Page 54 of Fumble Into the End Zone
I pulled into my driveway to see Marcus’s car taking up one side. After I parked, I tilted my head back on the headrest. What the hell did I get myself into? But his gesture was beyond sweet and trustworthy. Two taps on my window forced a smile onto my face. Shifting my head in his direction, a set of brown eyes gazed back at me. My fingers danced over the locks until I hit the button. The door came open, and I covered my face with both hands. Marcus pulled a hand away from my face and kissed them, tickling my skin with his beard.
“Let’s get you a few outfits packed until we can get you moved,” he said, and I gave a nervous chuckle.
Rotating my body halfway out the car, I gave him an unsettling smile. “Marcus, we need to talk about this. We are talking about your daughter. Do you realize what you did?”
“I’m aware of what I did. I know she is safe with you and I’m investing in our future, Mia. This isn’t a game for me. I gave you some control over my most prized possession. If paperwork isn’t proof that I’m serious about you, I don’t know what else is,” he said.
Marcus secured both hands and kissed them.
“What did Mrs. Eddy say?” I questioned.
“What time are you coming over?” he said.
He lowered his head until our foreheads touched. I inhaled his spicy cologne and the security he offered. With no resistance from me, Marcus covered my mouth as our tongues fought for dominance.
“I’m a woman of my word. Let me get a few outfits,” I said and motioned to exit the car.
“Mia,” Marcus called my name as he caught my hand. My heart raced from pure adrenaline as I turned to him.
“How about you agree to stay for a few nights? And we will see how things go from there. I still plan to date you. After one week, you won’t want to leave us anyway,” Marcus said, and I chuckled.
“I can do a week,” I said.
Mia, what are you doing?I thought to myself as I pulled into Marcus’s driveway. He was not leaving my house without me in his car or following behind. I packed a few outfits, because I intended to stay for the days we agreed on. Afterward, we’re going to have to discuss new terms. Switching off my car, I watched Marcus approach my door. I unlocked it before he raised the handle.
He extended his hand, and I gave him sad eyes, but it didn’t faze him. Marcus chuckled as he pulled me from the front seat. I followed him to the back and huffed as he removed my large rolling luggage and bag.
“Come here,” he said, and I moved closer.
He leaned down and pecked my lips. “It’s going to be fine. They already love you.”
“Marcus, what are we going to tell Harley?”
I folded my arms across my chest, expecting a different answer from thirty minutes ago.
“The truth. We are dating right now and when you stop running, we’ll get married,” he said.
I tossed my hands up in the air. Marcus released my luggage and tugged me closer to him by my elbow. “Baby, let’s take things day by day. You’re overthinking.”
Biting down on one-half of my lip, I agreed with a nod. Walking in front of Marcus, nerves danced in my stomach. After he unlocked the door, he dropped a heart-shaped keychain in my opened purse.
Relief flushed through me once I realized no one was awake. It was inching upon ten and everyone was passed out.
“The Allen women are early birds. They will be up at 6:00 a.m. making noise. My granny reads her Bible and cooks breakfast. Harley pops up thirty minutes after, waiting around and then gets dressed. I’m done with my run about 7:00,” he said.
I don’t get out of bed until 10:00 and some days 10:30, but I’m up all night watching sports news. Sometimes, I engage with social media posts and talk to sources. When Marcus led me down the opposite end of the hall to his bedroom, my heart smiled.
Standing in the bathroom, I changed into my silk pajamas and covered my locs. Excitement and fear both danced in theplayground of my heart. Marcus found a way, and I still couldn’t believe it.
“Mia, I’m ready to cuddle,” he said in a light, mocking tone.
We both cackled afterwards. Switching off the light, I walked out of the primary bathroom and headed to the bed. Marcus pulled back the blue linens, patting the mattress. I climbed in, lying on my side with my back to him and giggled. He gently slid me over, cuffing my body with his hands until I landed underneath him.
“This is your side of the bed,” he said, and I covered my mouth to hide my smile.
“Why are you lying on it?” I questioned.
“To keep you warm,” he said.
