I roll my eyes. “That’s a given.”
“So what’s Ava like? Is she cute?”
I smile when I think about that little girl. We may have just met, but there is something special about her. “She’s so sweet and tiny like Laken. Ava’s beautiful like her mom. She sure can tell outrageous stories for being only three.”
“Well, we can’t wait to meet her. We’ll make sure we have lots of kid-friendly snacks.”
“Sounds great. We’ll see you around noon. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
I disconnect and quickly send Laken a text. Ava’s sleeping, and I don’t want to accidentally wake her.
Chance: I’ll see you around ten in the morning. Is it okay if we take your car? My dumbass left my car at home, and I don’t think all three of us will fit on my bike LOL. I’ll pay for gas and drive too.
I set my phone down and pull up my laptop, working on my marketing project for a bit.
My phone buzzes, and I pick it up thinking it is Laken, but I roll my eyes when I see it’s Margot.
Margot: Hey, big guy. Meet me for drinks?
I set my phone down because I’m not even going to open that door. I focus on my laptop. While I research athletic wear, it dawns on me I’ve barely partied with my brothers since school started.
I grab my phone and send Trey a quick text.
Chance: Are you home, or are you staying here this week?
The dots begin to bounce.
Trey: I’m staying here. I picked up some hours at the deli.
Chance: I’m heading home for a couple of days. Laken’s going with me.
My phone immediately rings, and I’m laughing as I answer. “I knew you couldn’t help yourself. What’s up, brother?”
“Taking your girl to the parentals … nice.”
“It’s not a big deal. She’s met them before, and they love her. If you decide to come home, give me a call.”
We hang up, and I erase the text messages from Margot and her little posse. Laken must be asleep because she hasn’t responded, but she’ll see it in the morning.
I’m excited and nervous about bringing Laken and Ava home with me, but there’s something between us. I mean, we haven’t even had sex yet, and I can’t get enough of her. I want to know everything I can about her.
I do some burpees, push-ups, and mountain climbers before climbing into the shower where I jerk off with the taste of Laken’s arousal in my mouth—of course the taste is truly gone, but when I close my eyes I can taste the sweet, tangy flavor of her.
After my cock is spent, I quickly wash and then rinse off. All ready for bed, I pull my towel off and climb between the soft sheets and promptly pass out.
***
“Stop freaking out.” I glance at Laken as her knee bounces up and down. I reach over and grab her hand, lacing our fingers together. She sighs as I bring our joined hands up to my lips, kissing the back of hers. “You know them already.”
She smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes behind her sunglasses. In the rearview mirror I smile as Ava dances her teddy bear on her lap and kicks her little legs.
When they came out to meet me this morning, I felt my heart skip a beat. Laken and Ava looked very much like twins; they’re both wearing black flowy t-shirts, with white tank tops underneath. Their jean shorts are frayed at the bottom and on their feet are hot pink Chucks. They even have their brown locks in braids; of course, Laken’s is a lot longer and hangs over her shoulder.
The best part was when both of their faces lit up when they saw me. Ava ran toward me and let me scoop her up in my arms. Laken followed more sedately, but she let me kiss her right on the lips.
Ava giggled, and that made both of us laugh.
Now we’re about a half hour from Hermosa Beach, and Laken is a bundle of nerves. “Have you heard from you parents?”
“Mom called as they were getting on the ship. Reception will be spotty, but she wanted to check in one more time. I don’t think I could ever go on a cruise ship.”
“Yeah, I get it. I just don’t think I’d like to be stuck out on the ocean with nowhere to go.”
As she relaxes, her leg quits bouncing and she’s not fidgeting as we talk about mundane things. “When’s your next game? I was hoping you’d play a home game before my parents come to get Ava. I’d love to bring her.”
“We play Saturday at home and then Sunday we play in Fresno; we’ll be leaving Saturday night.” I squeeze her hand. “I’d love for you guys to come.”
She smiles at me and then looks out the passenger window.
We finally arrive at my parents’ house, and Laken climbs out and then goes to the backseat. “Are you ready to meet Chance’s mommy and daddy?”
“Oh yes, Mommy.” Ava smiles up at Laken and warms my heart. I climb out and grab our bags. Laken speaks softly to Ava, as if whispering a secret between the two, but I can’t make out the words. I can only clearly hear Ava reply, “I promise I be a good girl.”
Hand in hand they meet me on the sidewalk. Before we’re even up the sidewalk the door opens, and my parents and Pixy come out to greet us. Laken freezes and then looks up at me. “Is that a goat?”
“Goat!” Ava squeals and then pulls away from Laken. She stops a few feet away from my parents and Pixy, and we all wait to see what happens. Ava squats and holds out her hand.
Pixy makes his goat noise and pulls away from my dad, trotting over to Ava. I pull out my phone and start
