Star-Crossed in the Outfield (All About the Diamond #4)

by Naomi Springthorp

  “You’ve missed two opportunities to steal. You were in the wrong place to catch a pop fly. You could’ve had a double and stopped on first. Where’s your brain?” He shakes his head, “Did you fuck that chick yet?”

  “No. I spent the night at her place last night. Nothing kinky, she wanted it though.”

  “Stop thinking about your dick and play the game.”

  Mason chuckles and Seno turns to him, “You, too. What’s with missing that ball up the middle? You could’ve out run that throw to first.” Seno shakes his head, “Grow up and play. We are winning this season. Rookies.” He walks away leaving me and Mason nodding at each other.

  Top of the 5th inning, we are down by two. Running out onto the field and Seno yells at us, “Focus!”

  Kranston is on fire with 7 strike outs and he deserves better support. I smack Mason on my way by him, “Let’s do this!” I focus on the game. We want to win.

  Kranston strikes out the first two at bat. The third hitter pops it up short to Left Center Field. I run for it and Mason is backing up to get it. I call him off and make the catch. I throw the ball into the stands on my way to the dug out and get a high-five from Mason. I hear Seno yell, “That’s it, more of that.”

  Bottom of the 5th inning, Kranston is leading off and gets a base hit. Mason and I keep each other focused as he steps into the on deck circle and I walk toward the batter’s box to “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” I can't help but think of her and then I hear the cheers. It’s not just Sherry and the stadium crowd. I turn to look and Kristina’s there with Sherry, cheering at the top of her lungs, “Let’s go, Chase! Woooooowooo!” It means everything to me. She’s here for me. I love it when Sherry cheers for me, but now I get it. Nothing’s the same as your girl there supporting you and wearing your number. I blow her a kiss and her bright smile empowers me. “Knock it, Chase!”

  I need to get on base and I know better than to crush it trying for a homer. The first pitch is the one I always watch for, my favorite location and I smack it clean and hard. My bat stays intact and I swing through. It feels good and before I can look up to see it sail twenty feet over the Center Field wall, the stadium is going crazy. I run the bases, pushing Kranston around to home and all I can hear is Kristina, “Woooowooo! Yeah, baby!” I step on home plate and point at her mouthing “all you” to her. Game is tied at two.

  Mason gets a single. Martin hits into a fielder’s choice, safe on first and Mason’s out at second. Martin steals second and Seno hits a double driving him in. Cain walks. Lucky hits into a double play and the score is 3-2 Seals as we go to the 6th inning.

  In the seventh inning I hit a double and Martin knocks me in. Our pitching held the opposing team to two and the final score was 5-2 Seals.

  I went to the net behind home plate after the game looking for Kristina, but she was gone. Sherry grins at me knowingly, “She could only stay for her lunch break.” I’ll take it.

  Kristina

  My job as the intern, gofer, do everything that nobody wants to do and cover everyone that's out sick has been everything I hoped. Until the bottom of the eighth inning when, Hannah, the scheduled on-field reporter blew chunks all over the press box. I know how to do the task, it’s just—well, it involves a camera and I don’t like to be on camera. I prefer to be behind a microphone somewhere nobody can see me. My specialty is radio broadcasting and announcing. I’m not an on-camera personality. They didn't give me a choice and I need to do whatever I can to make this a permanent gig. I’m not dressed for this and I have hat hair from wearing my Seals cap with Chase’s number on it. Apparently, I'm the same size as Hannah and somehow she managed not to get puke on her wardrobe for today. I change into the short, curve hugging, hot pink dress and look at the shoes I’m supposed to wear with it. Luckily, we don't wear the same size shoes and they allow me to wear the 3” espadrilles I’d left in my car when I opted for flip flops. I’d kill myself in those 4” spiked platform heels on the field. I’m bombarded by the hair and make-up people, they need to learn the term “personal space” and get out of mine. I understand that they have to be close to apply make up and fix my hair, but I didn't give anyone permission to adjust my breasts—which is apparently a thing and I was wearing the wrong bra, so now I’ve been taped up into place and I’m popping out the top of the dress. At least I know I can get Chase to do an interview with me and he’ll make someone else interview with me, too. Fuck! Chase is going to see me like this. This isn’t me. I look in the mirror and they’ve magically made me camera-ready without hat hair. In fact, I look fabulous. Not my style at all and completely uncomfortable in the dress, but fabulous nonetheless. I bet he doesn't even recognize me.

