Page 9 of Power Play

“I know because I feel the same way.”

“Clay!” I glance over my shoulder and see Michael barreling over to me from the backyard. Colton’s son is my godson, and I love the boy to bits. He stops right in front of me, a bright smile lighting up his face. His deep brown eyes, the same color as his dad’s, shimmer with mischief. I bend down to him, and we quickly fist-bump, but then I wrap my arm around his shoulders and pull him into me for a hug.

“Missed you, buddy,” I tell him as I take a step back. Coasting my gaze over his form, I smile wider. “You’re growing way too fast, man. I wouldn’t recognize you if I saw you on the street.”

“That just means you should visit more often,” a feminine voice says, and when I look over Michael’s head, I see his mom. Ava stands in the hallway with her daughter, Meghan, perched on her hip. “Hey, Clay.”

I saunter over to her and hug her gently, kissing her on the cheek before I lean away. “Happy birthday, Ava.”

Her emerald-green eyes sparkle with warmth. As she tilts her head to the side, her chocolate brown hair cascades over her shoulder like a heavy curtain. “Thank you, Clay. I’m so happy you’re here. We missed you.”

“I missed all of you too,” I say, bending down and catching Meghan’s gaze. Those deep brown eyes she got from her dad stare at me intently. This is my third time seeing her, and I bet she doesn’t remember me. After all, she’s just eight months old. Meghan presses her cheek to Ava’s chest; her little pink pacifier moves faster as she continues watching me.

I extend my pinkie to her, waiting for her to make a decision. The corners of her mouth lift up, and she takes my finger in her little fist.

“Hey, sweetheart. I’m Clay,” I coo softly. “Such a beautiful little girl you are.”

“Rodgers, I swear you’re a baby whisperer.” Colt stops beside me. “Even Benson needed a little more time to win her over.”

“She was smaller when she met Drake for the first time,” Ava counters, rolling her eyes at her husband. “But yeah, I agree. I’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t like you, Clay.”

“Don’t jinx it,” I say with laughter, a shiver running down my spine. There’s another kid I’m going to meet today, and I can only hope she likes me. It will be a disaster otherwise.

I feel Ava’s eyes on me, but I focus my attention solely on her daughter. They will be watching me once Layla gets here no matter what, and I don’t want to give them more reasons to.

“Clay, I want to show you something.” Michael comes closer, and I squint at him. “Dad bought me a new helmet.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and there’s something else…I’m sure you’re gonna like it.” He smiles at me.

I glance between Ava and Colton, and she nods.

“You’re the first one to arrive, so you can totally go with him. He’s been waiting for you to visitso he can show you his new possessions.”

“Great.” I turn to Michael. “Lead the way.”

As Michael and I head to his room, I take a deep breath and square my shoulders. The tension in my muscles becomes more apparent, and I want to get rid of it. Seeing my ex-girlfriend for the first time in three years is a challenge.

A challenge I intend to overcome. Because there’s no other option when it comes to her.

Chapter 4

Her Mother’s Daughter

CLAY

Now, August

“You really didthat all by yourself?” I ask, staring down at a Ferrari Daytona built from LEGOs.

“Yeah,” Michael says proudly. He carefully lifts the car and extends it to me. “Mom was roasting me for always asking for help, telling me that I was lazy.” He meets my gaze and smiles shyly. “One day I decided to try to actually do it myself. Apparently, it was way easier than I thought, and I loved building it. Thank you so much for the gift.”

“Don’t even mention it.” I ruffle his hair with my hand and then slowly put the car on the table. “What about hockey? Do you like it?”

He nods enthusiastically as I sit on the edge of the table. “I love being on the ice. It’s like time stops, and I feel like I can do anything.” His lips break into a lopsided grin. “Coach says I have talent.”

I chuckle. “You definitely do. Your dad sent me a few videos from your practices, and you look impressive out there, man. I’m proud of you.”

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