#Chapter 108: Softball Summer

Kadeem "Hold it like this," Kadeem said. He stepped in close and reached his arm around Ardal's willowy frame. He slid his hand over hers, helping her to steady her bat, feeling a delicate warmth radiating from her body. She turned and smiled at him, the intensity of her gaze making his heart skip. From across the field, he heard Layla groan in exasperation. "Come on, Deem," Layla shouted. She rolled her eyes so dramatically he could see it all the way to her position on the pitcher's mound. "Do you want her to be any good," Kadeem shouted, keeping his arm firmly around Ardal's waist. "If so, shut up!" Ardal turned her head to him, her eyes shining with excitement as she looked into his. "Do you think I'll be good," she whispered. "Oh yeah," he said, giving her a reassuring grin. "You'll be great." But it wasn't long before they realized how wrong he was. As soon as the ball was pitched, Ardal froze; clumsy as hell getting to the baseplate if by sheer luck she made a hit in