Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(45)

Looking at Valentina and their children only makes me think of how unique and beautiful my own daughter is and makes me want more children with Tam. Uri murmurs something to the amused looking Valentina and she smiles up at him. I look at Tam and smile, I wonder if we look that in love.

I haven’t missed that almost all of Tam’s friends are in interracial relationships, which makes me think I really did over react all those years ago. Tamara gives me more shit about being country than being white these days. And that is always in good natured fun.

“Nice to meet you all,” I say as I break out of my thoughts.

“Monroe, we may play two different footballs but I think we can find something in common about ourselves. These ladies are about to get crazy. I think we should make a break for it now,” Nico laughs as Reese slaps his arm and the other women give him the eye.

“I agree with the boy,” Byron says as he steps to my side and pats me on the back.

I nod at the man I hope to call my father in law. All the men head off as the women start to talk excitedly. Uri and Nico walk ahead as they see the go carts and the other players. I plan to catch up with them in a few, but first I have some business. I look at my father who is walking in step with us and give him a nervous nod. He catches on and picks up his pace.

“Mr. Hathaway, I was hoping to get a moment alone with you,” I say after clearing my throat.

“Is that right,” he asks as he turns to look at me.

“Yes Sir, I was brought up in an old fashion way,” I start then clear my throat. “My mama and daddy wouldn’t think it right if I didn’t come to you with my intentions for Tam. I know we did things a little out of order and I know things weren’t right for a long time, but I need you to know. I love your daughter more than my own life.

“I plan to do everything I can to keep my family safe happy and loved. So Sir, what I am trying to say is that I want to ask you for Tam’s hand,” I rush the last part out before I lose my cool.

“Son, I believe you have realized I am an observant man. My baby girl hasn’t been happy for a long time, but when I look at her now it fills my heart with joy. She has found her happiness and I believe she has found it in you. I give you my blessing, Brad. Just remember she is my most precious gift.

“I think you understand this because Ellie has wrapped you around her finger. Just remember how precious Brielle is to you with every decision you make with her mother. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want another man to do to your daughter when she is old enough to fall in love,” Byron says firmly as he stops to turn and look me in my eyes.

I nod my head a little choked up. I can only hope that Ellie finds a man that loves her as much as I love her mama. “I’ve made my one mistake with Tam the night we met. I suffered for five years because of it and missed out on things I can never get back. I am all out of mistakes, Sir. I plan to treat Tamara like the queen she is,” I say in all confidence.

“Well as your future father in law I will tell you this. Your competition has just arrived and he has wanted my Tamara something fierce. I don’t think he is above stepping on another man’s toes either,” Byron says and nods pointedly in the direction we just came from.

I turn quickly to see what he is referring to. Rage boils in my chest as a tall brown skin man pulls my woman into a hug. I clench and unclench my fists knowing it would not be a good idea to cause a scene right after asking for Tam’s hand.

“That would be Mike. Nice boy but he is not looking to stop playing the field. My baby doesn’t need that,” Byron grunts.

“I got this,” is all I say before stalking over to where my woman is standing with this Mike guy’s arm draped around her shoulders.

Stacey and Reese, who are both facing me, have amused looks on their faces. One thing we don’t do in Texas is touch another man’s woman. This is my woman and he is about to learn that.

B

I am a little uncomfortable with how aggressive Mike is being right now. I had invited him to the party months ago when we were still texting each other and going on dates here and there. I guess I should have told everyone he was no longer welcome. He had to have gotten the address from Stacey or Ellerie or something.

From his possessive hold on my shoulders I figure he has heard about Brad. Hell if you live in Texas it is hard not to know about me and Brad after those pictures and the speculations behind them. I tug to step out of his hold, but he just tightens his hold. I don’t want to make a scene so I grit my teeth and smile.

That’s when my body starts to hum and the hairs stand up. Oh God, Brad please don’t make a scene, I groan inwardly. Suddenly large muscular arms are wrapped around my waist pulling my back into his chest and out of Mike’s hold. Brad’s hand comes up, cupping my face and turning it up to his.

His full lips crush mine, taking them in a passionate and possessive kiss. I am stunned as my brain short circuits and I melt into his arms. When he breaks the kiss his blue eyes are sparkling with lust and mischief as he stares back at me.

I hear giggles and chuckles behind us and turn to see my mother smiling happily. Reese raises a brow and her glass at Brad. My eyes land on Mike and he is fuming as he takes in Brad from head to toe.

“Damn,” Stacey snorts.

“Exactly,” Valentina mutters.

“I like him,” Reese laughs.

Mike looks like he is about to make his own comment when Brielle comes flying over out of nowhere. “Daddy,” she squeals happily. She runs right into Brad’s leg. “Daddy, you promised to drive me in a go cart. I want to race Nori, his daddy is going to drive him.”