Before she knew it, he was climbing into her truck with a smug expression. Quirking a brow, she prompted, "Yes?"

"We won." He announced with an arm pumping motion. He smirked at her; confidence flowing from him in waves.

"I know. I was there." She laughed with a small smile at his antics. Her mind wandered back to her and Brett's conversation. Had anyone seen them? At the end of the night, who gave a shit? She did her job; the boys couldn't deliver. 

Grabbing his calloused hand, she drove them out of the trashed parking lot and toward the quiet loft in Jack London. Christian could see that she was in pain.

"Now, who over did it?" He scolded with concern written all over his handsome face. 

"Me." She readily answered with a guilty expression. Parking with ease, she turned the truck off and hopped out. The outfielder easily joined her. 

"I guess it's my turn to help you out, huh?"

"Hmm." she hummed in response. 

Little did she know both Matts had followed her home. The duo entered the building while the A's players talked in Chapman's SUV. 

"He was there this morning." Matt Olson realized as he sat in the passenger seat. 

"What?" Chapman asked with a raised brow. 

Her brother shook his head, "I called her this morning. She looked out of it, and I thought I had actually woken her up. But I bet that he was there. Normally, she's down to talk, but she literally hung up on me."

"Do you want to confront her tonight?" The third baseman was mad, but he didn't have the right to be royally pissed—that was her brother's job. Mattie shook his head and muttered, "Once he leaves the Bay." Both Matts headed back to their shared rented space—they needed to talk strategy. 

As the tired couple entered the apartment, both headed for the shower. 

"I've got you." He murmured as he turned on the hot water like she had this morning. Christian helped her out of her clothes and into the shower. While he had wanted to join her, she needed some alone time. It was easy for him to spot the signs. 

While she showered, he fetched the bottle of wine from the night before and poured her a glass. He'd found beer in the fridge, which he helped himself to. He took off his slides and made himself comfy on the couch. She'd grace him with her presence when she was ready. They had to talk about tomorrow and beyond. In his mind, there was no way he was letting her go.

About fifteen minutes later, she joined him in the living room, dressed in one of his shirts and boy shorts. Grabbing the glass of wine, she took her place beside him on the couch. 

"Thank you." 

"Of course. You put on quite the show."

Sighing, her tired eyes met his, giving him a slow kiss, she shared with caution, "I only over did it, because Anderson saw us." 

Christian frowned, "What do you mean?"

"He saw us leave the other night, and then he caught sight of my cheers to your BP. He's a smart one."

"Not that good of a pitcher."

She shrugged in response. 

"Well, if you felt like you had to..." 

"He told me he didn't care what I did outside of the games, but I needed to give it my all while there; otherwise the boys wouldn't be happy."

The silver slugger glared at the ground but quickly recovered and whispered, "If I can be completely honest, you pitching was one of the hottest things I have ever seen."

Taking a sip of wine, she whispered back, "So was you hitting that triple." 

Growling, he took the wine from her hand, set it down on the coffee table, and took her right on the couch. Later, they had retreated to the bedroom as had the bottle of wine and few more beers. Roosevelt needed to know what would happen after this series. What was going to be their plan? Would they continue this relationship or let it stay in Oakland? Her automatic inclination was try to keep it going. 

"What happens after tomorrow?" She asked as her hands lightly traced his arm. It was going to be an afternoon game, then he'd be off to play at Wrigley, and she'd be staying in Oakland where the St Louis Cardinals would be visiting.  

"I'll be on a plane." He conceded with a sad expression. Moving to straddle him, she wanted his full attention, grabbing his handsome face, she intently stated, "I don't care if you're on a plane, or whatever. I'm calling you every morning and night, and I'm texting you constantly. I lov--"

She stopped her speech before she said something WAY too soon and simply kissed him. He understood what she was trying to say. This wasn't a series hook-up. She saw it as more, and so did he. 

"The post season is approaching. If we don't make it..."

