Cocky Striker - Evan Grace Page 0,44
picture of Ava with Santa, and when we FaceTimed, his mom popped on to tell me how cute Ava was and that they had a gift for her. Chance’s parents are literally the best.
I haven’t told my parents about running into Brandon and his family because it would only upset them. They still feel like it was their fault that they didn’t know what was going on. It wasn’t their fault; he taught me how to be a really good liar and sneaky.
Mom comes out and grabs a cup of coffee and then sits next to me. “We only have a few minutes before your dad gets back. How are things with Chance?”
I’m pretty honest with my mom, or at least I am now. “Good, really good. I think I’m falling in love with him, but I can’t tell him. I don’t want to scare him.”
She smiles widely. “Oh, honey, that’s wonderful. I love him for you.” Mom takes a sip, and I do the same. “I can’t wait to go dress shopping. This party he’s taking you to sounds really swanky.”
“I know, but he’s assured me it’ll be a good time. Since I didn’t get to go to prom, I’m looking forward to getting all dolled up.”
“You’re being careful when you’re intimate, aren’t you?”
My face feels like it’s now on fire. “Of course, w-we are.” God, this is embarrassing. “He takes care of me. I promise.”
“Why do you seem so blue, baby?”
“I’m not; I promise. I just … well, we haven’t really talked much, and I know it’s because he and I both have been busy, but I guess I just miss him.”
She smiles. “I’m so happy for you, honey. I don’t know what will happen with the two of you, but you deserve someone amazing who is going to cherish not only you, but Ava too.”
I wrap my arms around Mom and hug her tight. “Thank you … for everything.”
“Who wants donuts?” My dad and daughter come through the front door.
Ava comes running to me, and I grab her, lifting her onto my lap for kisses and snuggles. “Did you and Papa go get donuts?”
“Yes, we gots wots and wots.”
We sit around the table, and I grab myself a glazed raised donut, picking the hardened glaze drips from the bottom of the delicious pastry and popping them in my mouth. Ava eats a cake donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles—wait, let me rephrase that; she’s eating the sprinkles and icing off and then will eat the donut.
Jay joins us, sitting next to his niece and snagging a chocolate long john. By the time we’re done, Ava’s got a chocolate ring around her mouth. Per usual, she fights me as I wipe her mouth off.
“Stop, Mommy, I’m aww cwean.”
I help her down, and she runs into the living room. The sound of The Little Mermaid playing causes me to roll my eyes at my mom and Jay to laugh. My brother bought her several of the old Disney movies.
She’s already watched it three times. Don’t get me wrong, it was one of my favorites when I was younger, but if I hear “Under the Sea” one more time I’m going to scream.
“Honey, you were the same way. You and Jay both had movies you’d watch on repeat.”
The doorbell rings, and my mom hustles out of the kitchen. I look at Dad, and he just shrugs.
“Chas, yow’we hewe.” My girl’s excited squeals cause me to jump up and run out into the living room.
There he is in all his sexy glory. Ava’s in Chance’s arms, hugging him around his neck. I run to him, throwing my arms around him and my daughter. “What are you doing here?” I smile up at him.
“I was missing my girls, so I thought I’d bring your presents.”
That perks Ava right up. “Pwesents? For me?” She pulls back and smiles at him.
“Yep, for you and your mommy. Let me put you down so I can go out and grab them.” He sets her down and then wraps his arms around me and quickly kisses me. “I missed you,” Chance whispers when he pulls away.
“I missed you too.”
I watch him disappear outside and find my mom and dad standing there. “Did you guys know about this?”
Mom smiles. “Aubrey called me last night. He wanted to surprise you.” I notice she has her shoes on. “Your dad and I are going for a drive, and your brother is heading to Claire’s. Give you guys some time alone.”