Page 86 of Playmaker

He stares at his fingernails like he couldn’t be more bored. “I’m just as much of her protector as he is, no? What are your intentions with her tonight? Will you be back at a reasonable hour?”

“I am two seconds away from—”

Maddie walks into the foyer behind him, and when she sees me, her eyes grow wide. “Cameron?What are you doing here?”

Words fail me as I take her in, and now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s my first date or hers. A flirty pink dress flows around her curves, a deep cut with ruffles around the edges outlining her breasts. Her lipstick matches her dress, and her curls are in perfect ringlets, but the best part of her ensemble is the locket my mother gave her. Maddie said she only wore it for special occasions, and I can’t help but wonder if she subconsciously knew tonight would be important.

I’ve never seen someone more beautiful.

But I have to pull myself together and saysomethingso I don’t embarrass myself entirely. I want to take her on the best damn date she’ll ever have.

As I extend the flowers to her, Ethan finally moves out of the way. “These are for you.”

“We—” She furrows her brows before she glances at her brother. “I thought Mom wanted to take us out to dinner one last time before I go back to school?”

He shrugs as he heads for the stairs and tosses over his shoulder, “I lied! Have her back by ten!”

“Fuck off!” I shout.

When we’re finally alone, Maddie takes in what’s happening, her cheeks turning a bright pink. “I didn’t realize you had plans for us. I would have worn something different.”

“What you’re wearing is perfect.”

“Really?” She frowns at her feet, the walking boot sticking out like a sore thumb. “I can’t wear heels with this thing.”

“Good thing you don’t need them, then. Do you have everything you need?”

“Yeah, I think so. I just need my—”

“Wait, wait!” Mary bustles around the corner, her phone in her hand with the camera already open. “I need a picture first!”

If Maddie’s cheeks were pink before, they’re bright red now. “Mom.Are you kidding me? This isn’t prom, for crying out loud! It’s a date.”

“All the more reason for a picture! It’ll just take a second. Here, get together.” She lines up her camera, huffing with annoyance. “Maddie, at least put a smile on your face.”

I bend down to her ear to whisper, “It’s fine, Mads.” And it really is. In fact, it feels nice having a parent be an actual parent and want to capture an important moment. If my mom were still alive, she’d be right next to Mary, snapping pictures of her own. She had a passion for taking photos, and a part of me wonders if Mary is doing this for me rather than for her daughter.

My hand lands on Maddie’s waist, and after we take a few cute and silly ones, Mary swipes at her eyes, tucking the phone back into her pocket. “Here.” Mary slides a purse off her shoulder. “I figured you’d need it, and I’ll put those flowers in a vase for you.”

“Thanks, Mary.” I lean over to press a kiss to her cheek. “We’ll be back later tonight.”

Back on the porch, I help Maddie down the steps and lead her over to my car. Before she can touch the handle, I beat her to it and hold the door open. I’ve done this for her even when we weren’t speaking for years. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do, but now that we’re together it seems to have a different meaning.

She smiles softly, guiding my head down to press her lips against mine. I’m fucking addicted to the way she tastes. It consumes my mind. It’sallI can think about, and—

I break away from the kiss, earning a scowl in return.

“Why’d you stop?”

Taking a step closer, I press her against the door. Her lips are pink and swollen, and I probably have lipstick smeared on mine, but I don’t care. She looks too tempting, and if I stare at her another second longer, I’m going to lose all self-control. “I’m almost certain your mom is watching out the window, and if I keep kissing you, I’ll have a full-blown erection.”

“Oh,” she breathes. “Right.”

“Yeah.Right.” I open the door wider for her, watching as she slips into the seat.

“So, where are we going?” she asks. “Bowling? Movies?”

Leaning against the door, I roll my eyes and say, “I’m almost offended you think I’d plan something so lame for your first real date, baby. Havepatience. We’ll be there soon enough.”

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