Page 93 of Raising Love
I was proud of him—proud of us, too. Somehow, we’d figured this thing out, navigating life together in a way that worked. Levi had a balanced schedule with both of us chipping in, plus support from Kendra’s parents, Tyrell’s mom, and our own mothers. It truly was taking a village, and yet, there were still days when it felt overwhelming. I didn’t know how people did it alone, but I had nothing but admiration for those who managed it.
Grief counseling had become my regular reason to leave Greene Gardens. My connection with Rylee had grown, and she was now someone I considered a close friend. She was a steady light in those moments when Kendra’s absence felt like a shadow threatening to engulf me.
“Leo’s role as a team leader was more apparent than ever last night, y’all,” I continued, glancing back at my notes. “Watching him communicate on the court, set up plays, and rally his team was like attending a masterclass in basketball leadership. His performance last night is a testament to his hard work and dedication, both on and off the court.”
The words had barely left my mouth when the office door swung open.
“Yo…” Leo called, pointing at me, then at himself. “It’s time to pay up.” He winked. “You and me. The bed upstairs, right now. Everything off.”
I widened my eyes at him, caught between surprise and amusement.
“Don’t give me that look,” he added with a smirk, his tone teasing. “You lost the bet when you said I couldn’t pass as much as I shot in last night's game. Well, I proved you wrong, and now it’s time to pay up and for you to do that thing I like. So, please may we head up to the bed upstairs? No clothes though. I’ll even give you a massage first… even though you lost the bet.”
I gestured at my phone’s camera with my eyes, hoping he’d catch the hint.
“Oh, shit!” His hand flew to his mouth in horror. “Are you hosting a live right now?”
I squeezed my eyes shut, covering my face as I started laughing.
Unfazed, Leo stepped into the room and leaned down to peer directly into the camera.
“What up, y’all?” he greeted, flashing a wide grin.
The comments exploded, streaming in faster than I could read them.
“What my lady on here talking about?” Leo asked, looking between me and the screen.
I snorted.
“Oh, me?” He grinned, his gaze shifting to me. “You’re talking about me?”
“I am.”
“Good things?”
I winked. “Great things.”
“Last night’s game?” he whispered.
“Mm-hmm,” I replied, trying not to laugh. “I watched the post-game interview, by the way.” I pinched his arm, making him laugh. “You better stop calling me that.”
He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my neck, his voice low against my skin. “I thought I was starting to make you love it.”
“Get out,” I whispered, biting back a smile.
“I’m gonna make you love it,” he murmured with a smirk.
“I’d love to see it,” I mumbled, shaking my head.
“I’m gonna check on Levi,” he said, leaving a soft kiss on my lips that made me blush. “And I’ll be watching your live from the bed… where I want you after you’re done.”
“You better leave,” I whispered.
Leo snickered as he walked to the door, turning back to address my viewers. “Y’all treat her well. Peace.”
I couldn’t help but giggle, shaking my head as I ran a hand along the side of my face.
I swear, this is exactly why my new sports editor insisted I record my commentary videos from home. This wasn’t the first time Leo had interrupted one of my lives, and my interruptions during his live streams had become equally common. Those moments were what led to our sponsorships and brand deals with lifestyle and baby product companies.
