thanks, Holden.”
I don’t want to embarrass Cole with his friends, so I go back out of the dugout and pull out my phone. I dial the number for Pizza Haven and give them a heads-up we’re coming and order thirty pizzas. That should be enough for the players and their families. At least to get started. I reach Cat and my family at the same time Cole does. My brothers and I all high-five him, and he hugs his mom, Haven, and Chrissy. The kid is smiling ear to ear and is talking a mile a minute. All I can do is smile with him and soak it all in.
“We’re going to Pizza Haven,” he announces to Cat.
Her eyes widen. “We are?”
Cole nods. “Yeah, Holden invited the whole team.”
Shit, did I just fuck up? “Is that okay? I should have asked you first, right? I got caught up in the moment and the celebrating.”
“Holden, the whole team? Do you have any idea how much that’s going to cost?”