Almost diving into my closet, I shoved Brent’s jacket under a large pile of dirty laundry to cover my ass in case he came in. I felt frantic glancing around to find an outfit that would suit a baseball game and a diner date.

Deciding on tailored high waisted navy blue trousers and an ivory cashmere sweater, I slipped into them quickly. My choice in clothes were relatively simple outside of the new wardrobe Kelly duped me into buying. Wearing these clothes made me think of my mom; her style was the same and I wanted to keep her close to me.

“Something like this?” I stepped out of the closet holding up my nude colored loafters.

“How do you always look so good?” He strode across the room to get close to me and admire my outfit up close. The way he admired me made me nervous.

Trying to hide my reddening cheeks, I bent down to put my shoes on. “I get my style from my mom.”

He brought his hand to the side of my face when I straightened back up. I tilted my head up toward him and he leaned in for a kiss. Unfortunately, the vision of Brent flooded my mind as I kissed Garrett.

His other hand gripped my waist and pulled me closer to him while his kiss turned hungry. I tried to focus on Garrett–here and now–and how his thumb slowly caressed my jaw as our mouths moved, but that asshole’s face was there like a dark shadow.

Relief washed over me that nothing went further and he didn’t press me for more before we left and made our way to the sporting complex.

The students were buzzing and the energy was high before the baseball game. We had seats near the dugout where the players could see us in the crowd. Dread grew in my chest knowing Brent could easily pick me out of the crowd.

I saw him easily. Number seven. Even warming up he held that same cocky swagger he used when he went anywhere. The dark star of the baseball team.

Garrett and I got cozy with snacks and drinks before the game started. The team lined up for their usual pre-game routine, Brent’s gaze landing on mine. I knew that he knew that Garrett didn’t know about last night, and an evil grin only Brent could have appeared on his lips.

“That’s Brent Vaughn,” Garrett whispered into my ear. “He’s a beast and the best shortstop I’ve ever seen.”