Play Along(97)

He clears his throat. “Apologies if this is forward. I noticed the ring on your finger. Dean gave me the impression that you were single, so I was hoping to take you to dinner tonight, but . . .”

I didn’t think about the fact that I wouldn’t have to wear my wedding ring if I didn’t want to. There’s no one here I need to convince of anything.

“I’m married,” I say simply.

“Again, I don’t want to come off too forward, but is it serious? With you moving across the country and all.”

I raise my brow and he lifts his hands in surrender.

“Too forward. Got it.”

I chuckle to break the tension. “Not too forward, but I also don’t know how to answer that. And even if I were single, the last thing I should be doing as the only woman on staff is going on a date with a potential new coworker, but I am flattered that you asked.”

“I understand. When I took this job and left Atlanta, my ex-wife and I both knew it was over. It was a way for us to create distance and finally call it. So, I wasn’t sure if this was the same for you.”

I shake my head no. I don’t know what’s going on with our situation, but I know it’s not that.

“And by the way,” he continues, “you won’t be the only woman here. I couldn’t even tell you how many women work on staff here.”

I perk up at that. “Really?”

“Oh yeah. Good luck getting into the women’s restroom on the clubhouse level. There’s a constant line.”





Chapter 26


Isaiah


“Mills just texted.” Kai sets his phone back in his locker stall. “They’re in the hall.”

I grab my hat—a different one than I sent with Kennedy—and follow my brother to the hall off the clubhouse.

Zanders, Stevie, Ryan, Indy, Miller, and Rio are waiting for us.

“Hey, guys. Thanks for coming,” I say, approaching the group.

Zanders puts his hand in mine, the other going around and tapping the back of my shoulder. “Big bro announces his retirement, we figured we better get to as many games as we can.”

We say hi to everyone individually, before Kai stays put with Miller, his arms folded around the front of her shoulders.

Other than Rio and me, everyone is paired off.

I fucking hate it.

I’ve gotten so accustomed to having Kennedy by my side, especially here at the field. All of this is a preview to next season. But my brother won’t be in his uniform. He’ll be visiting, just like the rest of these guys.

“Is Kennedy going to come out, or is that dickhead doctor keeping her too busy?” Indy asks.

“No, she’s not here actually. She’s in San Francisco.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Stevie says, so much excitement in her voice. “How’d her interview go?”

I hesitate, because the truth is, I don’t know yet. I’ve been too afraid to ask.

My eyes flit to Miller’s, silently begging for her help.

“Kennedy said she’d fill us in when she got home,” she says in rescue.

“Sunday night family dinner,” Ryan reminds me. “About time you brought her, don’t you think?”

“There’s my girl.” Monty steps out of his office into the hallway, eyes on Miller.

“Hi, Dad.”

He holds his arms open for a hug, but Kai doesn’t let go of her.

Monty’s attention shifts to him. “Really?”

“What?” My brother’s tone is entirely too innocent as he holds his fiancée captive.

“I have no problem benching you tonight.”

Kai huffs a laugh. “It’s my first start after announcing my retirement. I don’t think that’s going to go over too well with the fans.”

“Ask me if I give a shit?”

Kai playfully rolls his eyes and releases Miller.

“Where’s my grandson?” Monty asks as he hugs his daughter.

“Emily from the bakery is babysitting him and Taylor tonight.”

Rio’s head shoots forward from the back of the crowd. “Emily from the bakery, huh? She single?”

“Please stop.” Zanders’ tone is exhausted.

Monty says hello to our friends. “I gotta get out there.” He smacks me on the shoulder. “Same for you too. I want to win quickly. There’s a bout of rain coming in later and I don’t want to get stuck in a rain delay. Love you, Millie. See you after.”

“Bye, Dad.”

Stevie whips her head around to Miller. “Excuse me?”

“What?”

Indy is looking at Miller as if she can’t believe what she just saw. “Your dad is hot.”

“Gross.” She physically grimaces.

“Oddly enough . . .” Rio lifts a brow. “I agree with her.”

“You’ve got a hot dad, Miller,” Stevie chimes in.

“Make it stop.”

Zanders shrugs. “They’re not wrong. I’m straight as a fucking arrow, but that is one good-looking man.”

“Annnnd this conversation is done.” Miller turns back to Kai, giving him a kiss. “Love you. Good luck.”

“Love you, baby.”