The center lobbed the ball through his legs, and Sierra caught it, rotating the leather until her fingers lay on the laces like I’d shown her, all the while watching for the back tight end to get open. With a swing of her arm, she threw the ball, connecting with Maddox. He made it three steps before he was tackled. First play, first down.
A cheer broke out in our team’s section of parents. I gave Sierra the next play and looked over to the crowd. Nicole had her cell phone to her ear, hand gesturing wildly as she paced back and forth like a caged animal. Looked like someone else had the same idea of giving the deadbeat a piece of their mind.
The first half of the game flew by. The ref blew his whistle, then tired, sweaty kids jogged over to the benches. Eric and I handed out waters, encouraging each player with a word or two. We’d made some good plays that resulted in two touchdowns, but so had the other team. We’d be going back into the second half with an even score, and I hoped that didn’t discourage any of the players.
Like so many times over the past twenty-five minutes, I found myself glancing over to Nicole. She’d put her phone away and now stood talking with her friends. Her arms were crossed, and she seemed upset. Molly laid her hand on Nicole’s shoulder. I wished I could sneak away for a minute. Nicole wouldn’t appreciate me offering any sort of comfort. Especially not gathering her up in my arms in an attempt to shield her from the ugliness and pain in this world. But I could reignite that fire in her eyes. Nicole without a spark was like the ocean without waves.
“You like my mom, don’t you?”
I startled and looked down to find Sierra at my side. She stared across the field at Nicole as well.
“It’s okay if you do,” she said. “I think she’s pretty awesome, but she does seem to scare guys away.” She peered up at me. “Are you scared of her?”
No point in hesitating. “Petrified.”
She grinned then sobered. “Does that mean you’re going to run away, too?”
I glanced back at Nicole. Her shoulders rose and fell as if she’d taken a huge sigh, then she shook her head at something Jocelyn had said.
My focus returned to Sierra. I should probably tell her that we shouldn’t be discussing her mom like this. Goodness knew Nicole would be stark raving mad if she were aware. But Sierra looked up at me with her too-solemn expression. That grown-up eye-to-eye thing she did even though she was only eight. She was being dead serious and expected me to answer in kind.
If I were able to have kids, I’d want one just like Sierra. With her killer arm and fearlessness. Her compassion and old-soul eyes.
I knelt on the ground in front of her, aware this was a conversation better had off a sports field with a lot less spectators. “What do you want?”
She ran her hand over her braid in a self-conscious gesture. “I like you.”
“I like you too.”
She peeked at me from behind her lashes. “And my mom?”
I expelled a breath. “I like your mom too. But I don’t think she likes me.”
Sierra nodded vigorously. “Oh, she likes you.”
“Did she say that?” I tugged at my ear.
She deflated a little. “No. But I know her. She’s stubborn, but she likes you.”
“So, I shouldn’t take no for an answer then?”
Her eyes widened in horror. “You always take no for an answer. Especially if it’s a girl telling you no. Didn’t your mom teach you about boundaries and consent?”
I hid my laugh with a cough. “Yes, sorry. Not quite what I meant.”
She gave me a look that held a pound of reprimand. “Mom is big on consent. Don’t ever try to kiss her without seeking her permission first.”
A strangled sound emitted from my throat. “Who said anything about kissing?”
She crossed her arms. “You don’t want to kiss her?”
I glanced around, really hoping someone would save me from this conversation. Eric had the rest of the players huddled around him.
I swallowed hard. “I didn’t say that.” I mumbled my admittance. Truth was, I’d been wondering more and more what kissing Nicole would be like. Would her passionate spirit start a fire within me, causing me to burn from the inside out?
Sierra nodded once. “Then it’s settled.” She walked over to join her teammates.
My gaze found Nicole once more, and I traced the outline of her profile. If I asked for a kiss, I’d get slapped in the face. I shook my head. If only life were as uncomplicated as it was through the eyes of a child.
