Four Play: A Collection of Novellas Read Online Free PDF Page A

by nature. Never have been. But competitive? Yes.
    Regretfully, I was sensible enough to know that anyone who beat me had just played a better game than I did. I couldn’t be jealous that she’d won his attention. He’d said so himself: he likes women like her .
    Not like me.
    With that, I disconnected. I no longer felt any pressure, and had no reason to be nervous. So I decided to push any disappointment—no matter how much—aside, and determined that if I’d lost one thing that night, I still had the opportunity to win the other.
    By the time I reached the plate, I was seeing things straight. No more pining. No more flirting. And no more losing.
    I crouched down and signaled the warm-up pitch. Izzy threw it straight into my glove, and I watched as all the girls positioned themselves in the infield.
    With Nolan behind me—and out of sight—it was much easier to pretend like he wasn’t there. I was just thankful he didn’t speak to me.
    I’d successfully evaded thoughts of him well into the ninth inning. We were ahead by six then, and I’d been up to bat twice since I struck out, each time getting to base.
    Just before the last out was called, I packed up my gear and got ready to make a run for my car.
    “Holy shit!” Wanda slurred.
    “What?”
    She leaned into me and kept her voice down. “The ump just took off his mask.”
    I nodded without looking up. “Oh yeah?”
    “And he’s looking straight at us. I’ve never seen a hot umpire before. Is he new? Where’s the old guy?”
    “I don’t know.” I slung my bag over my shoulder. “I gotta go. Finals this week and all. Have a good night!”
    I waved to the team and scurried to my car in the dimly lit parking lot.
    After throwing my bag in the trunk, I fumbled with my keys, suddenly aware of how much my hands were shaking.
    “Hey, Jack!” His voice came from across the parking lot.
    But I didn’t make eye contact with him. I looked all around to make sure that none of the team members lurked, and then shoved the key into door.
    “Jack! Wait!” he called again.
    “Quit calling me that!” I snapped, and turned to him.
    He wiped his forehead and quickly jogged toward me.
    “Why? What’s wrong?”
    “What’s wrong? Really? Do you have any idea how much trouble I could get into—I could get my team into—if anyone found out we know each other outside of the game? We’re talking about scholarships canceled, futures at stake, and integrity thrown out the fucking window.”
    He stopped a few feet in front of me and looked down to the pavement. “Oh, come on. You’re taking this too seriously. Relax. It’s just a game.”
    My jaw flexed as I grinded my teeth. “ You might be able to look at it that way, as I’m sure you’re getting all of what, twenty bucks a game?” I seethed. “But for these girls, it’s their lives we’re messing with.”
    “I don’t understand why you’re so upset. Really. You can still have friends, can’t you?”
    I shook my head and took a deep breath. “I have enough friends. Why don’t you go and chat with Blondie back there. She’s a much safer friend for you to have than I am.”
    “Oh! That’s what this is about?” He laughed. “You’re jealous,” he replied softly, tilting his head. “That’s so sweet.”
    “Fuck you.” I turned back to my car and opened the door.
    As I set myself down into the bench seat, I felt his hips against my shoulder. But before I could push him away and shut the door, he climbed into the car and crushed himself on top of me.
    And dammit, I didn’t struggle.
    There was a small part of me that wanted to, but the rest of me was surprised—stunned at the situation.
    Even worse, I wanted more.
    “I told you, Jack. I don’t find you attractive,” he whispered into my ear while taking my earlobe into his mouth.
    Holy fuck.
    I was instantly aroused at the contradiction of his words. I could feel his growing erection against my thigh as I slipped my hands into his back