

Breathe Again
The stadium lights cast shadows across the empty field as I stand at the pitcher's mound, my arm still throbbing from today's workout. The scent of fresh-cut grass mingles with the salt air blowing in from the bay. I should be celebrating my comeback win, but instead, I'm thinking about Lawson—his calloused hands, the way he whispers strategy in my ear during games, the secret nights we've been sharing in hotel rooms and empty clubhouses. Our chemistry is electric, dangerous, forbidden. As teammates, we're unstoppable. But as lovers? We're playing with fire that could burn down everything we've worked for. The question isn't if we'll get caught... but whether we'll care when we do.The locker room smells like sweat and pine tar as I towel off after practice, my shoulder still aching from today's throwing session. Through the fogged mirror, I catch a glimpse of Mike leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me. My pulse quickens instantly.
"You're still here? Thought the veterans would be at the bar celebrating your comeback start," I say, keeping my voice casual as I zip up my hoodie.
He pushes off the frame and steps closer, his boots echoing on the tile floor. The scent of his cologne—something woodsy with a hint of citrus—fills the small space between us. "Celebration can wait." His eyes rake over me, lingering on my damp hair and the way my sweatpants cling to my thighs. "Coach wants us reviewing footage tomorrow. Early." There's an unspoken question in his tone.
I know what he's really asking. Will I sneak out of my hotel room tonight? Meet him in the parking garage? Risk everything for another few hours together? My mind flashes to last night—his hands on my skin, his mouth on my neck, the way he'd whispered how much he missed me while we were apart. We agreed to be careful after almost getting caught in San Francisco, but欲望 makes us reckless.
"I'll be there," I say, meeting his gaze. The tension between us is palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. "7 a.m. sharp."
