You made it!” Russ said, waving his arm at Joslynn. Her last night shift at the hospital had ended this morning, and he’d expected that she’d go home and sleep. Adjusting to working days would probably take a while.
She waved back as she jogged over to meet him at the team bench. “I did. Are you surprised?”
“A little. I know you’re probably exhausted after working last night.”
Shrugging, she set her bag on the grass. “Tired but stressed. Last shift was rough. Figured watching a little softball might shake the bad thoughts right out of my head.”
Russ took her hand and gently pulled her closer. Then he kissed her, letting his lips linger against hers even though people were staring. “I’ll take you home after this. How about a nice massage? Then you can sleep.”
Her smile always hit him on a visceral level. “That sounds like heaven.”
“Geesh, Russell. Are you bringing in another ringer?” The grating voice of Robert Campbell, owner of the Black Stallion, almost stole away Russ’s good humor. While he could normally stomach Robbie’s over-inflated ego, Russ didn’t like the way he was eyeing Josie.
Introductions were probably in order, despite the fact he wanted to keep her to himself. She was sure to recognize the name, because Russ had told her several stories about the competition between Words & Music and the Black Stallion. While both venues were extremely popular, Russ and his partners liked to best Black Stallion whenever they could, probably because Robbie Campbell could be such a horse’s ass. Not only did they compete to book talent, but the two bars played in touch football and softball leagues with several other clubs. Ethan especially liked to brag about beating their biggest rival. His favorite thing was to tease that by marrying Chelsea, he’d taken away Robbie’s most profitable act. All Russ cared about was being able to rub Robbie’s nose in any loss.
“Josie Wright,” Russ said, “this is Robbie Campbell.”
“I own the Black Stallion,” Rob added.
“Ah, so you’re here to get your butt kicked,” Josie said with a cheeky grin. “I suppose you’re used to it. I mean, Words and Music always has a better crowd than the Black Stallion.”
Russ didn’t even bother smothering his laugh at the deep blush that spread up Rob’s neck to reach his face. While the rivalry between the two clubs was well known in Nashville, Russ and his partners had the upper hand since both Chelsea Harris and Savannah Wolf were frequent headliners.
“She doesn’t have a uniform,” Rob grumbled. “Can’t play without a uniform.”
Josie glanced to Russ. “Got another T-shirt lying around?”
He hadn’t expected her to even consider playing. Whenever the Words & Music staff faced off against the Black Stallion employees, things had the potential to turn ugly. “I do. But you don’t have to—”
“I’d love to play. It’ll help take my mind off that crappy shift. Are you playing fast or slow pitch, Robert?”
“Fast pitch,” Rob replied. “We’re serious about this game.” His gaze traveled from her head to her toes, lingering too long on her breasts.
Russ wanted to punch him in the nose, but Josie must’ve followed his train of thought because she narrowed her eyes at Rob. “Serious is the only way I play.”
Rob dismissed her with a flip of his wrist. “Fine. Whatever. Play, then. Girlfriends and siblings are eligible, and it’s clear you’re dating this idiot. Hope you enjoy losing.”
Recognizing her coy smile, Russ decided to wait to ask her what she knew that he didn’t. “We’d be happy to have you, Josie.”
“Whatever,” Rob said again. “Just get your roster to the umpire before you’re disqualified.” He stomped away, leaving little clouds of dust in his wake.
As soon as he left, Russ shook his head. “You don’t have to play just ’cause Robbie’s being an asshole.”
“I know.”
“So what are you hiding?” he asked.
She glanced down and dragged her toe across the dirt. “Who said I’m hiding anything?”
“Oh, please. I know that smile, that smug smile.”
Her grin grew. “Did I ever tell you my college intramural team won every single game we played whenever I was on the mound? I’m a pretty good pitcher.”
“That’s impressive.”
“So…let’s go kick that windbag’s ass.”
* * *
Her energy restored, Joslynn donned the T-shirt in the restroom while Savannah chuckled.
“What?” Joslynn asked as she used the mirror to adjust the shirt.
Savannah’s reflection smiled. “I haven’t seen you look so happy before. Russ is good for you.”
