Page 33 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“Ms. Mia, Daddy said girls are not supposed to open doors when he is around,” Harley informed.

I shifted in my seat to find her sitting with patience, kicking her skinny legs. The independent part of me wanted to counter, but I decided against it. A brush of air hit my arm as I turned to see Marcus standing next to my door. He extended his hand for mine and I rested my hand in his large palm. Harley sat and waited for Marcus to open the car door and help her out.

There stood a moment of uneasiness as Marcus reached for my hand again. I secured Harley’s instead, putting her between us.

“All right, Miss Allen, once we get inside this building, it’s us against your dad,” I reminded.

She smiled, and it melted my heart. “Harley, you cold-blooded for switching up on me,” Marcus said, and she giggled.

He gave me a loaded expression, letting me know he wasn’t done with me. As we approached the front entrance, we lifted Harley into the air twice and she giggled hard. Marcus opened the door for us, and we approached the check-in table.

“Mitch,” I said.

He stepped down from the shoe rental desk and hugged me. His salt and pepper beard tickled my face as always. Breaking our embrace, I introduced him to Marcus.

“Marcus and Harley, meet the bowling master, Mitch Norwood. He taught me everything I know about bowling,” I said.

“Aye, you’re the young wide receiver. You and Bryce got something special,” he said, and he extended his hand to Marcus.

The two shook hands. Mitch kneeled to Harley, but she stood behind her dad’s leg. This was the first time I’d seen her shy away.

“Let’s get you a lane and which ball are you using on Marcus?” Mitch asked.

I danced my head from side to side. “Give me the purple beast,” I said.

Mitch sat his hand on the counter and dipped his glasses down. “You’re going easy on him.”

Marcus pursed his lips upward but rested his hand on Harley’s shoulder. We gave Mitch the shoe sizes, and I glared at Harley.

“She’s okay. Ever since my grandfather died, she has a fear of old men with gray beards,” Marcus said, and I lowered my eyes to her.

Kneeling, I extended my hands, and she jumped into my arms. I caressed her back as she rested her head on my shoulder. As Mitch approached, I moved away from the rental table.

“We’re at lane seven at the end,” Mitch said.

Marcus held our shoes and balls as I carried Harley to the lane. I sat down, placing her in my lap.

“Hey, it’s okay. Let’s have some fun,” I said as I rocked her from side to side.

By the time I changed her shoes, the music and lights had changed her mood. I noticed Marcus allowed me to comfort Harley without interruptions or correction. Nathan would have taken over by now with a full critique. Harley and I found the lightest ball possible and placed it in the ball return.

“Okay, Harley, you have to be careful. Let the ball come out first and stop moving before you reach. And Daddy and I will help you carry the ball,” I said.

Calling Marcus daddy was weird, but it flowed from my mouth naturally. I switched my shoes as he loaded our names into the computer system. Removing my purple ball from the bag, it shined, ready to whoop ass and take names.

“All right, Harley, it’s time,” I said, as her name popped on the screen.

We carried her ball to the rack, and she secured it on the bowling ramp. “When you’re ready, push it,” I said and stepped backward.

My body bumped against something hard. I looked over my shoulder to find Marcus.

He dipped his head low and whispered in my ear. “Mia, stop running from me. I’m not letting up on you. Harley is the main reason I’m taking it easy on you now.”

His heated breath tickled my neck and a few other spots. I swallowed hard, keeping my eyes focused on the ball creeping down the lane. Leaning away from him, he followed my motion.

“Let’s make a bet. If I win, you will spend some alone time with me tonight,” he said.

I cleared my throat. “And if I win?” I questioned.

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