Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith

were up her shirt. So, I ask you again, Grumpy, well?”
    “It’s none of your damn business, Felix.”
    “Have fun with that, then. Maybe she’ll make you stop being Grumpy so much.”
    He shrugs, so I finally leave him alone. To keep from disturbing my shoulder, I decide not to workout today and head on home. I didn’t take Abigail to school this morning, but I did tell her I would pick her up. After a quick lunch, I head toward our usual pick up/drop off place.
    She’s laughing at something the guy standing next to her said. I don’t even think she’s noticed I’m here yet. Is this the guy who took her on the date? A smile pulls at the corner of my mouth as I remember I’m a better kisser.
    “Abigail,” I say to catch her attention once I’ve gotten out of the car and walked around.
    “Good evening, Mr. Hernandez.”
    “Are you ready to go?”
    “Sure. Bye, Warren. I’ll see you Thursday night.” I hold the door open for her and she gets into the car. I walk around in get in myself.
    “So, that’s the guy, huh?”
    “Yes, that’s him. Why? Are you jealous?” She giggles.
    “Nope.” But then I remember she’s interested in him enough to be going on another date with him, and I add, “Well, maybe just a little. I’m glad your date with him is on Thursday though.”
    “I don’t want to have two dates on the same night. That’s too much hassle.”
    “Don’t worry. Our date will be Friday. Will that work for you?”
    “Perfect. What’s the plan for our date? Please don’t tell me you're taking me to a batting cage either.”
    “I’m disappointed you think so little of me, Abigail.” I’m half teasing, half serious. “I’ve never taken a girl to a batting cage on a date. And I’m not telling you our plans yet.”
    “Really? Well, I can see that since I’m sure the girls you dated before all wore high heels and designer clothes. Hey, why won’t you tell me?”
    “Maybe it’s more because I don’t think that would be fun instead of the type of girl they were.” I wish she’d stop thinking of me as what she’s seen online instead of the guy she’s met in person. “Give me a little credit. I spend too much time around baseball to include it in my plans when I want to have fun, especially with a girl.”
    “Okay, okay, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Could you at least tell me how to dress?”
    “Nicely? Anything will work.”
    “As long as I don’t need running shorts and sneakers, I’m good.” She winks.
    I laugh. “You definitely won’t need those.”

 
     
    MY HEAD HURTS from reading so much. I finish my test and hand in my blue book to the professor before heading out the door. Felix is gone until Friday morning and LA said that she would be a few minutes late to get me.
    I spot an empty bench outside the building and I’m glad it isn’t as muggy today. The sun is hot and bench burns the back of my thighs as I sit on it. I flip through some emails and a few texts messages from Annie. She’s officially dating someone and I couldn’t be happier for her. It’s nice to see her acting giddy and silly. It’s a different from her motherly-serious side and it’s sweet to watch.
    “How did you think it went?”
    I shade my eyes to see Warren standing above me. “Not bad. I’d be happy with a ‘B’. What about you?”
    He chuckles as he takes a seat next to me. “I’ll be happy if I spelled my name correctly.”
    I laugh at his joke. “I’m sure you did better than that.”
    He shrugs. “Are we still on for tonight?”
    “Yes. My sister is picking me up in a few and I’ll see you a couple hours, right?”
    “Yep.” He smirks. Warren’s features are much different than Felix’s. Warren’s are softer and he doesn’t have that constantly furrowed brow. Felix’s are strong, taut, and almost off-putting until you get to know him. They’re complete opposites, but still both kind.
    “Okay.” LA’s red Nissan pulls up and she honks. “I’ll