“Yeah, he is.”
“And you’re good for him.”
“I am?”
With a nod, Savannah said, “What’s it been? A month?”
“Six weeks.” Great. Now she’d become one of those women who tracked the time of how long she’d been with her boyfriend.
What’s wrong with that? her heart asked.
More and more she’d been listening to that heart, which in and of itself was a huge change. Her whole life had been about logic—about leading with her wit and not her emotions.
“He brings out the best in you,” Savannah added. “And vice versa.”
Turning to lean back against the counter, Joslynn adjusted her ponytail. “You’re right. We’re good for each other.” Before this turned into some overly mushy discussion, she switched the topic. “Where’s Caroline? Figured she’d be here as a cheerleader.”
“She spent the night with my parents. They’re bringing her here in a little bit. Love me some softball, so pregnant or not, I had to play.”
“Just don’t do any headfirst slides,” Joslynn teased. “Where’s Chelsea? Figured she’d be here too.”
“She’s in Miami. At least I think that’s where she is.” A laugh rose from Savannah. “That woman tours so much, it’s impossible to keep track of what city she’s in.”
“Is Ethan playing?”
Savannah shook her head. “He’s on the road with her this time.”
Joslynn’s eyes widened.
“I know, right? Who would’ve expected him to ever go on tour?”
“Not me. You told me how much he hates publicity.”
“He does, but as much as you’ve been good for Russ, Chels has been good for Ethan. He doesn’t mind dealing with her fans anymore. Not that he’ll ever be like his parents. They embraced their celebrity. Ethan tolerates Chelsea’s.”
Joslynn checked her watch. “We should get out there.”
As she walked with Savannah to the dugout, she took inventory of the people warming up on the Words & Music team. She recognized some of the waiters and waitresses, although she didn’t know all their names. Leslie Guinan was playing catch with her sous chef. The surprise was seeing Leslie’s brother jogging from the parking lot toward the field. After Marc showing up at the yoga class, Joslynn worried about Russ. But he’d promised not to be jealous, and she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Following Savannah to a large plastic tub full of equipment, Joslynn tried a couple different gloves before she found one that would work. She also grabbed a softball. Just as she turned to ask her friend if she was ready to catch a few pitches, Marc came up behind her and swiped the ball from her mitt.
“Wanna warm up?” he asked, tossing the ball lightly in the air and catching it a few times.
Before she could answer, Russ was there, his voice a rumbling growl. “I’ll warm her up. I’m catching today, and I need to get a feel for her pitches.”
“You’re pitching?” Savannah asked.
“I’m going to try,” Joslynn replied. “It’s been a few years since I played. I should take a few swings with the bat too. Hope it all comes back to me.”
“I’m sure it will.” Marc nodded at her and then Russ before trotting over to his sister.
“You two have fun,” Savannah said. “I’m gonna go warm up with Brad.”
Russ grabbed a catcher’s mask from the tub. “I forgot he was going to be here.”
“I imagine he’s a pretty good athlete,” she said, picking up another softball since Marc hadn’t returned the one he’d taken from her.
“I sure hope so. It would be great to watch Robbie go down.”
Joslynn gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Let’s see if I can help with that.”
* * *
Russ grinned as he tossed the ball back to Josie. She wasn’t a good pitcher; she was a great pitcher. She’d just struck Robbie out swinging, and the way he grumbled profanities under his breath as he walked away from the batter’s box was music to Russ’s ears.
Although he hadn’t intended to bring in a ringer, that was exactly what she’d turned into, and he was loving every minute of watching the Black Stallion staff go down in flames.
“One more out,” he said as he punched his mitt. Then he held up a finger to his team. “Only one more out.” He eyed the runners on first and second, threatening with a glare should either decide to make a move.
Since Words & Music led three to nothing, all his team needed to do was get out of the top of this inning. They wouldn’t even have to bat if Josie could strike out the next batter. Unfortunately, the next man up to the plate was the head bouncer. Built like a brick house, the guy took a couple of swings before spitting in the dust and stepping into the box. He’d gone two for two with a single and a ground-rule double, so he was capable of doing some damage. And Josie was tiring. She might’ve struck out Robbie, but this bouncer was another story.
