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“Okay.”Could this job be any easier?
“Actually…” Wesley hesitated, looking reluctant. “If you and Jack don’t mind hanging out with us, playing games, visiting some mansions,” he tossed his hand in the air, “Tejas and I would love the company.”
That’s one way to share his personal life with her.Though she wondered whether this request aimed to placate her by including her or made it easier for him by having another kid keep Tejas occupied. “All right,” she agreed, wiping the bowl, and deciding it was too soon to know for sure.
“Ms. Baxter, I can do those dishes,” Jorge reprimanded while loading dairy-free items into the refrigerator.
Wesley glanced between them, looking relieved, and left them to clean-up duty.
She grinned at Jorge as she wiped the spoon next. “I’m no slacker, Jorge.”
An hour later, Ava stepped out of the shower. Wesley had texted her an itinerary for today, including visiting the Breakers mansion, and for tomorrow, visiting a museum. Unsure of how she felt about learning his secret an hour ago to spending two days with him and his son left her head spinning.
Wesley
“I can’t thank you enough for coming with us this afternoon. Do you think Jack enjoyed the tour?”
“Honestly,” Ava glanced at their boys, sitting and waiting for them to order food at a gourmet market that catered to customers with food allergies, “I think they’d have more fun at Bluff House, swimming and running around outside—even playing video games.”
Wesley sighed. Ava was right. What nine- and ten-year-old boy cared about timeworn ornate furnishings and a history lesson? He didn’t have to do everything Satya suggested.
They moved up in line and ordered. Taking the receipt, Wesley stood off to the side, away from other customers. She kept her eye on the boys as they laughed, showing each other something comical on their phones.
“Tejas isn’t into video games.” Wesley continued their conversation. “He’s more into chess.” Why Tejas couldn’t love video games like most other kids was such a shame, considering Wesley had created a gaming empire.
“Chess?” Ava looked thoughtful. “After we eat and head back, you two should get a game going. I remember seeing a chess board in the library.”
“No!” He raised his brows. “I never learned.”
“So then…have Tejas teach you. I’m sure he’d do anything just to hang around with you. And maybe you should rethink the museum tomorrow. Ditch the idea and do something fun.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Um, how about a beach day? You know, with boogie boards and a packed lunch.” She smirked. “And sunscreen, of course. You wouldn’t want to return a sunburned kid to his overly protective mama.”
“True.” He snickered. “And yeah. A beach day sounds great.”Also, having Ava along in a bathing suit wouldn’t be bad either.
While Ava played a supporting role during Tejas’s visit, Wesley kept things between them friendly, with no longing glances in her direction—at least none that the kids could detect. Their beach day was a huge success. The sun shone bright all day and the sea temperature maintained its August average of seventy degrees. Even his phone call with Satya went well after he assured her Tejas didn’t suffer from sunburns and his beach lunch was strictly guided by his dietary needs.
Tejas seemed more relaxed today, spending time without structure, as Wesley splashed in the waves with him and later asked him for a rematch in chess. Wesley took pride in finally finding things in common with him.
Tejas basked in his attention, eyes bright, smile wide, as he said, “Your move, Dad.”
In the library, learning the rules of chess by his confident son, Wesley thought he’d like to make this a regular thing, having Tejas visit him more.
Ava entered the room, freshly showered, and hugged Jack, who watched the game with interest. “Be good for Wesley. I’m heading over to Rosa’s now.”
“Okay. Bye, Mom.”
“Have fun.” Wesley eyed her snug jeans paired with a green top that brought out the green in her eyes. His only regret was losing intimate time alone with her. August would go by fast, and she’d been interviewing over the past weeks. Ava had to have heard something by now.
The thought of her leaving him for good made his chest feel hollow. She sent him a sassy grin before leaving the room, jacking up the temperature of his internal thermometer. Dropping his hand to his lap, he stopped the urge to check his phone. He waited for an important email from the investors. If all went according to plan, and the investors approved of his custom helicopter as a part of the enterprise, then he could offer Ava a future, and a full-time position as his exclusive pilot.How could she refuse?
