“Why are they laughing?” I asked as we made our way to my car.
After we stopped next to my door, Bronson let go of my hand. “Lyric is just being a goof.”
I was about to question him more but Stormi wrapped her arms around my legs and hugged them tight. “Bye Mom.”
Looking down at her, I shook my head. “You ready to get rid of me that bad huh?” I dropped to my knees and grabbed her, tickling her playfully.
She was crazy ticklish and laughed uncontrollably. Once I let up, I gave her one last hug and kiss before standing.
“Okay, you remember the rules, right?” I asked Bronson.
He let out a deep chuckle. “How can I forget when you only went through them five times on the way here?” The smile he wore was devious. “Bedtime is at midnight, three scoops of ice cream is a go, and Die Hard is the movie to watch.”
Following Ruby’s lead, I smacked Bronson in the stomach.
“Oof,” he let out on a grunt.
“Behave,” I warned as I got into my car. “I’ll call you two later.”
Rolling down my window, I started the engine and waved as I pulled away. That was when I heard Bronson yell.
“Talk to you in five minutes!”
The amusement in his voice was clear.
But I smiled knowing he was probably right.
Chapter Eight
BRONSON
It had beena walk in the park.
Stormi was adorable, funny, and easy to take care of. It was clear to see that even as young as Lake was when she had a child all alone, she was an exceptional mother.
I hadn’t been around many kids until Lyric had started inviting me to spend time with him, the rest of the guys, and their families.
I’d definitely surprised myself when I offered to take care of Lake’s daughter. But I was more than shocked when she said yes.
“Ready or not, here I come,” Stormi chanted.
My large frame was tucked under the kitchen table where I’d been thinking about the evening as Stormi counted. I hadn't a clue where to hide and only had ten seconds to find a spot.
The two of us had grabbed pizza on our way home, which we devoured while we watched themovie Frozen.That was a first for me but listening to the little girl as she sang along to the songs had me smiling. After that, we had one scoop of ice cream. I abided by Lake’s rules so she didn’t bust my chops, something I knew without a doubt she’d have no issue doing.
Then, Stormi had insisted since it was later and starting to get dark outside, that we play hide-and-seek in the house. Sothere I was, doing my best not to laugh as she walked around pretending to look for me, even though I noticed she’d spotted me right away.
“Oh no, where could he be?” she said, over and over, her voice full of mock uncertainty.
She was quite the actress.
Just as she was about to make another round through the house to draw out the game, my phone rang in my pocket.
Stormi spun around and looked at me, then yelled, “Found you!” After she raced my way and moved a chair back from the table, I crawled out.
“I think your mama gave me away,” I told her as she giggled.
Lake had called me a million times already—which I didn’t mind at all and understood—to check on her daughter, so I was sure it would be her again. When I pulled my cell out and looked at the screen, I chuckled at how right I was.
