A pained expression crossed Paloma’s face. She turned to me. “I’m sorry. They are just excited. They don’t know how to swim.”
Ah, fuck. I had no idea how much the little things I took for granted would mean the world to these girls.
Once we got into the SUV, I turned to them. “Yup, there sure is. And there are even swim lessons. Would you girls like to learn?”
Ana María’s eyes became wide. “Are you serious? Did you hear that Mónica? We can take swim lessons!”
A wave of satisfaction took over me. “Yes. I can sign you girls up. After we eat, we can go to Target and buy swimsuits.”
Paloma placed her hand on my arm. “Stop. That’s not necessary. We don’t want to owe you anything.”
“You don’t owe me a thing. Let’s go shopping. Seriously, it’s on me. No strings attached.”
“I can’t accept any gifts.”
Man, she was tough. “You represent me on base. I don’t have anything for the girls’ room. Please, it would make me happy.”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
I felt bad that I was making her uncomfortable.
Mónica squealed. “Lo, can I get bikini?”
“No, you can not. You are only fourteen. You can pick out something modest.” She placed her hand on my knee and a jolt went to my cock. “You really don’t have to do all of this. I can never repay you. Actually, you can take it out of my salary.”
I loved how humble she was and that she didn’t want anything for free. “It’s really my pleasure. I know I told you in the interview I didn’t want to hang out with you, but honestly I’ve been so depressed since my wife died. It will be good to have you all around and keep me distracted.”
She squeezed my leg. “If you need to talk, I’m a good listener.”
Maybe I did need to talk. I had refused to talk to a grief counselor, and I never really opened up to my buddies.
We hit the drive-thru and the girls had Happy Meals, I ordered a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and Paloma had a Filet-O-Fish. We stuffed our faces and then I turned into the shopping mall and parked in front of Target. When we exited from the SUV, Mónica whispered something into Paloma’s ear which caused Paloma to blush.
I grabbed a red shopping cart, and they followed me into the store.
“Okay, ladies. So, seriously, let’s get whatever you need. Clothes, some stuff for your bedroom, toys, school supplies. Don’t be shy, it’s on me.”
Paloma whispered in my ear. “Seriously, I don’t feel comfortable with this. Maybe just a few things.”
I grabbed her hand, caressing her soft skin. “I want to. Please don’t mention it again. And grab another cart.”
“Okay, I’ll make it up to you.”
I wanted to ask how, but I shut my mouth. I wasn’t offering to buy her stuff, expecting any sexual favors. Quite the opposite. No matter how hot I thought she was, I refused to get involved with her. It wasn’t ethical, and I was a man of morals.
We zoomed around the store and the girls picked out clothes, swimsuits, bedspreads, and some toys. I picked up some supplies for Sky. Then I looked into the cart and noticed that Paloma hadn’t picked anything for herself.
“Hey. I’m serious. Buy some new clothes. Whatever you need. Do you have a swimsuit? Maybe you can take Sky to the pool. I think there is a baby class.” Hell, I knew there was a Mommy and Me class. Catherine and I had looked into it.
“Okay.” She walked over to the rack and picked out a black bikini. Heat flooded my cock as I imagined her body covered in that thin fabric barely covering her huge tits, her wide hips, her tiny waist, and that incredible ass. I’d definitely have to go to the pool with her, to make sure some dickhead like Sawyer didn’t hit on her.
I wanted to get home to Sky. We made a final pass to the grocery section and Paloma paused over the spices, but then walked away.
“Get whatever you need. If anything, you are saving me money by cooking.”
“I was just looking at the saffron. I’ve always wanted some, but it’s super expensive. I don’t need it.”
“If you make me paella, you can buy it. I had some in Spain and it was incredible.” In Spain. On my honeymoon.
“It’s twenty-two dollars. A waste of money.”
I grabbed the little bottle. “Not if you make me paella. Okay, let’s go.”
