Page 9 of Rubber Duckie Shifter Next Door

“Are you sure it’s okay that we’re going before it’s even open?” Rachel asks.

“Yes,” Lisa shouts.

I chuckle. “We’re shooting some publicity videos later today, so all the rides are operational. My friend, Reaper, is meeting us there. He runs the Duckie Diner, and he’s a certified lifeguard. Everyone on staff is, and a few others will be there to run the rides.”

I don’t add how much I’m paying them for that last minute favor.

Rachel smiles. “Thanks so much for having us, Sig. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”

I’d do anything for Rachel. I just don’t want to come on too strong and scare her off by telling her. So instead, I respond with a breezy, “It’s no trouble at all.”

She smiles softly. “I promise we won’t stay long.”

All three kids—and one grown-ass man—groan. Because, if I have it my way, Rachel and the kids are staying forever. Nana, too.

We’re meant to be.

I just need to convince Rachel of that… and it looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Chapter 5

Rachel

Sig claps his hands. “Are you ready to be the first kids to ever set foot inside Rubber Duckie World?”

Noah claps and cheers. Lisa lets out a whoop. Anna jumps up and down.

Me? I’m frozen in place, my gaze drawn to the two giant rubber duckies sitting on either side of the gate.

They look just like the one from this morning’s hallucination. I can still picture Sig sitting on his front porch, light blue polo hugging huge biceps, until poof. Gone. And then the sound of his phone tumbling down the porch steps. And the duckie left in his place.

I swear it happened… but I know for a fact it didn’t. People don’t just turn into rubber ducks…

“This way,” Sig calls as he leads the way toward the front gate.

I force my feet to follow. Duckies or not, we’re going in. And not just because the kids need to be submerged in water, stat.

Moment of truth? I love water parks!

I want to go on all the rides, especially Quack Attack—the giant slide Sig pointed out when we first drove up. It towers over the other attractions, and I can practically hear it calling my name.

Ride me, Rachel. Quack.

I shake my head. I’m a responsible adult who is only here to make sure the kids get cleaned up and ready for school tomorrow.

That’s the only reason I’m excited.

I just about manage to convince myself of it by the time Sig’s friend, Reaper, unlocks the gate and ushers us inside. “Follow me for the grand tour. And remember, no running.”

With a name like Reaper, I expect a scary-looking biker with a gazillion tattoos. And he is burly, but definitely not frightening. Hard to be when you’re dressed in bright yellow board shorts and a matching tank. He’s also got a friendly smile, and he’s an attractive man, but he’s got nothing on Sig.

My neighbor—well, Ada’s neighbor—threads his fingers through mine as we follow Reaper and the kids down the paved path. I know I should pull away, but I can’t bring myself to. I like having his large hand wrapped around mine. He makes me feel safe, and more than a bit turned on. That kiss…

Don’t think about the kiss, Rachel. Because if I think about it, I’ll want to kiss him again, and I can’t. Not if I’m going to prove to Ada that I’m a responsible adult.

Why is that getting harder and harder by the second?

Noah lets out a whoop and races ahead.