BRADLEY RETURNED to his apartment to shower after having lunch with Gary, feeling somewhat rejuvenated. Gary's words echoed in his mind, "You're not a kid anymore, buddy. You need a spouse, a good woman by your side. You've had your fair share of hookups, but it's time to settle down." He was right. Bradley had always grappled with trust issues, having been heartbroken too many times. Consequently, he rarely allowed any woman to get too close to him. He was always open to casual encounters, opting for one-night stands or calling a prostitute if necessary. Yet, while living alone, there were nights when he yearned for someone to trust enough to share his bed. Uncertain about what to wear, he deliberated for a few minutes before settling on joggers and a sweater, just in case Paula sought catching advice from him. This attire would ensure his comfort. Donning his Lyons' hat, dousing himself in perfume, Bradley left his apartment half an hour earlier.

When he arrived at the facility, he understood why he'd heard so many stories about his teammates hooking up with some of the women's softball players. There were gorgeous women everywhere, one after another. Some even looked better than Paula. However, he wasn't willing to risk anything by trying to be a playboy. He was solely focused on Paula. He texted her, 'I'm here.' Standing in the field, he observed the practice, sporting his athletic sunglasses and exuding a relaxed, chill demeanor. Spotting Paula trotting towards him, already in her gear—sporting a small black shorts, high socks, her chest protector, and mask—along with her pet nestled in her left arm.

"Oh, hi!" she greeted him, removing her mask to kiss him on the cheek. "Let's go, I want you to watch me practice, then I'll tell you what I need your help for."

"Alright," he replied, following her eagerly.

She introduced him to her coach, Alexa, a stunning blonde who seemed too beautiful to be a softball coach.

"Danielle," Paula addressed the tall brunette who was pitching to her. "Throw some wild pitches low to the ground."

Danielle nodded, executed her mechanics, and sent a fastball hurtling towards the home plate. Paula lunged to block it, almost succeeding, but Bradley noticed her mistake.

Paula removed her mask. "You see? I keep struggling with those pitches," she confided in Bradley. "It has cost us numerous games in the league." Bradley smiled. This was part of his daily routine. He faced wild pitches regularly, preparing himself for high-stakes games.

"So, are you going to keep smiling or will you tell me what I'm doing wrong?" Paula joked.

"You're trying to catch it," Bradley said, shrugging.

"But I'm supposed to catch it, aren't I?" Paula replied.

Bradley shook his head.

"With a low count, yes, you can try to catch it without exerting too much effort, whether you succeed or not. But with two strikes, or three balls, or men on base, you should not catch it; you should stop it."

"Yeah, I know that. But I keep going for the catch. And sometimes I don't judge it well and end up missing."

"Yes, and that's why you need to use your whole body to block it. You're relying solely on one hand, your left hand. Now imagine using both hands, your chest, your legs, and even your face."

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"My face? Okay, you lost me," Paula said incredulously, throwing a glance at Danielle, as if to convey her suspicion that Bradley was joking. Danielle simply arched her eyebrows and grinned, shrugging.

"Let me show you," Bradley offered, stepping forward and lifting Paula up with both hands. They locked eyes, studying each other closely for the second time. Bradley could have easily gotten lost in her round, blushy cheeks and green eyes, but he remained focused. This was his realm of competence; here, he was an authority.

"Give me your gear. I'll show you how it's done," he said confidently.

She looked at him, marveling at his assertiveness. Despite her efforts, she couldn't help but wear a big, flirtatious smile on her face.

She removed her mask, pet, and vest, handing them over to him. As he put everything on, he couldn't help but notice that the pet was a bit small for him. After adjusting it as best he could, he declared, "All right, Danielle, give me your wildest pitch."

Danielle nodded and went through her pitching motion, delivering another fastball. The ball veered to Bradley's left, prompting him to quickly lunge from behind the plate, stopping the ball with his chest and part of his shoulder. The ball rebounded off his mask as well.

"Wow, I wouldn't have stopped that in a million years," Paula exclaimed.

Danielle laughed, impressed and excited by Bradley's performance.

"It's just practice, you know," Bradley replied humbly. "You won't get injured; that's what your gear is for. Once you lose the fear of injury, you can block any wild pitch within reasonable reach."

"Great, but how do I throw myself at the ball?" Paula asked.

"Come here," Bradley signaled for her to approach. "Get down."

Paula assumed the catching position, crouching down.

"Alright, so you're in the squatting position. You see a short wild pitch coming. Swiftly, you drop to your knees," Bradley demonstrated, and Paula followed suit.

"And what do I do with my hands?" she inquired.

Bradley positioned himself directly behind her.

"You open them. Extend your arms and lean your chest forward, so after the ball hits the ground, it rebounds and hits you in the chest or on the mask."

"Like this?" Paula adjusted her stance, but Bradley could see she needed to lean forward a bit more.

"Yes, like this," Bradley guided her by her waist. Her waist felt small and warm against his touch, heated by both the ambient temperature and her body's exertion during practice. From this angle, her behind looked considerable, accentuated by the position. He couldn't help but imagine that the thin black fabric of her shorts could tear at any moment. Her lower back, with its blonde and nearly imperceptible little hairs shimmering in the sunlight and lightly glistening with sweat, seemed like a promised land to him.

He sighed, attempting to regain control of his thoughts. The sight of Paula's butt had momentarily sent his mind into a frenzy.

"You got it?" he finally managed, feeling his heart race.

"I think so," she replied.

"I like how you look in this position," he said, summoning bravery.

"Do you? Maybe you could get used to it," she responded, her voice laced with sensuality.

"Guys," Danielle interjected, breaking the tension. "We're here to practice softball, not film a kinky porn movie."

Bradley laughed, though deep down, he felt a pang of shame. Paula didn't seem embarrassed at all. In fact, she shot an annoyed glance at Danielle, as if she wanted to linger on the ground, flirting with Bradley forever.

"We should keep practicing," Bradley suggested, standing up and removing his mask, placing it onto Paula's face.

"Wait for me. I'm free tonight. I want to spend more time with you," she said, her gaze tender as she looked into his eyes.

"Well, I can go to my place and change quickly and come back," he signaled, gesturing to his joggers, now covered in dust from his catching demonstration.

"Oh, look what I made you do. Don't worry, I'll wash it all for you," she reassured him.

Bradley frowned. "How? Where? When?"

"Wait for me. We can go to your place together, if no one is waiting for you," she replied, her shyness evident. For the first time in his life, Bradley had a woman throwing herself at him. Despite seeing her interest and flirtation, he also noticed her timidity and fear in those last words—a fear of rejection, one he had often experienced himself. But of course, he wasn't going to reject Paula.

"I have my dog waiting for me. Her name is Kira. You'll love her," he said, realizing he already had Paula wrapped around his finger.