Page 50 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“Love you, princess,” Marcus said, and my heart melted.

“Love you, too, Daddy.”

A handsome chocolate face and trimmed beard with succulent lips reappeared on the screen. Those same lips pleasured my body with ease a few days ago.

“It’s my turn,” he said, and I rolled my eyes.

I heard the door shut and watched as Marcus became comfortable. From his movements, I could make out his bed was brown, typical for most men.

“How can I help you, Mr. Allen?” I asked.

He gave me a knowing expression because we both knew the answer to his question.

“Mia, I want you to commit to me and Harley,” he said.

I threw my head backward at his request. Something in me wanted to say okay, but I needed to protect myself this time around.

“Marcus, it’s complicated,” I said as my eyes watered. “I can’t connect my heart to anyone right now. I’m new to the dating scene and I’m still trying to figure things out,” I said.

I wiped away my tears with the palm of my free hand. Marcus waited, allowing more tears to flow before he said anything.

“I’m sorry. He was cruel, but I’m not him. My dynamic is different, and we both know you already love my daughter. I’m the one with the most to lose here. What if you wake up and say being a stepmom is too hard? You are in the prime of your lifeand fine as fuck. A man could approach you tomorrow with no children or baggage. Dating me does come with the expectation of you stepping in the role of a stepmom and primary caretaker during the season. The decisions I make impact Harley. If things don’t work out, I’m the one rocking my daughter to sleep. We both are taking a chance, Mia.”

Listening to his words, I viewed things from his perspective. His situation was different from Nathan. He has been a single parent from day one and they are a package deal.

“You have a point. We can’t undo me meeting Harley.”

“I’m asking for you to try love again but with me,” he said.

“I don’t know.”

“You know I’m not giving up. If anything, I’m going to apply more pressure,” he said.

The seriousness in his eyes alluded to his intention to stand on his word. “You are mine, Mia.”

Marcus

Standing in the living room, on the outdated, pet-soiled carpet, my imagination wondered. After removing the wall separating the kitchen and the living room, the open concept would bring a sense of warmth and light. Mia would be preparing dinner while Harley sat at the island to keep her company. I’ll be on the couch, holding my newborn while my grandmother rested her eyes, as she would say. The scent of love and family would infuse the space.

Mia’s resistance stood in the way of my dream of a wife and expanding my family. After listening to her reasoning, I couldn’t blame her stance. My brain refused to travel to a place where someone could snatch Harley away. The hurt radiated through her trembling voice as she gave me more details about thebreakup. Nathan snatched more than a child, but a dream, from Mia.

A creaking of the front door sent my body turning in its direction. Bryce’s eyes traveled to the ceiling and back to me. We smacked hands as we greeted each other.

“Marcus, why am I standing on a dirty ass carpet?” he asked.

I peered down at the dated, brown-stained carpet before I found his face again. “This is my house,” I said.

Bryce folded his arms as he took in the rest of the living area. A wall blocked the view of the kitchen and backyard. The iron stairwell and vaulted ceiling gave a glimpse of the former design.

“I know you’re getting this renovated, right?” Bryce asked, his arms folded across his chest.

“Yes. I’m going to a little demo and my crew should be here in about an hour,” I said.

Bryce dropped his head before raising it again. “You’re going to be doing demo? And who is your crew?” he asked.

“The guys I’m trying out for my construction company?”

“When did you start a . . .Never mind?” he said.

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