"Parker barrels down the court, spins away from defense, stops short... He passes back to Greene; Greene takes two steps and gets cornered from Jefferson. Greene looks to pass to Cross but, oh wait! Oh wait! Parker slips out of his block, has the ball by the three-point line, and....."

The buzzard echoes through the stands as the smooth swish makes it perfectly in the basket. My feet land softly behind the three-point line.

"TERPS WIN TERPS WIN! THE BRACKET IS BUSTED ALL ACROSS THE NATION, THE TERPS ARE HEADED TO THE CHAMPIONSHIPS!" The announcer sounds like he is about to explode out of the booth.

The blow horns go off and the roar of cheers in Olers Stadium shake the gymnasium floor.

"OHH OH OH OH OH!" The crowd sings along to Seven Nation Army by Jack White. It's a staple chant for Baltimore sports teams, like the Ravens and Orioles. Warmth spreads across my heart because I know they did it to remind me of home.

A euphoric rush surges through my veins. My skin is buzzing, my ears muffling out the ruckus around me, and a childlike joy surface. Shutting my eyes closed, I pull up the memory of Mom and I at the park from my first win at baseball.

"Jaylan you did it! I'm so proud of you!" Mom exclaims, hugging me. Her favorite signature Moonlight Path from Bath and Body Works engulfs me. The material of her scrubs feels so silky on my sweaty skin.

She was proud of me, kissing she kiss my forehead.

Choking back to the moment, my eyes flip open. I gasp for air, taking my index finger and pointing up to the air to dedicate this moment to my mom

"Did you see me hit it hard?" I beam.

The feet of my teammates sound like a herd of elephants coming over towards me.

"I sure did! It went so far, it was out of this park, right Uncle Eve?" Mom teases, looking up at Uncle Steve.

He presses his lips at the nice name that stuck with him. "Right, we got our own Joe Durham on our hands." Uncle Steve rubs his hand on my head.

The first embrace hits me like a mack truck, which is Jordy. "We did it!"

Oh Shit.

Oh Shit.

We did it... We fucking did it!

Oh Shit.

Placing my hands on the back of my head, my mouth gapes open as the roars of cheers from the area rain down around us. Andrew wraps his arms around me, the contact hitting me like a truck hitting me. More and more smashes pile in, everyone crowding around in happiness.

We are going to the championships.

Oh shit.

"YEAHHHH!" Marcus shakes me around as I bend down on my knees, trying to catch my breath.

This is really happening.

Reporters come flooding in the court as we slap our hands against the Duke players, who look absolutely pissed at their defeat. With clenching jaws and turned up noses, like the sore losers they are, I feel zero remorse.

We did it.

A smile pulls on my face as music fills the area with a million reporters with chatter talking. My eyes catch a glimpse of the Washington Wizards' representative. I give an acknowledgement of a smile and he smiles back. He looks over and talks to Mason, the Under Armor representative discussing business. My heart beats quicker as they smile and glance back at me.

The more I think about it, the more I want to play for the Washington Wizards solely from being close to home but also just the team ethic of the coach mirrors Coach T's approach. I know Uncle Steve would feel like the king of the world knowing I would be playing for his favorite team. I have plenty of options and hope for any draft selection but for right now Wizards are my radar.

A loud howl draws my attention. "Time to celebrate!" Xavier giddily jogs back.

With Testudo's lead, we jog back to the locker room. Loud chatter and excited celebrations erupt in the locker room. Voices and roars bounce off the cement walls, along with the distinct post-game smells we accumulate.

Jordy pulls out his busted five below speaker, making us all laugh as he turns up maximum volume to 'All we do is win.'

I chuckle softly, shaking my head at my brothers' nonsense and silliness as I sit on the bench. I shut my eyes and all I see is Lizzie's sadness then Mom... on the sofa. The random thought strikes through the joy warming my heart.

I wish Mom was here.

Some of my team's family has arrived including Marcus mom which is a big deal and I've never seen Marcus so softened at sight of her sitting next to his gingered minstress. As great as it was to see, I will admit I was jealous no one was here for me.

