If I was lucky enough to be a father, I’d ensure I saw my kid every day. Even if I couldn’t stand their mother.
‘Tilt your head to the right, Isla.’ I push my face into the water and turn my head in a demonstration.
Isla rolls her eyes and splashes me. Laughter lurches in my chest. She has all her mother’s sass.
‘Isla Kingsley, stop messing around and do as you’re told.’ Savannah attempts to sound stern even as she bites back a smirk.
‘Sorry, Mammy.’ Isla’s features tighten into a contrite expression, but the second Savannah looks away, she splashes me again.
If only her mother was a little more playful, we could have some fun.
She doesn’t want you.
She doesn’t want any man.
Don’t even go there.
Isla’s next splashing attempt knocks her off balance. She swallows a mouthful of water, spluttering as she slips beneath the surface. I’m at her side in seconds, hoisting her up before she can sink. ‘You okay?’
She nods and clings on to my bicep. I glance at Savannah to make sure she’s comfortable with her daughter clinging on to me like a koala, half expecting a scowl, but all I see is relief and gratitude flash through her eyes.
I think Savannah Kingsley might actually be warming to me. And I’m not just talking about the hot flush I usually rise in her cheeks.
Once Isla catches her breath, she splashes me again.
‘Right girls, practise your diving technique. Go up to the deep end.’ The lesson is almost over and I haven’t had thechance to flirt with Savannah once. ‘And be careful. Don’t rush it. I don’t want either of you hitting concrete at the bottom.’
Eden reaches the deep end first and hoists herself out. I haul myself out of the pool and hover next to Savannah. ‘You on for another lesson tomorrow?’
Sapphire eyes flick to mine. ‘I guess so.’
‘It’ll be fun.’ I grab my towel and run the fluffy cotton across my face.
‘Yeah right.’ But her usual red-hot hatred for me has mellowed into a wariness.
‘Don’t tell me you’d rather jump into the Irish Sea,’ I tease, lowering the towel over my chest, watching as her eyes unwittingly follow before darting back up to my face.
‘Careful what you wish for, right?’ Her rosebud lips roll, and she shakes her head with what looks like disbelief. ‘That’s exactly why I’m in this predicament.’
‘We’ll make sure you’re ready, don’t worry.’ A huge splash from the deep end steals my attention. ‘Well done girls.’ I applaud, the thwacking of my palms echoing across the room.
‘You’re fantastic with them,’ Savannah says with what sounds like begrudging respect.
‘I love kids. My sister Rachel has three. Her youngest, Mark, is only three-months-old.’ I drag my fingers through my wet hair, smoothing it back from my face.
Pristinely plucked eyebrows arch skywards. ‘Thought you’d be too busy practising making babies to have any interest in other people’s.’
‘Think about me a lot, do you?’ I toss her own line back in her face.
Her chin juts out defiantly. ‘Never when I’m in the shower.’
Now there’s a visual.
‘See you tomorrow.’ She stalks away, ass swaying as shewraps an arm around of each of her daughters, bringing the term MILF to life.
Tonight, I have no desire to go on the pull or to drink whiskey. For the second week running, I’m more excited about Sunday morning. Though hanging out with the boys beats sitting at home counting down the hours until I get to see Savannah in that tiny yellow bikini again, which is exactly why I stride into Elixir, Dublin’s newest, trendiest cocktail bar, to meet my brother, Richard, and a couple of our childhood friends.
Elixir’s opulence is undeniable. Crystal chandeliers droop from the ceiling and the walls are a brilliant shade of white, dotted with carefully curated art. The floor is a mat marble speckled with silver granite flecks. Strategically placed mirrors enhance the sense of space.
