Page 107 of The Forever Play

She lets out an edgy laugh, then asks, “Do you mind if I leave Zoey here?”

Oh shit, really? She wants me to watch Zoey… without her?

The thought makes me instantly nervous, but like hell I’m saying no. I’ve got to prove myself to this woman, and Zoey seems to like me. She called me Daadee, didn’t she? I can do this without any harm coming to her. Right?

“Yeah, of course.” I try to sound more confident than I feel, and this seems to ease Sienna’s worry.

“Thank you so much.”

Taking Zoey’s hand, she blows a raspberry into ourdaughter’s palm, making her giggle before telling her the plan.

“I have to go and get some clothes from Uncle Rusty’s place. And I’ll get some toys and your pack-n-play.” She leans forward, her eyes dancing playfully. “We’re gonna have a sleepover with Daddy. Does that sound like fun?”

It takes a moment for that to sink in, but then she starts to nod and point at me. “Pay Foobawl?”

“Yeah, he’ll play with you.” Sienna nods. “He’s going to watch you while I go get some of our things.”

Glancing up at me, Zoey studies my face before giving me a cheesy smile.

I smile right back, kissing the tip of her nose and making her giggle again.

Holding her hand up, she squeezes her fingers open and shut. “Bye-bye, Mommy.”

“Bye, my lil’ lovebug. I’ll be back soon.” Sienna kisses Zoey’s cheek, wiping sticky syrup off her lips before giving me a nervous smile.

“Do I get a kiss too?”

“Always.” She grins, brushing her lips against mine in a chaste kiss. Even that’s enough to keep me going until she gets back.

I watch her rise from her seat, tugging down my hoodie. I love the way it shrouds her. Her beautiful legs are still very much on display, but at least she’ll be a little warmer. I would offer her some pants, but I don’t think anything in this house will fit her slight frame.

Picking up Zoey, we walk Sienna to the door, and I watch her pile into Wily’s truck with Tyrell in the back seat. The guy has obviously just woken up, but I’mgrateful that he’s going without question, ready to protect my woman.

Holding Zoey in my arms, we wave them off. Then I look down at the sticky-faced toddler and wonder what the heck I’m supposed to do with her until Mommy gets back.

She gives me a sweet, innocent smile, then lets one rip… and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t just a fart.

Sniffing the air, I grimace and put on a brave smile.

“Let’s hope there are some diapers in your stroller, huh?”

“Poos.” Zoey wrinkles her nose.

“Yep. Pretty sure that’s what I’m smelling.” Shaking my head, I walk down to the stroller, grabbing the diaper bag out of the bottom and muttering to myself.

Welcome to fatherhood, dude.

CHAPTER 39

SIENNA

My heart is racing as we drive toward Russell’s house. I can’t believe he spoke to me that way this morning. His venom was frightening, and I’m kind of glad I’ll have these two big football players to protect me. But I’m also worried.

They’re students.

Russell’s faculty.

I don’t want them getting into trouble for me.

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