Page 64 of The Forever Play

“Wywee!” She giggles when he picks her up, throwing her in the air and making her squeal.

I stand there, gripping the stroller and watching with a teary smile.

How cute are they?

“Sienna?” Zander’s voice snags my attention, and I glance toward the front door, seeing him standing there in sweats and a hoodie—no shirt underneath. His hair’s wet and his feet are bare, and holy sex on a stick. He is so fine.

“Are you okay?” His concern melts me, and I quickly nod and smile up at him.

“Just thought we’d swing by for a visit.”

My mouth pools with desire, a hot burn lancing me as I watch him walk down the front steps, a huge smile spreading across his face.

Oh man, he is so happy to see me.

My heart flails dangerously, begging me to run into his arms. Would he pick me up the way he used to? Could I wrap my legs around him? Would his hands grab my ass the way I loved so much? Would he hold me close and kiss me? Make me feel like the only other human on the planet?

Stop it, Sienna.

I force my eyes to the ground, but then have to look back up again when I hear Zander say, “Is that Zoey?”

Zoey turns with a gasp, her face lighting with excitement when she sees him. “Foobawl!” Wriggling out of Wily’s hold, she tries to get to Zander.

Wily laughs and launches her through the air. Zander’s eyes bulge, and he quickly catches her, then growls at his roommate. “She’s not a football, man. Be careful with her.”

A smile twitches my lips as Wily gives his captain a bashful apology, then turns to check that I’m not mad.

I smile at him but can’t take my eyes off Zander and Zoey for long. She’s perched in his arms, playing with the zipper of his hoodie while she chats away. She’s talking so fast it’s impossible to understand her. She’s not even saying proper words, just mimicking what Mom and I do when we see each other and are catching up in fast-forward. The first part of our phone calls are usuallyspurted out in a rush. I recognize Zoey’s intonation and am fighting my laughter as Zander watches her, nodding like he totally gets what she’s saying.

“You know?” Zoey tips her head, her words exactly the same as mine.

“Yeah.” Zander nods. “Absolutely.”

She grins and nods, obviously glad they’ve cleared that up.

Zander shoots me a look over the top of her head, and I can’t contain my laughter anymore.

With a soft snort, I walk around the stroller and stand beside them just as a good-looking Black guy comes strolling out of the house.

He’s lean and so obviously strong. His shirtless body hides nothing, and I can see his ripped muscles. Beside him is a willowy woman with long strawberry blonde hair and perfectly applied makeup. She’s wearing a miniskirt and tank top that shows off her slim waist and the diamond stud in her belly button. Wow. She is stunning. He links his hand with hers, pulling her down the stairs and stopping beside me.

He grins at Zoey and asks, “So, who do we have here?”

“Grady, Teah.” Zander lifts Zoey a little higher and grins. “This is Zoey.”

“Hey, cutie.” Teah smiles at my daughter, holding up her hand for a high five.

Zoey slaps it with a giggle and points at the woman. “You pity.”

“I… what?” The woman looks to me for help.

“Zoey said you’re pretty.”

“Aw,” she croons and tells Zoey the same thing,making my daughter smile, then dip her head, all coy and fake shyness.

I shake my head at her dramatic antics and stretch out my hand. “I’m Sienna.”

“Hi.” Teah’s long fingers wrap around mine, and she gives my hand a swift shake before letting Grady introduce himself properly.

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