  To @GamerGirlM - They’re making me go on camera.

  To @GamerGirlM - Don’t tell anybody.

  To @GamerGirlM - Maybe they won’t recognize me.

  To @GamerGirlM - Yes, it’s that bad.

  From @GamerGirlM - Don’t worry. You got this.

  From @GamerGirlM - It’s not what you want, but you’ve been trained for it!

  From @GamerGirlM - What position?

  To @GamerGirlM - On-Field Reporter

  From @GamerGirlM - Oh Shit! With our guys?

  From @GamerGirlM - Forget that.

  From @GamerGirlM - Show them you’re better than Hannah.

  To @GamerGirlM - I don't want this job!

  From @GamerGirlM - Just do it! Try it! You might like it!

  To @GamerGirlM - I’m wearing hot pink and its short and snug.

  From @GamerGirlM - LOL If you’re good, they’ll get you appropriate wardrobe.

  She’s got to be kidding me with this. She’s never steered me wrong when it came to the professional or education world before. I don’t have time to question it. Michelle said it, “Just do it!” They shove the earplug in my ear and the booth starts talking to me. It’s already the top of the 9th and it doesn’t look like there will be a bottom of the 9th. Unless something crazy happens, they want me to interview Cross and Kranston or Martin. Seno as a final option. They’ve got the stats for the game ready and will feed me the details I need for each interview.

  I walk out to the field and watch the last out of the game, a pop fly caught by Chase at the wall in Center Field. The crew leads me to the area in front of the dug out and I’m supposed to grab the players as they come in from the field. I focus on Chase and watch as he runs in and goes straight to the net behind home plate. What’s he doing? I need him over here. I stand watching for him to walk toward me. Honestly, I want to see the expression on his face when he realizes it’s me. Kranston is already gone to the club house. I grab Martin, “Can we do a quick interview?”

  He looks me up and down, “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

  “My name is Kristina. I’m covering for Hannah. I seem to be covering for everyone this season.”

  “No problem.”

  “Thanks. Let’s get it done. I need to get Cross before he goes in the locker room, too.”

  “Wait, you’re the chick Chase has been talking about. I saw you kiss him at the wall.”

  “Yes, well, either way I need to do the interview. He doesn't know I’m doing the on-field interviews tonight. I didn't know until thirty minutes ago.”

  Martin laughs, “This is going to be fun. Let's do it.”

  I lead Kris Martin to the camera and I’m getting nothing from the control booth. I know my baseball. I can wing it. “Kris, you did some great hitting tonight and that golden glove of yours was flashing at first base. What do you do to maintain your superior skills on the diamond?”

  Kris blushes, “Thanks, Kristina. I try to stay focused on the game and sacrifice most of my personal life during the season. I know I’ll only get to play for a short time and I want to be the best I can be for as long as possible.”

  “It’s been noted that you’re hitting and fielding better this year than you have in years past. The sports writers have even written articles about how it’s your year. Are you do
ing something different to achieve the higher stats across the board?”

  He grins and I know he’s not going to give me the real answer, “I’ve felt my strength and confidence grow consistently over the last few years. I think I'm finally hitting my stride and I’m not stopping here. Having said that, this team makes all the difference. Without a leader like Seno, we wouldn't be where we are now as a team and this season we are a family.”

  “Thank you so much for your time. Good luck on the road trip!”

  Kris smiles and shakes his head as he walks off. Then he looks up at Cross, “Cross, on field reporter wants you.” He chuckles, “And she’s hot.” He walks down the steps into the dug out and stands there watching.

