7. Bowling and Bets
Mia
Sitting next to Marcus singing a kid’s version to a rap song warmed my heart.
Harley danced to the song, and I couldn’t help but giggle when I caught her head rolling.
The parts she loved most, she sang with more aggression.
Marcus tried holding my hand twice, sending my heart racing.
The first time, I moved it, pretending to push back my locs.
The second time, he touched my fingertips, and the air left my lungs.
I pulled out my phone to keep my hands busy.
Marcus seized my hand pulling it to his side of the car after we stopped at the red light.
Everything about our skin touching spoke to the lover in me.
Marcus was putting me on notice, and I don’t know if I held the resolve to resist his advances.
I focused my attention outside the window until his thumb caressed my skin.
He wanted my attention, but I didn’t have the courage to give in to his demand.
The hard, rhythmic beating of my heart relaxed once we parked at the bowling alley.
He unbuckled his seat belt and exited the car.
I followed suit, unbuckling my seat belt, and reached for the door.
“Ms. Mia, Daddy said girls are not supposed to open doors when he is around,” Harley informed.
I shifted in my seat to find her sitting with patience, kicking her skinny legs.
The independent part of me wanted to counter, but I decided against it.
A brush of air hit my arm as I turned to see Marcus standing next to my door.
He extended his hand for mine and I rested my hand in his large palm.
Harley sat and waited for Marcus to open the car door and help her out.
There stood a moment of uneasiness as Marcus reached for my hand again.
I secured Harley’s instead, putting her between us.
“All right, Miss Allen, once we get inside this building, it’s us against your dad,” I reminded.
She smiled, and it melted my heart.
“Harley, you cold-blooded for switching up on me,” Marcus said, and she giggled.
He gave me a loaded expression, letting me know he wasn’t done with me.
As we approached the front entrance, we lifted Harley into the air twice and she giggled hard.
Marcus opened the door for us, and we approached the check-in table.
“Mitch,” I said.
He stepped down from the shoe rental desk and hugged me.
His salt and pepper beard tickled my face as always.
Breaking our embrace, I introduced him to Marcus.
“Marcus and Harley, meet the bowling master, Mitch Norwood. He taught me everything I know about bowling,” I said.
“Aye, you’re the young wide receiver. You and Bryce got something special,” he said, and he extended his hand to Marcus.
The two shook hands.
Mitch kneeled to Harley, but she stood behind her dad’s leg.
This was the first time I’d seen her shy away.
“Let’s get you a lane and which ball are you using on Marcus?” Mitch asked.
I danced my head from side to side.
“Give me the purple beast,” I said.
Mitch sat his hand on the counter and dipped his glasses down.
“You’re going easy on him.”
Marcus pursed his lips upward but rested his hand on Harley’s shoulder.
We gave Mitch the shoe sizes, and I glared at Harley.
“She’s okay. Ever since my grandfather died, she has a fear of old men with gray beards,” Marcus said, and I lowered my eyes to her.
Kneeling, I extended my hands, and she jumped into my arms.
I caressed her back as she rested her head on my shoulder.
As Mitch approached, I moved away from the rental table.
“We’re at lane seven at the end,” Mitch said.
Marcus held our shoes and balls as I carried Harley to the lane.
I sat down, placing her in my lap.
“Hey, it’s okay. Let’s have some fun,” I said as I rocked her from side to side.
By the time I changed her shoes, the music and lights had changed her mood.
I noticed Marcus allowed me to comfort Harley without interruptions or correction.
Nathan would have taken over by now with a full critique.
Harley and I found the lightest ball possible and placed it in the ball return.
“Okay, Harley, you have to be careful. Let the ball come out first and stop moving before you reach. And Daddy and I will help you carry the ball,” I said.
Calling Marcus daddy was weird, but it flowed from my mouth naturally.
I switched my shoes as he loaded our names into the computer system.
Removing my purple ball from the bag, it shined, ready to whoop ass and take names.
“All right, Harley, it’s time,” I said, as her name popped on the screen.
We carried her ball to the rack, and she secured it on the bowling ramp.
“When you’re ready, push it,” I said and stepped backward.
My body bumped against something hard.
I looked over my shoulder to find Marcus.
He dipped his head low and whispered in my ear.
“Mia, stop running from me. I’m not letting up on you. Harley is the main reason I’m taking it easy on you now.”
His heated breath tickled my neck and a few other spots.
