As he chopped vegetables, the plans he’d made last summer before his accident played in his mind.He’d been all set to work as a Sports Ambassador on the Get Living Campaign, a sports charity that organized fitness events for children and families.It was run by the Canadian Olympic swimmer, Michael Adams.They’d also discussed other, long-term activities for Dan to get involved in too.Having glimpsed a future working with young athletes, Dan had contemplated setting up his own athletics club for underprivileged kids.
But that was before the horse.
After the horse, Sebastian Clarke, another Canadian swimmer and a friend of Michael’s, had taken Dan’s place on the Get Living Campaign.By all accounts, Sebastian had done a great job, and Dan had felt more than a little churlish in not responding to the emails both Sebastian and Michael had been sending him recently.
They wanted to meet.To discuss opportunities.
But all Dan wanted to do was rest and pull his head together.Get stronger, get fitter, and get used to the life-altering changes of the past six months.
More exact details on what he’d do with the rest of his life could wait.
Because first, he had to start rebuilding it.
Afterdinner,thereweretoo many mosquitoes to sit outside, and Libby was winding Karim down to get him ready for bed.Dan made coffee and carried two cups into the living room.Karim was playing on the floor, and Libby was on the sofa writing in a notebook.When she looked up, she snapped her notebook shut and stuffed it into the large bag she always had with her.
Dan was constantly surprised by what she pulled out of that bag.Water, toys, biscuits, tissues.On the beach earlier, she’d even found a ball of string and made Karim a little fishing rod that he’d been ridiculously pleased about.
“You carry your life around in that bag,” he said, handing her a cup.
“Yep, mineandKarim’s.Just the essentials, though.”
“Like toy cars and string?”
“Oh, believe me, those are very essential—for Karimandfor my sanity.”She made room on the sofa for Dan to sit beside her and then blew on her coffee.“Are you sticking around for a Flumpy Monster bedtime story?”
“Of course,” he said, “I won’t be able to sleep otherwise.”
Which was partly true.Libby’s soft voice relaxed him, and the more time he spent around her and Karim, the more they drew him out of his fug.
“What should we do tomorrow?”he asked.
“You want to hang out with us?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.”Libby flashed him one of those smiles that made his gaze linger on her mouth.“I’d like to explore some of the beaches,” she said, “like in this photo.”She stood and angled her body toward the bookshelf.“I was looking through this book earlier, and—whoa!”
She stumbled and dropped into his lap.
“Oh, gosh, I’m sorry,” Libby gushed.“I was trying not to step on Karim… My foot twisted, and…”
Soft, lush, and welcoming, her plump lips were only inches away from his.It would be nice to kiss them.Maybe better than nice.
“Um…Dan?”
Her eyelashes rose, and her deep-brown gaze met his.
Then Karim jumped between them, squealing with laughter.
“Hey, sweet cheeks!”In a flash, Libby was back in playful mum-mode, scrambling off his lap and pulling Karim with her.“Let’s not squash Dan any more than I already have, honey.It’s Flumpy Monster time.”
Not what Dan had in mind just now at all, but he sat back as if he hadn’t almost crossed the line with Libby fromrandom friends torandom friends who kissed.That would’ve been awkward.Complicated.Two things he didn’t need right now.
“I’ll read you a story in a minute, baby,” Libby said and then quickly glanced in Dan’s direction, her cheeks darkening.“Can you keep an eye on him for a minute while I use the bathroom?”
“Of course.”Dan smiled, but she dashed off, not meeting his gaze.
Karim patted his knee.
