Page 55 of Silver Player

“I don’t know why you’re fucking looking at me like that,” I say because I can’t help myself. I also can’t contain my laughter and neither does she. When Sadie laughs, her face lights up like motherfucking sunshine on the brightest day, and my chest does that strange gripping thing like I have indigestion. She’s beautiful despite the darkness of her features.

“You’re up,” she says, walking toward me, and I head for the ball pit. When we pulled up before the neon-lit Bing-Bowl sign, Sadie stared at the dark, low building. Her arms hugged the steering wheel.

“I’ve never been bowling,” she said, and I almost slipped off the passenger seat.

“Sacrilege,” I stated with a grin because deep down I was thrilled to share a first with my girl.

My girl. My daughter.

Bing-Bowl is owned by one of the less involved Rebel’s Edge members, although the joint is no less seedy looking. It’s located outside of town by a few miles.

“Don’t be telling your aunt I brought you here,” I warned her before we entered.

“So much for a relationship with secrets,” she jests, but I know Roxie might have a fit over the clientele. I’ve been here on several occasions, knowing no one is going to make a big deal of it. After all, I’m James Harrington’s kid brother, and although most motorcycle clubs require you to separate from your blood family, the Rebels aren’t one-percenters like that. James decided on his own to pull away from us.

Sadie takes a seat on the plastic bench, and I pick up my ball. Ironically, it’s blue like my own balls have been since last night with Roxanne, but hot damn was she sweet once she gave in to me. The hum to her voice has been a silent soundtrack in my head all day, and every time I think of her, I have an issue. Her taste on my tongue lingered, and I want another swipe at her. I want more of her, and the thought hits me hard, but not as hard as I grow thinking about her. I need to get myself under control before I embarrass myself in front of my daughter.

However, Sadie isn’t helping either as she keeps bring up the possibility of Roxanne and I dating. You like her, right? Of course, I like her. She’s Sadie’s aunt. But the lying liar who lies inside me knows it’s more than that.

I do like Roxanne.

I like how she fights me, but I love when she gives in. Like last night.

And dammit, I have a problem again.

Baseball. Butterscotch. Bitter beer. Any thought to help me settle down.

“Hiya, Billy.” A sugar-sweet voice says my name, and my spine shivers like someone scraped their nails down a chalkboard. Instead, hard-on softener. Slowly, I turn to face Kristy Moseley. Shit. “Been a long time, baby.” She struggles to take the two steps down to the platform in her high heels and then shuffles awkwardly toward me. She shouldn’t have those shoes on this wood floor, not to mention, she can hardly walk in the height, but I’m not about to reprimand her. I don’t want anything to do with her and my eyes shift to Sadie, who’s watching Kristy approach me with rapt attention.

Kristy reaches me and then reaches for me, her hand almost connecting with my chest, but I’m quick to catch her wrist.

“Whatcha up to this evening?” Kristy’s voice rises, and I know she’s been drinking. It’s how we ended up together the first and only time. Drinking…and bowling.

“I’m bowling,” I state the obvious, and my eyes drift to Sadie once again, who has crossed her arms over her chest and glares at the back of Kristy. Kristy turns to look over her shoulder, peering down at Sadie.

“Whatcha looking at, honey? He’s too old for you.”

“Don’t insult me.” Sadie smirks, and I see the expression of the girl when we first met, when she thought I was hitting on her, and I had no idea who she was. Funny how time has changed, and passed, and I wouldn’t go back. Wouldn’t go back to life without knowing Sadie.

I hold my breath, knowing what’s about to come next from Sadie.

He’s my dad.

But something stops her, her mouth hanging open and her eyes widening as she looks at me. She doesn’t say anything. An eyebrow tips, and I realize she’s waiting for me to explain who she is.

“This is Roxanne’s niece, Sadie.” My heart races in my chest, and I watch as the expression on Sadie’s face morphs from teasing to blank. Why can’t I say it? Why can’t I just introduce her? She’s my daughter, my head screams, but I remind myself I’m waiting to tell my family first.

“Who’s Roxanne?” Kristy turns back to me, and her eyes spark. Oh shit, I hate jealous women especially those who have nothing to be jealous of. Which isn’t exactly true, because it’s fucking adorable on Roxie that she’s all hot and bothered about some mystery woman she thinks I took against a wall. But I mean, this woman, the Kristy kind, who I don’t owe any explanation to.

“The owner of BookEnds. The bookstore across the street from the pub.”

“You hate that woman.” Kristy stammers in disbelief, and my eyes shoot over to Sadie, whose brows rise in question.

“I don’t hate her.” I speak to Sadie while I direct my answer to Kristy. Kristy cups my chin and turns my head to face her.

“Bookstore, you say? Heard you’ve been spending a lot of time over there lately.” Kristy’s drunk eyes narrow on me, but like I said, I don’t owe her anything. I tug my face away from her and take a step back.

“If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to get back to my date.” I wink at Sadie as I approach the seat and sit. “You’re up.”