Page 130 of Score on You

Did you notice that mention in the epilogue about Payton and Gage? They’re the kiddos in my double single parent romance calledMine for Yours. Take a peek at this snippet from Rylee’s point of view!

Rhodes mirrors my gesture. “Damn, Firefly. Your circumstances might be more brutal than mine.”

I release a sigh steeped in drama best left unsaid. That’s not a competition I want to win, but he’s probably right. “Maybe we’ll gather the nerve to exchange our horror stories someday."

Before he can reply, conspiring whispers of the non-contempt variety swarm us. Gage and Payton are gathered in a conspicuous huddle right in front of us. How they got this close without me noticing further proves the previous topic should be avoided. Permanently.

Giggles erupt from their collaboration. My gaze narrows into a squint. It’s obvious these two are up to something. Payton nods and breaks apart from the suspicious formation. I brace myself as she steps toward me, clearly elected to take the lead in whatever this is.

“You’re Gage’s mom, right?” Her question is a lyrical chirp, rhetorical as it might be.

I peek over at my son, who’s taken a sudden interest in tying his shoes. “Yep, that’s me. You can call me Ms. Creed or Rylee… or Gage’s mom. I’ll answer to any of those. Is your name Payton?”

“It is!” She beams, showing off her gap-toothed grin. The Tooth Fairy has been busy with this one.

“Such a lovely name for a young lady. It’s very nice to meet you.” I glance at Rhodes, who’s stifling a laugh with his fist.

“You’re pretty. Like really pretty.” She blinks at me with pure innocence before turning those doe eyes to her father. “Isn’t Rylee super pretty, Daddy?”

Now it’s my turn to muffle an obnoxious cackle. With my lips sealed tight, I realize just how wrong my earlier attempt had been. Amusing, yes. But definitely a mistake.

A delayed concern overshadows my humor. The term could be tainted for him. I’m almost afraid to look, preferring to remain blissfully ignorant. But the guy looks cool and calm, with no signs of distress or cracking up. He must recover faster than me.

Gage and Payton share a quizzical shrug. I shake off the inside joke before they can ask. That flub isn’t worth dissecting while more important matters are being discussed. I bat my lashes at Rhodes, waiting for his verdict.

His chocolate stare locks on mine. “She’s stunning.”

My breath catches. It shouldn’t be a shock that he’s set on knocking me sideways. I’m jostled from the misplaced romantic bubble by Payton’s giggles. She’s returned to the huddle stance with Gage. The whispers and flailing continue soon after.

“We’re in trouble now,” he whispers from the corner of his mouth.

I cross my ankles and recline against the hard seat. “Let them have fun.”

“Famous last words,” he mumbles.

Gage straightens, scrawny shoulders rolled back. “Payton is my girlfriend.”

Rhodes’ eyes bulge. “What?”

Payton’s smile could replace the sun. “Gage wants to be my boyfriend.”

Her dad struggles to form a response, jaw hanging slack. He’s not so cool and calm anymore.

I let my own giggle roam free. “Oh, yeah. We’re in so much trouble.”

Rhodes looks to me for advice, or a way to defuse this premature dating situation. Something seems to occur to him,the wheels spinning wildly behind his gaze. He pins Payton with a protective father mean mug that could make me quake in my boots. “Henry is already your boyfriend.”

She flips her hair. “I can have two.”

That barely registers. I’m too busy studying Gage. “Yeah, let’s talk about this. Don’t you already have a girlfriend?”

“I have six girlfriends.” Pride sings from his voice.

I gape at him. “Excuse me?”

He proceeds to prattle off their names, ending with a pleased grin. “But I want to marry Payton the most.”

Rhodes chokes on nothing but shock. “Marry?”

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