Society Girls: Sierra by Crystal Perkins Read Free Book Online Page B

cuff, my career would’ve probably been over. Taking
over a year to rest and recover hasn’t been a walk in the park,
though, and I have to get back if I want any chance of playing in
the majors again. I don’t need the money, but I do need to play. I
need it like I need to breathe, and like I’m starting to need
Sierra.
    I just don’t know if there’s room for both
baseball and Sierra in my life. Especially since baseball is going
to take me from Vegas, while she’s starting a new job here. My
conscience tells me to walk away now, but that devil on my shoulder
reminds me that she needs me right now. Even if right now is all I
can give her.
    “You’re awfully serious over there.”
    “Just thinking about what comes next.”
    “Tonight, or in general.”
    “Both. I’m not staying here, Sierra.”
    “I know.”
    “Do you? Do you really understand that no
matter what happens between us, I have to leave?”
    “Yes. Baseball is your dream come true, just
like the Foundation is mine. I would never ask you to give up your
dream. No matter what happens between us.”
    “I could fall in love with
you. I am falling
in love with you.”
    “But you can’t stay. I know. I understand.
And for the record, I’m falling for you, too.”
    “We’re going to make this work.”
    “Yes, we are. Are you ready to go
downstairs?”
    “Maybe. We should clean up first.”
    “I’ll clean up while you go down and warm
up.”
    I told her I was falling for her, and this
right here is a big part of why I feel that way. She knows without
me telling her that I need some time alone down there. I don’t want
anyone, especially her, to see me fail. She’s giving me the time I
need without making a big deal out of it. I need to make sure she’s
okay, though.
    “You’re okay with this? Not too tired?”
    “My ribs ache a little, but I’m good. Go on
down, Joel.”
    “Thank you.”
    “De nada.”
    I smile as I kiss her lightly on the lips.
I’m still smiling like an idiot as I ride down in the elevator and
walk through the lobby. The security guys nod their heads as I bid
them a good night, and head for the game room. Once I enter that
room, my smile slips.
    The cages are in the back of the large room,
and just like Miles promised, they’re regulation size. My feet
don’t want to move, but I force myself to walk. I have to do this.
There’s no chance of going back if I can’t bat again. I’m a second
baseman, not a pitcher, but my injury could have still ended my
career. I’m lucky I was good enough at my job for the team to hold
a spot for me and not just release me. Now I just need to prove
that I deserve this second chance. I need to prove it to myself,
and then I can prove it to them.
    I pick up a bat, and swing it around. Over
and over again, warming up my arm. It doesn’t hurt, and there’s not
much stiffness. My confidence starts to return, and I know I’m
ready. I may be cocky, but I’m not stupid, so I start with the
lowest setting. I hit most of them, and move up to the next
level.
    On the fourth level, I sense her watching.
She doesn’t speak, and neither do I. I’m in the zone, and we both
know it. I keep at it for hours, getting through every level. My
shoulder is sore as fuck, but it was worth it. I’ve still got it. I
can still play.
    I turn to Sierra, but she’s not standing
behind me. She’s on the ground, with her hand holding her side. Her
eyes are closed, and she’s not moving. No. Just no.
    I drop the bat and slide onto the floor in
front of her. “Gatinha. Sierra. Querida, please open your
eyes.”
    “Joel. Are you done?” she asks, sitting up.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
    Asleep. Oh, thank God. She was sleeping. Of
course she was sleeping, she just came home from the hospital, or
wherever she was being treated. “I’m the one who’s sorry. You
should’ve been upstairs resting instead of watching me bat.”
    “Why? I loved watching you. You look even
sexier than usual when