Page 42 of Face Off

“Having fun?” he asked, glancing over my shoulder.

I held up the camera. “Yeah, but I’m technically working.”

“That’s not fun.” He took the camera from me and aimed it at me. “Smile.”

Before I could argue, an arm wrapped around my shoulders, and I was too shocked and confused to do anything but squeal.

“Oh, yeah. That’s a good one.” Mitch laughed, still taking pictures.

“He said smile,” a familiar voice whispered.

I relaxed and finally smiled at the camera, and Mitch nodded.

“Beautiful.” He handed the camera back and winked before walking off, leaving me alone with Mikey.

“You scared me.” I poked his chest.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” He shrugged. “Where’s mini-me?”

I laughed. “Sadie?”

“Yeah. Your mini-me.”

“She’s off with Addi and Sydney somewhere. I think they went to the jump house.”

He frowned.

“Why?” I thought maybe the other day at the park was a fluke. That he was playing with the kids out of obligation or something. Like maybe he was showing off or trying to impress … someone. Not me, of course. But again? Did I misinterpret his reaction to finding out I had a daughter? It was pretty obvious that night at Chloe’s, but maybe I was wrong.

“Because she’s my bud, and I wanted to see if she wants to get a balloon animal with me.”

Was he serious? He had to be putting on an act.

I started laughing again when his frown deepened. “It’s not like I can go over and ask for one by myself. I need a kid with me.”

I waved around. “The park is full of them.”

“Yeah, but I’m very particular.”

“I’m not sure how you’re going to find her. There are so many people here.” Chloe and Cam warned me that the turnout for events like this was crazy, but I didn’t think the entire metropolitan area would show up.

“Let’s walk around together. Four eyes are better than two.” He nodded in the direction of the jump house.

I was really supposed to be getting pictures of the players, and him, so in a way, this was what I needed. I shouldn’t fight it. Even though it felt like I was cheating, like I shouldn’t be having too much fun.

“Okay.” We headed off, weaving through the crowd.

Any time someone stopped him to ask for a picture or autograph, I stepped away so I could document the moment.

I wanted to show all this proof to the team’s management and make them realize how loved he was.

“Is that her?” He pointed to the opposite side of the park where the swings were located.

“Yeah.” I recognized her blond hair and all-pink outfit. She dressed herself again, and I wasn’t up for arguing.

“She’s got a thing for the swing.” He stopped mid-step. “Hey, that rhymed.”

I burst out laughing. “You’re pretty proud of that one.”