He winced. “Sounds like you’re going to need backup. Allow me.”
I rolled my eyes and gestured for him to go ahead. “Be my guest.”
Chapter 7
***Autumn***
“You really didn’t have to carry all this stuff down for me. I could’ve gotten it.” I looked out at the clear blue ocean and smiled. I’d splashed around in the water a bit the day before, but it was officially time to get in the water, no matter how cold it was.
Zeke scoffed. “First of all, only a shithead would let a lady carry all of this by herself. Second of all, I wanted to swim for a while.”
“So, it was pure selfishness all along.” I grinned and got towels laid out for everyone. I stood back and let Zeke set up the large umbrella, content to watch him work. “Thanks.”
He looked at me over his shoulder and winked. “Anytime.”
I watched the kids running in the sand and pulled out waters for all of them, along with their lifejackets. “Come on over! It’s time for sunscreen and your vests.”
Grace and Caroline raced over, but Jones just scowled at me and stood still, watching with his arms crossed over his chest. I decided not to fight with him and instead focused on the girls. Sunscreen applied, jackets buckled, they were finally ready to get into the water.
They wasted no time, running and screaming into the cold water, hands locked together. Jones watched them and then slowly walked over to me. His face was one of disgust as he looked at me. “I don’t need a lifejacket. I can swim.”
“Sorry, bud. If you’re getting into that water with me, you’re in a lifejacket.”
“Well, then go away. I don’t need you.”
Zeke straightened. “Jones. You weren’t raised to talk to people like that.”
“Fine! Give me the stupid jacket.”
I shook my head. “You need sunscreen first.”
“And a new attitude.” Zeke shook his head. “Your dad wouldn’t like knowing you’re talking to Autumn like this.”
“He doesn’t care. She’s just the nanny.”
“Let’s just get you protected and out in the water, huh?” I handed Zeke the tube of lotion and turned to face the girls, choosing to ignore Jones’ tantrum.
When Jones was out in the water with the girls, Zeke growled under his breath and stood next to me. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know why he’s being such a shit.”
I looked up at him and smiled. “I mean, isn’t it the cliché?”
Zeke raised an eyebrow. “Poor little rich boy?”
I shrugged and stepped away from him so I could pull my swimsuit cover off. Tossing it onto one of the blankets, I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and looked over to find Zeke’s eyes raking over my body. “Joining us?”
He ripped his shirt off and moved after me. “Fuck, yeah.”
Feeling like I was being chased, I raced into the water and let out a scream as it slapped against my skin, ice cold. “How are you three not little kid popsicles?”
Zeke wrapped his arms around my waist and laughed. “You know the best way to get through the cold, right?”
I glared at him, doing everything I could to ignore the warmth of his strong arms around me. “Don’t you dare!”
“What do you think, Grace? Should I dunk her?”
Grace laughed and nodded. “Yeah!”
“Caroline?”
