Page 20 of Blue Sky

Hamburgers

The hot water beaded down my chest as I scrubbed my body. An image overpowered my mind of Paloma in the shower with me.

I tried to push the fantasy of her naked body out of my head, but it wouldn’t budge. I imagined water cascading between her full breasts and down her curves. Turning her around and taking her from behind, grabbing her round ass as I fucked her tight pussy.

Dammit. I was her goddamned boss. I was no better than Sawyer. I couldn’t think of my nanny like that. What the fuck was wrong with me?

It had to be that I was just missing my wife. And that I was horny as fuck. Catherine had had a difficult pregnancy—she was bedridden for most of it, so we had been unable to make love. But that hadn’t bothered me in the least. All I wanted was a healthy baby. I had prayed so much that Sky would be okay, never thinking that in a cruel twist of fate that I would lose my wife instead.

But God had other plans in store.

Something about Paloma intrigued me. I didn’t pity her; it was nothing like that. I admired her. She was so strong. Many people would’ve given up with the lot she had been dealt. Drowned their sorrows in liquor, drugs, or sex. But Paloma seemed so positive and upbeat. I couldn’t believe she had never left this town.

I can show her the world.

My wife had been dead for nine months, and I had finally accepted the fact that she was never coming back. For the last nine months, I had never thought seriously about another woman. But now, everything seemed different. Was I falling for Paloma?

I mean, it had been Catherine’s idea for me to hire a local nanny when I returned. And she had told me in her final words that she loved me and wanted me to be happy.

Even so, I felt guilt. I turned my rage toward myself and took a calming breath.

I toweled off and got dressed. These thoughts were normal. I had no reason to be ashamed. I couldn’t help my desires, but I was in control of my actions. And I was an honorable naval officer. I would not hit on my daughter’s nanny. I wasn’t that guy.

I walked down the hallway, and realized that Paloma was already home. She must’ve come in while I was in the shower. I wished she had joined me. Dammit, there I went again.

Her hair was wavy and wild, and I couldn’t help but think that her hair would look like that after sex. Maybe she had just had sex with her hidden boyfriend.

Stop, dude. You have no right to know about her personal life.

She was sitting on the sofa, and Sky was playing in her Pack n’ Play. Instead of greeting me like Paloma normally did, she remained quiet. As I approached her I noticed that she was looking down at the floor.

Maybe she could sense that I wanted her. I had to stop flirting with her.

“Hey. How are your sisters?”

“Good.”

She still didn’t look up at me. Something was wrong.

“You okay?”

“Yup, just tired. There are leftovers in the fridge if you are hungry.”

Yeah, something was definitely wrong. I didn’t mind at all if she didn’t want to cook for me. I could take care of myself, and her for that matter. But her voice was low, and she had still not looked up at me.

I sat down next to her and a lump grew in my throat when I saw a big, open gash above her forehead.

What the fuck?

My vision clouded. “Paloma, what happened to your face?”

She covered her face more. “Nothing. It was stupid. I tripped walking and fell. There was some glass in the street. I’m fine.”

She was lying to me. But I wasn’t angry. I could tell from her slumped posture and the despondent look on her face that she was embarrassed.

I took her hand and she started crying. Before I could stop myself, I pulled her into my arms.

“Hey, listen. You can tell me anything. I’m not going to be mad, I just want to take care of you. What happened? Did some guy hit you?”