Page 32 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“I need some info. Mia got the guard up.”

“No, sir. Kindness will see right through any attempts at getting info. I think you might have a shot, though,” Bryce said, shaking his head, refusing to get involved.

Kindness did give theI’ll call you out on your bullshitvibe.

“Of course, I do. Who doesn’t love Marcus Allen?” I smirked.

“Man, get off my porch.”

We slapped hands for the last time.

Harley and I pulled into Mia’s driveway. She tried to keep her address a secret, suggesting we meet at the bowling alley. I shut her stunt down by continuing to ask for her address. With Mia being self-made and independent, I needed to show her my value from the gate.

“Ms. Mia has a nice house,” Harley said, as she unbuckled herself and waited for me to let her out.

We held hands as we walked up the pathway. Mia lived in a traditional style brick house. If I had to guess from the size, it was maybe three bedrooms. The light brown brick, cream gutters, and a wood beam outlining the porch opening gave it a soft touch. Sooner or later, her oversized tree in the front would need to be cut down or trimmed. One bad storm could lay it in her living room.

I allowed Harley to ring the doorbell. Mia opened the door and gave me a quick smile before diverting her attention to my daughter. The way she used Harley to deny giving in to her attraction to me was amusing.

“I’m glad you guys found my house,” she said.

“I’m good with directions and delivery,” I said, and she gave a small chuckle.

The off-the-shoulder, black, long-sleeve shirt highlighted the best parts of her. I imagined myself leaving a trail of kisses on her exposed skin. As we followed her inside, I took in how her ass and hips filled out her high-waisted denim jeans. Mia’s house, aligned with my expectations. An open floor plan withwhite sofas, rustic coffee table, art work, and a large area rug. The color scheme flowed into the kitchen, but the natural light from the bi-fold doors gave it a homey atmosphere.

“Look, Daddy, she has a pool,” Harley tugged on my hand and pointed to the back.

Mia kneeled to her level. “You can come over anytime and go swimming.”

“What about tomorrow?” Harley asked Mia.

“If it’s okay with Dad.”

Harley peered up at me with wide, pleading eyes. We just left the pool yesterday, but I’m not objecting to spending time with Mia. “All right we’ll see how Mia feels after we beat her,” I said.

Mia placed her hands in the creases of her waist. The position highlighted the fullness of her hips.

“Harley is on my team. Girls vs. Daddy,” she said.

The sound of her calling me daddy sent my heart racing around a track twice. I blew air out my nose to calm my hormones. Harley stepped closer to Mia and smiled at me.

“Wait. I’m your dad and you’re turning on me,” I questioned Harley, and she shrugged.

“She knows a winner,” Mia boasted.

“And I picked one,” I said, and Mia’s eyes danced away from mine.

Chapter 7

Bowling and Bets

Mia

Sitting next to Marcus singing a kid’s version to a rap song warmed my heart. Harley danced to the song, and I couldn’t help but giggle when I caught her head rolling. The parts she loved most, she sang with more aggression. Marcus tried holding my hand twice, sending my heart racing. The first time, I moved it, pretending to push back my locs. The second time, he touched my fingertips, and the air left my lungs. I pulled out my phone to keep my hands busy. Marcus seized my hand pulling it to his side of the car after we stopped at the red light.

Everything about our skin touching spoke to the lover in me. Marcus was putting me on notice, and I don’t know if I held the resolve to resist his advances. I focused my attention outside the window until his thumb caressed my skin. He wanted my attention, but I didn’t have the courage to give in to his demand.

The hard, rhythmic beating of my heart relaxed once we parked at the bowling alley. He unbuckled his seat belt and exited the car. I followed suit, unbuckling my seat belt, and reached for the door.

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