A Complete Game (Washington DC Soaring Eagles #3) - Aven Ellis Page 0,11
continues. “Yet when we started talking, I felt like I was meeting you for the first time. That you weren’t part of that world; rather, you were someone who had entered mine.”
My heart flips inside my chest. I hear so many things I want to talk about in his words, each and every one of them, but my pulse is pounding so fast, I can’t get the words out fast enough. I don’t even know where to start.
“I understand that,” I finally say. Willy races up and climbs up into my lap, swirling around until he drops down into a cozy spot. I gently rub his belly as I look at Brady. “I’ve become associated with this baseball world because of Hayley. I met Katie through her and have gone to parties they’ve hosted with other players on the team. But it’s not my world; it’s theirs. And while I know we met at the wedding, I didn’t meet you. Not like this.”
“It’s so weird. I was with my ex then, and we broke up that night,” Brady says.
“And I was head over heels for a guy who fell off the face of the earth after that weekend.”
Brady’s eyes lock on mine. “Funny how things work out, isn’t it?”
The butterflies go manic in my stomach. “Yes.”
A quiet moment passes between us, and I stroke Willy’s back. “I should probably get going. I have to feed them, and I know traffic will be heavy on Friday afternoon back to Alexandria.”
“I’ll get the carrier for you,” he says, getting up.
I cradle Willy to me and rise, watching Brady as he walks back to the spot where I left my carrier. He brings it to me, and I call for Petey to come, which he does. I put Willy inside and then place Petey next to him. I shut the door and latch it.
I gather up my stuff, and we begin our walk out of the ballpark. With each step, there’s something new stirring within me. I’m interested in Brady. After I swore off trying to find romance, I’m reacquainted with Brady and find him interesting. I barely know him, of course, but I want to continue this conversation. To find out more about who he is.
Because I like what I’ve seen so far.
“Where are you parked?” Brady asks as we reach the exit.
“Over in media parking.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
Hope surges within me. I wonder if he will ask to put my number into his phone. Brady doesn’t strike me as the type who would slide into my DMs. I think he’d just ask if he wanted it.
I glance at him. I like his honesty. He’s the complete opposite of Ryan, who overpromised on his feelings, did a U-turn, lied about it, and then was back on the dating app within twenty-four hours of saying he needed to focus on school.
“Um, there aren’t many cars to choose from here,” Brady says.
I blink. I had been so busy thinking, I forgot to tell him where I was parked.
“Sorry, it’s the red Audi.”
Brady nods, and we correct our course to go in the direction of my car. As soon as we are there, I unlock it.
“Where do you put the boys?” Brady asks.
“Backseat.”
He opens the door for me. “Here, I’ll help.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling at him as he takes the carrier from my hands.
“My pleasure.”
He slips the carrier in the backseat and shuts the door. He turns around and stares down at me.
My breath catches. It’s the “will he or won’t he” moment. Another spring breeze blows across us, ruffling Brady’s hair. Anxiousness bubbles up within me.
“You know, you never asked me what I wanted to see in DC,” Brady says, gazing down at me.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. What would you want to see in DC?”
“I’ve never been to Alexandria.”
I hold my breath. He knows that’s where I live.
“I’ve never been there, because my trade to the Soaring Eagles happened so quickly,” Brady continues.
“Well, if you ever need a tour guide, I’d be happy to help,” I say.
“Do you know any good restaurants there?” he asks, his eyes never leaving mine.
I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until it leaves my body. “I might.”
Brady smiles. I find myself smiling back.
“Then would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight in Alexandria, Addison?”
Chapter Four
I swear I feel my body sway as his invitation rolls around in my head.