Rounding Third (28 page)

I scrunch my eyebrows to dissipate any beliefs. “You could spend the night. Wendi went back home for the weekend,” I add.

Tanner licks his lips, making a flutter take flight in my stomach.
Are we silently agreeing to something here?

“Sounds like a plan.” Tanner’s eyes dive into mine and don’t let up.

“Awesome. Let’s go, baby.” Ignorant Brad leaves with Taylor.

Neither Tanner or I glance over to them.

“Let’s find Bea, get her home, and go to your place.” Tanner smiles.

I can’t help but allow my own happiness to shine as well. I nibble on the inside of my cheek and take a deep breath.

Tanner closes the distance for the umpteenth time tonight, making my heart skip. “Don’t overthink this,” he softly says, his hand gingerly grazing down my arm until my hand is tucked away in his grip.

As he leads me through the crowd in search of Bea, I can’t help but overthink his meaning of what’s about to happen. Does he mean it’s only for one night and I should enjoy it? Or is he telling me my heart is safe within his hands? Regardless, I’m following because I’ve waited too long for him to toe the line my brother has drawn between us.

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M
ichelle Lynn is
a USA Today Bestselling Author. She moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn't reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around two preschools all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

T
hank you to my son
. Your love of baseball triggered this story. May you reach your dream of playing for the MLB one day. I’ll love you no matter what. Even if you’re a White Sox. haha

HUGE thanks to:

Sommer Stein with Perfect Pear Creative Covers, you always go above and beyond and Rounding Third’s cover is amazing.

To my editors Jovana Shirley with Unforeseen Editing, Emma Mack with Ultra Editing, and Shawna Gavas with Behind the Writer. I love you all and I’m so happy I found my team.

To Give Me Books for doing my promotions for Rounding Third. I absolutely loved working with you.

To my betas, Karrie Puskas, Sam, Colleen, Heather Davenport, Jeanine McDonald, you read it in its roughest form, and I appreciate the honesty and critique.

To all the bloggers who have shared my cover, shared the release, read and reviewed. My book would be nowhere with you.

To my Mumblings from Michelle group, you are a bunch of truly awesome girls.

To all the readers, some of you are existing fans, and some might be new. Thank you for continuing to support not only me, but also my stories. I hope you loved reading Rounding Third as much I did writing it.