Grinning at him, she nodded, "I'll be there the minute I can be. Who knows? Maybe I can swing some time off and just visit you. I'm going to miss you,"

"And I you." He confirmed with another kiss. 

"Remind me?" she teased as he easily flipped them over. "Gladly." He aggressively took control but was mindful of her shoulder/arm. Roosevelt had never been with a man that loved taking control. All the other guys had assumed, since she was so aggressive on the court, that she'd be the same in bed. She pretended for them, but in reality, she loved being dominated. His lips found her sensitive spot on her neck causing her to moan and roll her hips against him. He breathlessly laughed and whispered, "So that's where it is." 

"Christian." 

"Say my name again, coming from you, it's--"

"Ecstasy?" She teased.

"Yes." He admitted with a slightly embarrassed smile. Why was he embarrassed? Attempting to make him feel better by being foolish, she whispered sang, "Every time we touch, I get this feeling, and every time we kiss, I swear I could fly, can't you feel my heart beat--" He silenced her with a passionate kiss.  

"I need you by my side." He murmured into her neck as they connected. 

"I'm not going anywhere." She committed in a whisper. 

After some time together, the duo fell asleep. Luckily, for the both of them, her alarm sounded promptly at 6am, reminding them of reality. They showered and shared a quick breakfast before she dropped him off. 

"I'll see you at the game?" He asked in a slightly joking manner. 

"Of course. Try not to be distracted by my awesomeness." She sassed with a small, sad smile. 

"Me? Never. Be good, take it easy. I'll see ya later. Please note, I expect a make out session before you drop me at the airport."

"That's all fair." She joked. 

Later, the game happened. It was a battle between the two teams. Braun then Pinder. Grisham then Yelich. Then Canha...Chapman with a two run-hit, Davis tagged up. 

5-3 A's. 

Christian had played fine. Their bullpen had let him down. The couple had ignored each other most of the game. Roosevelt was in denial while Christian was bitter at the whole situation. Couldn't he just steal her from the Athletics? How much was her salary? He could personally match it, then again, it was her baby brother's team. There was no way she'd abandon her brother or back out of a commitment.

 Roosevelt checked in on all the players. They were good until Friday's game versus the Cardinals. A day off would be welcomed; she'd probably use it to practice with Betty. As she exited the clubhouse and headed for the lobby, the old familiar feeling of dread crept up. This was going to be a difficult goodbye. 

Her caramel eyes spotted him awkwardly hanging out with Ryan Braun. Wasn't it their mission to keep their relationship under wraps? 

Slapping an indifferent look, she carefully approached and asked, "What are y'all still doin here?" 

Christian loved when her southern twang crept in.  Braun looked back and forth between the two and commented, "Had to see it for myself." 

"See what?" Both asked simultaneously. Both exchanged weary looks causing the older player to laugh, "That. Remember, plane leaves in two hours." 

Waving him off, Christian practically dragged Roosevelt outside and toward her truck. "Quick luggage pick up?"

"Absolutely. I gotta enjoy every moment of you being here." She replied with a small smile. The trainer had already been planning away her days—to distract her from missing and/or worrying about him. The drive to the hotel was quick as was the luggage pick up. Christian had managed to skillfully avoid most of his teammates and make it back to his girl in record time. The two grabbed In-n-Out, parked at the pick-up waiting area, and began the waiting game. Food was necessary for both; normally, she'd pack a protein shake or lunch for a day game, but she'd put that on the back burner. 'Whoops.'

Once the food was demolished, the duo shared quiet, thoughtful kisses while discussing schedules to FaceTime and Snap. 

40 minutes later, Roosevelt found herself hugging Christian, and he held her with most of his strength causing her to mutter, "Remember you're strong, and I'm sore." 

"My bad." He apologized and gave her a small kiss. 

"I'll text you once I'm in the gate and then in the air, okay?" He continued with a sad smile.

"And I'll text you once I'm home safe and sound." 

A final kiss goodbye, and Christian found himself walking numbly away from the only woman to have  his heart.