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Just when Ianticipate that Addison may need to spend the night because Race won't let her leave without beating her at least once, the doorbell chimes, interrupting our intense Uno battle. I jump up, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me. As I open the door, Brando is met with the sound of his daughter giggling.
“It looks like you guys are having fun,” Brando says with a smile, looking from Addison back to me.
“Dad, you're just in time for the ultimate showdown! Will you take on the reigning Uno champion?”
Brando smirks, his gaze playfully challenging.
“That's only because you always get the Wild cards, Wild Woman!” Race laughs back.
Urging Brando to step in, I close the door behind him.
His tight blue polo shirt reveals powerful arms and a chiseled chest.
I swallow, my heart skittering.
Damn! He looks good in business casual!
“Did everything go well at the meeting?” I ask in an effort to keep my head clear.
“Yes, everything went according to plan. The board should be getting off my back pretty soon.” He grins, and before I can ask him to elaborate, he changes the topic. “Enough about business. I want in on the next game. Prepare to be defeated, princess.”
Race, always quick to jump in, elbows me with a grin. “Looks like Daddy Sanders is about to enter the lion’s den. Good luck, my friend!”
I can't help but chuckle at Race's comment, but as I peek at Brando, I catch him stealing glances at my roommate. Why does he keep looking at Race? Maybe he is just captivated by his charm and vibrant energy…. I make a mental note to ask him.
“Alright, Brando, you're in for a challenge,” I say, stepping closer to him, our eyes locked in a playful battle of their own.
“But be warned, Addison is the reigning champion for a reason. She's got some seriously impressive Uno skills.”
Addison nods, her eyes shining with determination. “That's right, Dad. You better bring your A-game.”
Brando grins, a flicker of competitiveness gleaming in his gaze. “Challenge accepted, Addison. Let's see if I can give you a run for your money.”
We settle in at the table, and as the cards shuffle, the room fills with laughter, playful taunts, and the occasional dramatic gasp when a wild card is played. Addison's strategic moves impress us all, while Brando puts up a valiant fight, occasionally letting his daughter win with a wink and a smile. The banter between us flows effortlessly, the quick-paced dialogue keeping the atmosphere light and amusing.
As the game reaches its climax, I steal glances at Addison, marveling at the bond we've formed in such a short time. It's as if we've known each other for ages. She is comfortable with me, and I can't help but feel a sense of protectiveness and affection toward this bright, resilient young girl.
“Looks like I've met my match,” Brando admits, a mixture of pride and jest in his voice as he places a card on the table.
Addison grins, her victory dance punctuating her triumph. “Another win!”
Brando raises an eyebrow, an expression of surprise on his face. “Are you sure you're not cheating, pumpkin? I suspect some secret Uno skills you're hiding from us.”
I join in the playful teasing. “Oh, she's definitely got some secret Uno powers. We've witnessed it firsthand.”
The room erupts in laughter, the tension from the game dissipating. In this moment, it feels like a glimpse into a possible future world, each card played intertwining us closer.
Brando's gaze keeps returning to me, the weight of it making my body hum. I blush as his eyes drag like velvet across my face. And yet, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to the way he looks at Race, his curiosity dancing on the edge of recognition.
Brando smiles, clears his throat, and looks away, breaking the spell. “Well, it seems like we've overstayed our welcome. We should get home, little one.”
Addison pouts, her eyes pleading. “Dad, can't we stay for one more game? We were just getting started!”
Race, never one to miss an opportunity, chimes in with a mischievous grin. “Yeah, Brando, we need a chance to reclaim our honor and defeat the reigning champion.”
Brando hesitates, his eyes darting between Addison's hopeful gaze and me, and I’m certain he feels the undeniable chemistry buzzing between us.
