She lays her head back again, and though she closes her eyes, I don’t get the impression she’s dismissing me, so I take a seat on the edge of the hot tub.
“Can we talk?”
Her eyes are still shut. “About what?”
“About what happened earlier. With Bea…”
“I’m sorry,” she says, finally looking at me, a line of concern creasing her brow.
Confused, I frown. “For what?”
“For kissing her. I know it was only on her head, but still. It just sort of happened. I shouldn’t have?—”
“It’s okay,” I interrupt. “Bea loves hugs and kisses, and you’re a safe person in her life. It’s honestly fine.”
She straightens again, and this time I get a good look at her strapless turquoise bathing suit. “You sure?”
I nod. I never considered that she was concerned about that. When Claire planted a kiss on my daughter’s head like it was the most natural thing in the world, it felt wholesome to me. But when I replayed the moment in my mind later, conflicting emotions rose up and battled one another. It should be Daisy kissing our daughter. And yet a sense of peace washed over me when Bea was offered such genuine affection. Similar to the feeling I get when my sister or Joey loves on her.
“That’s not what I was referring to, though,” I hedge. “I meant about her nearly walking in on us this morning.”
She shifts in her seat, grimacing. “Right. That.”
“We can’t let it happen again.”
“Oh. Of course. I get it.” She rises and climbs out of the tub, quickly covering herself with a towel. “It was fun while it lasted.”
My gut sinks, and I grasp her wrist before she can leave. “No, wait. Claire.”
Her attention falls to where I’m clutching her.
“That’s not what I meant.” I loosen my grip, but she doesn’t pull away, so I take this moment to intertwine my fingers with hers. “We just need to be more careful is all. No more sleepovers.”
“Oh.” Her chest deflates. Is she relieved? “Sure. That’s probably for the best.”
“Is this what you want? To keep having fun?”
Please say yes.
She nods. “I do. From now on, no more sleepovers. Only play dates.”
Laughing, I tug her towel free, then haul her wet body flush against mine. “Good. Because I really like playing with you.”
“Is that so?” With a smirk, she draws back.
Instantly, I miss her warmth.
As a droplet of water disappears into the divot of her bellybutton, I’m reminded of what it tastes like to lick her there. What it feels like when her stomach goes taut beneath my touch.
“We should do it again sometime.” With that, she turns on her heel and slips into her bedroom.
22
Asher
My dreamof a certain brunette grinding on top of me while wearing only her gold-rimmed glasses is abruptly cut short by a shrill ringing. Forcing one eye open, I feel around for my phone on the nightstand. When my sister’s name flashes on the screen, my veins flood with concern. She would never call me this early unless it was an emergency.
I shoot straight up and swipe the Answer button. “Mills?” My voice comes out groggy, so I clear my throat. “Is everything okay?”