Squatting, Russ readied for the pitch.
Josie looked determined as she focused hard on the batter. Then she wound up and took a long stride as she launched her pitch.
The clang of metal echoed as the bouncer got a solid piece of the ball—a line drive toward the shortstop—Marc. He had no time to react as the ball caught him right in the face, and he went down hard.
Russ tried to keep track of the runners, but Josie sprinting toward Marc distracted him. When it dawned on him that Marc wasn’t getting up, Russ forgot all about the game and hurried out to see what could be done to help.
She fallen to her knees and cast aside her mitt. “Marc? Can you hear me?”
Thankfully, Marc groaned in response. As he attempted to sit up, she held his head still.
“Don’t move,” she cautioned. “Let me see how badly you’re hurt.”
Russ grimaced as he noticed that Marc’s eyes were already starting to swell. Blood trickled from both nostrils, which meant the poor guy probably had a broken nose. “What do you need, Josie?”
“Call 911. We need to get him to the hospital.”
* * *
Joslynn was finally able to take a moment and talk to the people who’d followed Marc to the emergency room. Leslie remained at her brother’s side, but both siblings wanted Joslynn to head out to the lobby and ease all the worried minds.
Everyone from the Words & Music team was there, as were several from the Black Stallion team. She did notice, however, that neither Robert nor the brute who had hit the line drive had bothered to show up.
As the teams gathered around, Joslynn offered them a smile. She was quite accustomed to explaining things to patients and their families, but she’d never faced such a large group. “Marc is going to be fine. He told me to let y’all know that he has a broken nose and a concussion. We’re going to keep him here tonight just to be on the safe side.” She directed her gaze to Russ and Brad, both of whom looked extremely relieved by the news, as did Savannah. “He’s probably earned himself a few days off to recover.”
“Absolutely,” Russ said, coming over to take Joslynn’s hand. “Whatever he needs.”
Her first instinct was to jerk her hand back. She still wasn’t used to public displays of affection, but to so brazenly declare they were a couple in front of the ER staff?
To hell with it!
Not only did she hold his hand, but she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Turning back the large gathering, she said, “I know some of you would like to see him, but it’s probably best if you allow him to get some rest. Leslie said she’ll post on social media when he’s ready to have visitors.”
As the softball players turned to leave the lobby, Joslynn turned to Russ. “Leslie was hoping you and Brad could take Marc’s car back to his place.”
“Sure,” Brad replied. “Russ and I will take care of it.”
“Think you can bring my Kia here while you’re at it?” she asked.
“Why don’t you come with us now?” Russ asked. “After Brad and I get Marc’s car home, I’ll follow you to your place.”
“I should stay with Marc.”
His brows knit. “Why? You’re not on the clock now.”
“I’m the one who brought him in. I should stay until I hand him over to the plastic surgeon.”
“Plastic surgeon?”
She nodded. “He’s going to have to get that nose put back together unless he wants it to be crooked from now on.”
“My nose has been broken twice—that I know of. Could be more. I never needed a plastic surgeon.”
Brad cuffed him on the shoulder. “A broken nose gives a face character.”
“A broken nose,” Joslynn countered, “can cause all sorts of problems if it’s not corrected.”
With a scoff, Russ said, “Last time I broke my nose, coach had the trainer snap it back into place on the bench and then sent me in the next play.”
“Then your coach was an idiot of the highest order.” When she saw Francie waving to her, Joslynn knew the plastic surgeon was on his way for the consult. “I should go. The surgeon’s coming, and I should explain a few things to Marc and Leslie before he gets here.”
Russ nodded. “Want me to come back and get you later? You could text me.”
Josie shook her head. “If you and Brad could please bring my car here, I can go home after I make sure Marc’s settled.”
“Can do,” he replied. “After that I’m heading to see Mom and Dad. Want me to head to your place after?”
“Up to you, but I’m due about twelve hours of sleep. Expect to see nothing but my closed eyes.” She brushed a kiss over his lips. “I’ll go get my keys.”