Luca let out a peal of laughter as Cope threw him into the air. He hit the water with a massive splash, and Cope grinned. I slid openthe back door just as Luca’s head broke the water’s surface. He shook out his hair like a dog would shake water out of its fur.
“That was…AWESOME!” Luca shouted.
Cope turned at the sound of the door closing behind me, his glistening golden skin on display. “She’s home. Finally.”
“Yeah, we’ve been waitingforever,” Luca complained.
A hint of guilt stabbed at me. I had stayed later than usual today, and I wasn’t finished.
A cake still needed frosting, so I’d have to go back after dinner to finish it. Or maybe after I put Luca down.
“What’s with the frown, Warrior?” Cope asked.
I shook my head as I toed off my sneakers and sank my feet into the lush grass near the pool. “Just a long day. And I have to go back after dinner to finish up a cake.”
“Aw, man,” Luca complained.
“Sorry, kiddo,” I said, guilt digging in deeper.
“That just means you and I get a boys’ night.” Cope grinned at Luca.
“Thea said she could babysit,” I said quickly. “You don’t have to?—”
Cope shot me a look that had me snapping my mouth closed. As Luca chattered on about what a boys’ night included, Cope climbed the pool steps and walked toward me. His swim trunks hung low on his hips, revealing too many abs to count and a trail of hair that disappeared into his shorts. I nearly swallowed my tongue.
He moved into my space, his hand dipping under my hair. “I really want to kiss that worried look off your face right now.”
“Cope…”
His eyes searched mine as his fingers squeezed the back of my neck. “I know you’re probably not ready for that. Not in front of Luca. But know I want it.”
A burn lit behind my eyes, and I suddenly recognized the true fear behind my anxiety. I’d been afraid Cope wouldn’t want more than one night. That he’d stolen my heart but hadn’t given me his in return. “Okay,” I whispered.
Cope moved in a flash, scooping me into his arms bridal-style. “Now, I think it’s time for a little afternoon swim.”
“Copeland Colson, don’t you dare!” I shrieked.
But it was too late. Cope was already running toward the pool’s edge. He jumped with me in his arms, sending us both crashing into the water. I spluttered and coughed as we broke the surface. Cope laughed as Luca hooted.
“You’re both grounded!” I shouted.
They just laughed harder. But the truth was, it was exactly what I needed. We swam and played until my energy wore out, and I moved to the edge of the pool, hoisting myself out and hoping my shorts and tee would dry a bit before I headed inside.
Cope moved to the edge with me, pushing out of the water with ease. We sat there, watching Luca demonstrate his dives and cannonballs, and Cope laid his hand over mine. He didn’t link our fingers but still gave us that point of contact.
The move made my chest ache. It respected my wishes but still gave me a taste of affection. I turned to look at him and took in all that sun-kissed beauty. “I hope you guys wore sunscreen.”
Cope’s lips twitched, his scar looking more pronounced. “My mom taught me well. I used the spray kind and made Luca rotate like a rotisserie chicken.”
The mental image had me fighting a grin. “Thanks for giving him a great day.”
Luca yelled, “Cannonball!” and hit the water with a splash as if to punctuate the statement. My stomach churned, a million worries setting in. Luca was getting used to this life. To Cope. And none of it was permanent.
“Where’s Luca’s dad?” Cope asked softly.
I stiffened, the urge to bite Cope’s head off strong. But the truth was, it was a miracle this was the first time Cope had asked about it. My throat worked as I swallowed. “Probably back in Baltimore. He’s not in the picture anymore.”
Cope was quiet, but I felt his eyes on me, his gaze probing. “Can’t imagine being willing to give up a relationship with that kid.”
