The Sweet Spot - Strike Zone Series Book 1

Chapter 20

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Chapter 20

Kayleigh

     He seems so stressed. I shouldn't be up here. I should turn around and go right back to the kitchen or back to my place. I should leave him be, let him work out his problem. Turning around, I try to quietly slip away but the floor creaks under my foot and gives me away.

     "Kayleigh? Where are you going, sweetheart? Come on back here." Nate beckons me in.

     Biting down on my lower lip, my head drops, knowing I got caught listening. Stepping into the room, I look around. I haven't been in here. It's a cozy room, with dark leather furniture and walls of books and memorabilia on the walls. It's his room.

     His awards and accolades are on display here. Everything from little league awards to an MVP plaque. He's proud of his job, he should be. From everything I read last night about him, and what I see here, he has done well for himself.

     I don't know any athletes, not until Nate. I can imagine they work hard physically and mentally on their sport. It's not just about playing a game but about being able to deal with criticism and loss. I'm sure they don't win every game. That has to take a toll on a player.

    Nate has his share of confidence. He has an ego, I've seen that but he's grounded too. Maybe that's due to having his family close, maybe he relies on his team and friends to keep him that way. I can't imagine Carla is much help. She's too busy stroking her own ego.

     "Come here." Nate pushes his chair back from the desk and holds his arms open for me to come to him.

      Going to him, Nate takes my hand and pulls me into his lap. Holding me in his arms, Nate rests his head wearily on my shoulder and sighs. Whatever the problem is he's dealing with, it's really bothering him.

     "Talk to me, sweetheart. What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" His words are muffled against my skin.

     "I think I should stay here, at home, and not go to your family's home. This seems like it's personal and complicated. I don't belong there." I slowly try to explain myself. I don't feel comfortable meeting his parents under the circumstances.

     "Yes, this is personal. No, you're not staying behind. You're coming with me. I need you by my side for this. It's not going to be easy for me. I'd really appreciate it if you could be there for me. Please." He sounds unsure of what he's doing. And he said please, Molly said that isn't normal but once again he's saying it. This uncertainty is different from the man I've gotten to know.

     "If you're sure it'll be okay. I don't want to intrude on your family." I've been the outsider too many times, I know when I'm not wanted. I'm not used to it when I am. All of this is foreign to me.

     "I'm sure. I need you with me. This is probably going to get ugly. I'm not going to lie to you, Carla is going to be pissed. She's going to lash out at me, probably at you. I want us to stick together on this. I need you to stick with me on it." He's worried and scared of what might happen.

      How can I walk away when he's scared? It's the first time I've seen him vulnerable. He's been cocky and strong, funny and relaxed. This is very different. He's unsure of himself and worried. How bad is it?

     "How much trouble are you in?" I know trouble, I've been in it enough myself to see when someone is in over their head.

    "Enough it could cost me my career." His lips touch my neck and kiss up right behind my ear. "Tell me something, if I lost my career, if I was broke, would you still want me? Would it matter to you?"