Page 52 of Crossing the Lines for Love

Niko laughed as he placed our daughter in my arms for me to nurse. “What were you two talking about?”

When Niko met Montrell, he was skeptical about our friendship. He swore Montrell didn’t have good intentions, and it took him a few months to believe otherwise. They weren’t the best of friends, but Niko was cool with his presence in our lives.

“How much things have changed in the past year.”

“I think about that every time I look at you. My life wasn’t complete until I fucked you on your desk.”

“Seriously, Niko? You’re so crass.”

“Nah, I’m so honest. I was prepared to stalk your ass if you hadn’t agreed to see me again.”

“You sound crazy.”

He shrugged. “I am crazy about your pretty ass, but luckily, it didn’t come to that.”

“I can’t believe you had me sneaking around, crossing so many lines, risking my livelihood and dream job, but I’d do it again if it meant I’d be right here, right now. I love you so much.”

“I love you more.There isn’t a line I wouldn’t cross for your love, baby. Never forget that.”

“Aww, you’re so sweet.” She leaned forward, offering me her lips.

“A few seconds ago, I was crass. Which is it?” I said after we kissed.

“I guess it depends on the moment.”

She looked down at our daughter, who stared up at her in adornment while sucking her breast. I could watch my two favorite girls all day and would forever be in awe of them.

After dealing with a woman like Chanice, who didn’t seem to have a motherly bone in her body, I didn’t know what to expect from Aranda. I was relieved by and grateful for the way she eased into motherhood.

Deuce embraced her so quickly; it was as if he’d known her since birth. Aranda loved my son in such a way that made me realize what he’d missed out on by not having a mother for the first five years of his life.

Before Chanice left Black Elm, I lawyered up and requested she sign over her parental rights. Thankfully, she didn’t fight me on it but requested to see Deuce one last time. I wanted to be done with her ass, but my parents told me to honor her request. I did, and the visit didn’t go well.

Deuce wasn’t fucking with Chanice…at all. He wouldn’t leave my side, and when Chanice reached for him, he shook his head and hid behind me. I imagine his behavior stung a little, and she became angry, accusing my parents and me of spoiling him and turning him against her.

It was strange to witness because I’d watched Chanice give birth to him, but they had absolutely no connection. After the visit, I asked her about it, and she confessed she had no feelings for him. She eagerly signed over her rights without having an attorney look over the paperwork, and I hadn’t heard from her since. It wasn’t as if we’d ever communicated regularly, but now, I didn’t expect to ever hear from her again.

“Can you burp her while I shower and get ready?”

“How about I have Montrell burp her, and I shower with you?”

“You’re hell-bent on getting me pregnant again, aren’t you?”

“I remember someone telling me they wanted four kids, and I aim to please.”

“Since you can’t keep your hands to yourself, it’ll probably happen sooner rather than later. Maybe us working together wasn’t such a good idea.”

“Nah. It can’t get any better than this.”

I’d never considered coaching until Coach Crawford suggested I apply for the assistant coach position when Aranda was promoted. My degree was in Exercise Science with a minor in Sports Nutrition. With my background and experience, I was qualified and decided to apply.

“Take your daughter. I got ten minutes to spare, and the clock starts now.”

“Shit, I only need two.”

I cradled my baby girl in my arms and headed toward the direction Montrell had gone. I wasn’t too sure about him when we were first introduced, but we’d come a long way. I could admit it was more me than him, but he had no problem returning whatever energy I gave him.

“Aye, can you burp her and put her to sleep? We’re about to get ready.”

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