I swallowed hard, keeping my eyes focused on the ball creeping down the lane.
Leaning away from him, he followed my motion.
“Let’s make a bet. If I win, you will spend some alone time with me tonight,” he said.
I cleared my throat.
“And if I win?” I questioned.
“Name it,” he said.
Fuck, I wanted the alone time with him.
“I get a girl’s day with Harley without her daddy,” I said.
“Deal,” he said and planted a quick kiss on my neck.
Harley twirled in our direction as he stepped away, celebrating the four pins she knocked over.
“All right,” I said and positioned my hand for a high five.
We smacked hands before she ran to Marcus.
I removed the ramp and secured my ball.
With my purple beast in hand, I approached the foul line and curved the ball.
The pins laid down as they were supposed to.
I turned to find Harley clapping and her daddy smiling.
He placed Harley in a seat, and she motioned for a high five from me.
Marcus selected the black ball and walked to the foul line.
He positioned his body into perfect form and released the ball.
It curved, knocking down the pins.
“It’s your turn,” I said to Harley, and she walked to the bowling balls.
Marcus sat next to me and said, “I can’t wait to spend time with you tonight.”
“You first have to win,” I reminded.
“Ms. Mia, I’m ready,” Harley interrupted.
Going into the fifth frame, Marcus and I were tied, and he enjoyed it.
When Harley turned her back, he found some way to initiate touch between us.
With each encounter, my heart raced with a heated arousal, and we both sensed it.
I knew I needed to win if I planned to keep my legs out of the air.
Hell, but losing didn’t sound bad.
“For the tie breaker, the head pin has to drop last,” Marcus whispered in my ear as we stood behind Harley.
With our combined scores, Harley and I technically won.
Marcus and I had a private game going, and we were tied on the tenth frame.
I slapped hands with Harley as she ran back to me.
She knocked down five pins.
I lifted my purple ball and stood at the foul line, trying to adjust my angle.
Releasing the ball, I curved my body with the ball and slammed my eyes closed.
The first pin hit the ground first.
I turned to find Marcus smiling and Harley clapping.
They were celebrating for two different reasons.
Walking back to the seats, I slapped hands with Harley.
“Let me show you how it’s done,” Marcus whispered as he passed me.
Harley and I stood back and watched him approach the foul line.
He released the ball with ease, and it curved to perfection.
It missed the first pin, knocking down a few around it.
A domino effect caused the first pin to drop last.
Marcus walked back, licking his lips at me.
“Did we win, Ms. Mia?” Harley asked as she snuggled in my lap and peered up at me for an answer.
“Yes, we won,” I said, and we slapped hands as we celebrated.
And so did your daddy.
“Can we play another game?” Harley asked Marcus with hopeful eyes.
I sat back to observe how he was going to answer her question.
He kneeled and took her hands.
“Maybe another time. You have school tomorrow. It’s getting dark and Granny made us dinner,” he said.
“Can Ms. Mia come over?” Harley asked and smiled at me.
“If it’s okay with your dad. I would love to come over. Do you know what’s for dinner?” I questioned.
Harley’s smile stretched beyond her face.
“Greens and cornbread,” Harley said with bouncing brows.
At her age, she should have been this excited about fast food, but her soul was old being raised by a southern grandmother.
“Excuse me. Are you Marcus Allen?” two young boys asked.
The young man holding the football’s hands trembled as he awaited for an answer.
Marcus peered over to me and back to the boys.
“I’ll take care of Harley. Sign their balls,” I offered and encouraged Marcus to greet the two young boys.
The ride over to Marcus’s house mirrored our drive to the bowling alley.
We hadn’t made it to the first stoplight before he reached for a connection.
He seized my hand quicker than I could remove it from my thigh.
The texture of our skin brushing against each other fed the fire within me.
Floating, I didn’t notice or pay attention to how we arrived at his house.
We pulled into the driveway, and I examined the outer exterior of his home.
The white brick and dark roof gave it a modern appeal.
Marcus caressed my hand with his thumb before he released it.
I squirmed as he walked in front of the car to the passenger side.
I wonder why he didn’t push the seat up and let Harley out?
He opened my door, and helped me from my seat.
“Why didn’t you let Harley out first,” I asked.
“Do you want the filtered answer or the unapologetic truth?”
I folded my arms amused by this question.
“The unapologetic truth,” I selected.