I pushed away the sight of my empty seats the best I could and channeled my focus on the game. The energy of the game was battling with the emotion that Lizzie's not here or Mom really struck me but it motivated me to push through the entire game tonight. It really helps not thinking of the negatives that push me through but the positive memories of her, like winning my first baseball game.

It helps so much.

My hearing must have come back because Jordy's cheering loudly with the team and dancing with Testudo.

I'm glad to share the moment together with my brothers, even though there is one person who deserves to be here every step of the way.

Lizzie.

This morning when she called me because she wanted me to be there with her to go see her dad wrecked me. I've never felt so sick in my entire life than I did at that moment. Helplessness tore into me and filled my eyes with tears.

I couldn't be there for her as she has always been there for me. Her brown sugary eyes made every fiber in my being ache. But she turned the situation around when she introduced me to her parents. She had to translate some things but it was good to finally meet them.

Lizzie is a spitting image between her mom and dad. The dimples, the soft honey brown skin, shape and color of her eyes are just a replica of them. I can see she gets her shy, well-mannered behavior from her Mom and her wits from her dad. Even though the situation was not a happy one, I was happy her dad gave me the blessing to date his precious cotton candy storm maker. I'm not too sure what her mom thought, considering her eyes were glued to my tattoos. I will say it's a lot to take in, considering all my body is covered and I do look intimidating but I don't want her to be.

There is another blessing I would like to have but I want to ask Lizzie's parents in person, if it's possible.

I really want to marry Lizzie.

The vulnerability Lizzie displayed through showing her dad in that state really showed me how much she trusts me and maybe even loves me. I wish I would have said it this morning but something is telling me to wait until she gets here.

She deserves her confetti kiss moment.

A smile pulls on my face as I look at my phone and see Lizzie's name come across the screen

Giggles🧸: I get my confetti kiss now! You did so good tonight and you didn't push that mean guy down like he did to you. I'll talk to you tonight Clifford!

Breathing a chuckle, I put my phone in my short pocket and I turn to see all my brothers happy on cloud nine. Coach T comes in, trying to hide his big smile, and rests his left leg on the bench.

"Alright alright alright!" Coach T waves down the excitement.

I know he is as happy as a tree frog, just the way he tries to put on his coach face but his smile cannot be contained. The corners of his mouth twitch, fighting him to break out in joy.

"Coach, it's okay to smile," Taylor teases.

We all laugh but Coach T furrows his brow and taps his rolled up playbook on Taylor's head.

"I just want to say I'm so proud of you guys tonight, you push through and it wasn't easy with all the unnecessary calls from the referees and the constant booing but what I want to tell you is that you guys endure and that is something to be proud of to endure when things get tough." Coach T says, looking at each one of us.

My heart skips when he looks right at me and gives me an extra nod. "I know tonight you guys want to celebrate but I do ask you to be responsible because we have practice and workouts bright and early."

"On Jesus' day?" Marcus jokes, holding his hand over his heart.

We all laugh and Coach T presses his lips at Marcus. I know Coach will be ready for this season to end, especially with Marcus' jokes and jabs at him. But if we look at a microscopic level, Coach T loves Marcus just like his own and would do anything for him.

Damn, I'm going to miss this. Not the smell of body odor and sweat burning my nose but the shared smiles, pride, and brotherhood. Even the small moments, fist bumps, daps, congratulating and roasting each other, watching highlights, I'll miss each guy here that I'm lucky to call more than teammates.

Coach breaks up my moment with a loud hand clap. "Alright, let's get going. Shawn, Xavier you have an interview with me, rest of you... I'll see you at eight in the morning."

We silently grumble and Marcus wraps a sweaty arm around Coach T, who slants his eyes at him. Marcus whispers in his ear and I give them a moment when I see Coach T's eyes water as he nods.

I turn to see the happiness on their faces is relief, hard work and well deserved. We have fought so hard, practiced and worked together as a team. This is our time, everyone's time and we are almost there.

"Cap, are we going out tonight?" Hollis relaxes his smile, putting his Nike duffle bag on his shoulder.

They all look at me for a decision but I know the best decision for me is to go home to speak to Gummy Bear Bandit. She would furrow her eyebrows at me if she knew I turn down fun to be with her but I can't help it.

