Page 37 of Power Play

Fuck you

I chuckle, shaking my head. If someone had told me when we were in college that one day Colton Thompson (Colton motherfucking Thompson, who barely tolerated being in otherpeople’s presence) would be a group dad? I’d have probably called the FBI to report an alien invasion. I wouldn’t have even comprehended something like that happening, but it did. He’s the best dad to his children, the best husband to his wife, and the best fucking friend anyone could ask for. He means well, I know that, but it doesn’t stop me from riling him up. It’s fun. The most fun I’ve had lately.

My phone dings again. I unlock it, and at first, I’m not even sure what I’m reading. Then I blink and start laughing. That’s it? That’s all I needed to do? Just be pushy?

Layla:

Maya and I will be ready by 5:20

Me:

See you then

Once I hit send, I reach for the controller, quickly save my progress, turn off the Xbox and the TV, and stand up. It’s time to start getting ready.

I hopout of my car and instantly see her front door open. My brain continues to conduct my heart. The new rhythm it’s beating reminds me of raindrops hitting metal when the rain is in full force.Tap. Tap. Tap.I hide my hands in my pockets, trying to act casual. It’s a friendly little date…with the love of my life and her daughter.

Layla turns to lock the front door, and my gaze shifts to Maya. Her hair is in pigtails, tied with pink ribbons. Her T-shirt is also pink, with puffy sleeves, and it looks adorable on her. She takes a few steps away from her mom, and I see light blue shortspaired with white sandals. A piece of paper is pressed to her chest, which she slowly tucks it into her shorts pocket.

Maya notices me and squeals. “Clay!” She rushes over to me, and I catch her at the foot of the stairs. I lift her, and her happy giggles invade the atmosphere as I twirl us around. When I stop, she cups my face between her warm little palms and stares at me. “I thought you don’t want Angie’s cupcakes,” she states accusingly.

“I always want Angie’s cupcakes.” I smile at her gently, and her pouty lips form a little smile too. “Your mommy and I were busy.”

“Mommy took me to doctor. He check my?—”

“Sweetheart, we don’t want to overload Clay with all the information at once.”

Maya lowers her gaze; her little palms fall from my face. A pang pierces my heart, and I swallow the bitter taste of disappointment filling my mouth.

“Hey.”

I turn to Layla, our eyes locking on each other. Her hair is pinned to one side with a hairpin, and bright pink lipstick is the only makeup she has on. I let my eyes wander down her throat, her chest, and her legs. She’s in light blue jeans that match Maya’s shorts and a long, loose white shirt. She looks gorgeous.

“Hey, Layla. Thank you for finding time for me.”

She walks closer, and I notice Maya’s car seat in her hand. “Not like you left me much choice.”

I bottle up a snort as she passes me and opens the back door of my car. Layla sets the car seat and then turns to me expectantly, but, just as I did the other day, I ignore her. I put Maya in her seat and fasten her seat belt. “Is that okay?” I ask.

Maya wiggles in her seat, a big, radiant smile lighting up her features. “I’m good.”

“Awesome.” I caress her cheek with my fingertips, then take a step back and close the door. Layla is still there, standing close to me, her eyes narrowed to slits. “Do you think I didn’t leave you any choice?”

“Didn’t you send me a text with the time you were going to pick us up?” She wheels around to the passenger side, and I follow her, opening the door for her.

Layla climbs inside, buckles up, and then focuses on me. I lean in, checking the seat belt, using every opportunity I have to get close to her. “Don’t act like you had a problem with it,” I whisper.

“Of course I?—”

“No, Layla, don’t. You’ve always been a very obedient girl. Nothing’s changed.” I rear back, admiring her flushed look with satisfaction. After I close the door in her stunned face, I barely hold back my laughter. Her reaction is priceless.

I round my car and climb inside, then start the engine. The feeling of her eyes on me makes my skin hot, but my heart has finally decided to settle into a calmer rhythm. It’s like a song now, steady and flowing.

Deciding to let her stew for a little bit, I stop the car at a red light and look at Maya. Her eyes meet mine in an instant, and she flashes me a big smile. “How have you been, Princess?” I ask.

“Good,” she tells me excitedly. “I made new friend.”

“Really? That’s great! What’s their name?”

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