As of now, Cara and I don’t have any future dates. We’ve texted and seen each in class, but plans haven’t been set yet. I’ll rectify that tonight. I just hope I didn’t ruin my chances by being all possessive and telling her she’s stuck with me.
“Does that pulled muscle have something to do with Cara?”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“It’s totally about Cara.” He turns off the water, his chuckle following him to the locker room. I finish my shower in peace.
When I come back to the locker, there’s another damn photo of the Heartburglar. I snatch it down and crumble it up, much to the guys’ delight. Damn immature fuckers. I get dressed at record speed. I pull my phone out and hit Isabella’s number. I still haven’t found anything out about Mel G.
“Hey, you.” Her saccharin-sweet voice carries across the line, making me cringe.
“Hey,” I answer, walking back to the showers to get some privacy. I hate diving into what I need, but I’m getting rather desperate. “I was wondering if you’ve had any luck pinpointing Mel G.’s true identity?”
“You read Miller’s article, huh?”
“Yeah, and she’s pissing me off.”
“I haven’t found out—yet. I don’t understand how people don’t know who she is, but I’m still working on it. Worst-case scenario, I’ll ask Alan.”
I suck in a breath. Do I really want to know that badly? I already confronted him and got nowhere. I’m sure he’ll cave to Izzy, but at what expense?
“No, don’t do that.”
“But I think she has it out for the baseball team.” Izzy pauses. “No one in the communications department even knows her or has even seen her. The articles are submitted electronically.”
“Hmm, don’t go near that guy. I don’t want to get that started again.”
“I’ll see what else I can do. I have a few more options.”
“Okay.” I look toward the ceiling, summoning my strength. I can’t put this conversation off any longer. “There’s something else.”
“Yeah?”
“What’s going on between you and Cara?”
“Nothing,” she quips.
“Come on, Izzy. I didn’t walk in on nothing Saturday night.”
“I don’t see why you care. None of your other hookups have gotten this much attention. How deep are you into this girl?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“No, I guess you’re right. But before you go changing your social media status to ‘in a relationship,’ you may want to know she has a date with Tryce.”
My blood runs cold. The betrayal of my ex-girlfriend slams into me, pushing to the forefront of my mind all the drama she caused along with her lies. “How do you know this?”
“Apparently, he’s all sorts excited and has been bragging. Although I hardly think she’s a catch.”
“Stop right there. Jade has never been your best color.”
“Whatever, I’m just looking out for your best interests.”
“Which I appreciate, but”—I run my hand through my hair, wondering the best way to approach this topic—“you do know we’re only friends, right.” I prefer to have this conversation face to face. It seems like a dick move to do this over the phone, but she’s leaving me no choice.
“Of course. I’ve got to go.” She hangs up.
That went well.
I hate making her upset, but what trouble is she trying to start with Cara? Cara wouldn’t have sex with me and then go out with pencil dick. Turning my date offer down and saying yes to him makes no fucking sense.
In truth, I didn’t actually ask, but Cara knew the score. She knew what I was getting at. And damn it, we connected back at the baseball field in more than a physical sense. I know we did. She practically melted into my kiss. That wasn’t an exaggeration. I felt it.
And it felt damn good. Along with her body.
No, she wouldn’t agree to go out with him. No way. It doesn’t add up. Izzy misunderstood. I head back to where Noah and Garret wait for me.
“Sorry, I had to take care of something.” Not wanting to give details, I ignore their questionable stares as I pull my duffle bag out of the locker. I startle when Coach Callahan’s voice carries across the locker room. “Smith, get your ass to my office.”
I instantly stiffen and curse under my breath. I bet Coach found out about my being in the field house with Cara or maybe he worked out the baseball team is behind the adoption of the new mascot. Either scenario pales in comparison to what I suspect is the real reason—another lackluster performance on my end. And by Noah’s burning glare, he suspects it too.
“Save it,” I say to him.
