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After building a sandman, with shells for eyes and driftwood arms, they walked down the beach collecting sand dollars and empty snail shells for Zoey’s crafts. The waves crashed against the rocks as they searched the tide pools for new discoveries. A light, warm breeze tickled her face. Her loose T-shirt flapped against her skin. These moments were her favorite. If she could bottle them up and save them for the harder days, this was one she would keep forever.
Jasmine carried Zoey for the last part of the walk back to the inn. She set her at the table with her crayons and paper while she heated up some leftover pasta for them to share. Zoey stuffed her mouth full of cheese ravioli.
“You look like a chipmunk. Slow down.” Jasmine laughed.
Zoey giggled. “Is so good.”
“Hey, is it too late for that performance?” Atlas asked, leaning against the doorframe. His eyes flicked from Zoey to Jasmine.
Wow. It hadn’t just been a brush-off earlier. He’d actually intended on following through. She bit her lip.
“Yes! I’m full, Mommy. Can I go show Mr. Atlas my dance now?” Zoey asked excitedly.
Jasmine nodded. “Sure thing.”
“Can you put my song on?” Zoey asked Atlas.
He looked at Jasmine, helplessly.
“I got it, Z. You go set up.” Jasmine pulled out her phone and stood.
Zoey ran from the room.
Atlas’s attention was solely on her as Jasmine approached him. The air thickened with tension the closer she got. “I’m sorry if I upset you earlier.”
His brows drew together. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
If only that were true.“Thank you for entertaining her like this.”
“She’s quite the kid.” The corner of his mouth turned up.
Her heart squeezed. He had no idea he was talking about his own daughter.
“Ready!” Zoey yelled.
“I guess we’ve been summoned,” he said, chuckling. “After you.”
She dipped her head and walked past him, his scent clinging to the air around him like the earth before a rainstorm. Jasmine entered the common room and took a seat on the grey couch.
Zoey pointed to the spot next to her. “Right here, Mr. Atlas.”
He sat, the couch sinking with his weight. His proximity sparked to light the desire she’d thought she’d had under control. Jasmine’s heart raced as she stiffened, doing all within her power not to lean towards him.
“Ready for the music,” Zoey said, pulling a red, feathery boa around her neck and striking a pose that made her look like a starfish.
Jasmine scrolled through her music and picked the song “Into the Unknown”from the Frozen 2 soundtrack. She smiled as the little girl spun and twirled, belting out most of the lyrics at the top of her lungs. Thankfully, her other two guests were out to dinner. She snuck a few peeks at Atlas. His eyes glimmered with amusement as he watched their daughter show off. Atlas was a good guy. He deserves to know.
“Thank you!” Zoey said, taking a bow as the song ended. It switched to something slower: “Beautiful Stranger” by Halsey.
“Your turn, Mommy.” Zoey tugged Jasmine’s hand.
Reluctantly, she got to her feet. “I think we’ve taken up enough of Mr. Atlas’s time tonight.”
“But, Mommy, you guys have to dance now. It’s my turn to be the audience,” Zoey pleaded.
Heat crept over her skin. Her eyes darted to Atlas’s.
He shrugged. “I guess it’s only fair.” He stood and held out his hand to her. He seemed so much bigger this close. Her knees went weak. She looked down at her daughter. Zoey had climbed onto the couch, eagerly waiting for their dance, her big eyes ever watchful.
