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My thoughts race.
“Why don’t you convert to naturopathy, and we could buy a property in the hills away from everyone, and clients could drive to you? We could have a room out the back and—”
His kiss silences me. “It sounds wonderful. Only I need to uphold a promise, and I’ll continue to work as my father sees fit.”
I let out a long sigh.
“This week I need to find a car for us.”
“I have a car.” I attempt to roll off him, and he stops me, adjusting my legs. His mouth comes within my breathing space. His face hovers, his eyes caress my face, and God, I feel it like fingertips tracing over every contour. His lips skim along my cheek to my mouth. I’m lost to his kiss, his touch, and his passion as Samuel shows me his perfect love.
* * *
The following morning, Rose is having breakfast and talking gibberish to Mum while eating her scrambled egg. I have minutes before I dash out the door. Samuel is still asleep. “He had a restless night,” I tell Mum. I recall periods of his phone light disturbing me.
“I’ll watch Rose until he wakes.” She has maintained a distance, allowing us to be a couple while we’re all living together.
“Dana has been asking to see Rose, so I’ll take her down with me for a while. I’ll bring her back in an hour. Samuel should be awake then.”
“If not, I’ll watch over her.” Mum smiles at me. “I miss our special time together.”
“Well, you’ll get plenty of it when Samuel begins work.” I lift Rose from her highchair. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
After changing her into a cute lemon-colored dress, we walk down the stairs to the office. The space is quiet. Ethan’s head lowers as he reads over something on his desk while Dana focuses on her computer screen.
“Morning,” I chime.
“Morning,” they both murmur back and then do a doubletake.
“And a fine morning it is.” Dana pushes out of her chair and is by my side in a flash, regardless of her tight pencil skirt and pointy two-inch heels. “Come to Aunty Dana.” She holds her hands out, and Rose goes to her, all timidness lost. Rose has the sweetest smile, and then she touches Dana’s red lips. “Do you like the color red?” she asks against her finger, making Rose giggle. The sound has us all grinning. Dana takes her to her desk and sits Rose on her knee. She gets out her phone and plays something to keep her entertained while she continues to read her screen. It gives me a moment to start up my computer and begin reading the long list of emails. A particular email has my attention. “Construction is starting tomorrow?” I stare at Ethan wide-eyed.
Ethan smiles as though he was waiting for me to see the email. “We’ll finish it within a month. Then it’s the landscaping, and the pool will be ready at the end of spring.”
“Oh wow. Our summer guests are going to be thrilled.” Most come to enjoy the beach and swim in the ocean, yet there are always some who dislike the ocean and prefer a pool.
My thoughts race to Samuel and what he said to me. This is the one project I wanted to see through. And it’s going to be complete in a matter of months. I spoke to him about the freedom of choosing his own career, and I’m struck with the reality of freedom for myself.
Rose whimpers, and I turn to check on her.
“Oh, honey, Aunty Dana is almost done.”
“Let me take her for five,” Ethan offers. He stands and goes to Dana. “I’ll hold her until you finish, and Eden can respond to the email.” He takes Rose, then turns and smiles at me. “I purposely didn’t respond as I assumed you’d like the honors.”
“Thank you.” I immediately tap out a response on the keyboard, my lips taut with a smile.
I’m vaguely aware of Ethan walking around the office pointing out things to Rose. He says each word to her as though teaching her to talk.How cute. I don’t have time to dwell as I’m attaching the last of the files to my email when the office door swings open. Samuel is standing there in his board shorts. My eyes wander over his bare tanned chest and broad shoulders. He remains thin, yet every muscle is visible, and when he lifts his arms, his biceps contract. He mesmerizes me until I see his pinched brow and realize what’s irritating him.
He strides over to Ethan. “I apologize. My alarm failed this morning.”
Ethan looks at me, then back to Samuel. “It’s fine, man. Rose is a delight to babysit.” He hands Rose to Samuel and watches as he walks away with her.
“Honey, it’s fine,” I tell him. “I was going to bring her to you soon.” I move around the table to walk him to the door. “Are you doing anything today?” His brow pulls tight. I wasn’t implying laziness. “I thought maybe I could bring Rose down on my lunch break so Dana could spend time with her.”
Samuel dips his head slightly, leans in, and kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you then.”
I close the door behind him, and the click of the switch is like a finger snap in my brain. He didn’t have a good night, and I can only imagine what he’s thinking.
6