I paid, and we walked out of the store. Pride filled my chest when I looked at their happy faces. The girls giggled in the back seat when talked about how much they couldn’t wait to see their room. After suffering through all my grief, giving someone else joy made my heart leap.
Paloma made another quick stop at a grocery store, and then we went back to base.
As I pulled up to my house, I couldn’t help but notice how at ease I felt around Paloma and her sisters. They were under the assumption that I was helping them out, but in reality, they were saving me.
Chapter Eleven
Paella
The next night, the house was buzzing with excitement from the girls. Ana María loved her princess bedspread, and Mónica was experimenting with her new makeup. Both of them had been perfect angels so far. I was proud of them. Beck was watching television while holding Sky.
And I was stressing out in the kitchen.
I had never made paella.
And this was Beck’s favorite dish. I most certainly did not want to screw it up. I had started on the chicken broth, refusing to buy it from a can. This had to be the best paella Beck had ever had. I didn’t care that he’d had it in Spain—mine was made with love.
I began to strain the chicken when my phone rang.
Ugh, my mother.
I had to get it.
I stepped outside, making sure to speak in Spanish so Beck couldn’t understand me.
“Hola?”
“Hola? Where are you? Where are the girls? My brother said you took them away with some man.”
Great. Good news travels fast. “None of your concern. When was the last time you were home? They are safe. That’s all you need to know.”
“Don’t you speak to me like that. You must respect me. I am your mother.”
I exhaled. I had to do this. I had to do this now. It was a long time coming, and I didn’t have a moment to waste. Once she knew about my job, she would do anything to sabotage it. “Yeah, well about that. I want you to give me legal custody of the girls. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is you sign over your rights. The hard way is that I take you to court for abandonment.”
Her voice became quiet. “You would do that to your own mother? How dare you. I won’t give up my babies. You have no right.”
“No, you have no right. I swear, Mama, don’t try me. I have records of everything. No court will let you keep custody. Don’t make me fight you. Think of it as a relief. You don’t have to worry about us anymore.”
And then I heard a soft sob. “Paloma, you must know. I love you. I love the girls. I tried, mija, I did. It was just so hard.”
“I know it’s hard. But where there is a will there’s a way.” I lowered my voice. I needed to give her an easy out. “Mama, look. Just sign over your rights and once you get your act together, you can see the girls again. I’ll be leaving El Centro in a few months. I have a job. But I’ll come back and visit. And if you stop drinking, I’ll let you see them.”
“Job? What job?”
I was surprised my uncle hadn’t mentioned that Beck said he was my boss. “Doesn’t matter. I have to go. The girls are fine. I’ll call you in a week. Bye.”
And I hung up the phone. I wasn’t heartless, but I was done with her excuses. I had to focus on the girls and our future.
But even so, my heart broke for her. There was something in her voice that made me feel compassion for her despite my hatred for her. She said she had tried? Had she? I didn’t remember her making an effort. Maybe things were different when I was a baby. If she would only open up to me about my father, then maybe I could possibly
understand where she was coming from.
I walked back through the door and found Beck standing in the kitchen. I couldn’t help but stare at his biceps busting out of his white T-shirt.
“Are you okay?”
I wiped my hands on my apron. “Yup. Great.”
He pressed his lips. “Who were you arguing with?”
I refused to lie to him. “My mother, but don’t worry. She doesn’t know where we are. She won’t bother us.”
He placed his hand under my chin. “You are amazing, do you know that?”
I choked back tears. I wasn’t used to compliments. “No, but it’s nice to hear. You’re pretty great yourself. You are so generous.”
His body brushed against mine. I held my breath, wondering what it would be like for him to kiss me.
I turned away from him. “I need to get back to the paella, or we won’t eat tonight.”
“Right, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I am. Thanks.”
I started scrubbing the mussels while I cooked the sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, and parsley. The smell from the fragrant saffron and broth mixture filled the kitchen. I was in heaven. Spanish chorizo, shrimp, mussels, chicken—this dish had it all. I was ready to feast.
