Down Too Deep (Dirty Deeds, #4)(42)

“Huh?”

“The glasses…They’re a requirement, Jenna. How could you?”

“Oh.” Laughter feathered through her voice. “I didn’t realize I was under obligation. So sorry.” She slipped the aviators back on and sat forward to smile at me. “Will you be keeping yours on in the pool?”

“I’m never taking them off. I was asked to wear them, very sweetly, I might add.” I glanced at her. A chuckle shook my chest. Again?

“What?”

“Nothing. I just winked at you.”

“Oh, really?” Jenna was grinning now. “I’m sorry I missed that. Too bad for that pledge you just made.”

“Yes. Too bad for that.” I shook my head at the road.

“It’s fine. You’ll just have to tell me every time you wink.”

Jenna’s quiet laughter tickled my ear. I was quick to join in.

This doesn’t need to be weird, I thought. And then immediately, It isn’t. Not even this—flirting.

Should it be?

I quickly shoved that question out of my head. It was one I couldn’t answer.

On the way, we talked about our favorite fireworks and played an interesting game of I Spy. Oliver and Olivia kept choosing the same object—my red shirt—and laughing at each other. They laughed even harder when Marley adorably tried to play. She didn’t quite understand the concept of the game and kept repeating everyone’s guesses. It took us a little over two hours to get to the house. I’d evaded Oliver’s questioning as best I could during the drive, keeping my responses vague.

We’re going to my friend’s house, an old buddy of mine from college. Did I say his house was ridiculous? It’s not that big.

I wanted this to be a surprise for him. For everyone. He’d know exactly where we were soon enough.

“Whoa.” Jenna leaned forward in her seat and gazed out the windshield as I parked us in the sloped driveway that circled an obnoxious, four-tiered fountain.

That’s new, I mused.

Jenna slowly peered over at me. “Who is your friend?”

I laughed and cut the engine, throwing my door open. “You guys ready?”

The twins chanted in exuberance as they climbed out of the truck. Marley giggled and squealed, grinning against my neck when I plucked her out of her seat.

“Daddy, go swinnin’?” she asked.

“Yeah, baby. We’re going swimming.”

Jenna insisted on carrying the diaper bag, scooping it up while I was reaching in the front seat for my hat. I slipped it on backward.

“What? My arms are free,” she said, catching the look I gave her before I turned to shut the door.

I slid the beach tote up my arm. “I can handle all the bags.”

“Nope. I want this or her, and she seems to be very content right where she is.” Jenna smiled and stepped closer, tickling Marley’s belly. “You like that, don’t you? You like it when Dad—dy,” she stammered. Then her mouth slammed shut and she quickly spun away.

I chuckled. “You all right?”

“Fine.” She grinned at me over her shoulder, no longer flustered.

Did I imagine her reaction? Huh. Okay. Maybe that was nothing.

Even though Davis always had an open-door policy with me, I still rang the bell when I stepped up onto the porch. It had been two years. Plus, I knew the impact it would have if he…

Davis flung the door open and grinned. “S’up? You made it!”

“Hey, man.” We passed on handshakes and settled for hugs, slapping each other’s backs loudly.

Davis attempted to pluck Marley out of my arms once I stepped inside the house, but she burrowed against me and whined.

“She’s shy,” I explained.

“It’s cool. I get it.” He looked down at Olivia and then at Jenna when she walked in behind her daughter. His brows lifted. “Well, hi there.”

“Hi,” Olivia squeaked, stepping closer to my leg.

I reached down and placed my hand on her back, thinking she was nervous. Strange man. New environment. I understood her reserve.

Olivia peered up at me and smiled easily.

“Davis, this is Jenna and her daughter, Olivia,” I said.

“Nice to meet you guys.”

“Your house is beautiful.” Jenna shoved her glasses to the top of her head and blinked widely at her surroundings. “Thank you so much for having us.”

“No, thank you for coming.” Davis slid his gaze to me and shot me a look. Are you fucking kidding me? You have so much to explain.

I shook my head and braced for the interrogation of a lifetime. What is wrong with me? I could’ve predicted this shit. But had I prepared for it? Of course not. Just like the looming bikini reveal. I was wide open for this.

“Oliver, are you coming inside?” Jenna asked.

Stepping over, I looked back at Oliver and saw him frozen on the porch.

Eyes round above his aviators, which were now near the tip of his nose. Mouth gaped open. Shoulders dropped. His duffle sliding down his arm.

I grinned into Marley’s hair.

“You’re Dave Davis!” he screamed, slapping his cheeks. “Oh my God! I am not here right now. I am not at your house…Mom! Somebody pinch me!”

Everyone started laughing, except Oliver. He was still in shock, and scrambled into the house, nearly face-planting on his way in. He hoisted his duffle against his stomach and started digging through it.