Jilly needs to get laid…

That's why he comes off a little gruff in the first chapter of GAME ON. He's being sent on a blind date as part of a promotion for the New York Kings. He's the team's star pitcher, but he's having a bit of an image problem. He doesn't have a wife or a girlfriend like most of the other guys do, and he hardly speaks in locker room interviews. The fans don't really have a sense of who he is off the mound. The head office wants him to open up and share more of his private life so that he can be more relatable, more likable and therefore more marketable.

Since joining the Kings, Jilly hasn't dated much. He's concentrated solely on his job, not letting in any outside distractions. He's all business when he's pitching and he knows that New York is a land of tempting distractions. He tells himself that he doesn't want to get involved with anyone because it'll throw off his game, but the real reason is his lack of confidence.

He's known a lot of rejection when it comes to women. So he's not one for putting himself out there. But he's a guy and he has needs that aren't being met. That burning frustration is churning under the surface, turning him into a real grump. It's not until he lets Hailey into his life that his softer side begins to reemerge.

Turns out, everyone wants to be wanted, and Jilly's no different.