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“I know.” I lean over and pick up my water bottle. The sun’s heat has sweat running down my chest. After I take a much-needed drink, I continue. “I’m happy for y’all.”
“I think you guys getting engaged and having Lexi around, he’s starting to want to settle down, too. He’s questioning where he wants his life in a few years.”
“And that’s with you?”
“Oh, gosh! We’re still too new for that conversation. He’s just…reevaluating his player ways.”
“Well, I’m glad he’s…oh!” I stop talking when I think about our wedding.
“What?”
“So, our wedding… You’re my maid of honor and Max is Aiden’s best man.” She nods her head in understanding. “Is that going to cause any problems?”
“Hopefully since Damon will be in the wedding, too, it won’t. I guess we need to have another conversation.” She throws her head back and moans a little. “Why did you let me sleep with Max?”
I sit up tall again as my mouth gapes open. “Are you kidding me? When have you ever taken my advice about who not to sleep with? And don’t act like I haven’t tried to warn you. Many times, in fact!”
“Many times?” She tilts her head in my direction.
“Oh, you want me to name them? Let’s start with Jack and then there’s—”
“O-kay!” she says, interrupting me. “It’s a little concerning that you remember names, but you don’t need to continue naming my indiscretions. Just because I can enjoy a man’s body and you can’t—”
“I definitely enjoy a man’s body,” I say, interrupting her and staring at Aiden walking out, holding Lexi’s hand. His hair is disheveled from working out. I admire every inch of his muscular body. His turquoise board shorts hang low on his hips, and I bite my lip to stop my mouth from hanging open.
Sydney follows my stare to Aiden. “Alright, you win.” She grins. “I think I need to get in the pool to cool down,” she says, fanning herself. I chuckle and stand as Aiden walks up. “Come on Lulu, let’s go swim.” Lexi jumps up and down and runs to Syd. I watch them jump into the pool and turn toward Aiden.
He flashes a megawatt smile, wrapping his hands around my waist. “What exactly are you winning?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“I already know.” He wags his eyebrows, amusement dancing in his eyes. One thing is for sure, the confident man who was missing the last month is back in full force. He trails a finger down my arm and my body shivers. With a sly smile, he leans over and whispers in my ear, “I’ll give you the prize later.”
I try to think of a witty comeback, but all I can think about is his prize and where I plan on putting it. Oh, my. I turn away, hiding the flush on my face. Not the place, Addison. I lie back down on my towel and look out at the pool, ignoring Aiden’s cocky smile and sexy body. He opens his towel and places it on the lounger next to me.
“Addie, look!” Lexi screams from the side of the pool. She does a cannonball and bobs back up from her arm floats. “Did you see me?”
“I did. You made a huge splash,” I respond, holding my arms out wide.
“I considered signing her up for swim lessons,” Aiden says. “I’ve heard they have a great program here.”
“It doesn’t surprise me. They have everything else here.” We bought a membership last month because the boxing gym isn’t very kid-friendly. Lexi loves it here. There’s a huge treehouse in the kid area as well as a climbing wall, kids’-only basketball court, computers, anything a kid could want to do while their parents work out. “I think it’s a great idea, especially since she’ll want to use the pool a lot.”
“Well, that and I’ll feel more comfortable with her around the pool at the beach house if she knows how to swim.”
I glance over to him as he watches Lexi swim. His hands are behind his head and his stomach muscles contract as he laughs at something Lexi does. His body is sexy, but it doesn’t come close to the man he is on the inside. The way he cares for Lexi’s wellbeing makes my heart happy. For a quick second, I think about ten little kids all stockpiled on top of him, laughing and playing. I shake my head clearing that image. No freaking way. I do not want ten kids. This is all Aiden’s fault, saying he wants ten of them. He had to be kidding, right? I look back out at the water to Syd and Lexi as they sing “Ring around the Rosie.”
Thinking of kids turns my thoughts to Presley. “Have you talked to Ryan?” I say, skirting around the real question I want to ask. Does Jessie know we know about Brooks? It’s been three days since we visited Brooks, and I haven’t brought it up. Aiden did confirm Brooks was the father, but other than that I haven’t heard anything else. It’s still a sore subject with Aiden, so I haven’t pushed it. I tried to call Brooks, but he’s not answering my calls.
“Yes,” he says, looking straight ahead.
“Aiden.” I wait until he turns his head in my direction. “And…” I say, wanting him to continue.
He grunts. “Jessie left the hospital a couple days ago. I guess she went back to New Haven. She knows the father is Brooks,” he says. “That’s about all I know. It’s about all I care to know.” I sink back into my chaise lounge. I wish it was that easy for me, but Presley is my niece. It’s hard not to think about her wellbeing.
From the corner of my eye, I see Aiden sit up and swing his legs around. He reaches over and his hand covers mine. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to Ryan and find out how Presley is doing.”
I chew on my inner cheek and nod. “Thanks,” I whisper.