"Yeah, I need beer and bitc... I mean ,I need beer." Taylor sheepishly grins, when I slant my eyes at him.

"If Jaylan pays, I'm all in," Jordy teases and I press my lips at him.

Everyone looks at me eagerly, knowing they want to go out and just relax. "I mean it's up to you guys but just remember the hawk is watching." I laugh, placing my Under Armor bag on my shoulder.

Jordy frowns. "You're not going, are you!" he whines.

Pressing my lips at Jordy, he folds his arms but mumbles that I better take him out for PB&J day tomorrow. I bet Lizzie's family probably has a whole party for it.

"What is Coach T going to do?" Another teammate Tommy shouts, making sure Coach T hears him.

"A LOT and watch it, Jones!" Coach T booms back, leaving the locker room with Shawn and Xavier. We all laugh and I shake my head as we follow after them out the door.

Photographers and reporters await as they yell for Coach T's name as they head to the press room. The rest of us head towards the exit to head back to the hotel.

"We should go to Yard House, because we heard there was some kind of event tonight," Jordy suggest, opening the door.

I smile as he takes an initiative. After months where he wouldn't leave his room, it warms my heart that he feels like he can do so.

"That sounds fun, Jaylan are you going to go?" Marcus pushes open the locker room door.

"Uhh.. I'm probably going to catch up with Squeaker, honestly," I note, as my throat burns a little.

Everyone looks at me because they know I have been absent in team activities since I heard the news about Lizzie. Even meals I've been eating in the hotel room because I'm making myself available whenever she needs me. Even with Coach T burning eye lasers at me during practice, I didn't hesitate to answer her call.

"How is she doing?" Hollis inquiries on my left side.

As much as I want to say she is strong and doing just fine, I can't. This is the most fragile moment of her life and she needs me. "She is, uhh... Getting there." I clear my throat at the end.

"Is she still coming Monday afternoon?" Jordy says chipperly, knowing he misses his wonder twin.

"That's the plan." I clear my throat.

As much as I want to pick up Lizzie from the airport, Maxine shot that idea down. So did Coach T because he is going to have us on lock and key all-day Monday. I'm lucky if I get to eat that day but I cannot wait to see Squeaker.

"Everything will work out. I know this isn't what you wanted but it will all work out, Jay," Marcus assures.

"It just honestly sucks," I admit.

I look up to the starry night sky glistening as I step on the bus. My chest caves, thinking about how tonight Lizzie wanted to go out for dinner. Knowing Lizzie, she would want me to go out and have a good time with my team but honestly nothing is worth doing without her.

On the ride back to the hotel, I began looking through old photos of Lizzie and I. Videos of her yelling at me or doing something hilarious make me smile. I begin looking at the ring Lizzie wants as an engagement ring.

Just thinking about how she would be so shocked, with her tiny hands shaking or maybe in a balled fist because she wasn't able to plan it, pulls my lips into a smile. Alexis has been really invested, even started organizing, while Maxine has been sending me rings that are way out my price range as a pre-NBA player.

I reached out to Lizzie's little sister and followed her. Told her my plans about Disney World and she was ecstatic, sending me a whole pinterest board of Lizzie's hidden dream proposals to her sister.

Interestingly enough, nothing has Disney.

It was more or less string lights, a path with red roses, surprise photographer shots, a huge 3D sign saying 'Will you marry me?' and small, elegant diamond rings.

She even has the outfit, nails, hair, and make up to go with it.

But she is not going to see this coming.

I've never been to a place where I wanted to be with someone for the rest of my life because I thought feeling like that was impossible. But, each day, little reminders I feel push me in that direction. Like my mom telling me it is possible, with gestures from Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa, Lizzie's letters, and this whole time of me being here.

I actually wrote a letter last night for her... It was a few of many more until Disney. Jordy needed to go Walmart anyway because he couldn't find his lotion and he started to look like he was rolling in dust so I bought some notebook paper, markers, and stickers.

Now I'm not as creative as Artsy Fartsy but I know she will appreciate the thought that counts. I didn't realize how freeing it is to write and how much I could write on one hundred and four lines. I even looked on fucking Pinterest which yall truth be told, it's a bible for women.