“One, it teaches her patience and safety; two, I’m establishing you as her mother,” he said.
My mouth fell open at his response.
Marcus stood tall in his answer before I followed him to the driver’s side door.
Harley hopped out and grabbed my hand.
“Ms. Mia, I can’t wait to show you my room,” she said, leading the way but pausing at the front door.
Marcus hovered over me from behind.
He kissed my ear as he unlocked the door.
Harley burst inside, dragging me into the living room.
In a recliner sat an older woman with smooth wrinkled skin and salt and pepper hair.
A brown cane laid next to her as she rested her head with closed eyes.
Seeing she was resting, Harley paused her steps.
She gave me her lips with a pressed finger, signaling me to be quiet.
“I’m not sleeping,” a low but wise voice said.
Marcus chuckled as he stood behind us, placing a hand on my waist.
Mrs.
Allen sat forward, giving me a full examination.
I pushed Marcus’s hand away and gave her a smile.
“Hi, Granny. Did you sleep well?” Harley said.
She released my hand, and speed walked to her grandmother, hugging her neck.
Marcus tried tangling our fingers on the opposite side, but I shifted my hand away.
“I wasn’t sleep, I was resting my eyes,” she said, and I fought hard not to laugh.
Mrs.
Allen was sleeping with her mouth open.
“Granny, I want you to meet Ms. Mia. Remember, I told you about her last night,” Harley said and turned to me.
The pride in Harley’s eyes captured my heart.
Somewhere within two days, I’d made a grand impression on her.
“Ms. Mia, this is Granny,” Harley said.
“Hello Mrs. Allen,” I said and moved to greet her with respect.
She gripped the arms of the couch in an attempt to stand.
Before I could reach her Mrs.
Allen was halfway in an upward motion.
She blew out an exhaled breath but extended her arms.
“We give hugs around here,” she said before I embraced her.
The warmth from a grandmother could heal any opened wounds.
I inhaled the wisdom and grace she held hidden beneath her skin.
“I needed that hug more than you know,” I said after we seperated.
She fanned me away and set her focus on Marcus.
“Marcus, offer her a seat,” she scolded, and he complied.
“Mia, please have a seat anywhere you feel comfortable. But I would prefer for you to sit next to me,” he said.
I secured a spot on the couch and tapped the empty seat for Harley.
Marcus rounded the couch, beating her to it.
“Harley, come sit with us,” I requested with extended arms.
She squeezed between Marcus and I, forcing him to make room.
I noticed there were no family photos hanging on the walls but the atmosphere was still cozy.
“Are you stayin’ for dinner? I have greens and cornbread ready on the stove,” Mrs.
Allen asked.
The smell leaving the kitchen had already connected with my stomach.
“Of course, I’m never passing on home cooking,” I said.
“Help yourself,” Mrs.
Allen coached us to eat dinner.
I secured Harley’s hand.
“Let’s wash up and you can show me around the kitchen.”
She smiled and led me down the hallway.
Marcus
Eddy Allen gave me widened eyes and a smile as Mia and Harley descended the hallway.
“She is a keepa,” she said.
“How do you know?” I questioned my grandmother’s wisdom.
“I just know. She is going to take care of you and my Harley,” she said.
Mia and Harley walked into the kitchen and uncovered pots and plates.
She loaded my daughter’s plate first and helped her sit at the table.
I observed their communication and they synced with no issue.
Mia walked back into the living room giving me a warm smile.
“Marcus, I fixed your plate and placed it beside Harley. Mrs. Allen, would you prefer I fixed your plate?” she questioned
My grandmother gave me a smile before she answered Mia.
“No, baby, I ate as I cooked. I’m getting ready to watch the big wheel show in my bedroom,” she said.
Mia helped Granny stand and stabilize before she walked to her bedroom.
When the coast was clear, I pecked Mia’s cheek, and her eyes ballooned.
“Marcus, stop it,” she said through gritted teeth before she tapped my arm.
We migrated to the kitchen to the eight-seater, natural-brown table with gray upholstered chairs.
My loaded plate with collard and mustard greens, cornbread, and yams sat next to Harley.
Mia’s plate wasn’t nearly as full as mine.
She sat next to Harley, instead of me.
Mia knew I was going to rub those thick thighs underneath the table.
“Daddy, we have to say grace,” my daughter reminded me.
Mia and I locked hands with Harley, and I winked at my daughter to pray.
