Someone Else's Ocean(73)

“So, are we sleeping here?”

“Yes, Grandma’s house is rented for the rest of the summer,” Ian answered. I tried to concentrate on his signing as he spoke. They were both too fast. Ian noticed my frown before he slowed down, which earned him a smile from me.

I loved his patience, the way he cared for me and those around him. He may have wanted to be selfish, but that was one thing Ian wasn’t. And because I couldn’t handle another second of watching him without expressing exactly what I loved about him, I excused myself and cleared the dishes. Ian spoke up.

“Ella’s got dish duty. That’s a rule.”

At your house. I managed to sign. “She’s on vacation.”

Ian’s jaw ticked and I did damage control. “Just for tonight.”

He nodded and gave her a pointed look. “Wipe the table. And don’t forget your manners.”

She nodded before she turned to me. “Thank you so much for dinner”

“You are most welcome.”

She then tilted her head at Ian. “Sir, may I be excused?”

“Yes, brat.”

Ella joined me at the sink. “Marines,” she cooed in what she thought was a whisper. Her father slashed his hand through the air and I gave her big eyes and brought her to me in a protective hold while she giggled.

Ian narrowed his eyes at me as he made his way toward his bedroom. “Don’t encourage her.”

Ella helped with the dishes anyway and we made small talk as she told me about the camp in Washington D.C. She planned to go to college there, but they had an early entrance program that she hoped to get into for her last two years of high school. I was sure that Ian had a future somewhere in D.C. In an attempt to mask the sting that threatened I told her of my common love for the Outlander books. She squealed in excitement and agreed to join our book club during her stay.

Minutes later, Ian returned with a brand-new iPad with a bow on top.

Ella squealed with delight.

“I wanted you to have it while you were here. I loaded it with age-appropriate books. Do not even think about downloading that smut I caught you with last month.”

“Yes, sir! Thank you, Daddy!” She wrapped her arms around him tight as he hugged her with his whole being. Something about that had my emotion spilling over. I couldn’t get over the appeal of the several sides of Ian Kemp and I loved every single one of them.

Jesus, Koti, get a grip.

Excusing myself for the second time, I grabbed my book and made my way onto the porch. Lighting candles, I turned on my music, Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and sank into my sanctuary. Minutes later, I looked up to see Ian on the porch staring at me with confusion.

“What are you doing?”

“Uh, reading?”

“Do you feel out of place?”

I sat up. “Not at all. I just wanted to give you time alone with her.”

“Okay.”

“I shouldn’t… we shouldn’t give her the wrong impression. We discussed this.”

He glanced at the front door. “I know, I just thought tonight you would hang out with us.”

“Ian Kemp, are you pouting?”

“I might be.”

“Get your ass in there and spend time with your kid.”

“Fine. But are you coming to the beach tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“And tonight, when she goes to bed, I’m going to sneak into your room and lick—”

“You will do no such thing. There will be no licking of anything.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“I’m locking my door.”

“Don’t threaten me or every door in this house will be without locks within the hour.”

“Behave yourself.” I shooed him away as he glanced back at me from the front door.

“Koti, I don’t mind you spending time with us.”

But I mind, Ian, I’m falling for both of you.

“She already suspects foul play. Do you want to be the one to explain friends with benefits to her?”

“No.”

“There you go.”

“But that doesn’t mean I can’t discreetly lick things.”

“Go lick a banana pop.”





MAGENS BAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL horseshoe shaped beach with white sand and turquoise water. It was the most bustling tourist attraction of St. Thomas and one of the best spots for water play in the Virgin Islands. Ella had Disco clutched to her as she raced toward the sand while Ian and I set up a camp that consisted of an umbrella and a few foldable beach chairs we’d purchased from the store on the way over.

“Do you come here much?” Ian asked, tossing a towel on his chair.

“Not really. I mean, what’s the point? We do have a beach in our backyard.”

“True, but you hardly leave home. Don’t you get out at all?” His question was innocent, with an edge of curiosity mixed in.

“My first six months here I went hermit, but Jasmine helped me snap out of it a little. I went out a few times and will on occasion, but I’m to the point it doesn’t appeal to me.”

“Sign of old age, huh?”

“I turn thirty in a few weeks.”

“That would be what, twenty-four years ago that we met?”