Page 19 of Power Play Daddies

I refuse to ask how much sugar is in the drink.

“One green detox, coming right up!” the guy behind the counter says, his voice upbeat.

I thank him, take the juice, and step back outside into the morning sunshine. I can already feel the buzz of energy hitting me.

I sip it, feeling it slide down my throat, and then I head to the matcha place right across the street. I’m not a coffee guy, but matcha? Yeah, that’s my jam.

“Matcha latte with oat milk?” the barista asks when I step up to the counter.

“Yep, make it extra strong,” I reply, handing over my card.

He nods, getting it ready. I do the same thing every time, but I like the routine. Matcha in hand, I walk back to my car, about to hop in when my phone rings.

It’s my mom. Of course.

“Hey, Mom,” I say, answering before it can go to voicemail.

“Mason, sweetheart, did you get the ashwagandha I sent you?” Her voice is sweet, doting, like it’s her mission to take care of me, even though I’m twenty-six and fully capable of handling my own shit.

“I did. I got it. Don’t worry,” I say, grinning. She’s been sending me all sorts of vitamins and herbs lately.

“And are you taking your vitamins? You need to keep your energy up! Are you using your sunscreen?” She’s all over it, like always.

“Yep, sunscreen’s in the bag, and I’m popping my vitamins like a good boy,” I say, humor in my voice.

“You’re my only child, and I just… I can’t help myself. I just want you to be healthy.”

“I know, Mom. You’re the best,” I say, rolling my eyes, but there’s no annoyance in my voice. I love how much she cares.

“And remember, video chat tomorrow, okay? I want to see your face,” she adds.

“Promise, I’ll call you tomorrow,” I say, smiling.

“Love you, honey,” she says, before adding, “I’m off to book club. We’ll talk later. Love you.”

“I love you, too,” I reply and hang up.

I’m about to start my car when I see her—at least a few cars over, struggling with the back of her SUV. She’s got heels on, the kind that make a statement, and a red dress that’s clinging to her in all the right places. But it’s the way the hem rides up just enough that makes me stop in my tracks.

Her red hair glows in the morning light, and I can’t help but stare. She’s got this… energy about her. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about her draws me in.

I’m out of the car before I even think about it. My feet move without hesitation.

“Need some help?” I ask, already walking toward her.

She looks up, her eyes locking onto mine, and for a second, I forget everything—practice, the car, the matcha. All that matters is her.

She gives me a quick smile, a little surprised. “I’ve got it, thanks,” she says, but her voice is warm.

I take another step closer. “I’m sure you do, but you’re struggling there. Let me grab that for you.”

She hesitates, but after a beat, she hands me the bag she’s been wrestling with. I take it, and she finally laughs. “Okay, okay, you win.”

“Good,” I say, smiling back. “I don’t lose that often.”

And just like that, the game’s on.

I pop the last of her gear into the back of her SUV. Camera equipment. Looks like she’s got a whole setup back there. Tripod, lights, some kind of bag full of lenses. Damn. No wonder she was struggling.