Page 67 of The Lockdown Mann

“You came!”

“I did. And damn, girl. You killed it out there. Your dad was right. You’re better than I was at your age.”

Her pretty brown eyes widen. “You really think so? Daddy says I’m good, but he has to say that. And I actually watched some of your games and tried to model my movements on yours. Like I said before, you’re my favorite wide receiver!”

When I talked to her at Hunter’s house, I was more playfully prideful in what she said, but it’s hitting different today. With the way my relationship with Oak has changed, hearing Tiana say that means more to me than it likely should. Especially since the change in our relationship is just that we’re friends now who like to fuck, because Oakley’s sowing his oats with me.

“Why you telling him that again?” Oakley teases.

“I might ask her to say it one more time so I can record it,” I joke, then return my attention to Tiana. “Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it right. I’m honored you’re modeling your game after me. If it’s okay with your parents and you ever want me to show you some things sometime, I can.” Then, because it’s true, I add, “Not that I can show you anything your pops can’t.”

“Can we?” she asks. “I want to play with both you and Daddy!”

I’m surprised at the bubbly feeling that hits my gut—not the uncomfortable kind but one that almost feels like it’s floating. That would be fun, getting to play ball with Oak and his daughter that way.

“Do you have plans for the rest of the day, Desmond?” Sanaa asks. “We’re heading back to our place, and I’m making dinner. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude on family time,” I force myself to say. Their time with Oak is more limited during the season. Plus, I’m not sure if I belong at all, not with what we’re doing behind the scenes, considering their current complicated predicament. Maybe that’s not fair to Serena. Oak has said she’s pushed him to go out and enjoy life, if he can do it discreetly, but that doesn’t mean she would want to spend time with the man her ex is fucking. Knowing Oak, it would make him uncomfortable too. I was already surprised he even invited me here.

“The more the merrier,” Serena says. “It’ll be fun.”

I turn to Oakley, unsure of what I’ll see there and of what to say, but he’s already nodding, his lips curled up toward his eyes. “You should come…unless you can’t back up your claims.”

I cross my arms. “You’re gonna play it like that, huh?”

“Just calling it how I see it.” Oakley shrugs.

“You can’t let that go,” Evander adds, and even if the deal hadn’t been sealed before, it definitely is now.

“Text me the address,” I tell Oakley.

*

I shut down any second thoughts I have, shoving them to the back of my mind. Oakley wants me to come. Serena knows he’s spending time with someone, and I have to believe she wouldn’t care that it’s me, so I have every right to be there.

Oakley is waiting for me outside when I park at his in-laws’ place. He meets me at my car as I get out, hands stuffed into the pockets of his shorts. I can’t read his expression, and even though I want to step close, want to tug him toward me and kiss those pretty lips that look so good wrapped around my dick, I keep my distance. “You sure this is cool? If you changed your mind, I can make up an excuse and bounce.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I don’t want you to go.” The rich timbre of his voice damn near makes me tremble.

The urge to kiss him grows until it’s nearly unbearable, and I can’t stop myself from saying, “We don’t go in that house right now, then I don’t know if I’m going to be able to stop myself from sucking on that bottom lip of yours.”

He groans, a husky chuckle falling from his lips. “I was just thinking about how much I want to taste you too.”

“As you should.” I walk past him, making sure our arms brush as I do, and make my way toward the front door.

Oakley curses but goes with me, letting us inside. Everyone is in the backyard, enjoying the fact that it’s always beautiful in L.A.

They have a large, fenced-in yard that’s mostly weatherized for the lack of rain in Southern California, but there is a large area of what I assume is artificial turf that I know is common in the area. It’s too green and perfect to be real.

“Are you guys ready to play?” Tiana asks. She’s already changed out of her uniform from the game, wearing a T-shirt and basketball shorts.

“Give them a minute, baby girl. Desmond just got here,” Serena tells her. She’s got her braids up in a ponytail now. They were down at the game.

“I’m good to go,” I admit.

“Me too,” Oakley confirms.

Serena laughs before nodding toward the area for us to play.