  Chase looks at me and does a double-take as his face lights up. He walks toward me quickly. “Hey, Sweetness.” His eyes land on my breasts and he stops talking.

  “Hey. Ummm, sorry to spring this on you like this. I didn’t know I was doing this until last inning. This isn't even my dress.” I lean closer to him, “I’d never wear this dress.”

  “You’re gorgeous in it, but it’s not you.” He leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’re beautiful no matter what. I especially like it when you’re wearing my number or those PJs with the sunglasses on them.”

  I know I'm turning red. I’m not supposed to be interviewing players, especially not players that know what I look like in my PJs! “I need to get through this interview with you, okay?”

  “Anything for you, Sweetness.”

  “I’m going to need you not to call me Sweetness during the interview.”

  “I can do that.”

  The cameraman nods and we’re ready to go, “Chase Cross, you had some great plays today. But, it seemed to start out slow for you. What do you contribute the significant change to the second half of your game to today?”

  He gazes directly into my eyes and I know it has something to do with me, “I feed off the crowd and they were cheering louder during the second half of the game. Also, our team captain gave the rookies a pep talk and that made a huge difference.”

  “You hit a home run that flew at least twenty feet over the Center Field wall. That’s not something we normally see from you. Have you been concentrating on your hitting?”

  “My job in the leadoff spot is to get on base, not get out hitting a pop fly that comes up short. I have the speed, so I usually keep the ball on the ground. Sometimes, like today, I get a pitch I can’t pass up. Baseball is a team sport, you have to work together to generate runs.”

  “Good job today. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.” The camera is finally off.

  Chase pulls me to him, “That home run was all you. You make me stronger and I want to impress you. The first half of the game I was somewhere with you, not on the field. And, that dress? It makes me want to take you out of it. I know it’s late, come to my house tonight?”

  “I can’t. I’ll be here at least another three hours. Too many people out ill today.”

  He whispers in my ear, “You wanted me this morning. I wanted you. I still want you. I’m not after sex, I just want you with me. It felt right to hold you all night. I want to hold you every night.”

  I smile at him unable to put the words I want together.

  “You did a great job with the interview. Can you do one thing for me?”

  “What?”

  “Change out of that dress before I have competition.” He starts off into the clubhouse.

  “Yeah, I can do that. Chase?”

  He turns back, “Yeah?”

  “Nobody can compete with you.”

  He gets a big grin and blows me a kiss before he disappears into the club house.

  I made it through the interviews, now to get the rest of my work done.

  From @GamerGirlM - Great job!

  From @GamerGirlM - I saved the interviews, so you have them for your portfolio.

  From @GamerGirlM - Also, I’d like to dissect the interaction between you and Chase.

  To @GamerGirlM - Thank you.

  To @GamerGirlM - It wasn't as bad as I thought it’d be.

  To @GamerGirlM - Let’s not and say we did.

  To @GamerGirlM - Late night. See you around 2am or later.

  From @GamerGirlM - Are you going to Chase’s?

  To @GamerGirlM - I’m working.

  To @GamerGirlM - Will Mason be there when I get home?

  From @GamerGirlM - No. I put him on a time out. He doesn’t know.

  To @GamerGirlM - Why? Still mad he left?

  From @GamerGirlM - I need time to decide if I want a boyfriend or not.

  From @GamerGirlM - He said he's my boyfriend, but he never asked me if I wanted that and he still hasn't kissed me.

  To @GamerGirlM - Makes sense. Why commit to the guy that won't even kiss you?

  From @GamerGirlM - That is the question I’m trying to answer.

  From @GamerGirlM - You should know I think Chase is a keeper.

  From @GamerGirlM - Bye!

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chase

  To @Kristeeeeena - You can come over any time.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Doesn't matter how late it is.

  From @Kristeeeeena - It’s 2am and I’m still at the stadium working.

  To @ Kristeeeeena - Can I help?

