We arrived at the big outdoor court event, and he was right, it was crowded. The fans were screaming and shouting all around the court.

Benjamin stopped where he spotted the other drivers to park and let Kenzo out. I was nervous, and I guess Kenzo sensed it.

"Relax, it's just us kicking it, hanging out with the fans today. Don't make too much of it." He spoke softly as he took off his seat belt. I nodded.

"Aight Zo, we're ready." Tyson cleared the surroundings so he could step out.

He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on my lips. "I'll see you in a minute, pretty lady."

I smiled. "Ok."

He and Tyson made their way out and went over to where the team was.

"We'll go over in a little bit. We should probably wait until they start playing on the court. That way, the crowd will be distracted." Bo stated. I nodded and moved up to the middle seat. I spotted Benjamin eyeing my stomach as I took my seat.

I waited for him to say something, but he didn't. He just smiled warmly. I looked down and started rubbing my small baby bump.

"Mommy loves you, baby girl," I spoke softly to her, which made Benjamin and Bo look at each other.

Benjamin turned back around in his seat, facing straight ahead.

After about fifteen minutes or so, I was given the ok to get out. Bo and I made our way out and over to an area where people were standing. Kenzo spotted me. He was now standing in front of Jackson. They were playing a game with some fans.

I recognized Kenzos' family standing together on the other side of the court. His mother walked over to him. She gave him a bottle of water and a towel. They gave each other a long hug. He then gave his mom an odd contrite look, but then they smiled at each other shortly after.

Hmmm, he said he had some family stuff going on, I don't know.

After standing around watching Kenzo play, I noticed his mother glancing at me. Probably wondering why I was over here with her sons' guard.

The rest of his family started looking across the court my way as well.

I turned away, focusing on the game. They were goofing around being silly. Kenzo smiled at me and gestured for me to come over.

"I'm going over there with Kenzo." I tucked my phone in my pocket, Bo nodded.

We walked over to him, as soon as I got over there he threw me the ball. "Let me see what you got, big shot."

I gleamed down at the ball, moving it around in my hands with a sneaky grin on my face.

I dribbled the ball close to the three-point range, at my favorite corner spot. I eyed the goal before taking a few more dribbles. I then went up for the shot.

It went in silently, with ease. Kenzo smiled at me with his brows raised, then ran over to grab the ball.

After he retrieved it, he pointed out where he wanted me to shoot from next. Which was at the top of the key.

I ran over to the middle at the three-point line. He passed me the ball again. I dribbled a few times getting myself set, straightening my knees, and relaxing my shoulders. Making sure I eyed my mark before jumping slightly; pushing the ball forward with my shooting hand. My elbows were in the proper position, making sure I followed through on my release.

Another easy silent shot, grabbing everyone's attention. The announcers began speaking about my shots made.

I missed playing ball.

"Ok, much respect. That's a nice form you have." Kenzo ran over to me with the ball in his hands again. I reached in trying to grab it but he moved it, protecting it. "Un un un, there ain't no way in hell you're stealing the ball from me."

"You just better be lucky I'm pregnant. I could steal the ball from you." I stated very seriously, being the competitive person I am. Jackson and Marcel ran over to us, causing Kenzos to look back at them. I took this as an opportunity to take the ball, and I succeeded. He turned back quickly looking down at his hands, we both shared a laugh.

I left them to talk. I went back to take another shot. I overheard them say something about Kenzos birthday which I already know is coming up next week. He's never mentioned anything. I'll have to ask him about it.

I started thinking about my old coach. She'd say don't ever stop shooting, even when you miss repetitively. Just keep trying, you'll get it.

I think that phrase now meant more to me than just about basketball. I can't give up. My baby girl depends on me. I have to keep trying even if I fail.

I made yet another shot, making everyone chant and yell. I didn't realize everyone was still watching me.

I pulled my shirt down. It came up a little after I went up for the shot.

"Adira come here." Kenzo made a hand gesture getting my attention. I walked over to them.

"Adira this is Marcel and Jackson, my boys." I waved to them, already knowing who they were. "This is Adira."

"Oooh, so you're Adira." Marcel looked at me with a goofy smile.