Mónica set the table, and when the dish was finally done, I served everyone. I poured Beck a glass of red wine and watched his beautiful mouth as he took his first bite.
He reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Paloma, this is the best paella I’ve ever had.”
Chapter Twelve
French Toast
Saturday morning I woke with a hard-on and a mission.
To see Paloma in her bikini.
Ever since she had bought that damn thing, I couldn’t stop fantasizing about seeing her in it. And today was the day.
I took a quick shower and threw on my board shorts and a T-shirt. I never even woke during the night anymore to take care of Sky. I would’ve been happy to on my nights off, but Paloma would always grab her before I woke. And I was so well rested, my flying drills had been as tight as ever. I couldn’t thank Paloma enough.
How would I live without her?
Her sisters had kept to themselves and had been quiet since they moved in a few days ago. But that bothered me. They were almost too good. As if they didn’t consider this to be their home. Today I wanted to see their personalities. I wanted them to feel comfortable around me.
I opened the door, and the smell of cinnamon and vanilla overtook me.
Sure enough, Paloma was in the kitchen, and Mónica was playing with Sky on the living room floor.
My coffee was already waiting for me. “Morning. I made French Toast. It will be ready in a minute.”
“Morning.” I resisted the urge to kiss her on her cheek. It would’ve seemed so natural, so innocent.
Paloma was always cheerful, but I knew that she hid pain behind her bright eyes. I wanted her to cry in front of me, be vulnerable, trust me. I would have to earn her trust.
I scooped up Sky and kissed her. Her goofy smile brightened my world.
“Girls, do you want to go to the pool today?”
Mónica’s eyes widened. “Yes. We would love to! Paloma, can we go to the pool?”
Paloma shot me a pointed glare. “After you do your chores. Breakfast is ready.”
I strapped Sky into a baby bouncer and sat at the table.
Paloma handed me a plate of thick French toast. But it wasn’t any old French toast. I took one bite and my taste buds danced. The whipped cream was infused with cinnamon and the minute my fork sliced into the bread, thick chocolate oozed out. I couldn’t believe I was eating like this every day. Man, I hope Sawyer never comes over here. Even the womanizing confirmed bachelor would take one look at her and one bite of this food and would sweep her off her feet.
But I wanted to keep her to myself.
“This is delicious. If you keep cooking like this, I won’t fit into my flight suit.”
Paloma smiled. “Please, you are in perfect shape. You need fuel for your body and your plane.” She paused. “Look, we all can’t swim. I’m happy to take Sky to the pool, but I’m worried about the girls. Is there a lifeguard on duty?”
She was so adorable and non-presumptuous. “Yup, but you won’t need a lifeguard. I was on the swim team at Annapolis. I’ll teach you.”
Her cheeks blushed. “Okay. Thank you.”
At least I had made progress with her. She had stopped questioning me when I offered to do something with her and the girls.
After breakfast, the girls did their chores—vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms for Mónica and dusting and putting away toys for Ana María. I bathed Sky and dressed her in a cute ruffled swimsuit with a matching bonnet. Then, I slathered her in sunscreen until her skin was opaque with lotion.
My breath hitched when Paloma walked out from her bedroom. She was wearing a tank top and shorts, but I could see the bikini underneath. I couldn’t wait to get to the pool and see even more of her incredible body.
“Let’s go.”
We walked over to the pool. I could feel all the eyes on us as I signed us in.
We placed our belongings under a cabana when Brittney, Charlie’s wife, waved over to me.
Dammit. I didn’t want to talk to her. I just wanted to watch Paloma take her clothes off.
But I couldn’t ignore Brittney.
I whispered to Paloma. “I’ll be right back. That’s my buddy’s wife.”