I could have written anything on those lines but I wrote, 'When you feel like giving up.'

When you feel like giving up, think about how you made the basket with me into the hoop. How I'm in your corner, by your side, standing behind you, lifting you up when you need it. Just remember to always pass the ball when you feel like you feel overwhelmed. I'm here.

Wiping my eyes, the bus comes to halt and we all stand as Jordy boasts about Yard House's honey barbecue wings. Breathing a chuckle, we all disperse and head back to our rooms. Jordy races me back so he can take a shower first.

I flop on my bed and glance over at the photo of Mom and I on the nightstand. My vision blurs and I look at the scattered notebook paper, knowing Squeaker would get after me for the clutter. It gives me an idea... I grab the green pen and a sheet of notebook paper.

I go to the table and begin to write my next letter to Lizzie.

When you feel like you need to read a love story.

Our love story is not like many Disney moments but we have similarities.

For instance, Cinderella because you left your hair clip in my car. It ended up in evil hands but your prince returned it.

Or Rapunzel, because you were trapped in a tall tower of the south community apartment complex and I climbed outside your railings. When you let out your hair and it got caught in my zipper our eyes met and the world stopped.

Jasmine, because you allowed me show you Baltimore and DC, just the start of great cities in the world. More requires more planning but I want you to let me take you on the magic carpet.

Even with your drowning length showers, I wouldn't say Ariel too much. Let's just say Maxine is Ursula who tries to take your soul and I rescue you anyway.

I can say you are like Pocahontas, having all those stuffed animals as friends or is that Snow White... Guess we'll have to find out when we watch it again so you educate me.

You definitely are Tiana strong, and me a handsome, spoiled man being taught how to cook your family favorite recipes.

There isn't a princess who throws up on her Prince Charming, however, this prince knew she was the one when serving him dos equis beer and kissing me in the rain, monkey clinging to me while sleeping, creates important moments with just who she is, sacrifices herself to care as one kickass nurse, and honors my Mom.

And our love story gets better each and every day, with a beautiful Kazoo player.

Because this is just the start.

Sniffling with a smile on my face, I draw two stick figures of us. She has a veil and I make her mangoes extra big to tease. Unlike her pictures, I'm not standing with my head in the clouds but kneeling down on one knee... putting me the same height as her. I laugh as I continue to doodle and put the letter into the envelope.

"You need me to get that shit together so we can get together... Man! Jaylan, you stink." Jordy stops singing and looks at me with a crinkling nose. If that's not enough, he grabs his spray deodorant and blankets the air between us with it.

I suck my teeth and shake my head.

And this is supposed to be my best man.

At Jordy plugging his nose, I strip out of my smelly clothes and shower. The hot water soothes away the aches but I don't linger because I want to talk to Lizzie.

After what feels like being in here for hours, I finally cut off the water and wrap my towel around my waist. I walk out of the bathroom and to my dresser drawer to grab some boxers and black Nike sweats. Putting them on, my eyes glance over to a sticky note from Jordy of another explicit stick figure note saying, 'don't wait up.'

I chuckle, crinkling up the paper and walk to my night stand. The photo of my mom and I catches my eyes and I pause. My vision blurs thinking how excited she would have been tonight, sitting next to The Little Confetti Kiss Participant. I sigh deeply and sink onto the bed. Laying my back against the headboard, I hold my phone up, waiting for Lizzie to answer. When she appears on the screen, it's good to see the biggest smile from her, after the last couple of dark days.

My eyes can't restrain anymore as I observe her outfit. She has on this red, small polka dot top, cupping her round, honey-toned breasts. They're looking so full and bouncy as they move from her giggling at me taking every inch of her top half.

Fuck, I miss those fun bags.

I can't wait.

"Beautiful," I rasp.

She sinks her lower teeth in her lower lip and her cheeks display a pink. Lizzie tucks her hair underneath her right ear and flickers her eyes up and down.

I miss how shy she gets when I compliment her.

"Gracias," she says with the sweetest voice. Her dimples appear on her face, making me miss just stroking my thumb over them.

"De Nada." I lick my lower lip at her.

She observes my surroundings, tilts her head, and furrows her brows at me. "Why didn't you go out?"

