Page 23 of Blue Sky

A wave of satisfaction took over me. “Yes. I can sign you girls up. After we eat, we can go to Target and buy swimsuits.”

Paloma placed her hand on my arm. “Stop. That’s not necessary. We don’t want to owe you anything.”

“You don’t owe me a thing. Let’s go shopping. Seriously, it’s on me. No strings attached.”

“I can’t accept any gifts.”

Man, she was tough. “You represent me on base. I don’t have anything for the girls’ room. Please, it would make me happy.”

She shrugged. “I guess.”

I felt bad that I was making her uncomfortable.

Mónica squealed. “Lo, can I get bikini?”

“No, you can not. You are only fourteen. You can pick out something modest.” She placed her hand on my knee and a jolt went to my cock. “You really don’t have to do all of this. I can never repay you. Actually, you can take it out of my salary.”

I loved how humble she was and that she didn’t want anything for free. “It’s really my pleasure. I know I told you in the interview I didn’t want to hang out with you, but honestly I’ve been so depressed since my wife died. It will be good to have you all around and keep me distracted.”

She squeezed my leg. “If you need to talk, I’m a good listener.”

Maybe I did need to talk. I had refused to talk to a grief counselor, and I never really opened up to my buddies.

We hit the drive-thru and the girls had Happy Meals, I ordered a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and Paloma had a Filet-O-Fish. We stuffed our faces and then I turned into the shopping mall and parked in front of Target. When we exited from the SUV, Mónica whispered something into Paloma’s ear which caused Paloma to blush.

I grabbed a red shopping cart, and they followed me into the store.

“Okay, ladies. So, seriously, let’s get whatever you need. Clothes, some stuff for your bedroom, toys, school supplies. Don’t be shy, it’s on me.”

Paloma whispered in my ear. “Seriously, I don’t feel comfortable with this. Maybe just a few things.”

I grabbed her hand, caressing her soft skin. “I want to. Please don’t mention it again. And grab another cart.”

“Okay, I’ll make it up to you.”

I wanted to ask how, but I shut my mouth. I wasn’t offering to buy her stuff, expecting any sexual favors. Quite the opposite. No matter how hot I thought she was, I refused to get involved with her. It wasn’t ethical, and I was a man of morals.

We zoomed around the store and the girls picked out clothes, swimsuits, bedspreads, and some toys. I picked up some supplies for Sky. Then I looked into the cart and noticed that Paloma hadn’t picked anything for herself.

“Hey. I’m serious. Buy some new clothes. Whatever you need. Do you have a swimsuit? Maybe you can take Sky to the pool. I think there is a baby class.” Hell, I knew there was a Mommy and Me class. Catherine and I had looked into it.

“Okay.” She walked over to the rack and picked out a black bikini. Heat flooded my cock as I imagined her body covered in that thin fabric barely covering her huge tits, her wide hips, her tiny waist, and that incredible ass. I’d definitely have to go to the pool with her, to make sure some dickhead like Sawyer didn’t hit on her.

I wanted to get home to Sky. We made a final pass to the grocery section and Paloma paused over the spices, but then walked away.

“Get whatever you need. If anything, you are saving me money by cooking.”

“I was just looking at the saffron. I’ve always wanted some, but it’s super expensive. I don’t need it.”

“If you make me paella, you can buy it. I had some in Spain and it was incredible.” In Spain. On my honeymoon.

“It’s twenty-two dollars. A waste of money.”

I grabbed the little bottle. “Not if you make me paella. Okay, let’s go.”

I paid, and we walked out of the store. Pride filled my chest when I looked at their happy faces. The girls giggled in the back seat when talked about how much they couldn’t wait to see their room. After suffering through all my grief, giving someone else joy made my heart leap.

Paloma made another quick stop at a grocery store, and then we went back to base.

As I pulled up to my house, I couldn’t help but notice how at ease I felt around Paloma and her sisters. They were under the assumption that I was helping them out, but in reality, they were saving me.