Hot Corner (Baseball Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

She only got one chance to make a good first impression though.  And who knew, if the first impression wasn't good, there may not be a second.  Audrey debated whether to start with something witty.  She always liked to crack jokes when she was nervous.  It was a natural impulse to diffuse tension and keep things from getting awkward. 
    Then again, maybe this guy didn't like jokes.  Of course if he didn't like jokes, Audrey would have little in common with him.  She felt herself getting sidetracked again.  Maybe a simple hello would just be best.  Then the conversation could just go from there.  Unless the conversation went nowhere.  Audrey knew one thing though--if she kept delaying, the man would be gone before she even had a chance to introduce herself.  Worried that the opportunity was slipping away, Audrey just said the first thing that came to her mind.  
    "Funny running into you," Audrey joked. 
    "Do you make a habit of running into random guys?" Peter asked. 
    "Not usually," Audrey said. 
    "So I'm a special exception then, huh?" Peter asked.
    "That depends.  Do you want to be?" Audrey replied. 
    "Well, I'm not shirtless surfer," Peter joked. 
    Audrey then started blushing.  "You know, that's actually a really good book."
    "I wouldn't know," Peter said. 
    "You'd be surprised how good the story is," Audrey replied.
    "You're right.  It would surprise me if a book like that had a good story," Peter said. 
    "Look, I wouldn't expect you to understand," Audrey replied. 
    "Good, because I hate romance novels," Peter said. 
    "Wow, that's a strong response.  Have you even read any?" Audrey asked. 
    "Nope.  And frankly, I don't even understand how women could read these," Peter said. 
    Audrey was blown away by Peter's all too blunt opinions. 
    "Excuse me," Audrey replied. 
    Peter then realized how brash he sounded.  He immediately back tracked and was quick to apologize.  "I'm sorry.  That came out wrong.  We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot."
    "That's because you put your foot in your mouth," Audrey said. 
    "You're right," Peter admitted.  "What I should have said is, as someone who does read these kinds of books, what is it about them that draws you in?"
    That one was easy.  "Well, the romance of course," Audrey answered. 
    "But doesn't it bother you that relationships aren't really like that?" Peter wondered.  "I mean, nothing is that perfect."
    Audrey would rather have talked about a hundred other things at that moment. 
    "Isn't that the point though?" Audrey said.  "That there's a world out there--fictional or not--where things can flow perfectly."
    "Don't you worry that it creates unrealistic expectations?" Peter asked. 
    "No.  I mean it's just a book," Audrey said. 
    "To some people at least," Peter replied. 
    "Look.  We all need an escape.  I mean, isn't there anything you do to get away from the realities of everyday life?" Audrey asked. 
    Peter shook his head side to side.  "Nothing this damaging."
    Audrey couldn't believe how different the conversation was going than she expected. 
    "I'm sorry.  I'm seriously confused here.  Did I miss something?" Audrey asked. 
    "No.  Look, this isn't about you.  I shouldn't have involved you," Peter said.  "Anyway, I should probably head in.  Don't want to be late for my first day."
    "Oh, so that's why I've never seen you before," Audrey replied. 
    "That's probably because I just got traded from Savannah," Peter said.  "I'm Peter Short.  I'll be playing third base for the team."
    "Ah, the hot corner," Audrey replied, referring to the nickname for third basemen.  And Peter was sure hot, even if he did manage to put his foot in his mouth plenty throughout the conversation. 
    "That's right," Peter said. 
    "I'm Audrey Maxwell," Audrey replied. 
    "It's nice to meet you.  I hope I didn't get off on the wrong foot too much," Peter said. 
    "To be fair, I did knock you off balance," Audrey replied. 
    "Anyway, I have