Page 24 of A Player’s Prayer (Mills Brothers #3)

“Baby, as much as I love eating your pussy, a nigga needs some meat and potatoes.” Kodi giggled as I peppered kisses along her exposed shoulders.

It was Sunday afternoon, and she and I had been chilling at her spot all day.

I can’t remember the last time I spent the night in my own crib, and I ain’t even mad.

“Come take a ride with me to get some food. I know the best spot in the city that’s serving today. ”

Lifting from my spot on her couch, I didn’t give her a chance to answer me before I pulled her to her feet.

She was simply dressed in a Danny Phantom graphic tee with a pair of biker shorts.

Her hair was in a messy bun, and those big-ass oversized glasses that I loved rested on her perfect nose.

As I peered down at her, I didn’t think there was a time that she ever looked so beautiful.

“Do I need to go change?” She looked down at her attire. “We’re just picking it up, right?”

“You know how much I’m fucking with you, Kodi?” I pulled her to me, holding her in my arms as I peered down at her. “There’s not a woman alive who can say they’ve had me the way you do. You know how much a nigga rocking with you, right?”

“I do.” She grinned, throwing her arms around my neck. “You know I’m rocking with you, too, right?”

“Oh, I know. ” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I slapped her ass. “Come on and let’s go get some food before your pussy ends up in my mouth.”

Grabbing my phone and keys, I didn’t give her a chance to get anything as I dragged her out of the house. We now have keys to each other’s cribs, so I locked the door behind me before leading her to the passenger side of my Trackhawk.

“You gotta let me drive this.” She shifted in her seat and grinned as we zipped through traffic. It was about a forty-five-minute drive to where we were headed, and I hope she didn’t beat my ass once we got there. “I’ve always wanted one of these, and a Jeep Wrangler.”

“You want me to get you one?” I gripped the wheel with my left hand as I reached for her thigh with my right. “You can get anything you want from me, Dakota. All you gotta do is say the word, baby.”

Never in a million years did I ever think I would be out here simping behind a female, but that’s exactly what I am behind Dakota Jenkins: a simp. I don’t know if it’s because she handles me differently, or because she fucks with me for who I am. All I know is I ain’t never coming up off this girl.

“Boy, anyway.” She chuckled, waving me off like this shit was a game. “I was talking to Amelia, and I think I want to do something at Club Honey for my birthday. With me planning a trip to go back home, I don’t want to do too much right now.”

“How are you feeling about that?” I noticed the moment her brows furrowed when we entered Mills Manor. “You know I’m going with you, don’t you?”

The day I walked up on Dakota and her pussy-ass ex in the store, it took everything in me not to splatter his brains all over aisle G.

Him being in my city, all the way from Florida, wasn’t a coincidence.

If he were coming to fuck with my girl, he would be leaving in a body bag.

After we got settled at her spot, she told me more about her past with him as well as the current status of her father.

When Noemi did the background check on her, it revealed that her mother was deceased and her father was in prison.

I never brought it up because I wanted to hear her history from her.

“I told you that you don’t have to do any of that, Adrian.” Approaching the iron gate leading to my parents’ home, I watched as a look of worry washed over her face. “Where are we?”

“You trust me?” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed it. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t keep my hands or mouth off this girl. “We’re just here chilling.”

Saying nothing else as we pulled up to my parents’ massive home, I gave her the silence she needed and surveyed the vehicles in the driveway.

Based on the luxurious set of cars parked, my brothers and their families were already here.

As I killed the ignition and stepped out of my truck, my heart began to thud in my chest. I’ve never in my almost thirty years of living brought a woman home to meet my family.

As nervous as she was right now, so was I.

“Adrian, I’m not dressed to be around anyone,” she stated in a panicked whisper as she gripped my hand. “Baby let’s just go back home and order DoorDash. I can cook for you if that’s what you want. I can’t?—”

“Hey…” I pulled her into me before I typed on the keypad to let us in.

“I won’t pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do, but it would be an honor if you would meet my family.

I will never let anything happen to you or put you in a position to be embarrassed.

They’re going to love you as much as I do. ”

Her eyes went wide as her breathing hitched. I was about to ask her if something was wrong when realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I’d just told this girl I loved her.

“Dakota, I?—”

“Well, well, well. Look at what we have here.” Uno snatched the door open before I could address what I’d just said.

