His face warms back up, just as Ryan, Maddy and the kids step out of the house. Angel comes racing toward her dad at warp speed, slinging her arms around his legs as she crashes into him, causing him to step back to catch his balance.
“It’s time to leave, I want to go to the beach,” she squeals, sending everyone into laughter. The tension between the two of us fades but is not forgotten. Not by me, anyway.
“Okay, let’s go then.” He reaches down, lifting Angel into his arms, carrying her to his Expedition.
Get it together, Amberlee, you’re about to be alone in the SUV with this man for two hours. Not alone per se, but might as well be since the kiddos are going to be thoroughly focused on their tablets.
I can do this.I recite over and over in my head.
“Come on, Aunt Lee Lee,” RJ calls, as Ryan picks him up and carries him around to the other side of the Expedition, securing him in his booster seat.
I take a deep breath, pull my shoulders back, and lift my chin. I can do this. It’s just two hours. Small talk, that’s all I have to do. Being around Jeremiah is something I’ll have to do until after Christmas when I move out. I may as well get used to it now. I’ve got to keep my promise to Maddy and Ryan to remain here to help them until the birth of the babies.
Putting one foot in front of the other, I make my way over, opening the passenger door, and climbing inside.
His cologne covers me like a blanket. He smells like fucking heaven, which makes it that much harder. Clicking my seat belt in place, I fold my hands in my lap and chew on my lip.
“Ready for some fun?” he asks as he climbs behind the steering wheel, pushing the button, and the engine comes to life.
I flash him a smile and put my thumb up in the air. The universal yes.
He just shakes his head, laughing. “Okay, Amberlee, you’re in the passenger seat so you have control of the radio. What are we listening to?”
Now that’s a good question. Lady Gaga for the win.
Chapter 11
Jeremiah
We’ve been on theroad for an hour, and I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity I have to steal a glance at her.
She’s so fucking gorgeous. Her full, pouty lips move slowly, as she sings along with the radio. Amberlee has the voice of an angel. Her leg bounces in sync with the beat of the song, leaving me curious if it’s nerves or just her body in tune with the music.
“Have you been to the beach before?” I finally ask.
She doesn’t answer, and I wonder if she heard me. Glancing up in the rear view mirror, I see the kiddos have passed out, drool dripping from both of their mouths. It’s my chance to finally talk openly.
I move my hand off the console and lightly cover hers that’s resting on her lap. She jumps, jerking it away to cover her mouth, muffling her shriek.
“Sorry, shit. I’m sorry.”
She’s clutching her chest, gasping. I look over my shoulder, thankful when I still see the kids sleeping. They’re out cold.
“It’s okay. You just startled me.”
“I wasn’t thinking. I asked you a question, and you didn’t answer, so I was just trying to get your attention. Guess I should’ve just turned the radio down or talked louder.”
She laughs, and it eases my anxiousness over the issue.
“What did you want?” she asks, her voice still somewhat surprised.
“Oh, umm, I asked if this was the first time you’ve been to the beach?”
“This one yes, but beaches in general, no. Our parents took us to Florida to go to Disney a few times. We always went to the beach after, and my sorority went to Daytona for spring break senior year.”
The image of horny college boys lusting over her in a bikini has my blood boiling. My thoughts quickly drift to what she will look like in a bikini now. She had a killer body seven years ago, I can only imagine what it looks like now.
I stutter for a moment, opening and closing my mouth. Swallowing harshly, I sigh, working the nerve up to ask her a question that’s been on my mind.
