Worth the Trade. Kristina Mathews

Bryce stretched, rolling his head from side to side. “I like the hills. It’s great for getting off the treadmill and changing up your workouts. Plus, the scenery is better out on the street, if you know what I mean?”

      “Yeah. I haven’t had a chance to look around.” Nor did he want to. He was no longer interested in the kind of women who were into professional athletes. The kind of women who were fascinated by his job, his income, and his moments in the spotlight.

      “Hey, I’d be more than happy to show you around.” Bryce offered. “There aren’t enough single guys on this team.”

      “I’m not really looking to party,” Marco admitted. “Besides, the last thing I need is to strike out off the field, too.”

      “Sure. Let me know if you change your mind, though,” Bryce added as he finished his stretches.

      They seemed to run out of things to talk about. Maybe Marco should have taken Bryce up on his offer to show him around. No one said he’d have to go home with anyone if he didn’t want to.

      “Are you going to the team barbecue?” Bryce put his glove on, ready to take some ground balls.

      “I guess so.” Marco had glanced at the invitation only briefly before tossing it in his locker. The last thing he wanted was to stand around talking about how much he sucked.

      “You want share a cab with me?” Bryce asked. “I hear they used to be quite the tradition. Before Henry Collins got sick.”

      The name “Collins” pricked his attention.

      “So, where is this party?”

      “At the Collins’ estate.” Bryce grinned. “It’s supposed to be casual: barbecue, bocce ball, that kind of thing. It might be fun. Get a chance to see her let her hair down.”

      Marco knew the her he was talking about. No way he was letting Bad-boy Baxter get anywhere near Hunter. Not without him.

      “Yeah. I’ll go with you.” Marco decided. “I’ll definitely go with you.”