Page 64 of Power Play

“We got the chocolate peanut butter one, and you were right, Ms. Daniels, it was so yummy!” Rory says, talking so fast and excitedly that I can barely understand her, but the smile on her face tells me that her daddy daughter day was a huge success.

“I’m so glad you liked that one. What else did you get to try, sweet girl?” I ask.

“I picked the cotton candy ice cream! It was yummy. Daddy was boring and picked vanilla,” she says, rolling her eyes in fake disgust. It’s cute.

Scrunching up my nose, I can’t help but giggle. “Vanilla isn’t very exciting, you’re right, but I’m sure it was delicious. I don’t think they make an ice cream flavor that isn’t incredible.”

“I mean, I guess,” Rory says, unconvinced.

“What else did you guys do?” I ask, at this point, we’re just killing time till she gets picked up, which should be any minute now.

“We walked around and looked at all the pretty buildings. Daddy showed me where they do the Christmas ballet. The cracker one. I want to go see the pretty ballerina’s twirl,” she says excitedly.

“The cracker one? Are you talking about the Nutcracker?” I ask from the ground. We had been dancing before Bailey got picked up, so after that, Rory never got up again. I’m pretty sure she’s exhausted from her long day of walking.

“Yes, Ms. Daniels. That’s what I said. The Nutcracker looks so pretty!”

“I love the Nutcracker too. When I was younger, it was always my dream to be in it. I almost did it once, but then I got hurt and couldn’t,” I say, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

Rory looks at me for a moment before smiling. “You would have been so pretty doing the twirls. Maybe we can watch it sometime?” she asks hopefully.

“That would be fun, sweet girl,” I agree.

“Auntie Lala is here,” Rory says, jumping up to go hug her aunt.

“Hey, cutie! Your dad asked me to grab you. Said he’d be a little late but that he has a special surprise for you when you get home, so let’s hurry!” Stella says with a smile. Rory immediately starts grabbing her things, now excited to be heading home.

“Yay! I love surprises!” she says as she hugs me goodbye.

“It was good seeing you, Sawyer. I’m sure I’ll see you around soon. We’ve gotta get that drink we talked about,” Stella says with a sincere smile. “I’ll message you, and we’ll plan something.”

“Sounds good, you ladies have a good night,” I say with a wave.

“Good night, Ms. Daniels,” Rory shouts on her way out.

Once everyone is gone and I’m left alone in the studio, my thoughts keep slipping back to what Rory and I were talking about. Somehow, even with it being November, I’ve kept the nutcracker out of my mind, not letting myself think about it because the sadness and devastation that usually follow are never worth it.

But this time, sitting here thinking about it, I’m not hit with the sadness I usually feel. Instead, it’s more nostalgic. Like I’m thinking about memories from a happier time, something I loved and enjoyed. It’s nice not feeling the intense sadness I normally feel when I replay the moment everything was ripped from my hands because, honestly, the second I felt my Achilles tear on that last leap, I knew it was all over. Although hearing the doctors and my coaches confirm my fear, still fucking hurt.

My phone vibrates next to me on the floor, and my heart immediately starts pounding. It’s been like this ever since I met Rex, and right now it’s from of pure excitement that it’s a text from him. And it is.

Rex

Baby girl, thanks for taking such good care of my princess. Sorry it wasn’t me picking her up today.

I smile. I know this man isn’t the most outgoing with his affection or full of words, so the fact that he’s messaging me and letting me know he’s thinking of me means more than I care to admit to myself right now. Trying to keep it cool and not act like I’m in high school and my crush just texted me, I try to keep it short and simple.

Of course, I love spending time with that sweet girl. Maybe you can pick her up next time.

Rex

Or maybe I will send her home with Stella so I can show you what these pink nails can do ;) I think I can make your ass a nice shade of pink, close to my nails.

But I did want to let you know that we have games and late practices quite a bit this week, but I want to spend some time with you this weekend, ok?

I immediately clench my thighs at his dirty insinuation. I so wish what he was saying is what was happening. He must have done some magic last night, because his dick seems to be the only thing on my mind today, and the only rational explanation is dick voodoo.

Promises, promises, Mr. Lockwood. I’ll believe what those nails are capable of when I see it with my own eyes. And this weekend sounds perfect.

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