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I grin. "Well then it won’t surprise you to know that I already have an idea."
Nathan visibly braces himself. "Okay, lay it on us."
I look from one to the other. "I just have two words for you: Kiss. Cam."
CHAPTER 16
Crew
Dani is floating on her back in the pool at my parents’ house, her belly popping up above the water. Her auburn hair flows around her, sunglasses on. She gives a happy sigh. "This is heaven right now. I am so hot."
"You are so hot," I tell her, eyes drawn to her bikini top. God, her tits look gorgeous right now.
Something about my voice gives me away, because she gives me a quick look of censure. "Behave. We’re with your family."
"Oh, like being around family has ever stopped us before? I have one word for you—RV."
She giggles. "I think that’s technically two words. Recreational vehicle."
"Whatever. That RV was rocking in your parent’s driveway last Christmas."
Her cheeks turn pink from more than the sun. "Hmm. That was a special occasion."
"Every day with you is a special occasion."
Dani straightens up in the water and pulls her sunglasses down. "You’re being very charming."
It’s August and she’s right, it is hot as hell. We’re enjoying a leisurely Friday before having a big event at the arena the next day for charity. It’s been a fantastic summer, filled with family and friends and watching Dani’s pregnancy progress. I’ve been working out as usual and working with a specialized power skating coach. I’ve also let Dani talk me into doing morning meditations and yoga, which I jumped at because I thought it was code for morning sex but we’ve actually been following an app and getting our namaste on so she’s ready for labor and delivery. A side benefit I didn’t expect is it’s quieted my head space a little and made my focus stronger because we go back for training in a month. I think that’s going to be awesome on the ice and off moving forward.
Apparently, it’s also made me charming.
I wrap my arms around her and give her a kiss. "Do you need some water? Gotta hydrate."
"That would be great."
"Be right back."
I launch out of the pool in one smooth leap, which has the added benefit of splashing Nathan, who is stretched out on a lounge chair like he’s king of the suburbs, feet crossed, expensive sunglasses on, Rolex still on his wrist. There’s a sweating glass of Bourbon on the rocks sitting on a table next to him.
"Hey, watch it," he says, not even opening his eyes.
I shake my hair over his legs, water droplets falling on his shins. "It’s refreshing."
"Fuck off."
He sounds half-asleep. I take pity on him and leave him alone to take his old man nap. I head over to the outdoor kitchen by the back door and pull open the refrigerator door. Grabbing two bottles of water I kick the door shut again with my foot. Michael comes out of the house in his swim trunks and a T-shirt, wearing flip-flops and carrying a platter of vegetables and accompanying dips. My mother is right behind him, with a much more exciting platter of nachos.
"Need any help?" I ask.
My mother gives me a look. "You wait until we’re carrying the food outside to ask that? No, we’re good."
I shrug with a grin. "I was putting sunscreen on Dani."
My mother gives me a look. "If I had a free hand I’d put it up and say stop right there. Too much information, Crew."
She’s probably right. I had spent extra time making sure I got every surface on Dani’s body covered and massaged places that didn’t even need sunscreen in my old teenage bedroom. Dani likes to change in there because it has a private bathroom and the added amusement of a peek into my hockey consumed adolescent mind. All my trophies and ribbons are still on display, plus an absurd amount of game pucks and old sticks. It still faintly smells like rubber in there even though I moved out five years ago.
"Let me take that, Mom." I start to set the water bottles down but she shoos me off.
