The Laws of Emotion

Chapter Six

The sun cast a soft glow around the batting cages. The metal reflected the light right into my eyes, so I squinted. The unmistakable sound of the ball alerted me that one was flying right at me. I swung wildly and missed. 

"Do you need some sunglasses?"

I looked to my left to see a guy standing off to the side. A small smile flew to his face. I was struck by how handsome he was. High cheekbones sat below eyes that followed my every move. A blue bandanna blended in with his dark hair. 

He must've noticed me checking him out because a real smile painted his face. My breath caught in my throat when he stepped closer to me. Something was in his hands, and he pressed them into mine.

"Here's some sunglasses," he said, his deep voice flowing right into my ears. 

"Thank you." I slipped them on but perched them on my head. The sun didn't bother me when I looked at him. "Do you play baseball?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No. My father owns this place, so I'm forced to work here. What about you?"

It took me a minute to realize that he was asking whether I played softball or not. "Yeah," I replied quickly. "I'm on the varsity softball team."

"Are you sure?" he teased. "That swing didn't even reach the ball."

My cheeks lifted up. "I couldn't see anything. The sun is blinding."

"It sure is." 

"Are you still in high school?"

He nodded. "I'm home schooled, though."

"That's why I didn't recognize you."

He stuck his hand out and said, "I'm Nick Stewart."

"Catherine Hudson." 

His calloused hand felt warm in mine. He held on tight for a second longer before dropping his arm. I didn't want him to let go. 

"Can I watch you?"

"Weren't you already?"

His eyes widened. He looked adorable. "I didn't mean to watch you. I just -"

I laughed and laid my hand on his arm. His eyes flicked down to that before settling back to mine. "It's fine. I don't mind when cute guys do it."

Before he could do anything else, I turned on my heel. A grin spread across my face. If I played my cards right, he would be wrapped around my little finger by the end of the night. 

"Do you come here often?" he asked.

"Yeah. Me and my best friend come almost every week."

"Where is she?"

I laughed. "He is running a little late tonight." I glanced at him. He looked a little sad, so I said, "He's just a friend."

I swung the bat and slammed into a ball. It flew into the net with a soft whoosh. My arms still hurt from yesterday, but they felt much better after I took a hot bath. I swung again and hit another ball. 

"Okay, you are good," he said, his eyes wide.

I grinned. "I know."

"You started without me?" 

I glanced behind me to find Harvey strolling toward me. He hadn't seen Nick yet, and I didn't want him to. For some reason, my heart slammed into my rib cage as he stepped into the light.

"Sorry," I said quickly. "You know I like to hit things."

"I think you mean hit on things," he joked.