Read Moments (Breath of Life Book 3) for Free Online

for a few moments before she stood and walked out the door. Duke sighed as the door clicked closed. He didn't mean to get that hateful but seeing that ring on her finger after everything that has happened, just twisted something inside of him. It was like someone pulling off a scab that was just starting to heal. Duke shook his head and grabbed the essay he hadn't finished. He stared at it for a while after Paxton left but he couldn't concentrate on it. All he could think about was the hole he dug for himself. He found himself wanting to run after Paxton and apologize but he knew that Paxton needed to know nothing would ever be the same between them, no matter how much his heart was yearning for her.

     
    SIX
     
    Duke found himself at the ball field once more. The game was well underway but he couldn't concentrate. He had been in a fog since Paxton's visit a few days ago. Today in the bleachers, Jack and Paxton were there cheering on the team. To make matters worse, about halfway through the game, Jennah showed up as well. Between the three of them, Duke's head was everywhere else rather than where it should be, which is in the game. He tried to block them out but it was no use. Their cheers seemed like they were being funneled straight towards him. No amount of concentration could block them out.
     
    Duke looked over at the scoreboard and they were losing by three runs. There was still one more inning to go. Things were definitely not looking good. Duke's assistant coach sat beside him and leaned in closer to him, "Duke, we need to take Ryan out. He's tired."
     
    Duke looked up and watched Ryan deliver another pitch. Another walk. Duke sighed. His star pitcher was done for the day. Duke had yet to call in a relief pitcher. Ryan was good and he never tired, but he was definitely off today, much like Duke himself. Duke went to the edge of the dugout, "Time ump!"
     
    Duke walked out to the pitcher's mound. Ryan's face filled with relief but yet a hint of sadness, as he knew he was getting pulled.
     
    "Coach, I'm sorry," he said as Duke approached.
     
    "It's okay. We just need to get a fresh arm in here. You need some rest," Duke smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "Chase!"
     
    Chase came running up to the mound, "You're in buddy. Get warmed up."
     
    Duke watched as Chase warmed up. His assistant was right. Duke should have pulled Ryan a long time ago. Duke watched as each one sailed right down the plate. He sat back down on the bench as the game resumed. He tried focusing on the game once more, but failed. He was watching it yes, but he couldn't tell you what just happened.
     
    "Duke," Jack's voice was suddenly beside him.
     
    Duke turned and saw Jack standing on the other side of the fence that formed the dugout area. He already knew what Jack was going to ask. "I'm fine," he said before Jack voiced his questioned.
     
    "You sure? I hear the voice. I know that she sounds like Ella. I can see your head is out of the game."
     
    "I'm fine," Duke barked. It caused a few stares to come from the parents sitting nearby. He lowered his voice before continuing, "Besides this isn't the place to talk about it."
     
    Jack took the hint and went back to the stands. He and Paxton left a few moments later. Duke huffed knowing that he shouldn't have reacted like that. Jack was just trying to be a friend. They were here to support him and the team. Jennah was here to support her nephew. Duke just needed to man up and get his head in the game. He turned to see Chase strike a batter out. "Alright Chase, keep it up!" he yelled out to the mound.
     
    The rest of the inning, Duke was into the game trying to bring his players to life. He figured he had some making up to do since he seemed to have zoned out earlier in the game. They were now in the last inning and some life in the team had returned although it felt forced for Duke. It was the bottom of the last inning and they needed three runs to win this game. He headed out to third