"I'm tired," I vouch, even though it's a lie. I just wanted to spend time with her.

"Jaylannn, you have to spend time with your friends!" she scolds in her preschool voice.

Grinning at how high her voice squeaks, she furrows her brows at me and I mimic her. She grunts softly and clenches her jaw.

"But I want to spend time with my noviea," I say proudly.

"Novia," she corrects, with a smile averting her beautiful brown eyes at the screen.

Playfully pressing my lips, I scope around her surroundings to see where she was at. People weave around behind her, maybe it's her family talking behind her and smiling, eating food, and drinking beer. Lizzie did say her family loves to have a party at any chance they get to celebrate.

It's good seeing her to be able to spend time with her family because she has not done that in four years.

I wish I was there with her though.

"What's going on there?" I say smiling, observing her back yard gleaming with string lights.

"A fiesta," she gloats, her accent sounding definitely a lot heavier and it sounds ten times sexier.

Music blasts and people talk around her as she walks over to a sofa, plopping down. Close up, the lights highlighted her beautiful honey skin. "A party, huh?"

"Lots and lots of food." She pops a familiar orange fruit. Lizzie takes her tongue and licks around her mouth, unknowingly making the cobra rise to see his best friend.

"Are you eating fruit... Is that a mango..." I gasp and she giggles, dipping her chin down.

Her cheeks glow pink as if I said a dirty word and I wink at her, making her softly squeak.

"Fruit tastes different. Mangoes here taste like candy," she says sweetly, popping another one in her mouth.

"They definitely do," I toss back, licking my lips.

Her cheeks grow a darker pink and she shifts her eyes, looking at me through her eyelashes "Jaylannn."

"What?" I smirk and she lets out a warm smile. "I was agreeing."

She flutters her eyelashes, looking at me like Nahla looked at Simba in the moonlight. The look alone makes the cobra jerk as she bites her lower lip, squirming in her seat.

"You are nowhere near your three hundred tickets." She shakes her head and I cackle.

"It's okay, you got your whole chart filled up," I tease and she furrows her brow at me. Showing her my hand since it's been awhile since I sent her some hand selfies, I grab the nearest pillow and spank it. She squeaks and leaps in her seat. I cackle, throwing my head back.

"Jaylan, don't do that in front of Olivia," she warns.

I hold my chest like I'm scared and she tries to hold a serious face but her lip quivers, bursting out into giggles.

I love that.

"Or what," I antagonize.

She playfully presses her lips and slips out another giggle. "You did so good playing today, Jaylan." Her voice sounds so sugary, it gives me a stomach ache.

"Thanks baby."

"And... you look handsome wearing all red," she confesses almost like it was forbidden to say.

"I did, ay?" I rub my chin.

She nods in a cute way. "Mhm," she hums, giggling after.

Her compliment alone wams my heart. "I miss you, Bubble Guppy," I grin at her, reminding her of the conversation we had back when we were sitting in the car at seven eleven. She said that she enjoyed the show because they display great teamwork.

"It's Lizzie." She furrows her at me with a smile

"Actually, Elizabeth..." A familiar voice says next to her. Isabela peeks and waves at me and I laugh, waving back at her

"Isabela." She scoffs and slants her eyes at her little sister.

I laugh softly at the two now in the camera. I know Lizzie is about to get her and actually like to see this. I adjust my arm like it's a show as the two argue in Spanish. Lizzie flails her hands and jabs her sister's arm and all Isabela does is grin wider. Isabela finally pats her sister on the shoulder and waves goodbye to me.

"See you in May, Jaylan." Isabela playfully winks knowing exactly what she knows about the proposal, making her big sister draw her eyebrows together.

"Adios." I wave back.

Isabela giggles, looking at Lizzie who looks like a tiny tiger about to pounce. Lizzie's narrow eyes travel, watching her sister walk away and I let out a cackle. "It's not funny."

"I love it though. It's good to see you with your family," I encourage.

She twists her lips to the side, looking unsure if she wants to say something. "I actually miss it," she softly says, almost like she doesn't want to hurt my feelings being there instead of with me but I don't want her to feel that way.