“What the hell is going on with you?”
“Nothing, I’m fine.” Irritation drips from every syllable as I slam the locker door shut and let my feet carry me toward the door. Noah needs to cut me some slack. It’s not like I’m sabotaging myself or anything. And let’s face it, my shittiest day is someone else’s best day. “I’ll pull it together by the start of the season.”
“You don’t think it’s about today’s column, do you?” Garret asks.
I stop and turn toward Garret. Worry lines crease his forehead. “I don’t know, maybe?”
“I don’t want to get rid of Miller.”
“He’s not going anywhere.” The mutt has grown on me, and seeing the way he bonded with Cara solidifies my stance.
“I’d like to know who this Mel G. is.”
“You and me both. I better go. Coach is waiting.”
He nods and I take a deep breath before padding across the hallway to Coach’s office. Call me paranoid, but I’m beginning to think this Mel G. has it out for me. Or is doing Alan’s bidding. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s behind these so-called rumors.
“What’s going on with you?” Coach Callahan says in lieu of a greeting.
I must’ve been half-crazed to think this meeting was about anything else.
“Nothing.”
He eyes me for a few excruciatingly slow seconds. “Okay. But your timing has been off.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he places his hand up to stop me.
“No need to deny it. I haven’t been overly worried, but your father called voicing his concern.”
Of course, he has. My jaw sets into a thin line. I should have known Dad would interfere. He just can’t help himself. “He saw one practice and thought I was off. But nothing is going on, Coach.”
“Anything hurting?”
“No.”
He mulls my words for a moment. When he seems to be satisfied, he waves me off. “I told your dad I’d have a talk with you. We’ve talked. Now, pull your head out of your ass and get it together. Scouts are going to be attending the early practice games next month.”
Coach’s no-nonsense approach is direct and to the point—no sugarcoating with this one—but he’s honest and fair.
“Yes, sir. I’ll get it together.”
“I know I don’t need to say it, but I’m going to anyway. As team captain, you need to set that example. Now, get your ass home. Animal services will pick up the team mascot. You have about fifteen minutes.”
“What?” Panic races through me as Coach’s face takes on a somber look.
“You know damn well pets aren’t allowed on campus. I have to set an example. You’re lucky I’m not kicking you four off the team.”
“But, Coach, if we keep—”
“This isn’t up for discussion. You’re down to fourteen minutes.”
Shit. “Yes, sir.”
I hightail it down the corridor and don’t stop until I reach outside. The guys are standing by the truck, looking at their cell phones. Their heads pop up at my approach with expressions mirroring mine. I nod and click the fob button to unlock the doors. I rush to the driver’s seat as they pile into the passenger seats.
“They’re taking Miller,” I say as the engine roars to life.
“Dalton just texted us and
said animal control is at the door,” Noah says. “He tried holding them off, but they were accompanied by the dean.”
“We can’t let anything happen to him.” Garret’s voice comes out in a plea. “Damn it, this is my fault. I should’ve taken him home during my birthday party.”
“This falls on Mel G. If it wasn’t for her article, administration wouldn’t have found out.” I have never loathed an unknown person so much in my life. I whip through streets at record speed until we pull up into the drive.
“Fuck.” They’re already taking Miller to the van. As soon as I place the truck in park, I run over to the animal control officer. My chest squeezes when Miller turns those brown eyes to me. He tries to bark, but the sound comes out more like a low whimper. “You can’t take him.”
“Do you have the registration papers for the dog?” the officer asks.
“No, but we were going to take him to the vet soon.”
“Sorry, but we have orders to bring him in. After his wellness check, you can always adopt him.”
Another whine emits from Miller, and I swear those puppy dog eyes beg for me to do something. I drop to my knee and draw him in for a hug. “I’m sorry, buddy.”
The other teammates join me as they each say their goodbyes. I search for the dean, but he must’ve left already. The coward.
