Page 92 of Parentmoon

With the click of the camera, I come back to the present. We’ve been arranged and rearranged until Dallas says, “Jo and I need a picture. Just us.”

At Dallas’s request, I glance at Michael and Keli but they’re too busy speaking to one another in hushed tones, blushing as they hold hands.

As I tuck under Dallas’s arm, he turns to me. “More visual proof,” he says, causing me to look at him. The camera goes off again.

Proof of us.

My thoughts are interrupted once more when Michael steps toward us. “So . . . we have plans today.”

Dallas and I look in Michael’s direction.

“I’ve booked us on a catamaran for the day,” he continues. “We ride to a beach on the northern coast, with lunch and relaxation time, and then a sunset cruise with a casual dinner back to San Pedro proper this evening.”

“Michael,” Keli squeals, hugging him.

“That sounds so romantic,” I say, smiling at how complete Michael and Keli look together.

“It will be,” Michael adds. “And we’d like you and Dallas to join us.”

“What?” Dallas chuckles, tightening his arm around me.

“We don’t have a formal reception planned, so we’d like you two to spend the day with us,” Michael explains, and Keli enthusiastically nods beside him like she’s been in on the day’s activity when she just learned about it herself.

Michael continues, “Let this be our thank you for your understanding.” Michael looks at Keli before glancing back at Dallas and me. “And your patience while we took some time to get our heads together.”

“It’s a small way to apologize for the money spent, the effort of planning and the time you both wasted here,” Keli adds.

Dallas clears his throat. “I wouldn’t say it was wasted.” His arm slips to my lower back, keeping his hand on my spine.

I don’t respond at first, still stunned that Michael and Keli want to include us on the remainder of their special day. Eventually, I find my voice. “Okay, let’s celebrate.”

Keli raises her arms in a victorious move, while Michael tugs her to his side. “Tomas will boat taxi us into town where we’ll catch the catamaran at eleven. We’ll meet you back at the house in a half hour.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Dallas states.

We separate. Michael had a set of clothes sent to the condo this morning, and Dallas leads me toward the house. Leaning to my ear, he says, “Gives me time to mess up that lipstick and remove that dress.”

“Dallas,” I groan, glancing over my shoulder as if Michael and Keli could hear him. They’re already walking in the opposite direction and the photographer follows for a few more candid shots.

“They aren’t going to make it to the house.”

“Thought you didn’t want to think about your daughter having sex.”

“I don’t. I’m thinking about having sex with you.” He presses his mouth to my ear and wraps an arm over my shoulders.

Once we enter the house, Dallas spins me putting my back to the wall just inside the sliding glass door. His body presses against mine as he kisses me long and hard while lifting my arms, pinning my wrists over my head.

“Missed you next to me last night, darlin’.” His lips move along my jaw to my neck.

“Me, too,” I moan as he grinds against me. He slips my wrists together under the clasp of one hand and torturously glides his other hand down my inner arm and along my side before hitching up the hem of my dress.

“Not gonna let it happen again.”

He means tonight. Only for one more night will he sleep next to me.

“Dallas,” I hiss as my skirt lifts higher.

“Need to touch you,” he mutters, still tugging up my skirt. “Need to be inside you.”