Lizzie being home is probably growing her to get uncomfortable and face what she left. As much as I wish I was there for her, I know this was needed.

"I'm sure they missed you a lot, baby. Don't be afraid to admit that."

Lizzie touches the side of her face as I pucker my lips like I'm going to kiss her. I can only imagine what it would be like if she was here and what we would have done to celebrate. She holds her finger to her lips as she gets up from the sofa. She walks through a crowd of people who were happy to see her. She goes inside her house and up the stairs making me dizzy.

"Ahh," I tease.

She giggles as she goes into her room and shuts the door. She flies on her bed like she does when I'm home and bounces in the air. "This still has some force to it." She giggles.

"You are going to rattle my brain around," I tease.

"You'll be fine," she jabs back.

I suck my teeth and she bounces her shoulders. Silence takes over as music still comes through her window and she dips her chin down on the pillow. "How was visiting your dad today?"

"It was okay," she says in just a whisper.

"Just okay?" I observe her face close up.

Her eyes close yet her long eyelashes flutter. I notice she does this when she wants to express how she feels. She softly sighs and opens her eyes, furrowing her brows when she notices I'm crossing mine. She tsks softly and shakes her head, grabbing a small brown weasel looking beanie baby and cradling it into her chest. My eyes can't help but focus on her perfect cleavage.

"What is that?" I crinkle my nose.

"It... is Oscar the otter." She looks down at it in pride.

I grab Olivia and she gasps, looking at me in awe like I did something so cute holding the octopus. Lizzie twists her lips as she tugs on the otter for comfort.

"So, it was just okay?" I recite.

She nods and looks down. "I didn't want to see him like that," she rasps.

I could only imagine how it was to see him in person like that. It wasn't hard to notice the left side of his face losing all function. His speech was hard to hear and the pain in Lizzie's eyes whenever she looked at him struck me every time. My head was nowhere in practice after that phone call and I can only imagine what Lizzie went through after the call ended, but I offer, "I know, baby."

She sighs and looks down, trying to hide her eyes as I watch the tears fall down. She tugs Oscar close to her and hiccups. Silence takes over our call as she softly cries. I sit up in the bed and just listen to her. She needs to get this out. Lizzie whispers something in Spanish and looks up at me right in my eyes.

"It was really hard."

"I know."

She pushes some strands out her face. "He is going to be in rehab for awhile," she softly says.

"Do you know how long?" I inquire.

"Until he gets his strength back on his left side, it could be weeks, months, years." She sighs heavily.

I know Lizzie probably feels like she failed taking care of her dad, making sure he takes his blood pressure medicine, eating the right food, quitting smoking and medication combined. But sometimes you can't control the actions of your parents if they continue to choose to do the opposite, which ends up leaving everyone hurt."With your help I know it's possible."

"If he listens," she says above a whisper.

My eyes catch sight of my semicolon on my finger. I know all too well what she is feeling and I don't want her to feel or spiral into something that's out of her control.

"Lizzie," I clear my throat. "I know it may seem like it's a lost cause but just know you did everything you could, just like last time."

Her eyes well up at me and she closes them, humming at my response. "I wish he would have listened the first time."

"I know," is all I can offer.

Silence takes over and tears stream down on her face, she clears her throat and blinks a few times "But you know the good part that happened?"

"What?"

"Mama spent the rest of the day there, and Mateo came afterwards. And we were like a family again." She breathes.

I can imagine the emotion she was feeling when they came together in that hospital room. The thought touches deep into my heart that she could experience family one more time as the Luceros.

"How did that make you feel?" I toss back gently.

She smiles softly, looks over at the octopus in my hands, and back at me. "Hopeful." She makes a soft whimper

Hearing her say that tugs at my heart. For her family, reconciling after everything they have been through thus far this year would be the best outcome at this point.

"And we watched your game," she says proudly.

That gets to me, making my vision blur at how her family watched me play. They are going through such a hard time but I knew Lizzie would make a way to see me play.

"Together?" I rasp.

"Together." Her lips pull up into a smile.

I reflect back her smile and she sits up a bit, giving me a view of her mangoes again. "Papá said he can't wait to meet you."

Widening my eyes a bit, my heart beats faster but I try to play it cool. "He does?"

