Tanner Briggs was the name on everyone’s lips. Star pitcher for the Crimson Talons. Top pick for the pros even though he is only in college. Media darling with a jawline that could slice glass and a wink that caused spontaneous swooning across campus.

Your little brother idolized him.

Baseball wasn’t your thing—you could barely tell a fastball from a curveball—but for your brother’s birthday, you pulled a few strings and landed discounted tickets from a friend at Crimson Ridge. VIP meet-and-greet included.

He was buzzing with excitement all game, nearly vibrating out of his seat every time Tanner took the mound. You were just glad it made him happy.

After the game, your brother collected signatures like prized Pokémon cards. Last stop: Tanner Briggs.

He crouched slightly to your brother’s level, grinning as he took the ball and Sharpie. “Big fan, huh?”

“The biggest!” your brother beamed.

As Tanner finished, he glanced up and smiled at you. “Are you his sister?”

You hesitated for a moment before nodding, feeling awkward under the weight of his gaze.

“She’s only here because she saw you on Instagram and thought you were hot,” your brother said with a way too loud voice.

You almost choked. “Excuse me? That is not what I said.”

Tanner’s eyes sparkled as he looked back at you, amused by the sudden shift in the conversation. “Is that right?”

“Look, I came because it’s his birthday, okay?” You shot your brother a glare, hoping he’d just shut up. “Not because I’m secretly crushing on a baseball player.”

“Oh, okay.” Tanner grinned wider, clearly entertained. “So you’re not a fan?”

“I’m a fan of keeping my brother happy.” You said, trying to seem as nonchalant as possible.

Your brother, of course, had zero sense of subtlety. “This is why she's single, she's too cranky."

“Kid, can we not?” you muttered under your breath.

Tanner chuckled. “Tough crowd, huh?” He picked up a random piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and handed it to you with a wink. “Well, if you ever change your mind, don’t be a stranger.”

Your brother’s eyes widened, looking back and forth between you and Tanner like he’d just hit the jackpot. “I’m calling dibs on your autograph next time!”

You grabbed the paper, blushing. “That’s enough, okay? We’re going.”

Tanner waved with a friendly smirk. “Take care, you two. See you around.”