Page 10 of Shooting his Shot

Avani threw her head back and laughed. I loved seeing the joy on her face. It made her face complexion glow. If only she knew how beautiful she was. I didn't want to tell her, fearing she might want to shut herself off to me, which was something I didn't want to happen.

When we stepped inside the skating rink, the music was loud as hell. I couldn't help but bob my head. I paid for our tickets and for the skates. I had to put my hands to my lips to make sure the little girl wouldn't scream out. Sometimes, I tried to disguise myself, but today, I just wanted to be a regular person and show who I really was.

After I paid and we got our skates, Avani and I found a bench to sit on while putting them on. There weren't many people here today, which was a good thing. Maybe it was because it was a weekday. Whatever the case, it was fine by me. It gave me a chance to breathe without everyone wanting an autograph.

Avani pushed herself up from the bench. "Try not to get your revenge on me for what happened twenty-something years ago."

"Yeah, I'll try not to," I stated with a hint of a smile.

She rolled her eyes skyward. "That happened years ago. Sure, you are over it by now?"

I grinned. "You were the one who brought it back up. I had forgotten all about it."

Avani's entire face shimmered with delight. I enjoyed seeing the smile on her face. It felt like, although while growing up, I was the bully, it turned out she was bullying me, too. Her little ass was going to get thrown one of these days. I loved her slick mouth, though. It turned me on. It had been a while since I had this much fun with a woman before, without thinking about sex. But damn, she had an appeal about her that had me wanting just to kiss her.

Avani bumped me with her hips, almost making me lose my balance. She was already starting something. I looked over at her, causing her to hold a hand to her mouth.

"My bad. I was trying to get your attention."

"Yeah, um-hm."

She giggled.

A man on the microphone grabbed our attention. "Excuse me, everybody. I just want you all to remember what this day is about. It's couples' night on the rink. Grab your partner and skate around to dance to ‘Lovers and Friends.’"

Avani and I exchanged looks.

"This doesn't apply to us," she protested.

I grabbed her and held on to her waist. "Nah, it doesn't, but we are going to dance together. We know our status." My body was burning, holding her close to me, no matter the look she had on her face.

Avani glared at me. It had me wanting to bend down to kiss her lips. If only she knew her glare didn't scare me. I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around my neck, holding me tightly.

"I'm enjoying your company," I blurted, unable to hold it in any longer.

It was true, though. Who would have thought we'd be here right now? I never thought I'd lay eyes on Avani again, but here we were, dancing together on skates. A smile tugged at my lips, and I thought about the last few days I had spent with her since she'd reentered my life. It seemed surreal, but I could admit that I was happy we were back in each other's lives.

She blushed, nibbling on her bottom lip. "I am enjoying your company, too. To know that we were enemies once upon a time."

I chuckled. "Frenemies. We used to play good, too."

Avani shook her head. "After you and your siblings talked down on me, along with everyone else."

"We were kids not having anything better to do with our time. You used to talk shit to us back. You and Aisha used to fight all the time."

She laughed. "Yeah, all the time. How's she?"

"She's good. An accountant. My accountant."

She nodded. "I'm glad she's doing good for herself. What about Antonio?"

I grunted. "On my nerves real bad."

She laughed. "I can believe it. I read that he's your manager."

I nodded. "He is. A pain in my ass."

"Always had been."

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