“God, we thank you for the good food and bless my granny, the cook, Amen.”
The way my daughter already had Mia wrapped around her finger made my heart smile.
I sat and watched the two bond over butterflies and rainbows.
“Daddy said if I was a butterfly, I would be the prettiest,” Harley said and Mia agreed as she listened.
“I agree. You are beautiful,” Mia affirmed.
Harley hiding her smile confirmed my pursuit of Mia was the right decision.
I wanted this, family dinners and conversation, moving forward.
Trusting people was hard for me, but I knew Harley would be safe with Mia.
We both would.
“And she is out,” Mia said as she stepped back into the living room.
Harley insisted she helped with her bedtime routine, including the bedtime story.
I turned down a sports analyst on USPN to give Mia my full attention.
“Thank you. My daughter adores you and sometimes she can . . . ”
Mia paused my words with her hand.
“She is no trouble. Kids keep us adults young and grateful.”
She moved around the couch and sat next to me.
I intended to get up, but I stretched my legs on the coffee table.
If Granny caught me, my ass would be grass, but it’s healthy to break the rules sometimes.
Mia gave me a displeased glare and I removed my legs from the table.
“Marcus, can I ask you?”
“Where is Harley’s mother?” I finished her sentence.
I knew she had been itching to ask me and I’m willing to bet she created her own narrative.
“According to the private investigator, LA. Harley doesn’t have any memories of her mother. She abandoned my daughter at the hospital. At first, I was mad, but looking back, she was sixteen, scared, and under pressure from her family.”
Mia caressed my hand, and I smiled at the texture of her skin brushing against mine.
“She hasn’t reached out at all?” Mia asked.
“No, she signed over her rights. The papers were waiting for me at the hospital. Since my grandfather died, it’s been me, Eddy, and Harley. My granny is aging and sleeping more. It worries the hell out of me.”
The concern in his eyes spoke to me.
“If you ever need help. I’ll step in. Outside of the studio, my job is remote,” she said.
I kissed her hand.
“Good, when can you move in?” I inquired.
Mia scanned my features to gather if I was joking.
I smiled, and she hit my arm.
“Are you ready?” I asked, and Mia squinted.
I knew she forgot about our bet.
“You owe me some alone time,” I reminded and danced my brows upward.
Mia’s mouth parted, but closed again.
Standing, I reached for her hand, and she granted me the pleasure of helping her stand.
I switched on the alarm with my phone as we exited the front door.
With our hands tangled, I led her to the passenger side, opening the door.
I rounded the front of my car, pacing my steps because I wanted to run.
Being in the same space with her elevated me above the clouds.
We pulled out of the driveway in pursuit of my alone time.
“Marcus,” Mia called, and I shifted the volume down.
“Yes, Mia.”
She glared at the side of my face but sat motionless.
Mia was an over thinker, but she would soon learn to express herself with me.
“Ask your questions. It’s all a part of the plan for you to fall in love with me,” I said.
Mia slanted her head and scoffed at the statement.
“Why are there no family photos at your house?”
Instead of getting on the highway, I veered to the right.
“Where are we going?” Mia questioned.
I kissed her hand and continued to drive.
We drove a few blocks before I pulled into the cobblestone driveway of my permanent house.
She was a five-bedroom, two-story house, but she needed work.
Right now, the brown exterior hid her true beauty.
Switching off the car, I looked over at Mia.
“The house we’re living in is a temporary rental. This is our home. I’m renovating it. Things are moving at a slower pace because during the season, I can’t focus on it.”
Mia took in the exterior of my house before she found my eyes again.
“Why can’t you pay someone? You got a monster rookie contract,” she said.
I narrowed my eyes before I joked, “You researched me and counted my pockets, huh.”
Mia tapped my leg and gave me a mug.
“Why pay someone when I could do the bulk of the work myself? My grandfather taught me everything about building a house from framework to sheetrock. And a house means more when your hands touch the foundation.”
Mia’s eyes warmed more than before as I continued to discuss my plans.
I pulled out my phone, showed her my ideas for the layout, and she rotated more into me.
“You’re amazing,” she said as I closed my phone.
“I try,” I said, and we burst into laughter and pulled out of my driveway.
On my way to Mia’s house, she willingly gave me her hand.
I kissed it at various points of the drive savouring the feel of her skin.
Parking in her driveway, I shut off the car, and we sat in silence.