Lover

Chapter 16: America's Sport

—2 weeks later—
I'm feeling better, my bruises have healed now I just have to do physical therapy for my shoulder, other than that and heartbreak my life has been grand. I didn't get cut from the team and Debbie has been keeping me good company.
"Sweetie you know he does have feelings for you, right?" She asks as she sets a dinner plate in front of me.
"I don't know Debs, everytime I think it'll be different he goes and does some shady shit."
"He's been coming to me everyday asking about you."
"See he masters these grand schemes to make himself likeable, he's one of the most charming people I've ever met." I sigh before I stuff mac n cheese in my mouth. "This is so good by the way." I add loving it.
"It's always been your favorite." She smiles. "But maybe give him a chance, talk to him."
"I already have him a fuck ton of chances, excuse my language." I say making her smile. "But he always fucks it up."
"He's a great looking man, he's had women fall to his feet since he's been like probably 16, but now there's you."
"Don't tell me he gave you a script." I scoff.
"Let me finish." She says. I motion for her to continue. "You came out of nowhere for him and he didn't expect to fall for someone so hard, so fast, and so easily." She says making me bite the side of my cheek, "This whole miscarriage thing really made him rethink absolutely everything he's been going to therapy and really wants to talk to you."
"He has?" I ask not expecting it.
"Yeah, he's really trying here cubbie."
"I'll text him later." I nod.
"I think it needs to be an in person thing." She adds.
"Okay." I agree.

I clean my apartment anxiously waiting for a knock. I think I've polished this glass like 7 times already, but I'll keep doing it.
I hear a knock on my door and take a deep breath before opening the door.
"Hey." He smiles.
"Hi, come in." I smile letting him in.
We go into the kitchen and sit in front of each other.
"Debbie told me you've been going to therapy." Is the first thing that comes out of my mouth.
"Yeah, I am." He nods. "I've found it really helpful, I was reluctant to the idea but decided to give it a go and I've been able to figure out a few things about myself."
"That's great. I'm really happy for you James." I say giving him a small smile.
"I'm really sorry about what happened last time we were together." He says. "I know you don't trust people easily and I've taken advantage of the fact that you do or have tried to trust me."
"Taken advantage?" I ask.
"Yeah like maybe not necessarily taking advantage of it, but I've made it harder for you to trust me."
"Oh, okay." I nod knowing it was all true.
"But I'm different now and if you give me the chance to be the guy I know you deserve I promise I won't let you down."
"James I've heard you say that before." I sigh. "And I don't know if I can keep doing this." I add holding my tea mug a little tighter.
"Katherine I know we can be great. I know we can." He assures.
"And how can I be sure?" I question. "Put yourself in my shoes James. Remember when you freaked out on me when Trent held my hand?" I ask.
"Yea." He quietly answers.
"How did that feel?"
"Not good."
"That's how I feel whenever a girl stands next to you, I want to trust you won't be giving them any attention, but you've let me down."
"But they're not you."
"You've treated them like they were." I sigh. "Listen, James. I like you, a lot, but it's for my own good that I stay alone for now."
"I don't think you should be alone right now." He says, moving to sit next to me.
"I'm capable of being on my own James." I say turning to look at him.
"The thing is, you don't have to." He says in a low voice. I look up at him and I know I believe him.
"Jimmy," I sigh. His eyes move from my eyes to my lips and I decide to lean forward. The kiss takes him by surprise, but he's quick to react and kiss me back.
His hands go to my waist and he effortlessly has me sit on the kitchen island. I go to reach for the bottom of his shirt when he steps away.
"I can't." He says
"Please." I beg, pulling him towards me. "I need you."
"Honey, no." He says planting a kiss on my cheek.
"Get out." I sigh. "James you have to leave please." I beg.
"Katherine." He sighs.
"No James please, I know we're not good for each other just go."
"Baby."
"No, I just need space." He kisses my forehead.

—3 months later—

"Why are we doing this again?" I ask Nicky as I smile and hold my hands to my hips.
"Because they're paying us and it counts for charity." He sighs before running out into the baseball field for the San Francisco Giants team.
They're having an open practice and invited us to come.
I'm in my Gold Rush uniform and Nicky is in his training gear.
"Can I have you throw a pitch?" Someone asks me.
"Oh, no I've never thrown a baseball before, it's always been football." I smile shyly as I stand with my hand in my hips and a big smile. His hair is pretty long and flows beautifully, and he's wearing those pants like he's doing them a favor.

"Oh c'mon it can't be that bad." He smiles.
"I don't know." I shrug shyly.
"I'm Chris, Christopher Shaw." He says sticking a hand out.
"Hi, I'm Katherine Bosa." I say shaking his hand.
"Gorgeous." He says before turning red. "Sorry."
"Katherine." I correct with an embarrassed smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"I'm sorry." He says again.
"Don't worry about it."
"I'm sure you get it all the time." He smiles.
"Not really." I shrug with an embarrassed smile.
"Can I show you how to pitch?" He asks nicely.
"Sure." I nod and put my Pom poms down following him out field.

He tells me about himself and I talk about me. I find myself laughing so hard my sides hurt.
"Shaw get outfield." His coach says.
"You're not a pitcher?" I ask.
"No ma'am." He winks before running out to the field. I smile over at him and feel myself wanting to gravitate towards him.
I do a routine and feel his eyes on me the whole time, and I find myself moving so much harder, for him.

After the session is over I head inside the locker room.
"Hey!" I hear someone call from behind me. I turn around and see him.
"Hi." I smile shyly.
"I'd like to take you out, on a date." I let a little gasp out before recovering quickly.
"A date?" I ask. "Based on what?"
"Based on the chemistry we just had." He smirks.
"When?" I ask.
"Tonight?" He asks making me laugh. "I know I'm coming off desperate, but I'd be lying to you if I tried to play it cool." He says making me blush.
"Okay Christopher. Yes." I say and we exchange phone numbers.

I have a date with a MLB player, this should be different.