Page 77 of Parentmoon

We’re just having fun.

The words are a sharp slap of reality. I need to get over the embarrassment that I’d been caught by my grown child in bed with a naked man and move on.

Dallas lifts his coffee mug to his lips, cautiously watching me over the rim.

I turn to Michael. “Had a rough night sleeping.”

Keli giggles, lowering her head into Michael’s side. Rethinking the innuendo in my words, Michael scrunches up his face like he’s smelled something rotten. He’s horrified by the implication.

“Don’t disrespect your mother.” Dallas’s sharp tone surprises all of us, and I peer at him. His shoulders are tight, like a wild big cat ready to spring.

He addresses me. “Feelin’ better this morning, darlin’?”

“Are you okay?” Michael loosens his hold on Keli and steps toward me.

Holding up a hand to stop Michael, I hold on Dallas’s eyes. “I’m fine.”

Dammit, I want to still be angry with him but when he’s looking at me so intensely, like he wants to peel off my clothes and bury himself inside me, I can’t think. I also can’t pull away. Instead, I offer him a timid smile. Dallas digs his teeth into his bottom lip, fighting that slow smirk of his.

It’s only a fling, I remind myself. But I’m not ready for it to end.

“Mornin’ darlin’.” Pure mischief rests in those words.

“Good morning. I’m going to shower and then we can figure out this day.”

“Nothing to figure. Michael and I are headed into town to bribe a priest. I mean, make a generous donation to the local padre for a Thursday wedding.” Dallas laughs, setting his coffee mug on the counter.

With the first order of business settled, I pass near him as I head toward the bathroom. Without a care for Michael and Keli watching us, Dallas steps into my space blocking me. He lowers his head, eyes still on mine. The blue is as bright as the ocean, glinting with more mischief.

“Today’s a new day. We’re starting it off right.”

Then he tips his head and kisses me, a little longer than necessary before our witnesses.

My skin heats, certain to be turning a nice shade of pink. My heart races. When Dallas pulls back, he smiles large and proud like a man knowing he just set my world back on its axis.

Chapter 20

Michael and Dallas head into town while Keli and I take a walk along the beach. Since we’re alone, she’s quick to apologize for everything.

“Michael feels horrible about the money. He sent you here hoping it makes up for some of the loss, giving you a much-needed vacation. We’ll pay you back.”

“It isn’t about the money.” Ten thousand dollars is a lot to lose on a wedding that didn’t happen. In the grand scheme of all Dallas dished out, the groom’s contribution was nothing in comparison. But Michael insisted he do his part and then I insisted the money come from me. He works hard. He had student loans to pay off once. This was my humble gift to him. This trip might be a consolation prize, but it’s been a win in many ways.

Ways I’m not comfortable discussing with Keli.

“It’s the house, isn’t it?” Her voice softens. “Daddy can be over the top sometimes.”

“As I said yesterday, the house is a generous gift. You’re very fortunate your daddy loves you so much and can afford something so lavish.”

Keli nods and purses her lips. “I’m a lucky girl that I’m loved by two amazing men.”

Jealousy has no place here, but I envy her position. She’s right about her fortune by emotional measures. She’s loved by two wonderful people.

“I know it isn’t always going to be easy for Michael and me, but we’ve talked about that. For better or worse. We just need to be open with one another.” She glances at me, squinting in the morning sunshine. “I’m sorry Daddy didn’t tell you we were coming. We thought we’d surprise you both, but it seems the shock was on all of us.” She softly chuckles. “He didn’t mean to hurt you, Jo.”

“I know.”

Twenty-four hours has brought some perspective. Dallas didn’t withhold information for malevolent purposes. He’d mentioned how he wanted more time for us, and in hindsight, I appreciate the distraction. He’s right. I would have freaked out about things not in my control concerning the arrival of Michael and Keli. Plus, it gave me more time to revel in the bliss of him and me.