“I didn’t think you were going to show. Looks like you didn’t come alone.

” He grinned as he looked from me to Dakota.

Opening the door wider, he stepped through the threshold and onto the porch with his hand extended. “Nice to officially meet you, Kodi.”

“Her name is Dakota…” I gritted my teeth, knowing he was fucking with me. “Don’t make me fuck you up, Uno.”

Kodi mugged me as she elbowed my side. Placing her hand in his, they shook hands lightly before Kodi turned to me and said, “Adrian, stop. You’re so damn rude.” Turning back to my brother, she gave him a sweet smile. “Nice to meet you, Mayor.”

He frowned, yanking her into a hug before chuckling.

“You’re damn near family if this nigga brought you around.

No mayor here—call me Uno.” He smiled at her, causing hers to expand.

“I hope you brought your appetite and an explanation on why you beat my brother’s ass in a hospital supply closet. Mama wants to hear all about it.”

With scared eyes, she looked back at me while I shrugged and pulled her into the house.

The smell of cooked food hit us right away.

Holding onto my hand for dear life, I watched her as she admired my parents’ domain.

My parents lived in a modern-day mansion, but the inside was full of reds and browns, giving the entire house a homey, cozy feel.

I could tell Kodi liked the vibe because she eased up on her hand grip.

Stepping into the family room, all chatter seemed to have ceased.

“What’s up, parentals… niggas and niggettes!

” I smirked, throwing my head up at everyone.

Everyone chuckled, except Evie. Mama was going to kill my ass for how I was already carrying on.

“This is my baby, Kodi—Dakota to y’all.” I winked at her, causing her to blush.

“Baby, these are my parents, Antonio and Evelyn Mills. My brothers, well, you’ve met these niggas somewhat: Uno and Skip.

” I pointed to everyone who smiled as Kodi waved.

“These are my sisters, Harley and Noemi.”

“Hey, baby. Welcome to my home and family.” My mother was the first to run over, and I knew she would be. “I’m so happy to see you’ve stuck around. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“You have?” Kodi asked, surprised when my mother pulled her into a hug. “I hope all good things.”

“Yes, of course,” my mother assured her as she looped their arms together.

“I’m more invested in that scar on my baby boy’s lip.

” Even Kodi had to laugh this time. “Any woman who doesn’t let a man play with her is all right with me.

Come on, baby… let me fix you a drink. I know dealing with Wild isn’t easy. ”

Stepping out of the way, I watched as my family hugged and loved all over my girl.

With my hands stuffed in my ball shorts, I couldn’t take my eyes away from Kodi.

Seeing her smiling face as she interacted with my people let me know I’d made the right choice by not only bringing her here today but also making her mine.

Even the kids were drawn to her, as Gi Baby asked her if she could come to her next princess tea party as Belle.

She turned to me next, saying I had to be the beast, and we all laughed because baby girl didn’t even know I was already one.

“You did good, baby brother.” Uno walked over and slapped my shoulder. “I like her.”

“Yeah.” I nodded as I continued to watch her. “I like her too.”

After an hour of mingling, it was finally time to eat. The Thanksgiving spread before us at the massive dining table didn’t stand a chance. On any given Sunday, we would have a feast, and my stomach welcomed it.

“So, Dakota, since Wild has made it clear that’s all we can call you.” Harley rolled her eyes as we snickered. It was the truth, though. I wasn’t going for anybody calling my baby Kodi. “How are you liking it in Milly Grove? I’m sure you miss Florida.”

“Milly Grove has been an experience to say the least.” Kodi covered her mouth as she giggled. She was right beside me, tearing Mama’s collard greens and yams up. “I was ready to pack my bags and leave after my first few encounters with Adrian.”

“Girl, bye.” I frowned as I bit into my roll. “You know it was love at first sight when you met me.”

“Adrian, I wanted to hit you in the mouth with a brick, baby.” She rolled her eyes as she continued to eat. “You were so rude and nasty to me. I had never been so angry in my life. The way you spoke to me, thinking I was a?—”

“Aye, you know I’m sorry for that, right?” I turned to her. Using my thumb, I wiped away a little something from her chin. “I will never forgive myself for that. It wasn’t cool, and I will never disrespect you like that again, ever. You got my word, baby.”