Page 38 of Blinding Lights

“A movie night? Can we watch Cinderella?”

“Cinderella? Really?” My brows lift as I question her. Ava doesn’t usually go for princess movies.

She nods enthusiastically and I school my features. “I’m sure Nana would love that.”

“Yay!” she cheers while I stare at the stranger in front of me. Where’s the little girl that prefers Cars or Toy Story? She experiences one sweet gesture from a handsome man and she’s completely changed.

As though drawn by the very thought of him, Beckett walks into my line of sight, and my pulse spikes. “I’m going to say goodbye to Mr. Beckett.” Ava bounces in excitement. “Is that okay?”

“Of course.” I smile, hoping she doesn’t notice the waver in my voice. “I’ll be right here.”

She runs away and Beckett greets her warmly, lowering to her level once again. And it doesn’t help my cause. Crushing on Beckett was one thing, but watching him with Ava is moving my feelings into dangerous territory, and I’m not at all ready for that.

After Ava leaves, the wedding party is announced, with each of us partaking in ridiculous theatrics—Dean and I pretend we’re going to do the lift from Dirty Dancing, but I run away at the last second, feigning panic, and the room erupts in laughter.

Henley and Atlas one-up us when she launches a can of beer like she’s throwing a football and it lands perfectly in Atlas’s hands, before she rushes forward to meet him, knocking the beer back like it’s a sport.

Gotta love her.

When the energy calms, I instantly seek out Beckett, wanting to thank him again for what he did for Ava, but an hour passes without any luck. Every time I find him, he’s locked in conversation, and I almost consider rescuing him a few times, knowing how much socializing affects him.

Another thirty minutes later, I’ve all but given up my efforts, opting for a breather in the gardens alone, when I feel a presence behind me. A warmth floods my veins, and I don’t have to look to know that it’s Beckett.

All it took was one kiss and he had me in his hold.

One moment with my daughter and I’m wanting things I shouldn’t.

My pulse quickens as I slowly turn toward him.

If I’m already feeling this way, what comes next?

Chapter Eleven

BECKETT

Ava’s tiny palm meets with mine, and my heart races as she blindly hands me her trust. I’ve been in either flight-or-fight mode since I first saw her pause at the end of the aisle, and it’s safe to say I’m just as shocked by my reaction as anyone else that knows me.

I went to her aid.

I willingly threw myself into the center of everyone’s attention, and I did it with a genuine smile. Who the hell am I?

We walk hand in hand up the aisle, following behind the bride and groom as they leave, multiple sets of eyes burning me as I pass them. The tightness in my chest fuels me to keep moving, and it’s not until we’re away from the crowd that I finally relax.

Until Ava’s grasp tightens.

“Can you please stay with me for a minute?” she asks, shocking me with how articulate she is. Not that I know how articulate she should be.

I force a grin and nod, guiding her away from the entry and off to the side.

“How come you don’t play for the Phantoms?” she queries when we’re settled, her forehead pinched in confusion. “Auntie Henley loves them and she’s your sister.”

Auntie Henley? Jesus. My heart lurches as an awkward chuckle bubbles from the back of my throat. I really have no idea what’s going on with my family. My mom and sister are attached to this little girl like she’s their own flesh and blood, and I barely knew she existed.

Wide inquisitive eyes stare up at me, waiting patiently for a response, and an unwanted warmth runs through me. I’m already throwing my life into chaos with my developing feelings for her mom; I can’t let this little girl get to me too.

“Unfortunately, football players don’t often get to choose where they play,” I tell her, and her frown deepens. “The Phantoms didn’t need a quarterback when I first started playing.”

“Ooh. Okay.” She nods a few times though her eyes still hold the hint of a question. “Auntie Henley said I have to cheer for the Phantoms, but Mom was clapping for Storm too, so I don’t know.”