AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 16
Jasmine
Jasmine lifted the paint roller above her head, pushing it up and down to get an even coat of paint on the wall. She peeked over her shoulder. Zoey was busy coloring by the window on the far end of the room. The warm May breeze blew softly, airing out the long soon-to-be living room.
“What are you coloring?”
Zoey’s pink tongue darted out in concentration as she scribbled the purple crayon across the paper. “A mermaid.”
“Cool.”
“Knock, knock,” Atlas said as he stepped into the room, sucking out what was left of the oxygen.
She closed her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath before turning around. “Hey.”
His dark hair glistened, fresh from the shower. A fitted V-neck shirt clung to his broad chest, highlighting the veins in his muscular arms. Dark-wash jeans must have been tailored to his specifications—they fit him so well.
“It’s Sunday, and I thought maybe you guys would save me from eating alone. I wanted to go back to the High Tide Diner.” His gaze shifted to Zoey and then to her. A flash of vulnerability shone in them.
“I really have to finish this coat.”
He turned his head, eyes roaming the room before ensnaring on hers. “Do you ever take a day off?”
“We just had a cookout.”
“And you were up until after midnight in here,” he said, gently.
Is he keeping tabs on me?“It needs to be done. Who else is going to do it?” she asked.
“So that’s your only excuse?”
Her gaze narrowed. “It’s not an excuse.”
Atlas held his hands up. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“How did you mean it, then?”
He smiled, showing off those perfect white teeth. “Put me to work, so we can go eat.”
She blinked. He wanted . . . to help?
“You’re my guest. I’m not—you can’t—”
“I get to use my time how I like, and right now, that’s painting this room so we can go get lunch afterwards, and maybe some more ice cream if Zoey is up for it.”
“Ice cream?” Zoey perked up. “I want ice cream, Mama!”
She looked between her daughter and Atlas. She should be glad he wanted to include Zoey and spend time with them. But he didn’t know she was his, so what was his ulterior motive?
“Now you’ve stooped to bribing my child?” She raised one eyebrow.
He stepped closer. “Let me help.”
Her chest tightened, making it harder to breathe. A warm, melting sensation swirled in her belly and fluttered. “Okay. But your clothes might get ruined. You should go change.”
He waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. I have others.”
She nodded, handing him the trim brush. “Have you ever painted before?”