"Yep, that's me." I smiled.

"I told them about you already."

"Oh." I nervously tucked a piece of hair that fell out of my ponytail.

"Nice to meet you, sweetheart." Marcel extended his hand to me. I shook it.

"Same here."

"Yeah, it's good to meet you. I heard you were part unicorn or something, one in a million." Jackson joked, reaching his hand out to me as well, and I gave him a puzzling look shaking his hand.

"Chill, man," Kenzo mumbled to him, I think he was blushing.

I smiled, shaking my head leaving them yet again so I can get back to making my shots. I also saw his mother making her way over in their direction.

I swiftly moved out of the away, pushing whatever I thought she'd say to the back of my mind.

I went to shoot with some of the kids who were on the other end of the court playing.

Eventually, his mom left and walked back to the rest of his family. Kenzo and the rest of the guys were signing autographs and taking pictures. He'd glance at me every so often to make sure I was okay.

He and his team then went on to a makeshift stage they had set up for them to answer questions from the fans. Bo and I went back over to where we were standing originally when we arrived.

Most of the questions were about the season and inspirational questions about making it to the league.

The fans, specifically women, went on to asking personal questions. I thought this would be the perfect time for me to make my exit.

"I think it's time for us to head back over to the parking area," I stated to Bo.

He nodded, we turned around making our way back. I heard a woman on the microphone asking Kenzo the question I didn't want to hear.

"Kenzo you were on live last night, and you said that you have to get back with us on rather you're single or not? Also, you said you would date a fan, so here I am." Everyone shouted and screamed. I giggled to myself walking toward the vehicle.

Walking side by side next to Bo we heard his response through the speakers blasting. "Yes I would date a fan, so we'll see. —To answer your first question, as of right now I'm still single. That's until that special pretty lady gives me a shot."

I shook my head giggling out loud as we approached the vehicle. Benjamin stood outside of the Escalade. He came over and opened my door.

"Hey, pretty lady." Benjamin joked making Bo, and I laugh.

"You caught that?"

"Yep." He replied, I got in the vehicle, Bo shut the door behind me. The car was on keeping the cool air in. This fall weather was humid and still pretty hot.

I made myself comfortable in the back seat. Bo got in on the passenger side. I could still hear the team answering questions. The speakers were so loud.

After a while, the team started packing up and saying their goodbyes.

I looked out of the window and saw Kenzo coming back with his mother trailing behind. His dad and two of his sisters were behind them following over to us.

"Oh shit," Benjamin mumbled, and Bo shook his head. If I wasn't afraid before, I was after seeing their reactions.

Kenzo looked pissed, he was saying something to her, but I couldn't make it out.

They finally approached the vehicle. I tried shrinking down a little in my seat.

"Where is she, I seen her come over here with Bo?" His mother opened the back door.

Ben didn't even bother moving from the driver seat. He stayed seated as well as Bo. Both were silent.

"Ma shut the door back, stop." Kenzo stood behind her irritated. His dad and sisters finally approached the vehicle as well.

"No, I want to see, " she waved her hand in front of her face looking back at him.

"Kenzo did you get this girl pregnant? She's clearly pregnant. Out there playing with a basketball." She waited at the door for his response. My heart was racing.

"Ma chill out, man, move." He gritted his teeth. "Dad, can you come get her?"

His dad walked up standing behind his mom. "Tanya baby come on, now. You can't do this, let's go."

"No, now I've been patient with him and taking his crap. He's been keeping secrets. That girl in there is clearly pregnant."

"It's none of your business, ma chill. I swear you are doing too much." Kenzo sighed roughly. I stayed down in my seat, hoping she would leave.

She hopped in the vehicle and gave Kenzo and her dad a look daring them to try something.

"Um, you have a baby on the way? Is my son about to be a daddy? Why don't I know you already?" She asked all at once, turning in the middle seat to face me.

I sat up to answer her, but Kenzo rushed over to the other side, opening the door.

"Adira you don't have to say anything.— Ma we're getting ready to go."

"It's ok. I'll answer it, to clear everything up." I cleared my throat.

