Page 65 of Power Play Daddies

I laugh, pushing myself to my feet. “You’re gonna love it.”

And as we head off the beach, I realize just how much I’m gonna miss her when she leaves.

I always do.

The matcha place is buzzing with the kind of low-key Miami vibe I love. Neon green walls, hanging plants, the faint smell of vanilla and tea in the air.

Mom’s beside me at the counter, already chatting up the barista like they’re old friends.

“My son, Mason Hayes,” she says, gesturing at me with pride practically radiating off her. “He played in that game last night. Did you catch it?”

The barista, a college kid with a nose ring and purple hair, glances at me, then back at her. “Uh, no, ma’am. I don’t watch hockey.”

Mom gasps like he just insulted my entire career. “You’re missing out! The Mississippi Outlaws had nothing on them. Mason’s team crushed it.”

“Mom,” I say, nudging her lightly, “leave the poor guy alone. He’s just trying to make tea.”

She waves me off. “People need to know these things, Mason. You’re a star.”

I roll my eyes but let her go on. She orders some fancy matcha latte, while I stick with a plain iced one today.

While we wait, she keeps gushing, and I just stand there, nodding along like the dutiful son I am.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. When I see Daisy’s name light up the screen, a stupid grin spreads across my face.

“Mom, I gotta take this,” I say, stepping outside. “Hey, baby,” I answer, voice dropping just a little.

“Hey,” Daisy says, her tone soft, almost teasing. “You busy today?”

I glance back through the window. Mom’s still chatting with the barista. “I’m taking my mom shopping this morning, but I’m free by four. What’s up?”

“Perfect,” she says, her voice smooth and just the right amount of flirty. “Can you come to my place then?”

“Of course,” I say, heat pooling low in my stomach at the thought. The last time I was there, things got… intense. If she’s calling, she probably wants a repeat. Hell, I definitely do.

“Do you remember how to get here?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

She pauses, and I swear I can hear her smiling. “Good. See you later.”

“See you.” I hang up, exhaling slowly before heading back inside.

Mom’s holding her drink, her expression instantly shifting to suspicious as I approach.

“Who was that?” she asks, her eyes narrowing just slightly.

“None of your business,” I say with a grin, pulling out my wallet to pay.

She snorts. “It’s a girl, isn’t it?”

We step outside, heading to the car, and I can feel her gearing up.

“Mason,” she starts, that tone that says she’s about to launch into full mom mode, “your career is so important right now. You’re at the top of your game. The last thing you need is some puck bunny distracting you.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s not like that, Mom.”

She gives me a look. “Really? Because I’ve seen you smile like that.”