Page 119 of Face Off
“Did you plan this, Miller?” she asks. “I bet you slipped the DJ a twenty.”
“I’m innocent, I swear.” I hold out my palm, an invitation there, and she glances around. I know she’s worried about what people might think, but we can chalk it up to the spirit of charity. A captain and his teammate dancing together for one song in the name of raising funds for the local food bank and community outreach projects. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Fine.” She closes the distance between us. One of her hands settles on my shoulder, and I rest my palm on her lower back. “But if you step one toe out of line, you’re going to be in big trouble.”
“I promise,” I say, sinking my fingers into the smooth fabric of her dress. “You haven’t asked your question yet tonight.”
“Because I asked first the other night,” she says, and her chest almost presses into mine. “It’s your turn.”
“I just hit you with the Uno reverse. You’re up.”
“Do you want kids?”
“Wow, Hartwell.” I laugh and rub my hand up her arm. “You’re putting me through the wringer, aren’t you?”
“Sorry. It’s obvious you love June, and you did so well with Rachel tonight. I didn’t know if that’s a role you’d want to have.”
“I’m not sure, to be honest,” I answer, keeping my voice low in case people are listening. “I never saw myself in a position where I would have kids, so I’ve never considered it. I really enjoy being an uncle and hanging out with the young fans whocome to the games, but I can’t say for sure if I want them for myself. It’s not a no, but a maybe.”
“I think you’d make a great dad. You have one of the kindest hearts, Maverick. And there are plenty of people out there who need that joy you give.”
Her praise makes my skin itch, like I’m not sure I’m worthy of it.
Kids means a commitment and a commitment means forever and…fuck.
Could I do that?
My own parents couldn’t. Who’s to say I won’t turn out exactly the same way?
“What about you?” I ask around a rasp, and I clear my throat. “Do you want kids?”
Every time I peel back a layer of her, more appear. She’s never mentioned her mom, and I’m wondering if that’s because she’s closer to her dad, or if her mom isn’t in the picture anymore. I’m not sure I’ll ever learn the answer.
“I could go either way,” Emerson tells me. “I see all these happy families on social media and wonder if that could be me too. Then there’s this louder part of me that knows how much I love my job. I love that I get to live out my dream, and right now, that’s my focus. Maybe that makes me selfish, but until I close this chapter, I’m not ready to move on to the next one.”
“You’d make a great mother, if that’s something you decide you want to do.”
She snorts. “I’m not sure I would. I just said I want to put myself first. Isn’t parenthood supposed to be the most selfless job on the planet?”
“That doesn’t mean you would be bad at it. You’re self-aware, and that’s important.”
“I didn’t expect my question to turn into something so deep. Can you lighten the mood, please?”
I dip her in my arms and the ends of her hair brush along the floor. She looks up at me, and I can see the smile she’s trying to fight. “Boxers or briefs?” I ask, and her sharp laugh surprises me.
“On who? You or me?”
“Me, obviously.”
“Briefs.” Her eyes bounce to my slacks, and her gaze heats. “I like that they don’t hide anything. I like to see what I’m working with.”
“Do you like what you see right now, Emmy girl?”
Emerson drags her attention to my mouth and lingers there. “Yeah,” she says. “I like it a lot.”
“Wanna head to the coat closet? I’ve done enough socializing. If I don’t sink inside you soon, I will die.”
“You’re not dramatic at all.” She rolls her eyes, but when I put her back on two feet, she gives my arm a tug. “Come on, Miller. Bring the potatoes with you too.”
