Free Summer Swing by Delia Delaney

concern… I think I’ve developed a couple of ulcers because of you.”
    “Psst, Ellie,” I heard a voice call. At the same time the lady in front of me turned around and tapped my knee to look toward the dugout. Gage was standing there waiting for my attention, so I excused myself from everybody and trekked my way down.
    “Nice game,” I told him.
    “Thanks,” he smiled. “You see any of it?”
    I gave him a questioning look and saw him look toward the stands to where Harlan was sitting. He and Dawn were conversing with one another.
    “Of course I did. Dr. Farrell is here because his brother is on the other team.”
    “Oh, yeah? Who is he?”
    I realized I didn’t even know, so I shrugged and said, “Uh, I’m not really sure.”
    “Hmm, well I was going to ask you a favor, but since you’re busy…”
    “Oh, quit,” I laughed. “What is it? I want to do you a favor.”
    “Can you get my team jacket out of my truck? I think I left it on the seat .”
    “Sure, I can do that.” He handed me his keys and I said, “Why don’t you jog around a bit.”
    With a smile he said, “ I’m cold because I’ve got ice on me.”
    “Yeah, about that… Well, I’ll tell you later. I’ll go grab your jacket.”
    “Thanks, Ellie.”
    I was almost to Gage’s truck, wondering if he’d actually been jealous that Harlan had been sitting by me, when a car came around the corner pret ty fast. With the music blaring I don’t think the driver saw me until he was about ten feet away . He screeched to a stop, and I got out of the way just enough to only get nailed in the thigh with the corner of his car .

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
    “What the hell ! ” the driver shouted, getting out of his car.
    I had my hands on the hood of the car to support myself after he’d stopped. As it was, I wasn’t sure if I could stand on my left leg.
    “What’re you do ing standing in the parking lot ? ! ” was the second thing out of his mouth. At least that’s what I preferred to hear, because what he really said had a couple more f- bombs attached to it.
    “ Standing in the parking lot ?! ” I finally exclaimed. “I was walking, you jackass! It’s a parking lot! What’re you doing racing around the corner like a moron ?! ”
    Once I got a better look at the guy I felt that I should probably be careful about what I called him. If I were to be judgmental, I’d say that he’d just gotten out of prison. He had tattoos all over his arms and another one on his neck, and the only hair on his head was the black stripe he sported on his chin .
    “Oh, you think you’re gonna pin this—”
    “Shut up,” another voice said as he got out of the passenger ’ s seat. He looked like he could h ave been the driver’s cellmate , but his appearance wasn’t as extreme as his friend’s . His tattoos weren’t as excessive and he didn’t have any piercings that I could see. Hi s hair was pretty short, and he had a dusting of stubble over his chin. H e also had this really attractive, smoldering look to him, like he could be one of those tough looking, bad boy fashion models that my sister always gushed over.
    He came toward me slowly and asked, “Are you okay?”
    I was completely on guard . I didn’t know if this was the part where his false concern for me led to a ride in the trunk and the dumping of my body somewhere no one could find me.
    I moved away from the old, junky car and said, “I’m fine .”
    “You can’t even put weight on your leg,” he observed. I was surprise by how gentle his voice was , and I didn’t want to admit how attractive his eyes were as he studied me carefully .
    “ Yes , I can,” I replied, taking two more steps away. I could definitely put my weight on it when I forced myself to, but it didn’t feel too good on my thigh.
    “She’s fine,” the other guy retorted. “Let’s go.”
    “Is there someone you’re here with?” the second guy asked.
    I completely