Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Emma never wanted her daughter to feel such a way. Whatever it took, she was willing to do.
Mind already calculating how much more this was going to cost her, she waited.
“Can I play?”
She worked hard to blink away her tears. Once Emma was sure she had no lingering traces of them, she tipped her daughter’s head with a gentle tug so she could look at her.
“That’s what you want to do this summer? Play baseball?”
“More than anything, Mama. I did batting practice and I’m really good. Mr. Conner said I was. And he asked me if I wanted to play on the team.”
Greer repositioned her head so Emma could finish her hair. The scent of her strawberry conditioner filled the air.
Heat slicked through her at the simple mention of the man’s name.
Franklin Conner.
Linc.
Former professional player who finished up his career playing third base for the Pennsylvania Dutchmen when he’d been sidelined by an arm injury. He’d come home, got better, but never returned to the pros. She had her assumptions as to why and she figured he wasn’t physically able or willing to put his body through the rigors of playing professionally again.
I think he could do it, though. Cripes, that man doesn’t have anything soft on him. Obviously, he keeps himself in shape.
Not that she’d followed his career or anything.
Same as not like she’d had a hell of a crush on him in school and after. Man was the star player in every single one of her fantasies.
Lying to myself as I braid my daughter’s hair.
And hell, he probably didn’t even know her name.
Though, because Dawson, her tenant and friend, dated Linc’s best friend, Tully, he might know who she was. Now. She’d definitely not registered on his radar in school.
Pushing any and all sexual thoughts away of a man who was so far out of her league it wasn’t even funny, she finished her daughter’s hair and kissed her cheek. “Let me talk to him and see what it would mean. I’ll do my best, Greer, but I have to work as well, so I need to make sure I can get you there and home, okay?”
Greer bounded up, faced her, and flashed a brilliant smile before it faded. Those amazing eyes of hers dimmed as she reached out and cupped Emma’s cheeks, her slender face tipped to the left.
“I don’t have to play, Mama. I can spend the summer at home so it’s easier on you.”
God, she was the worst mother ever. Emma swore she would find a way to make this work. The rare smiles like she’d gotten from her daughter tonight were worth whatever hell her boss was going to put her through when he found out she wasn’t going to be at his beck and call twenty-four seven anymore.
If he lets me keep the job.
“Let me talk to Mr. Conner and we’ll see.”
She had to give Greer credit. She tried to smile again but Emma knew her daughter had resigned herself to not playing.
“Night, Mama.” She walked off, head down, feet scuffing the worn, dingy carpet and shredding the last bit of hope Emma had that she was doing good raising her daughter alone. Not like she had a choice. But the little girl was her world.
Next morning, she had Greer up, dressed, and fed early. They were going to the center today and she had a few other things to do before then.
The community center was already busy by the time they walked through the doors. Kids streamed in and out, talking and laughing with one another as their feet slapped on the tile floor.
Greer’s hand firmly in hers as they walked inside, she paused at the front counter where three young adults were working. One young man gave her a smile as he walked toward them.
“Good morning.” His gaze dipped down to Greer. “Hey, Greer. You gonna play baseball with us today?”
“Yes.” Her daughter bounced on her toes. Her excitement pulsed in the air around her.
If I wasn’t seeing this for myself, I wouldn’t believe this was my own daughter. Pride pushed through her and she tried to hide the joyful tears threatening to fall.
His smile was kind as he dipped his head. “Tell me you remember my name.”
A slight pause and Greer wrinkled her nose. “Sammy.” She punctuated that one word with a nod.
He tapped his nose. “Spot on. And what position do I play?”
“Third base. Batting average two-ten.” This time there was no hesitation.
Sammy flushed and shook his head. “That’s going to change.”
Her daughter nodded, eyes wide and actually locked on the stare of the male she spoke with. Heck, she didn’t keep a lot of eye contact with her own mother. This was incredible. Shocking. Emma was more than impressed.
Have I said I wouldn’t believe this if I wasn’t standing here? I am standing here and I’m not sure I do.