Free Midnight Surrender: A Paranormal Romance Anthology by Alyssa Rose Ivy, Airicka Phoenix, Shannon Dermott, Charlotte Abel, Kelly D. Cooper, Laura A. H. Elliott, Amy M. Jones, Kris Kendall Page A

With my fist gripping the ball, I almost said something. However, Flynn was right. We were at practice. There would be time later to ask Mercy out.
    Glancing back, I would have ignored Flynn, who stood his ground if Mercy looked like she was heading my way. However, when I turned back, the girls had dispersed back into their practice formations. Mercy’s back was now to me. The moment passed. Flynn spoiled it. I looked up and met Luke’s eyes. The guy’s facial expression was blank. He turned and headed back to his spot at second base, taking Flynn with him. I couldn’t get a read on Luke. We had gotten to be good friends last year. Things changed once his buddy made his way from middle school here. I watched the freshman, rather Flynn, go back to the catcher spot’s pulling the mask on. The guy wanted it all, my pitcher status and maybe even the girl I was after.
    Working my shoulders, I waited while Flynn bent down. The guy signaled for a fastball. Doug, who was up at bat, swung warm ups in anticipation. Even though it wasn’t a real game, and it was pre-pre season, we practiced like it was real. It was one of the coach’s secrets to success. Always play to win. So with that, I prepared and gave everything I had on this pitch which would catch them all by surprise. Especially, the little freshman cock blocker who ruined my moment. I would get him back with the heat off my wicked curve ball.
     
    ****
     
    Rushing through my shower, I got dressed. Readying myself to head home, a couple of guys walked by and clapped me on the back. Looking up, one said, “Good going Bowman, that girl’s got nice melons.” The guy’s hands were in front of his chest like he was holding something.
    Just when I was about to say something, Luke sidled up to my side, diverting my attention from the loser patrol. “A word of warning,” Luke said. “That thing out there, throwing a different pitch than called, wasn’t cool.”
    I rolled my eyes. If he came to warn me about his friend, I would let the guy know I could handle myself. “Look, unless you have a death wish, I wouldn’t do something like that again. Flynn’s cool. And although he acts like a pretty boy, his bark comes with a nasty bite.”
    “ Thanks, but I can handle myself. Why don’t you tell your friend to back off Mercy,” I said in challenge.
    The guy arched an eyebrow. “Your funeral,” he muttered and walked off. What was that supposed to mean. Did Flynn have his eyes on Mercy?
    Doubling my efforts, I rushed to get outside hoping to reach Mercy in the parking lot before she went home. I’d felt a connection earlier and didn’t want to miss this opening to asking her out.
    Headed out of the locker room door, I felt eyes on the back of my head. Turning, my eyes locked on one Flynn McCallister. Not having time for that, I ignored him and made my way outside. Turning the corner and getting a good view of the mostly empty lot, I saw Mercy on the passenger side door of the redhead’s door.
    “ Hey,” a voice behind me said. Turning, I caught a glimpse of Doug racing towards me.
    “ What’s up?” I asked, still walking in a somewhat fast pace. I wasn’t ready to turn on the jets. That may make me look a bit more desperate than I was ready to admit. The worst that could happen was I would miss talking to her today and could talk to her tomorrow.
    “ Going for it?” Doug asked, about two steps behind me at this point.
    Nodding, I said, “You?”
    Doug nodded, “Hell, yeah. That girl is something else.”
    “ Her brother didn’t scare you then?” I asked. Liam could be a bit intimidating.
    “ It’s worth it,” the guy said, shooting forward. Apparently, he didn’t care if red saw him as eager.
    I started to run to. But then realized if Doug stopped Maggie, my problem would be solved. Plans however changed when Doug’s friend stepped out of nowhere to stand next to him by Maggie’s car when Doug made it over there. The guy was looking at Mercy.