Page 79 of Power Play

Layla:

We miss you too. She’s been constantly asking when we can see you again

Me:

I’ll be back in ten days. Come over then and tell Maya I have a surprise for her

Layla:

See you in ten days then

Layla:

But the best surprise will be you. She’s a little bit obsessed

Me:

That’s because I’m so irresistible

Me:

and because she takes after you completely

Layla:

not going to argue with that. I am obsessed with you

Me:

Good to know

With that, I put the phone back on the nightstand and close my eyes. Sleep wins me over a few minutes later.

Chapter 27

Only You

CLAY

Now, October

Ever since ourtrip to Monterey, I’ve found myself down a Justin Bieber rabbit hole. I was never really a fan, but after I listened to “Baby” like ten times, Spotify started adding more and more of his songs to my playlists, and I can’t say I’m mad about it. Rapping my fingers over the steering wheel, I nod my head to the rhythm of “Sorry,” murmuring the lyrics under my breath.

My mood is so fucking good, I can’t help but smile. I played all five of our away games, and we won three of them, including the one last night against Washington. Lightness fills my bones, and happiness swims through my veins. Being a starter again helped boost my ego for sure, but Layla is the cherry on top. My FaceTime calls with her and Maya were the highlight of every day I spent on the road.

I can’t wait to see them, to squeeze them both in my arms and simply enjoy their company. I won’t even care if Layla won’t share a bed with me—that means shit in comparison tothe connection I already have with Maya, to the bond I want to continue to strengthen.

I glance at the passenger seat, where the surprise for Maya sits. I paid double for it to be ready by the time I got home. An hour ride from the airport, and then another forty minutes to home are well worth it. I’d do absolutely anything for that little girl.

When I’m in my neighborhood, I think about calling Layla to ask if I should wait for them tonight. But, on the other hand, I need to go buy some food and change into something more comfortable than the black jeans and white shirt I’m wearing. Still indecisive, I park my car in the driveway and then freeze. A smile pulls at the corners of my mouth. Apparently, I don’t need to call her. Layla is already here, waiting on my front steps.

I jump out of my car and round it to grab the box with Maya’s gift from the passenger seat. Layla’s eyes are on me, practically devouring me. My skin ignites under her gaze. I grin, not even trying to contain myself. All the plans I had are going to be flushed down the toilet. Nothing is more important than her.

“Hey, Layla,” I greet her, coming closer. She’s in a long black skirt with a slit that starts above her knee, a white T-shirt, a black leather jacket, and white sneakers. Her hair is pinned to one side with her hairpin, which I finally realize has a Tinker Bell on it too, just like her ring. She twirls her ring around her finger, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth.

“Hi, Clay.” She stands up, eyeing the box in my hands. “What’s that?”

“It’s Maya’s surprise.”

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