Page 30 of A Player's Prayer
“Her name is Dakota…” I gritted my teeth, knowing he was fucking with me. “Don’t make me fuck you up, Uno.”
Kodi mugged me as she elbowed my side. Placing her hand in his, they shook hands lightly before Kodi turned to me and said, “Adrian, stop. You’re so damn rude.” Turning back to my brother, she gave him a sweet smile. “Nice to meet you, Mayor.”
He frowned, yanking her into a hug before chuckling. “You’re damn near family ifthis niggabrought you around. No mayor here—call me Uno.” He smiled at her, causing hers to expand. “I hope you brought your appetite and an explanation on why you beat my brother’s ass in a hospital supply closet. Mama wants to hear all about it.”
With scared eyes, she looked back at me while I shrugged and pulled her into the house. The smell of cooked food hit us right away. Holding onto my hand for dear life, I watched her as sheadmired my parents’ domain. My parents lived in a modern-day mansion, but the inside was full of reds and browns, giving the entire house a homey, cozy feel. I could tell Kodi liked the vibe because she eased up on her hand grip. Stepping into the family room, all chatter seemed to have ceased.
“What’s up, parentals… niggas and niggettes!” I smirked, throwing my head up at everyone. Everyone chuckled, except Evie. Mama was going to kill my ass for how I was already carrying on. “This is my baby, Kodi—Dakota to y’all.” I winked at her, causing her to blush. “Baby, these are my parents, Antonio and Evelyn Mills. My brothers, well, you’ve met these niggas somewhat: Uno and Skip.” I pointed to everyone who smiled as Kodi waved. “These are my sisters, Harley and Noemi.”
“Hey, baby. Welcome to my home and family.” My mother was the first to run over, and I knew she would be. “I’m so happy to see you’ve stuck around. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You have?” Kodi asked, surprised when my mother pulled her into a hug. “I hope all good things.”
“Yes, of course,” my mother assured her as she looped their arms together. “I’m more invested in that scar on my baby boy’s lip.” Even Kodi had to laugh this time. “Any woman who doesn’t let a man play with her is all right with me. Come on, baby… let me fix you a drink. I know dealing with Wild isn’t easy.”
Stepping out of the way, I watched as my family hugged and loved all over my girl. With my hands stuffed in my ball shorts, I couldn’t take my eyes away from Kodi. Seeing her smiling face as she interacted with my people let me know I’d made the right choice by not only bringing her here today but also making her mine. Even the kids were drawn to her, as Gi Baby asked her if she could come to her next princess tea party as Belle. She turned to me next, saying I had to be the beast, and we all laughed because baby girl didn’t even know I was already one.
“You did good, baby brother.” Uno walked over and slapped my shoulder. “I like her.”
“Yeah.” I nodded as I continued to watch her. “I like her too.”
After an hour of mingling, it was finally time to eat. The Thanksgiving spread before us at the massive dining table didn’t stand a chance. On any given Sunday, we would have a feast, and my stomach welcomed it.
“So, Dakota, since Wild has made it clear that’s all we can call you.” Harley rolled her eyes as we snickered. It was the truth, though. I wasn’t going for anybody calling my baby Kodi. “How are you liking it in Milly Grove? I’m sure you miss Florida.”
“Milly Grove has been an experience to say the least.” Kodi covered her mouth as she giggled. She was right beside me, tearing Mama’s collard greens and yams up. “I was ready to pack my bags and leave after my first few encounters with Adrian.”
“Girl, bye.” I frowned as I bit into my roll. “You know it was love at first sight when you met me.”
“Adrian, I wanted to hit you in the mouth with a brick, baby.” She rolled her eyes as she continued to eat. “You were so rude and nasty to me. I had never been so angry in my life. The way you spoke to me, thinking I was a?—”
“Aye, you know I’m sorry for that, right?” I turned to her. Using my thumb, I wiped away a little something from her chin. “I will never forgive myself for that. It wasn’t cool, and I will never disrespect you like that again, ever. You got my word, baby.”
The table fell silent as they zoned in on me and the interaction with my girl. Looking into my eyes, I held her stare as she searched for something. The moment her eyes misted and twinkled, I knew she’d found it.
“I believe you, Adrian.” She placed her hand on my cheek, giving it a light caress. Grabbing it, I kissed her wrist, causing her to smile. “You’re all right with me.”
“I never thought I would see the day,” I heard my father murmur to my mother. “Our baby boy is in love.”
As I looked into Kodi’s eyes, I could see a future I never thought I wanted in them. She landed in my city and fucked my world up when she entered my store. Leaning over, I placed two soft pecks on her lips, causing her to blush. Ignoring the stares, we both resumed eating as they did the same. It didn’t take long before the conversations picked back up where they left off.
“Nice to know you used the information I gave you for good.” Noemi hip bumped me as she stepped onto the back patio. Once we finished eating, Gi Baby was adamant about swinging with Kodi on the playground my dad built for his grandkids. “I like her.”
“I do, too, Wild,” Harley chimed in as she stepped to the other side of me. “I thought it was a scam when you made Ava apologize to her. I can’t wait to tell her about this.”
Tightening up my face, I wanted to go off, but this was family. I didn’t want to disrespect anyone I loved, especially not my brother’s wife. Instead of going with my first thought, I turned to her so she could understand me clearly. “Harley, you’re my sis and all, but Kodi ain’t shit for you and your homegirl to discuss. Ava got the dick, and nothing more, like all them other hoes I was fucking. She’s your friend, so I’ve had a little respect for her. Just know that’s over. I ain’t sparing nobody behind Dakota. So when you talk to your girl, make sure you let her know that too.”
Leaving her with my words, I made my way over to where my girls were. Seeing her and my niece so playful with each other made me smile. As I got closer to her, we locked eyes, and hers shone with happiness. Looking at her, one thing was clear, now more than ever.
I love Dakota Jenkins.
“These next couple of weeks can’t come and go fast enough.” I glanced over at my girl as she eased into the passenger side of my truck. I decided to pull up on her during her lunch break, so here we were, ducked off in the employee parking garage. “I’m so damn tired.”
“Hand ’em here.” I let my seat back as I nodded toward her feet. “They be working my baby too hard, and I don’t like that shit.”
Smiling softly, she pushed her glasses up her nose and removed her shoes, doing as I told her. Once her feet landed in my lap, I wasted no time massaging them.
“Fuck…” she moaned lowly as she threw her head back. “That shit feels so good, baby.”