“I’ll get you out of there. You wait,” Garret says with conviction in his voice. “I’ll get you out.”
The guy loads Miller into the van. My throat tightens as we watch our buddy drive away. I run my hands through my hair, never feeling so helpless in my life. Garret whips his phone out and dials his parents.
“We at least fed him. He was starving when he found him,” Noah says to no one in particular. We’re still standing in the driveway, dazed.
“What did your Mom say?” I ask when Garret gets off the phone. My heart sinks at his hesitation.
“I’m working on her. We don’t exactly have the money right now to bail him out.”
“I’ll pay for the cost,” I say.
“That’s not the entire issue, but let me work on her. It’ll take a few days.”
My blood boils. I dial Izzy’s number, no longer caring if I’m selfish. Izzy’s tough. She can handle Alan. This Mel G. crossed a line.
“Haven’t you said enough?” Izzy asks, hurt still present in her voice.
“I need you to pay Alan a visit.”
She sucks in a breath. “What happened?”
“Animal control just took Miller. I don’t care how you find out, but get me Mel G.’s identity.” Mark my words, Mel G. is going to pay.
Chapter Twenty-Four
BRAXTON
Waiting sucks. I feel like the most useless person in the world. I push off the couch and pace along the hardwood floor. My knuckles are white from the hold I have on the phone. Izzy will take a few minutes, but Cara hasn’t replied to my text. She’s going to freak when she learns about Miller’s fate.
What a shitshow of a day.
There’s still Cara’s date with Tryce to contend with, but that’s obviously on the back burner. I’m sure Izzy misunderstood. And if all that wasn’t enough, I have my dad interfering in my life and calling my coach. This isn’t Little League, for fuck’s sake. If Coach hasn’t ridden my ass yet, I think I’m good. I just haven’t been up to my peak performance.
“I hate to ask, but are we going to get reprimanded for this?” Dalton’s question cuts through my thoughts.
“You’re concerned about yourself right now?” Irritation seeps through Garret’s voice, but Dalton’s question isn’t out of line. I get why he’s worried. Baseball is our ticket to the school. He hasn’t said shit about himself the entire time he’s been living here, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out he isn’t swimming in the same social status as Noah and me. Garret’s contingent on a scholarship as well, but he’s better positioned if things go south.
“I was just wondering,” Dalton mumbles.
“You’ll be fine.” I look over to where everyone is sitting. Three curious gazes land on me. “Coach just wants the dog gone, not us.”
For a brief moment, they relax, but then the weight of the situation slams into the forefront of everyone’s mind. We’re far from being okay. After a few more moments, my phone buzzes.
“What did you find out?”
Izzy’s harrumph has an I-told-you-so ring to it, and I get a sinking feeling her news won’t bode well for me.
“I’ve found out something very interesting. Have you heard of the name Carmella before?”
Frustrated by her games, I growl out a reply, “No.”
“That’s funny coming from someone who sticks up for liars.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Turns out the alias behind Mel. G. is none other than Carmella Gonzalez. But you probably know her better as Cara.”
My knees buckle. The delivered news feels like a sucker punch to the groin. As if the date with Tryce wasn’t bad enough, I find out she’s behind the articles. All the articles. My dates, the fires, and Miller? Has she been trying to sabotage me from the beginning?
“Are you sure? That can’t be—”
“Don’t be so naïve. She’s been playing you from the beginning.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“This information comes straight from Alan. Trust me when I say it’s true.”
I slam my fist on the granite countertop as rage courses through my veins. The front door opens, but I’m too consumed by the crushing reality. “I-I don’t know what to say.”
Izzy sighs. “Look, I realize we’ll never get together, but we’ve been friends for a long time. I’ll always have your back. Believe me when I tell you not to trust girls like that.”
I let her comment slide. Izzy may be right, after all. Son of a bitch I’m so stupid. How many times am I going to allow someone to lie to me? To use me? “Thanks for going to Alan. If he starts anything again, let me know.”
