“I want to ask her out on a date.”
He nods. “She spends a lot of time here,” he says cryptically. “I have no doubt that you’ll run into her again. I won’t give you her number. You’re going to have to ask her for it yourself.”
“Is that an issue? If I were to date her?” I’m trying to keep the excitement out of my voice, knowing that she’s hangs out at the stadium. I’m bound to run into her. Even if he won’t give me her number, I can ask her for it myself. I know our interaction was brief, but I can’t get her out of my head.
“No. As long as you’re good to her, that’s all I care about. Her dad, on the other hand, is going to be harder to win over. Let’s just say he wasn’t even a little bit impressed by that kiss.” He grins, and there is something behind it, something he knows, and he’s not telling me.
“We didn’t know it would turn out to be what it was. We didn’t realize it would last beyond the game.” I never imagined the media circus it would cause, and I would never have guessed I’d finally get called up and learn how much time she spends here. It was a moment, an afternoon at the ballpark, but it feels like so much more.
“Easton spends a lot of time here too. I’m certain he’s going to want to meet you. In fact, I called him last night and told him you were getting called up. He wanted to be here today, but I convinced him since this was official business, he’d have to stay home.”
“Great,” I mutter, making him toss his head back in laughter.
“It won’t be easy. Easton is protective of his daughters. And those girls of his, they are all strong and full of independence. You’re going to have your work cut out for you.”
“I’d like to think she’s worth it.”
“You know this from an afternoon sitting next to her at a baseball game?”
“Yes.”
“I like a man who knows what he wants.” He stands from his chair and walks around his desk. “How about that tour?” he asks, slapping a hand on my shoulder and moving to walk out of his office.
I scramble to my feet to follow him. He rambles on about my stats, and I manage to keep up with the conversation, but in my mind, all I can think about is seeing her. He said she’s here a lot, and the idea of running into her has my body on high alert. Is she as beautiful as I remember her?
“This is the gym,” he says, pushing open the door. “This is where the required workouts will take place, and you are free to use the facility anytime you want.”
“Thank you.”
He nods, turns, walks out of the gym, and heads down the hall. “This is the locker room,” he explains. My eyes scan the lockers, and that’s when I see it. C. Taylor followed by the number twenty-two.
On their own accord, my feet carry me to my locker, and I run my hand across my name.
“It’s a good feeling,” Drew says from his spot next to me. “To see your name in the big leagues. I will never forget that day as long as I live.”
“It’s surreal,” I admit.
“We’re glad to have you as a part of the team.” He claps his hand down on my shoulder. “Come on, let me introduce you to the trainers,” he says. With one final look at my locker, I rush to catch up with him.
“We have a state-of-the-art training facility. When our players are injured in any way, we want to make sure they, you”—he grins—“receive the best care from our team of trainers and physicians to get you back on the field fully healed.”
“Come on in.” He pushes back on the door and allows me to step in ahead of him. “Ralph,” Drew calls out. “I’d like for you to meet Cameron Taylor. He’s a first baseman we just brought up. Cameron, this is Dr. Ralph Thomas, the team doctor.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I greet the doctor, offering him my hand.
“Welcome,” Dr. Thomas replies. “Most of the training team is off today getting ready for our home game tomorrow. But we do have our newest member. Paisley!” he calls out.
My entire body is on alert. I can feel the way her hand felt in mine, and when I see her come around the corner, all I can think of is that she’s even more beautiful than I remember her being. My eyes trail her as she walks toward her boss. She hasn’t even seen me standing here.
“Paisley, I’d like to introduce you to—” Dr. Thomas starts, but the introduction isn’t necessary.
“Cameron,” she breathes.
“Paisley.” I smile at her. Reaching out, I take her hand and bring it to my lips. “It’s good to see you,” I murmur.
“What’s going on here?” Dr. Thomas asks.
“Ralph, it looks like you’re the last one to put it together.” Drew chuckles. “Cam here is the gentleman who Paisley was kissing on-screen a few weeks ago.”
“Uncle Drew,” Paisley hisses under her breath.
He ignores her. “Like I told Cameron, there are no rules against the two of you dating as long as it doesn’t interfere with my ball club. You two keep it professional, and we won’t have any issues.”
“We’re not dating. It was the kiss cam,” Paisley says, exasperated.
“We could be,” I chime in, keeping my eyes locked on her.
“I’m just saying.” Drew holds his hands up in surrender. “And you’re welcome. I told your dad to stay home today.”
“My dad?”
“Yep.” Drew winks at her. “Told him Cameron here was getting called up. He wanted to be here to… meet him.”
“Oh, God,” she groans and covers her face with her hands.
The sound goes straight to my cock.
“Cameron, there’s still some paperwork for us to fill out,” Drew says, not bothering to be the least bit affected by Paisley’s embarrassment.
“Paisley?” My voice is soft as I take a step toward her. I’m not letting her leave this time without a way to get ahold of her. Sure, we now both work for the Blaze, but that’s not enough. I need… more. “Can we grab lunch or dinner, maybe?” I ask her.
“I-I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Come on. You have to eat.”
“I have a lot to do here before we leave tomorrow.”
I nod. “How about you give me your number, and I’ll check in with you later? See if things have changed?”
“Cameron.” She sighs. “We work together now.”
“And you heard Drew. As long as it’s not an issue for the club, it’s not an issue for him.”
“But it’s an issue for me.”
“Cameron?” Drew calls out. I can hear the amusement in his voice. He’s enjoying watching me struggle.
“I’ll get you to change your mind.”
“Good luck with that,” she sasses, and a small piece of the fun-loving girl I met that day at the game finally reappears.
“Game on, baby.” I smirk and turn to follow Drew out of the room.
Chapter 5
Paisley
My heart is racing so fast I fear it might pound right out of my chest. I can’t believe that my uncle Drew, or hell, even my dad or my mom, didn’t tell me Cameron was getting called up. Sure, I’ve avoided them, but after dinner at their place the other night, I thought we were all past the kiss cam incident.