Free Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Page B

how much walking I will have to do this afternoon. I have never been to a baseball game, so I don’t have a clue what the ballpark is like. I didn’t mention to Liam that I’m not into sports at all. Hopefully, he won’t pick up on the fact that I know nothing about baseball.
    Just like yesterday, Liam is punctual to the nanosecond. His friend is going to meet us at the ballpark, so we head out, just the two of us. We arrive at Minute Maid Park, and I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it is freaking huge. I don’t know if my poor legs will even make it to the gates.
    When he takes out our tickets from his back pocket, I have to remind myself not to stare at his butt. As we begin to walk, Liam grasps my hand in his, locking our fingers together. He smiles down at me, and we walk hand in hand to our seats. When his friend appears, Liam drops his hand away from mine.
    “Hey, Eli.”
    “What’s up, Liam?” his friend says, giving me a questioning glance.
    “James told me last night that he couldn’t make it to the game. This is Caroline. She decided to spend a little time with us today while we enjoy some good ol’ American pastime.”
    “Well, nice to meet you, Caroline. I’m not really sure how he convinced you to hang out with us two losers.” Laughing, he slaps Liam on the back before he takes his seat.
    “Me neither. I’ve never been to a game before, but I think it’ll be interesting.” I smile broadly.
    They both look at me as if I told them aliens just landed on the field. As they’re staring at me, I take in a little more of Liam’s good looks—tall, tan, and a smile worth keeping in my memory just to have around for a bad day. I can’t believe it’s possible, but he looks just as good in a casual shirt, jeans, and a ball cap as he does in business clothes. The casual look might even suit him better.
    “Never been to a game? What a shame that you’ve missed out on this until now,” Eli says, shaking his head. “We’ll be sure to give you the entire baseball experience.”
    Liam chuckles under his breath. From that point forward, every time a vendor came by, offering peanuts, beer, popcorn or anything else, Eli and Liam would tell me I had to have one to complete my experience. By the fourth inning, I was wondering how I could fit any more into my stomach. Although I think the guys realized my fullness, Eli continued to buy beer after beer after beer for me. During the seventh inning stretch, I think I just needed a stretcher.
    “Are you doing okay?” Liam asks, leaning in closely.
    I can feel his breath on my neck. With alcohol coursing through my system, I feel the urge to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer to me. Somehow, I fight off the request of my body and answer with words instead. “Sure, I’m just a little tired.” Although my words sound fine to me, I’m quite sure that I’m slurring.
    In the middle of the ninth inning, Liam whispers something to Eli. He simply nods and pats Liam on the back.
    “Let’s get you home, okay?” Liam says softly as he takes my hand to help me stand.
    He lets me walk up the stairs, but when we’re about halfway to the car, he lifts me into his arms, carrying me the rest of the way. Thankfully, we’re not parked too far. Resting my head against his chest, I want to take in his scent, but even the act of breathing deeply is too difficult right now. After Liam gently places me in the passenger seat, he reaches across my lap to buckle my seatbelt, and then he slightly reclines the seat.

    When we get to the apartment, I’m able to walk although not very well. Liam unlocks the door and leads me to my room.
    “Are you going to be okay?” he asks with concern in his eyes.
    “Yeah, I’ll sleep it off. Do you want to sleep with me?” Ugh. I close my eyes for a moment, cursing beer and baseball for turning me into a blubbering lunatic.
    Liam grins, turning his head away from me. I think I hear him laugh.
    He looks back toward me.