Page 75 of Power Play

Maya hears him say that, sees me by the door, and zips over to me with a squeal. She takes my hand and drags me over. I start singing, swaying my hips to the rhythm as I follow her. Maya drops my hand and climbs onto the couch, jumping and laughing. Clay grins at me. When I’m close enough, he catches my arm and pulls me into him.

He wraps his strong arms around me and guides me into a deep dip. My hair cascades down, laughter spilling out of my mouth. I hold on to him, and our eyes stay locked; I lose myself in the moment and in him. It feels like pure magic, something right out of the fairy tales I read to Maya. Clay pulls me up, singing along the whole time.

Taking my hand, he spins me, leading me into a twirl. A long-forgotten sense of joy, of jubilant happiness, overwhelms me as I effortlessly follow his lead. Everything is light and full as if these years apart and the mistakes I made never even happened.

Maya jumps from the couch as Clay stops twirling me.

“I want that too.” She stops in front of Clay, hands in the air, waiting for him to pick her up.

Clay winks at me, then lets go of my hand. He lifts Maya and starts dancing with her, twirling her around. The song ends and instantly restarts. He probably put it on repeat. I slump down on the couch, watching these two have the time of their lives. My heart is so full of love, it’s almost painful.

He’s so good to her.

He’s going to be the best dad in the world one day.

The second this thought settles in, my smile slowly dissipates. He’s going to be the best dad in the world one day…just not to Maya.

Trying to pretend that I’m fine takes titanic effort. I chew on my bottom lip, still faking a smile. Maya doesn’t suspect anything when she climbs on the couch beside me. Her hair is in total disarray, her ponytail ruined. Her cheeks are red, and there’s a happy smile on her lips.

“Did you have fun, sweetheart?” I ask, draping my hand over her shoulders.

“I did. Clay the best.”

“He sure is,” I confirm, catching his gaze on me. “Thank you so much for today, Clay. It was wonderful.”

“You’re very welcome. I had the best day ever with you two.”

“Yeah…” I trail off, not knowing what to say. “We should probably get going. Maya has school tomorrow, and I have orders I need to finish.”

His smile drops. “I thought you were going to stay.” He slips his hands into his pockets, shifting uncomfortably.

“Well…I brought some stuff with us in case. I just didn’t want to freak you out with all the bags and clothes.” I shoot him a look; his lips instantly stretch into a big, radiant smile. “It’s in the car.”

“Then you’re staying. I have a spare room for Maya and…you.”

Heat crawls up my neck. The pause in his words makes my clit throb. I clear my throat. “But we need to put this little lady to bed as soon as possible. She’s already up way past her bedtime.”

“Sure.” Clay nods and bends down to Maya so their eyes are level. “Will you help me make up a room for you and your mommy?”

“Yes!” She jumps to her feet and wraps her fingers around Clay’s.

“Then I guess I better go get our stuff from the car,” I mumble, standing up from the couch.

“Great idea.” He turns around and heads toward the hallway with Maya following him in bouncy steps. I watch them for a minute, then shake my head and go to the front door.

If I want to have a moment with Clay, I better hurry up.

“Is she asleep?”Clay asks when I step into his bedroom. He sits on his bed, his back resting against the headboard. His muscular chest draws my attention—so do his black briefs—but I choose to focus on his face. It’s less tempting.

“Uh-huh.” I nod. “I think she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. She had a lot of fun today, thanks to you, and I did too. I’m very grateful, Clay.”

“You and Maya saved me from another Groundhog Day, when all I do is play games and watch TV. I should be the one thanking you.” He puts his phone down. “Come here.”

Suddenly, I feel self-conscious. This nightie is loose, reaching my knees and covering my thick thighs. I considered bringing a different set of PJs, with black leggings and a long tee, and since worries are now swarming inside my head, I think I should’ve chosen those. They would hide my body better.

“Maya doesn’t really sleep well in new places. I don’t want her to wake up and get scared that I’m not with her,” I mutter quietly.

“Come here,” Clay repeats. His voice has an authoritative tone. “I’m not asking you to stay with me all night. Just for now.”

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