  From @Kristeeeeena - No. I just need to get done.

  I want her here with me. I want to hold her. I want to kiss her. It’s late and the team leaves early in the morning. I need sleep.

  Chase

  My alarm goes off early and I wish she were here with me. I don't have much extra time this morning. The team is leaving early and flying out to play three games against Washington.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Good morning, Sweetness.

  To @Kristeeeeena - I’m at the stadium. Are you here?

  Nothing. I wander around a bit and check with Carter. She’s not here. She’s off today.

  To @Kristeeeeena - Wish you were here. See you in a few days.

  Chase

  I take my phone out of airplane mode when we land inWashington and it goes crazy.

  From @Kristeeeeena - Wish I was there to see you this morning.

  From @Kristeeeeena - Phone was dead at the end of my work day and I was tired.

  From @Kristeeeeena - Happy to have a day off.

  From @Kristeeeeena - Win for me!

  To @Kristeeeeena - Wish I was there to spend the day with you.

  To @Kristeeeeena - I’m saving up kisses for you.

  From @Kristeeeeena - :) :) :)

  To @Kristeeeeena - Will you go out with me when I get back?

  To @Kristeeeeena - Can I have your phone number?

  From @Kristeeeeena - I told you I don't give boys my number.

  To @Kristeeeeena - I’m a man, not a boy.

  From @Kristeeeeena - That is very true. I don't give men my number either.

  Chase

  The team has batting practice on the field and I find myself leaning on the backstop between Mason and Seno.

  “You rooks got your shit together today?” Seno asks as he stares at Brandt taking swings.

  “The chick won’t give me her number and ignores me when I ask her out,” I say trying to focus on the game.

  “Michelle is ‘busy’ and her responses are all one or two words. She’ll be fine,” Mason adds his current standing.

  Seno releases a sigh and scratches the back of his head. He looks at me, “You need to keep her thinking about you and don't message her too much. You don't want to look needy.” He looks down and shakes his head, then turns to Mason, “What did you do to piss her off?”

  I laugh, “I think it’s what he didn’t do.”

  “Shut up,” Mason snarls at me.

  “I don't know what the fuck you did or didn't do. I do know you pissed her off and I don't care if it's your fault or not. Send her flowers. You can make it right when you get home.” Seno gives each of us a questioning look, “Anything else?” He waits, but
neither of us respond. “Good. Remember, women like winners not losers. My queen likes to see her team win, let’s show these women what we’ve got.”

  We each take our turn at bat. Seno’s on point and he has been all season, he’s on a mission. I hit a couple grounders because I know that’s what I’m supposed to do and then I let it rip knocking a few in a row out of the park. It feels good to smash the ball, freeing. Mason swings and misses the first two pitches, then hits a couple to the outfield and a grounder. He needs to get his head straight

  “Dude, call her and use your magic whisper.”

  Mason blushes, “Naw, she’ll be fine.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kristina

  “Are you watching the game today?” Michelle asks.

  “I have the day off. No baseball.”

  “Really? We could watch the guys.”

  “I thought Mason’s on a timeout?”

  “He is, but that doesn’t mean I have to be. I can watch him and he’ll never know.”

  “Fine, I’m in.”

  We need a girls’ night. It’s almost game time. Michelle orders a pizza. I turn the television on and they’re announcing the team.

  “Look at all of them in the dug out, it’s hottie heaven!” The camera pans, “Our guys are sitting together. Woah! Did you see Cross look into the camera and smile? He’s so hot!” Michelle exclaims and I wonder if she’s been drinking.

  “You have your own player to drool over.”

  “Whatever. I don't know why you don’t claim Chase and keep him.”

  I’ve been wondering the same thing myself. I know baseball players are bad for me, but when we were together he made me want him. “His eyes change color and give him away, gorgeous light green hazel to a shiny grey.” I remember him in my bed, gazing at me with those eyes and holding me all night. “I don't know how Mason can spend so much time with you and stay the night holding you without kissing you.”