Q: How would you describe yourself?

AK: That’s a bit…personal, don’t you think?

Q: It’s an interview. Inquiring minds and all.

AK:  Um, okay. I’m middle height, athletic build, with crazy curly hair that will not stay in a ballerina bun no matter how hard I try, and green eyes. Nothing special.

Q: I hear a certain someone thinks you’re pretty darn special.

AK: I’d like to think so. Tristan’ pretty special, too.

Q: Moving on…what music do you have on your phone?

AK: Some classical from ballets I’ve danced in. A little Ed Sheeran, some Rhianna, Alessia Cara, X Ambassadors, and Sia. I really like Unbreakable.

Q: What’s your idea of a perfect date?

AK:  That’s almost too easy—great seats to a Rangers game with a guy who enjoys baseball as much as I do. If it’s a really good date, there will be churros. Kissing a guy who tastes like cinnamon sugar is awesome.

Q: Cinnamon sugar…interesting. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? And by anywhere, I mean anytime in the past, present, or future, too.

AK:  I’d go back to see the 1927 Yankee’s play. Or to the mid-40s to see Galina Ulanova dance with the Russian Bolshoi Ballet.

Q: Favorite food?

AK:  My mom’s spaghetti with homemade sauce. I’m watching my weight for a ballet tryout coming up, so I can’t eat a lot, but I love it.

Q: Speaking of ballet, what made you give up softball for dancing?

AK:  I love the grace of dancing, the way it makes me feel. Plus, I was starting to get tired of traveling to tournaments and coming home bruised after sliding. You get bruises doing ballet, too, but you’re less likely to be concussed.

Q: Do you have a favorite ballet?

AK: Most people would say The Nutcracker, but I love the music in Sleeping Beauty more. I’d love to dance in a production of it someday.

Q: What advice would you give to little girls starting out in sports or dance?

AK: Don’t quit. Be prepared to show up and work hard. Give it your whole heart.

Q: Okay, rapid fire time: M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces?

AK: M&Ms

Q: Coffee or Tea

AK: Coffee, black

Q: Sun or rain?

AK: Sun

Q: Pizza or Enchiladas

AK: That’s almost cruel…enchiladas. I live in Texas.

Q: Boxers or briefs?

AK: Depends on the guy?

Q: That’s fair. Last one: Cats or dogs

AK: I like both, but dogs. My dog is my best buddy.

Q: Great—thanks for speaking with us today!

AK: You’re totally welcome.

Outfielder Tristan Murrell has a problem. As the number two slugger for the Suttonville Sentinels, his team is counting on him to make their very first run at the state championship. But he has a secret—his swing has totally deserted him. As in, he can’t hit anything. He needs to fix the issue, and fast, but how?

Ballerina Alyssa Kaplan has a problem, too. The shiny new sports complex in town has left her family’s batting cage business on the verge of going under. Nailing her audition for a prestigious dance company is everything, but there’s no way she’s letting her some shiny big-box company destroy her family’s livelihood.

Tristan needs a miracle. So does Alyssa. And maybe, just maybe, Tristan’s secret weapon might be the girl of his dreams…

Disclaimer: This book contains hot, shirtless baseball players, kisses that bring a ballerina to her knees, and a lot of baseball smack-talk.

 

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to four self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes in everyday magic, extraordinary love stories, and the restorative powers of dark chocolate.