I walked over and hugged her. She wore a black one-piece bathing suit and a big brimmed straw hat, and her face was painted with makeup. I would never understand why women wore makeup to the pool. Catherine always had, even though I had told her that I preferred her without anything on her beautiful face. I loved how Paloma never seemed to wear anything but lip gloss on her full lips.
“Oh, Beckett. How are you? How is little Sky? I just can’t get over that poor angel living without her mother.”
“We’re hanging in there. Sky is great. She has a great nanny.”
Brittney’s eyes focused on Paloma who was holding Sky. “Oh, that’s lovely. I’m glad you found some help. Who are the girls with her?”
Man, she was nosy. “Her sisters. They don’t know how to swim. I’m going to teach them today.”
She lightly punched my arm. “Wow. Well aren’t you generous. I’m happy to watch Sky if you need me too. Actually, my sister Laurel will be coming out for a visit next week. Maybe we could all get together. Go out to dinner.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. I had met Laurel on several different occasions when Catherine was still alive. Laurel was pretty, sweet, and kind, but I was not interested in going on a double date. And even worse, I couldn’t stop thinking about my nanny.
I was a wreck. I should’ve hired a nice grandma to watch Sky so I wouldn’t be drowning in temptation.
“Thanks, Brit. I’ll let you know if you need help with Sky. I’m not ready to go out anywhere though. But maybe I’ll see you around base.”
“Okay. Have a good time at the pool.”
I turned around and saw that Mónica was now holding Sky. Paloma was still dressed and as if she was waiting for me to watch her, she caught my gaze and slowly lifted her shirt over her head, as her hair cascaded around her breasts. Then before I could blink, she shimmied her shorts over his hips. My heart pounded in my chest. She was more beautiful than I had imagined. I wanted to rip her bikini bottoms off with my teeth and feast in between her luscious thighs.
I needed to get a grip.
Seeing her in her bikini should’ve satisfied me, but it didn’t.
Now, I wanted to see her naked.
Chapter Thirteen
Ice Cream
Beck stared at me and I was certain he was checking me out. And for once, I was proud to show off my body. After years of being modest, I liked having him as my audience.
His eyes locked with mine as he ripped off his shirt. Hot damn, this man was fi
ne. His chest was defined but not massive and he had tattoos on his arm. I noticed an angel and wondered if he had gotten that for his wife. He also had a rosary, and I wondered if he was Catholic. I was living with this man and I didn’t know enough about him.
Mónica handed him Sky. I walked in front of him and took my steps into the shallow area of the pool.
Beck had bought some arm floats for Ana María who looked adorable in her Elena of Avalor swimsuit. I looked around the pool and noticed that a few people were staring at us. Did they wonder why we were here? I shuddered, and it wasn’t from the cool water. I was probably paranoid but the sharp feeling that I was completely out of place overtook me.
Beckett placed Sky in a baby floatie and I pushed her through the water. “I’m going to help Ana María for a bit. I’ll be right back.”
Mónica sat next to me and we played with Sky. “Lo, he totally wants you.”
I splashed her. “Stop, he’s just being nice.”
“Whatever. Men aren’t nice unless they want something. Trust me.”
I laughed. “Trust you? What do you know about ‘men’? You are fourteen.”
“I know a lot. I watched Mama, no matter how you tried to shield me.”
Great. I needed Mónica to witness a respectful relationship between a man and a woman. She was too young to remember Papa and Abuela’s relationship since he died when Mónica was Ana María’s age.
Sky was loving the water and seemed to be a natural like her daddy. And Ana María was having the time of her life splashing around in the pool.
Beck then took Mónica for a spin around the pool. He held her body straight as she kicked on the paddle board. I was so impressed by his patience. Mónica kicked her hardest. I glanced up at the sun and couldn’t remember the last time I had been so happy. My belly was as full as my heart.
When Mónica returned, Sky started to get antsy. I took her out of her floaties and took a step out of the pool when Beck grabbed my arm.
Blue Sky (Blue Devils Book 1) Page 7
