The Hot Corner Read Free Page A

came back and shot him what I could only describe as a longing look. “Rude bitch,” I muttered, and Brad chuckled and took my hand. He kissed it as she backed away, and I was the lesser person, giving her a triumphant smile. At least she got the message. Some of them didn’t. He got hit on all the time, often right in front of me like I wasn’t even there. He’d always politely turn them down and introduce them to his girlfriend. Mostly, I let it roll off my back. Mostly.
     
    “I can’t believe you’re cancelling on me again,” I snapped into the phone, kicking off my heels since I wasn’t going to need them after all.
    “I’m sorry, baby. I’ve got to work on my mechanics before the series with the Canes starts. There’s something off in my swing.”
    I glared at the picture on my nightstand of the two of us, since I couldn’t glare at him in person. “Did your coach say you have to stay late, or it is your idea?”
    The silence at the other end gave me my answer. “Exactly. This is the fourth time in two weeks, and it’s not baseball making you stay away from me. It’s you. I guess I know where I am on the priority list.”
    I’d told myself I wasn’t going to be this girl, the one who got mad because her boyfriend was busy. But four broken dates? Even a saint couldn’t overlook that, and I was no saint.
    “Dani, you know it’s not like that. There’s a lot of pressure on us to win this series or we’ll never qualify for regionals and . . .” Blah blah blah. It was the same thing he’d said two days ago. And three days before that. And I got it, I really did, but I was tired of coming in second. Especially today.
    “I know exactly what it’s like, Brad. It’s another night home alone for me. Well, screw that. I’m going out, with or without you.”
    There was a pause on the other end of the line and I waited, hoping maybe he’d remember what today was and why I was determined not to sit in my apartment waiting for him to come by like I always did. “If that’s what you want to do.” There was an edge in his voice that hadn’t been there before.
    “What I want to do is go out to the dinner and movie you promised me. Since that’s out, I guess I’ll go to Cassie’s party.” After all, I should have had some kind of party, right?
    “Have fun.” His tone said exactly the opposite, but I didn’t care.
    “I will. Tonight’s a good night for a party.” I waited. Nothing. “Happy fucking birthday to me. Goodbye, Brad.” I could hear him curse as I disconnected.
    I grabbed my bag and slipped my shoes back on. He could have fun working on his swing while I got wasted. We’d see who had a better time.
     
    “Where’s Brad?”
    It felt like the hundredth time I’d been asked that question in the hour I’d been at the party.
    “Baseball,” I muttered before taking a long pull on the beer in my hand. Always fucking baseball. I almost regretted coming. Wallowing at home alone was actually better than wallowing with company, because all of them knew I was part of a couple and wanted to know where my other half was.
    “It’s weird to see you without him,” Heather said. I knew she wasn’t trying to sucker punch me, but she did. Yes, it was weird. Despite his crazy schedule and my articles for the newspaper, we usually found a way to be together. Except lately. I was really beginning to hate the push for College World Series.
    “Yeah, I know, but he was busy tonight, and I didn’t want to be alone.” Wrong choice.
    “Well, looks like you don’t have to be.”
    I looked up and saw Brad standing in the doorway, looking around the room. His eyes locked with mine and a hesitant smile passed over his face as he walked toward me carrying a handful of red roses.
    “Happy birthday, beautiful.”
    My breath hitched and tears filled my eyes as he held out the roses. Part of me was thrilled he was here and another part of me was angry he’d forgotten. I hadn’t forgotten his