Page 7 of Power Play

Angie shoots me an eye roll. “I’mjustpregnant.”

“And Ijustwant to help.” I wink at her and stroll out of the room with Angie in tow. “Once we get this in the car, I’ll hop by home to grab the bouquet I made for Ava, and then we can go.”

I’m ready for the inevitable. Even if I’m not.

Chapter 3

A Challenge

CLAY

Now, August

“Yes, I’m sure,”I tell Dad. I’m sitting on the porch, holding a glass of apple juice. My eyes are focused on my car parked in the driveway of my new house. This shiny black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was the only thing I wanted to bring with me to California. I didn’t care about anything else, not even the expensive pieces of furniture I bought over the years.I brought this car, some clothes, a few personal belongings, and a ring I got three years ago and have carried with me ever since. “You can totally give the TV to Grandpa. I already have a new one.”

“Thank you, Son,” Dad says, his voice sounding relieved in my earbuds. “I still don’t get why you decided to take so little with you, but whatever. Most of your things have already been sold, and some are on their way to our storage unit in Michigan.”

“That’s great. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Dad clears his throat, and I hold myself back from chuckling. This call was never about my things. “What are your plans for today? Still going to Thompson’s?”

“Of course. It’s Ava’s birthday party. I can’t miss it.”

“But isn’t?—”

“Layla’s going to be there, yes,” I interrupt him, preventing him from saying the things I’ve already heard way too many times. “We’re bound to see each other. We have friends in common. It’s fine.”

“I don’t want that woman near you.” Mom’s voice suddenly rings in my ear. I shake my head in disbelief. I should’ve known she was listening. “The only thing she does is hurt you. I honestly can’t understand how she and Drake are from the same family. Your friend is kind and respectful, while his sister?—”

“Mom,” I warn her. Anger bubbles inside me, making me clench my hands around my glass. “Don’t talk about Layla like that. Ever.”

The silence on the other end of the line has a calming effect on me. I know my parents mean well, and they’re just worried about me. But I’m tired of repeating myself, and I want them to finally understand that criticizing Layla isn’t going to fly with me.

I take a sip of my juice, and the cold drink slides down my throat and cools my insides. It’s going to be a hot and sunny day in Santa Clara, which is something I’m slowly getting used to after living in Chicago for six years.

At twenty-eight, I packed up my whole life and moved across the country because I got traded. Good thing it was the California Thunders who wanted me. In other circumstances, I don’t think I would’ve found at least one positive thing about it.

Playing on the same team as my best friends Colton and Drake has been my dream for years, since I graduated college, and I’m determined to do anything to make it work.

“Did you find someone to take a look at your car?” Dad asks, changing the subject.

“Yup. I have a good friend in Chicago whose cousin has a car shop out here in California. I need to schedule a visit before preseason starts, but it’s all good.”

“That’s great to hear.”

I talk some more with Dad, then say goodbye and hang up. Considering Mom’s silence after my comment, I know she’s still fuming, but she’ll respect my wishes and not say anything. At least, not today. I’d be naïve to think that was the last time she’ll say something like that about Layla.

Standing up from the porch, I’m ready to go back inside, but movement to my right catches my attention. It’s my neighbor. A blond girl with a high ponytail, in tiny black shorts and a matching sports bra, walks out of the house with her headphones on. Closing the door, she sways her hips, quietly singing along to some song. The corner of my mouth quirks up as I watch her.

The second she turns around, our eyes collide. Her lips part, and the surprised look on her face makes my smile broader. I’ve been here for barely two weeks, but I’ve seen her almost every day. The only thing I can say…the girl has a thing for revealing clothes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything that covers her midriff. Though with how toned her body is, I probably shouldn’t be surprised.

“Hey, neighbor,” she says, taking off her headphones and walking down her front steps.

“Hey, neighbor,” I mimic her.

She smiles and strolls up to my house, leaning her hip against the railing as she stops. Her green eyes slowly trail down from my face to my chest, checking me out without an ounce of shyness.

“So you’ve been here for a week.” She finally brings her eyes back to my face, a seductive smile spreading across her full lips.

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