“Will do.” She pauses. “For what’s it’s worth, I’m truly sorry. I hope you get Miller back.”
We hang up, and I turn to face my teammates. Shannon, her face streaked with tears, stands next to Noah looking distraught. He must’ve texted her.
“What did she have to say?” Garret asks.
I blow out a breath. There’s still part of me that doesn’t want to condemn Cara without hearing her side of the story. And if I’m honest, I’m still hoping Izzy’s wrong.
“I need to get to the bottom of this first.” I direct my next question to Shannon while keeping my face as neutral as possible. I don’t know if I’m pulling it off or not. I’m so fucking pissed. “Do you know where Cara is?”
My sister’s face pales. “You’re upset. Please don’t tell me she’s behind this?”
Shannon’s way too inquisitive for her own good. That, or I need to do a better job at hiding my feelings. Who am I kidding? Right now, I’m a walking billboard for anger management candidates. “I don’t know. That’s what I need to find out.”
“Shit.” This comes from Noah, but it’s hard to tell. They all start talking at the same time. I need to find her before I go insane.
“I don’t know where she is, but she should be heading to the dorm soon. Lexie’s coming over.”
I grab my keys and take off with purpose. It isn’t until I’m outside her dorm when her text comes through.
Cara: I’m heading to the dorm.
I hang by the entrance and wait until she comes into view before replying. Her head is hung low. She’s upset and looks as if she’s on the verge of tears. Does she already know Miller’s gone?
I know your secret, but what game are you playing?
Chapter Twenty-Five
CARA
The day’s last sunrays filter through the trees as I walk back to the dorm. Normally, I enjoy twilight, but tonight, I’m not in the mood to enjoy anything. The ramifications of what I’ve done hit as soon as I stepped from the ad
ministration building. My dreams, my goals, are gone in a not so hasty decision. I can kiss the respect I’ve been desperately seeking from my family goodbye as well. The worst part is, I have no one to blame but myself. Sure, Alan was the driving force behind my decision, but I ultimately wrote the articles.
As I approach the dorm, my phone buzzes. Expecting it to be Lexie telling me she’s here, I am surprised to see Braxton’s sexy display.
Braxton: Meet me on the patio.
My stomach churns. He’s here? My reply is quick, but my feet drag as I head toward the concrete patio by the side of the building. I’m in no mood to be around people right now. Lexie coming over will be bad enough, but I don’t think I can fake being happy with Braxton. If he picks up on my mood, it’s not like I can tell him the reasoning.
What I want to do is curl into a ball and wallow in self-pity.
I suck in a breath and step closer to the patio. Braxton stands ramrod straight with his arms crossed, his biceps on full display. His body is a beautiful sight, but something’s wrong.
“Hey.” I dare to glance at his face. Bad move. The void of a smile and the coldness replacing the usual vibrancy in his eyes is all the warning I need. I stop cold, not willing to concede the inches between us. Braxton studies me as I stay rooted in place. Even knowing he’s about to come unhinged, I can’t help but want to snuggle against his rock-hard chest. I want to go back to Saturday night when he wrapped me in a protective cocoon. To the time when he was gentle and soft and not standoffish and hard. I swallow my trepidation and ask, “What’s wrong?”
The pulse in the side of his neck pulsates as his mouth sets in a tight, thin line. A couple of beats pass before he finally speaks. “Are you Mel G.?”
My eyes close. He’s found out. The world I’ve built since coming to Cessna U—the one that is supposed to stay drama free—crumbles to the ground.
“Answer me.” He takes a menacing step closer, and I squeak a yes. Hurt flashes in his eyes before they go cold again. “You’ve been lying to me this entire time?”
“I can explain.” My voice is practically begging, but I don’t care. He needs to understand.
SWINGING STRIKE: Cessna U Wildcats Book One Page 18
