Page 71 of Full Court Press

“Like hell,” Isaiah mocked. “Definitely following in his pops’ footsteps.” We all laughed while Nicole shook her head.

“Nicole. Don’t you look beautiful tonight,” Anais said, walking over and hugging her. “How are you feeling, mama?”

“Fat.”

Anais tittered. “That’s typical. But you are carrying him well. How much longer?”

“Three more tortuous months.”

“Hi, Uncle Izzy! Hi, Aunt Nicole!” Kiy finally greeted.

“Oh, now you see us?” Is asked, pulling Kiy in for a hug.

“Sorry.”

“It’s all good, baby girl.”

“Uncle Lilo, are you still coming to my recital next Saturday?” Isa asked me.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, princess.”

“Yay!”

“Is it time to eat yet? I’m starving,” Nicole said.

“Let’s get seated so I can feed my baby,” Isaiah suggested, moving over to the table with our names on it.

I pulled out Anais’s and Kiy’s chairs for them while they claimed their seats.

“You good, baby girl?” I asked Kiy.

“I am.”

I nodded and looked at Anais. “What about you, beautiful?”

“I’m fine, just need a drink.”

“I’ll get a server over. Let me go holla at your pops and the other big dawgs.”

“Okay, baby.”

I kissed her cheek then headed toward the crowd of men standing by the bar. Before I could reach them, my eyes zoned in on the woman at the far end of the wraparound bar. I frowned and tilted my head some to get a better look at her profile. When she laughed at the tall, dark-skinned woman standing next to her, showcasing a set of deep dimples, I knew my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.

Piper fucking Sawyer was here.

In my space.

In my realm. Again.

Before I could stop myself, my feet were moving in her direction. She must have felt my energy because she turned fully, and our eyes locked.

She was nervous.

I was pissed.

“What the fuck are you doing here, heartbreaker?” I asked the moment I made it to her. Her mouth opened then closed, then opened again, probably shocked that I had spoken to her like that.

She deserved more.