Page 92 of Role Play
“Yep. With space for all your stuffed animals and your books.”
She hugs Mr. Flops tighter, whispering something in his floppy ear that I can’t quite catch. Probably updating him on their new living arrangements.
As we pull up to the brownstone, I spot Sora waiting on the steps, wearing jeans and a soft-looking sweater, her dark hair falling loose around her shoulders. My heart does a stupid little skip at the sight of her.
For a moment, I feel an almost overwhelming urge to kiss her hello—to feel her lips against mine, to pull her close and breathe in the scent of her hair. I have to physically restrain myself, gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter. What am I thinking? Dakota’s right here, and besides, Sora and I aren’t…whatever my traitorous heart seems to think we are. Our situation is complicated enough without adding more confusion.
God, what is wrong with me? I’m acting like a teenager with his first crush, not a grown man with a complicated life.
“Is that her?” Dakota asks, pressing her face against the window.
“Yes, that’s Sora.” I park the SUV and turn to look at my daughter. “Remember what we talked about? We’re going to be staying with Sora for a while because Mommy had to go on a trip.”
Dakota nods solemnly. “And Mommy wants us to have qualipy time together.”
“Quality time, sweetheart,” I correct. “With a ‘t’ like for tiger. But that’s right. We’re going to spend a lot of time together now, thanks to Mommy.” I swallow the bitterness that rises whenever I think about Hannah’s Tokyo plans. I’ve been careful not to let any of my anger toward Hannah slip in front of Dakota. Whatever my feelings about her mother, Dakota doesn’t need to hear them.
“Okay. Can I show Sora Mr. Flops?”
“I bet she’d love that.”
Dakota unbuckles her seat belt with impressive dexterity for her age, bouncing in her seat as I come around the black SUV to open her door. The moment her feet hit the pavement, she’s off, racing toward Sora with Mr. Flops dangling from one hand.
“Hi! I’m Dakota! This is Mr. Flops! He’s a bunny! Do you like bunnies?”
Sora looks momentarily startled by the tiny whirlwind barreling toward her, but recovers quickly, crouching down to Dakota’s level.
“I love bunnies,” she says seriously, extending a hand to the stuffed animal. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Flops. And you too, Dakota. I’m Sora.”
“I know. Daddy told me. He said you’re very nice and that you painted my room purple!”
Sora glances up at me, a smile tugging at her lips. “Did he now?”
“I may have mentioned it,” I say, approaching with Dakota’s princess suitcase in one hand and a box of her books in the other. “We’re running a little late. Sorry about that.”
“No problem.” Sora stands, tucking her hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture. “I was just enjoying the sunshine. It’s a beautiful day for a move.”
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I’m back on that yacht, holding her close as we danced beneath the stars. Then Dakota tugs at my pants leg, breaking the spell.
“Can I see my room now? Please?”
Sora laughs, the sound bright and genuine. “Of course. Let me help your dad with your things first.”
“I’ve got it,” I say. “There’s more in the car, but we can get that later. Let’s give Koda the grand tour first.”
Sora nods, leading the way up the steps. Dakota follows, practically vibrating with excitement, Mr. Flops clutched tight against her chest.
The brownstone is even more impressive in daylight than it was when I first visited. High ceilings, hardwood floors, tasteful art on the walls—it’s the kind of place I would have dreamed of providing for my family if life had gone according to plan.
“Wow,” Dakota breathes, spinning in a slow circle in the entryway, taking it all in. “This is like a princess castle.”
Sora smiles, clearly pleased by her reaction. “Would the princess like to see her royal chambers?”
Dakota’s eyes glisten. “Yes!” She looks at me, reads my expression, then quickly adds, “Please.”
“Good job,” I say. “Mind your manners, lil miss.”
Sora shoots me an amused glance. “You really are a country boy, aren’t you?”
