Page 23 of Fumble Into the End Zone
“Yes, I take pictures for the team among a few other roles,” Kindness confirmed.
I smiled at the possessive way Bryce pulled her into his body.
“Meet Mia Robinson. She is my co-host,” he said, and I extended my hand toward Marcus.
Instead of shaking it, he kissed my hand. The heat from his mouth lingered on my skin.
“You are fucking beautiful,” he said, and I gave him a shaky smile.
The sound of Bryce’s hard cackling allowed me an exit from Marcus’s intense stare.
“Yes! You cursed. I get a new doll,” Harley said, and everyone laughed.
I took in her beautiful, innocent brown eyes as I glared down. She resembled her father down to the skin tone. With force, I pulled my hand away from Marcus’s grip and kneeled to his daughter.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Harley Allen,” she said with pride, extending one of her tiny hands to me, and I shook it.
She held the things all kids should have: happiness, energy, and innocence.
“Well, Miss Allen, it’s nice to meet you. Would you prefer to join the ladies in the kitchen? I sure could use some help washing the vegetables?” I asked.
“Okay,” she said cheerfully and rounded the corner, following me to the sink.
I pulled her onto a stool next to the bowl of vegetables and Kindness lifted her to the seat.
“Finally found my daughter a mother,” Marcus said, and I paused at his boldness.
He stood with confidence in his statement as he studied my body. I found myself trapped by his eyes as I exhaled a short breath.
“Ummmm. Hi, Harley. I’m Kindness. Welcome to my home.”
A light tap from Kindness helped usher me back to myself.
“I could be dating someone for all you know,” I said in hopes of deterring what I saw in his eyes.
“It wouldn’t matter if you were. He became an afterthought once I put my eyes on you,” Marcus countered, and I peered over at Kindness and then Bryce.
He shrugged, and silence lingered over the room. I shifted my focus to his daughter, who held something mysterious in her eyes. The last thing I wanted to do was an audition for motherhood. I’m sure he had baby momma drama, and she probably wasn’t his only child. I mean, how could he not? Shit, he’s fine with his dark chocolate skin, beautiful smile, slim muscular build and those seductive eyes. I gave him my back and focused my attention on Harley.
“Miss Allen, can you pass me a tomato?” I requested.
She lifted the vegetable that was bigger than her hand, passing it over to me.
“Thank you,” I said.
I swiped it underneath the water a few times before placing it in the clean bowl.
“What are we making?” Harley asked, and I smiled.
“Kindness is making us her famous loaded vegetable salad,” I answered.
I viewed the bowl to make my next ask, “Can you pass me a cucumber?”
Harley wasted no time passing over the green vegetable. “Why is it famous? She been on TV?” she questioned, and I giggled.
“Kindness has been on TV but not for her salad. I called it famous to trick her into making it,” I whispered.
