Page 52 of Going for Three

She nodded. “I know you are. You’ve been faithful, even when the league turned its back on you.” She lifted her head to palm my cheeks. “They will regret ever doubting you.”

I shook my head as I stepped away from her. I picked the ball back up and began bouncing it while circling her.

“I don’t need them to regret their decision because it helped mold me into the man I am today. So, nah. I don’t need their regret. I need their respect.”

She smiled brightly. “Spoken like a true king.”

Out of nowhere, she attempted to steal the ball. I chuckled, quickly ducking her, and tossing it around my back. We horse played for a while with her never successfully taking the ball. Eventually, I let her and used the opportunity to slide up behind her. She melted into my frame, bringing me true peace.

“You know why I love basketball?” I asked her.

She shook her head.

“Start bouncing the ball.”

I smiled after the first thump. My lips began to kiss the edge of her ear softly. A satisfying chill ran down her spine.

“Close your eyes.” I paused to give her a second to do so. “Every time I’m on the court, it’s like the world comes alive, and every sound contributes to the most beautiful music. I know for a fact that’s what heaven sounds like. Whenever I can hear that music, I know everything is going to be okay. People think I’m playing a game when I’m really dancing to a song no one else can hear.”

“Wow. You were really made for this.”

I smiled then released her to snatch the ball away again. Her laughter brightened my aura. Moving in front of her, I began dribbling the ball between my legs, watching her with the innate need to consume her very essence.

“Nah, I’m good at this.” I tossed the ball away then closed the distance between us. Wrapping her in a bear hug, I looked lovingly into her eyes and said, “What I was really made for is you.”

The most adorable blush crept up on her cheeks. She tried to cover her smile with her hand, but I’d already seen the damage my words had done. I hummed.

“Mhm… I know I got that pussy ready now. Let’s get out of here so I can take care of that.”

The Next Night…

Looking in the mirror, I straightened my posture and brushed my hand over my waves. The t-shirt I wore was white with the wordsI AM NOT MY FATHERprinted in bold black brushstrokes. I paired the shirt with camouflage cargo pants and white block walkers. I went for no jewelry except for the good luck pendant I’d gotten from Charm last night. I hadn’t taken it off once since she gave it to me.

Heading to my locker, I snatched up my duffel bag then slung it on my shoulder before I slammed it back shut just as Coach Atkins walked in.

“Great fucking game, Kinga,” he complimented me with a reverberating voice and cheery smile.

I gave a simple nod. “Thank you, Coach. Is it time?” I asked, deflecting from his praise to focus on the post-game press conference.

He nodded. “It is. Let’s do this.”

He continued to shower me with compliments and approval. I allowed it to go in one ear and out of the other. Not one word took root in my mind or heart because I no longer needed it. I felt great about the game I played after my break, and that was enough for me. Knowing God was smiling down was enough for me.

When we hit the tunnel, we found Charm, Jah, and Vari all chopping it up. KK was on his mama’s hip messing with her hair. The second she saw me, she abruptly ended their conversation to bless me with her beautiful smile. She broke away from them to race over to me. I opened my arms for a hug that she happily stepped into.

When she stepped back, her brown eyes looked like burning wood because of her excitement.

“You were great, baby. Congratulations on your win.”

Now, that was a compliment I allowed to seep into my mind and heart. There was always room in my soul for this woman.

“Thank you,” I replied coyly. Yanking Keanu from her arms, I placed a kiss on his cheek. “Come on.”

I took her hand in mine then followed Coach Atkins toward the area where they had the press waiting. As we approached, we could hear the chatter of the crowd. They were excited to discuss how well I played tonight, but the moment we stepped into the room, it fell dead silent. Not a word was mumbled as they processed my bold statement. Seconds later, the cameras began to flash brightly.

Charm tried to take KK from my arms, but I didn’t let her. With a subtle nod of understanding, she stepped off to the side with the others while I made my way to the stage. I pulled out my chair, placed my duffel bag on the floor and took a seat. When I placed my son on my knee, he began playing with a water bottle that was waiting on the table, making me smile.

I glanced up as the reporters were told that we could begin. I adjusted the microphone and cleared my throat. Where I would usually crack a joke or say something wild, I remained silent and waited. When someone called out the first question, I sat up straighter and leaned forward.

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