“Thank you kindly. It’s hotter than Hades.” He took a long pull and gave a gusty sigh. “That’s good.”
“So, tell us. What’ve you two been doing?”
Shea glanced over to Jake, who rolled his eyes and said, “Subtle, Meliss. Shea is a model, as well as a cowboy on the ranch Ollie and I went to a few weeks ago. He had a shoot here in the city this weekend, and since it’s his first time in New York, I figured I’d show him around.”
“Mmhmm. And meet Stacey.”
“I met that little ray of sunshine yesterday. We went out for ice cream.”
“Did you, now?” Melissa’s smile beamed brighter than the overhead sun. “And here you are again today. Isn’t that nice. Shea, what would you like to eat?”
“Oh, don’t worry ’bout me. I’m fine for now.”
“You’re fine for always.”
“God, Meliss.” Jake fell onto his chair, shaking with laughter. “That was so bad, it was painful.”
Shea pushed him. “I don’t mind.” His gaze traveled over Jake, who’d removed his shirt and wore board shorts. “You’re not lookin’ too bad yourself.”
“Well, that answered my next question,” Melissa said with satisfaction. “How long are you here for?”
Shea removed his T-shirt but kept his shorts on. “Just until tomorrow.” He glanced over to see Stacey bobbing in the water and took another drink of his beer.
“What do you model, Shea?” Melissa stretched out her long legs. Purple nail polish gleamed on her toes when the sunlight struck them.
“Underwear,” Jake answered before he had a chance to speak, and Shea sent him a death glare, to which he received back a sunny smile.
“Oh, that makes perfect sense.”
Shea liked these people. They were direct and funny, and he could see how much they cared for Jake.
Oliver patted his wife’s hip. “Shift over, honey. Let me in on the interrogation.”
Jake cackled. “Busted, Meliss. And here I thought you were better than that. We all saw through you right away.”
“That’s because it’s been so long since we’ve seen you with anyone.” She sniffed, and her pretty eyes danced. “I’m out of practice, but don’t worry. I’m ready to make up for lost time.”
“God give me strength,” Jake muttered.
Kiss padded by them, climbed the steps to the deck, and circled the pool, then stretched out, watching the children.
“She’s good for Stacey, isn’t she?” Oliver said, watching her.
“Best thing I’ve ever done. She’s like Stacey’s shadow, and they love each other. Look at her. She’d jump in there with them if she could.”
“I’m okay with it. She’s a Lab; they love water.”
“Yeah? Let me see if she’ll go.” Jake sprang out of his seat, and with a toss of a ball and little bit of urging, the dog jumped in. The kids cheered and continued a game of throwing the ball into the water for her to fetch.
“So what do you think of New York City?” Oliver asked.
“From what I see, I love it. So much so that my agent is supposed to send me information on a sublet, and if I like it, I’ll take it.”
Jake’s brows shot up as he sat in his lounge chair. “Sight unseen? You can’t do that.”
“Oh no, Jake’s right.” Oliver frowned. “You can’t rent an apartment without seeing it first.”
“Hold up, now. I’m not a greenhorn. I know what I’m doin’.”