"Mhmmm." She hums, giggling and sitting up on her bed.

"Well, I can't wait to meet him too." I mean those words because his approval of me marrying Lizzie means more to me than anything else. And I want to ask him face to face and shake his hand.

"Mama said you were really tall and... ¡Tu eres super lindo! (You are super cute)." She places her hand over her mouth, trying to control her giggles.

"What does lyndo mean?" I struggle to pronounce and she bubbles over with laughter.

"Lindo, it means you are cute." She giggles and sinks her teeth in her lower lip because she likes what I try speaking her language.

"I mean, what can I say?" I boast, wiggling my brows.

"Jaylann." She shakes her head at me, not liking the joke. I cackle, hearing it echo from the poor wifi she has at her house.

She stands up and flips her camera around. My breath hitches when I see her full outfit, head to toe. Every curve pains the cobra as she turns her body and so I can get a side view. She laughs again probably because I got drool coming out of the corner of my mouth. I touch it and she flips the camera around getting me a close up view of her beautiful angelic face.

"It's not nice to tease," I rasp.

"But it's fun." She giggles and walks to her window and opens it, reggaeton blaring loudly.

"Is that so?" My voice rasps again, clearing my throat.

"Mmm-hmm." She places her phone somewhere so I can see her full outfit again.

"What are you doing?" I watch her as she winds her hips to the music.

"Bringing the party to you." She twirls around, rolling and shaking her hips. She looks at me over her shoulder and keeps dancing to the music playing in her backyard.

"Lizzieeeee." I arch my brow at her.

She giggles, sinking her teeth in her lower lip. Heat rising in her eyes, her voice sounds like caramelized sugar, "Let me dance for you."

I arrogantly grin and she blushes and keeps dancing. Catching every bit of my attention, her hips mesmerize me motioning in a circle, making the cobra arise. Bending her knees, she lowers down seductively and winds back up so perfectly. The S-shape from her ribs, cinching in her waist and flaring out to her hip compresses and lengthens in wavelike movements I can't blink away from.

I playfully bite my fist. She giggles and keeps going.

Those hips are hypnotizing...

God damn.

If she was here, I know we would have gone out with everybody tonight and probably gone dancing. My hands would be on those hips, tugging her ass right into me moving with her.

Lizzie takes me back to the night we danced in Pennsylvania. How she whirled her hips around the cobra, our bodies moving in sync on the dance floor. Locking eyes with me, she even takes me farther, to the first time I watch her dance gazing at me curiously at Terrapin's Turf.

She spins around again, hulaing her hips and looks over her shoulder. My gaze drops to her ass motioning in a circle. The sight of how her skirt molds to every curve heats up my skin.

That ass.

"You like it?" she teases, turning around.

She bends down, sending me a wink and seductively moves back up, still dancing. I lick my lower lip because this nice gift Lizzie is blessing me with makes me glad I'm staying in. The music softly stops and she puts her hands out in a 'tada' motion.

She yanks the phone and jumps on her bed, rolling me around while giggling.

"So sexy," I husk.

"It's the least I could do for the night." She beams.

I shift my hips at the discomfort pricking up between my legs. "Well, I appreciate it."

"There's more where that came from..." She twirls a strand of hair around her finger

"Oh yeah?" I lean forward into the camera.

The cobra loves that idea but what could she possibly do?

"Oh, most definitely." Her lowering voice strains the cobra to breathe. It's pressing tight in my pants, leaving my brain feeling lighter.

"Like what," I challenge.

She looks at me, throwing her eyelashes and tugs her top a bit down to reveal her shoulder. All the air in the room traps in my lungs as she reveals more flashes of skin one tug at a time. Leaning forward, her lips quiver as I'm in a trance. The swell of her breasts dips into view at the bottom of my screen and she blinks her long lashes in a slow motion moment.

"APRIL FOOLS!"

My mouth drops and she throws her body back in laughter. Even dried out, my mouth opens and my own laughs poor out.

She got me.

But oh, I'm going to get her back. Just wait.

Edited and spiced by still_just_me

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So excited we are close to 50k reads just to think I revamped since March! I'm so thankful for all the new readers and support! I couldn't have done this without you!