He grins and strides back up the drive. I sigh, pressing my forehead to Kate’s, and she rests her hands on my chest. “Moment’s gone, isn’t it?”
It is. But I need to do this. Tear off the fucking band aid and go on a real date.
“I think so. But we could do something later? I could pick you up, take you out.”
She grins. “Sounds perfect. I’ll pick you up around seven?”
“Shouldn’t I pick you up?”
“It’s the twenty-first century. Get with it.” She kisses my cheek, and I get out of the car.
I’m still mulling over my hesitation as I stride up the long path, the humming of crickets and the stones crunching beneath my boots the only sounds. That and the kids giggling in the distance.
This could end up being a pretty perfect month if I just let Lina go. It’s not like anything could ever come of Kate and me; that would mean telling her at some point that Ella faked her death, and that seems very unlikely, so it’s a win-win. Something low-key and casual, and time with my family.
If only I could forget the murderer that wormed her way into my head.
A burst of giggles reaches my ears, and I grin as I reach the entrance to the floating patio. The twins are on floaties, Ella holding onto Gray’s, and they’re all smiling as they splash around.
“I hope you’re all thirsty!” someone calls from the kitchen, and I halt in place as a woman comes into view.
I can only see the back of her, blonde hair and a tight-fitting T-shirt and white bikini bottoms, but I’d know that ass anywhere.
Because the last time I saw it, I was fucking it.
“Papa!” Gray shouts, waving excitedly.
Monty turns and lowers her sunglasses, grinning at me. “Well, hello, Chief.”
Chapter 15
Monty
Usually, I’d rejoice in the total shock on a man’s face when I show up out of the blue. It’s either to kill him, remind him of my existence, or just to be a general nuisance, so it’s always fun. But in this case, my stomach clenches, my heart thuds, and the smile on my face feels brittle, because I’m not enjoying it at all.
I hated leaving how I did. Despised myself for it. I was a coward and I know that, but I couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye or explaining why I had to leave. He wouldn’t have understood, and in order to explain, I’d have to tell him things I’ll never be ready to say out loud.
So, I ran. I left a bloody note and I ran.
Placing my hands on my hips, I try to ignore how good Guy looks and the flutters between my legs at the sight of those arms snug in a T-shirt and the way his jeans wrap around thick, powerful thighs. His jaw is tight as he approaches, towering over me.
“Your pussy is goddamn heaven.”
The back of my neck is on fire, and it isn’t becauseof the sun.
“Look who invited herself!” Ella calls out, laughing.
Guy isn’t laughing. Not even bloody close.
“Monty, if you’re going to make lemonade, at least clean up your damn mess afterwards,” Gable snaps as he appears with a tray filled with drinks.
“Sorry, I got carried away,” I say, picking a glass and wrapping my lips around the straw, keeping my eyes on Guy.
He looks close to tearing my head off. “I’m gonna grab a shower.”
“Are you swimming with us, Dad?” Ella asks. “Auntie Monty is.”
“Sure thing,” he says, then disappears inside.