I took a look at his mom, waiting. "Ma'am Kenzo and I are friends, nothing else. —Yes, I am pregnant, Kenzo is not the father."

"Why are you hanging around this pregnant girl?" She yelled at Kenzo.

"Man, ma you're out of line now."

"Tanya get out and let's go." His dad demanded.

"You can't be seen with drama like this. People are going to assume and think something. Then I'm going to have to clean it up." She snapped at him.

"Ma, get the fuck out! I'm not even playing anymore.— I don't need you cleaning up shit for me!" He yelled extremely loud, making me flinch. I was shocked; he went that far. I didn't know much about their relationship, only the little he told me.

His mom gave him a hard pissed off glare. She made her way out of the vehicle, but not before having final words with me. "If you knew what was best for you, you'd stay away from my son.—"

Kenzo reached over to the door, slamming it in her face, surprisingly not hard enough to shatter the window. His nostrils flared up, breathing extremely hard. "Ben take me back to her spot."

Benjamin nodded. Kenzo got in his seat beside me and fastened his belt. He leaned his head back, placing his towel over his face. We waited for Tyson to clear the vehicle. He made sure Kenzos family got in their cars as well.

We rode in silence, Tyson reached back handing me a water. I smiled, thanking him as I cracked it open, taking a gulp.

Halfway back to my condo, Kenzo tapped my thigh. He still had his head back with his face covered. He held his hand out for me to hold. I slid my hand into his. He squeezed it. That relieved me a little because I didn't know what was going through his head.

We approached my condo Bo and Tyson got out to get us inside.

"Thanks, Ben, I'll call you tomorrow," Kenzo mumble before we got out.

"Don't mention it." He stared at him, concerned. He then brought his eyes to me. "Take care, ok?"

I nodded, giving him a weak smile.

We got in the condo quickly with no issues. I was grateful for that. We didn't need anymore problems today. The guards left leaving us alone.

We got showered and back into our comfy clothes from earlier. It was getting late and we hadn't said a word to each other.

We were now seated on the sofa. His phone started ringing, he answered. "Yeah."

"I'm good Cel. It's the same old bullshit." He paused listening. "Aight thanks, bye." He ended the call.

He stood up and grabbed my hand, pulling me towards him. "Let's go to bed."

I followed behind him. He turned toward my room instead of the guest room across the hall. We went inside. He closed the door behind me.

"I'm so sorry baby." He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his shirt off, tossing it on the floor. "I promise you I didn't mean for all of that to happen. —She says stuff without thinking of other people." He shook his head, profusely.

"It's ok. I have tough skin."

He continued shaking his head. "It's just that it ain't none of her business what we got going on. I'm tired of my life being her business. I need to change that."

I wanted to ask him what it was we got going on exactly, but I thought better of it. I already knew what he would say, which is the same thing I'd say.

I would say I don't know what it is, but I don't want it to stop.

I remained quiet, taking my joggers off to get comfortable in the bed. He took his shorts off, leaving him with only his underwear. He got in on the other side and pulled me close to him getting comfortable.

I had to take a breath, with the way my hormones were set up. His scent alone was bringing about unwarranted desires.

He stared into my eyes. I did the same to him. He leaned in closer to me, kissing my lips. While rubbing his hands up and down my side.

I held on to the moment, kissing him back repeatedly. He tilted his head slightly left, pecking my lips a few times more.

He pulled away, only so he could lean down to my stomach. "Hey baby girl, I'm sorry you had to hear all of that earlier. I didn't mean to startle your mommy either. She doesn't know it, but I saw her flinch." He rubbed my stomach then leaned back up to kiss my lips again.

I took a deep breath, trying not to think much of the beautiful words he uttered.

He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. He tugged and sucked on my bottom lip, before working his way to my top grazing it with his teeth.

This time I broke it off smiling at him. Even though I was internally battling the built-up tension and my feelings towards him.

"Goodnight Mr. Martin." I turned around with my back was facing him.

His warm lips met the back of my shoulder, leaving light pecks. "I told you about that Mr. Martin stuff."

I squirmed a little, giggling.

"Goodnight baby, get some sleep." He leaned over and turned off the lamp.

____________________________

💜💚💜💚