I don’t go into the full details about my mystery Daddy, but I tell them about how someone tucked me in and how I wish I had met them. Adrian and Theo gush and rave at all the right moments, and I can tell every reaction is genuine. But with every secretglance and sly smile they aim at each other, the more jealousy begins to swirl.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m feeling a little drained. I think I’m going to go for a walk on the beach.”
Adrian squeezes my arm. “Do you want me to go with you? This area is still so new to us, and I don’t want you to have to explore by yourself. We have an appointment with a designer, but we can reschedule.”
Shaking my head, I offer him a smile. “No, I’ll be fine. I’ll go get my backpack and phone and prepare for a fun day of exploration. I can always call you if I need help. Seriously, go have fun with your boyfriend, meet with the designer, and work on your dream home. Once you go to training camp, you won’t have the free time like you do now.”
Adrian nods. “If you’re sure?”
Theo wraps a protective arm around my brother’s waist. “Aid, let Felix go explore. He wants to do this on his own.”
I glance up at Theo, shocked that he picked up on that little tidbit. “Thank you,” I mouth the words silently.
Theo nods, giving me a wink. Despite just feeling overwhelmed and a little jealous, I’m so happy Aidrian found his person. It gives me hope that maybe my person is out there waiting for me.
***
By the time I lock my front door and sling my backpack over my shoulder, the sun is high in the air, and the California heat is practically daring me to take a dip in the ocean.
Plugging in walking directions to the pier, I use my phone to navigate my way through the neighborhood. Waves crash off in the distance, and even though I could have followed the small dirt path to the beach from my place, my map app says I can shave off ten minutes from my walk if I find a particular trail a few streets over.
When the ocean finally comes into view, it takes my breath away. I pull out my phone and snap a few photos before sending them to a few of my friends back in my hometown. Brynn, California, might still be in the same state, but it’s surrounded by forest and nowhere near the ocean. Olivia Cove is like a whole different world.
Making my way onto the beach, I slide my sandals off my feet so I can dig my toes into the sand. Immediately, I spot a beautiful shell, and I remember this cute rom-com I watched where the main character did all kinds of arts and crafts with things she found by the ocean. It would be a fun little hobby, I decide, picking it up.
I make several mental notes along the way, hoping I can memorize the walk here. But like I told my brother, worst-case scenario, I can call him or use my phone to navigate my way back home.
According to my app, the pier is only fifteen minutes away. The beach is filled with all kinds of families. Children run around cheering and yelling. Several couples hold hands, and I even spot a few gay couples. Warmth fills my heart. This is my new home.
I continue my stroll, every once in a while playfully kicking at the sand or bending down to gather a seashell for my collection, when I spot a jogger approaching from my peripheral vision.
The stranger gasps, and when I think he’s about to jog around me, he freezes in place, stopping just behind me. “Felix? Is that you?”
Electric sparks travel down my spine, causing me to shiver.
That voice.Fuck. I know that voice.
I spin around so quickly, I stumble in the sand. Thank goodness the stranger has fast reflexes, because right as I’m pretty sure I’m about to face plant, he catches me in his strong, muscular arms. His scent is heady, like something citrusy and woodsy and masculine. There’s a faint scent of sweat—probably from his jog in the sun, but it only adds to his appeal.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you okay?”
My eyes fly up to see who that beautiful voice belongs to. Forest-green eyes lock onto mine. He runs a hand through his bleached-blond hair right as he lets me go and takes a few steps back.
I suck in a sharp breath. “Clayton,” I whisper. Clay. My Clayton is right here in front of me.
A wide smile spreads across my face, and his lips part with shock.
Chapter 6
Has Felix DeLuca been keeping tabs on me?
Clayton
My gaze focuses on Felix’s plush bottom lip and that wide smile on his face. I feel my forehead scrunch in confusion. Is he happy? Happy to see me? “Are you okay?” I repeat, givinghis body a quick sweep to make sure he didn’t hurt himself when I startled him.
“I’m fine,” he replies with that damn smile again. “What are you doing here?”
I glance around at the beach, about to explain that this is where I do my daily jog, when he continues talking.
