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“That’s ridiculous. It’s not like that.”
Summer shrugged one shoulder and gave him a look. “You know her better than I do.”
“Which is why I can tell you, in a day or two, she’ll come around and see you the way I do. You’re not after anything. All you want is the family you were denied all these years. And me.”
She smiled again, and he loved it. “Lawyers. Always so sure of themselves.”
“Especially because I know we’re on the same page.”
She tilted her head. “Promise me you’ll always say what you mean.”
“You’re beautiful and I want to kiss you so damn bad it hurts. How’s that?”
The pretty blush came back. “Perfect. It gives me something to look forward to.” With that, she squeezed his hand, then turned and walked past the pool toward the ocean, giving him zero opportunity to try to change her mind about waiting for that kiss.
But he’d already decided that her needing time was a good thing for both of them.
Even if he wanted to kick his own ass for not going on instinct and kissing her.
Something to look forward to, indeed.
Chapter Fourteen
Summer ran about two miles out, then stopped and turned back. She didn’t have the strength to go on. Her head hurt, so she walked back to her father’s place to see if she could catch him before he left for the office.
She spotted the family through the glass doors leading into the kitchen. She hesitated for only a moment before walking in.
Haley shrugged on her backpack and smiled. “I went to your room, looking for you, but you weren’t there. I thought maybe you left.” Haley looked relieved she hadn’t.
“Nope. Still here. I just went for a run.”
“Trying to impress Cody?” Natalie asked.
“I run most mornings.” Summer smiled at Natalie, hoping to show her sister she wasn’t doing anything she wouldn’t do at home.
Miranda picked up her keys from the counter. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not really. The room is beautiful. I was just overwhelmed.”
Miranda nodded. “Totally understandable, given the circumstances. Please make yourself at home. Breakfast is everyone for themselves around here. There’s lots of stuff in the fridge and pantry. Make whatever you want. Add whatever you’d like to the grocery list on the bulletin board in the pantry. Our housekeeper does theshopping every Tuesday. The girls and I will be home around three-thirty. Nate usually gets home by six, though I suspect he’ll try to make that earlier since you’re here.”
“I’ll be fine. No one needs to change their schedule or entertain me.”
“Can we do something together after I get home from school?” Haley asked.
“Absolutely.” Summer wanted to get to know both her sisters, but she’d start with Haley and hope Natalie came around in time. “Natalie, I’d love it if you joined us.”
“I’m busy.” Natalie didn’t even look at her.
Miranda gave Summer a sympathetic look. “Come on, girls, time to go to school.”
Haley gave her a wave. Natalie kept her focus on her phone. Miranda touched her on the shoulder as she passed, then kissed Nate good-bye.
Her dad joined her in the kitchen. “It’s crazy here in the morning sometimes.”
Summer tried to act casual and like she belonged. She went to the coffeepot and took a mug from a hook above it. “Can I pour you a cup?”
“I already had mine while you were on your run.”
