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“Have you ever been paddleboarding?” Aspen asked her.
Pippa’s amber gaze flicked to their equipment and then back to his daughter. “Nope, but I’ve always thought it looked fun.”
“You should go now.” Aspen offered her the life jacket as his suspicions kicked up a notch. Did Aspen know Pippa would be here? Impossible.
Pippa held up her hand. “Oh, no. I couldn’t. I’m not supposed to do things like that.”
Aspen quirked her eyebrow. “Why not?”
Pippa swallowed and flicked a nervous glance his way. “My epilepsy can make things like swimming dangerous.”
“That sucks. Even if you have someone with you?” Aspen asked.
“Well, it’s definitely safer if I have someone. I usually wait until my sister comes up for a visit, and then we go into the waves together.”
His chest squeezed. It must be hard living life with so many limits.
Aspen turned to her dad, giving him a pleading look. “My dad was a Navy SEAL. He’s an okay swimmer, but I’m sure he could keep you safe.”
He chuckled at his daughter’s tease.
Pippa’s eyes widened and shot to his. “Oh no, that’s okay. You guys enjoy your time. I’m just going to dip my feet in and sunbathe. I brought a book too.” She motioned to her bag.
“I also have some medical training if it makes you feel any better. I’d be happy to take you out on the water.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. He didn’t like the idea of her missing a chance to do something when he could give it to her. He owed her, after all—didn’t he?
“I don’t want to intrude.” Pippa eyed the waves longingly.
“No intrusion at all. We were going out. You can come with us. Your dog can ride, too, if you want,” Mason assured her.
Hope danced in her eyes as a smile split her lips, and it stole some of the breath from his lungs. She was a beautiful woman, but when she smiled, she embodied pure sunshine.
“Okay. If you’re sure it’s not too much of an inconvenience.”
He jerked his attention towards the waves. Mason needed the ice-cold New England sea to calm his raging libido.
“I’m gonna go hang out with David. He’s under the green umbrella with his mom,” Aspen announced.
“You’re not coming?” Pippa asked before he could.
Mason scanned the beach, locating Brynn, with a white long-sleeved shirt and tan capris on. She must have been sweltering in this ninety-degree weather.
“I want to hang out with David. Can I, Dad? I’ll go boarding later,” Aspen promised. She’d been bothering him all morning about getting to the beach to go out on the water, and now she had blown him off for her friend. He supposed it was bound to happen sometime. She was officially a teenager now.
“Alright. But stay with Brynn and David,” he gave in.
Aspen jumped excitedly. “Bye, Pippa!” She waved and was off.
“Ready?” he asked, keeping an eye on Aspen as she jogged towards the green umbrella and her friend.
“I guess.”
“Put that life jacket on.” He pointed to the one Aspen had left behind.
Pippa set down her bag and grabbed the floatation device.
“Is there anything valuable in there? You can put your stuff in my truck if you want?” Mason pointed to her things.
“Actually, would you mind?” She handed him her bag.
