Page 225 of Daddy, Take Me Away
“And there are so many more landsharks,” I agree.
“Let’s do one more jump.”
My smile is instant. “Yes!” And I actually mean it this time.
After several more jumps, we’re flopped on the sand like beached whales. It’s a small beach, completely empty of humans since the only access is from the water or the path that leads to the cliff, which is marked clearly with a ‘no trespassing’ sign.
“Is this your private beach?” I ask lazily, my words almost sounding slurred with exhaustion.
He turns his head to face me, his forearm against his forehead blocking the sun.
“Don’t all billionaires have a couple of private beaches?” He covers his eyes with a lazy sigh.
I shake my head. “I don’t know. You’re the only billionaire I’ve had the opportunity to ask.”
“In your line of work?”
“I’ve rubbed elbows with lots of managers, Amadeo, you’re my first owner.”
He peeks at me under his arm. “I gotta say, I like being your first.”
I try to hold back my smirk, but it’s futile.“You’re an incorrigible flirt.”
“Said no woman ever.”
“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes. “You’re very charming.”
He sits up, leaning on his elbows, his abs tightening in the most delicious way. “Actually, the adjective most often used is surly. Although it’s usually followed by the word, "asshole’.” Turning his attention back to the ocean, he adds, “At least for the last few years anyway.”
“Well, I don’t think so.”
He gives me the side-eye. “You just met me.”
“True, but we’ve been talking so long now on video chat and through email, we’re practically best friends.” I look out at the ocean. “Besides, we just faced uncertain death together.”
“Well, I guess we’re bonded for life then.”
“I don’t make the rules,” I say with a shrug.
“One last swim to get the sand off,” he says, rising from the Amadeo-sized divot he’s made in the white sand to hold a hand out for me to take.
I don’t reply, but grab his hand. Water from my wet shorts drips down my thighs as I get to my feet and it feels a little symbolic because Amadeo’s hand gripping mine is melt-worthy.
After our final jump, we bob a moment in the cool crystal-clear water.
“We didn’t have our meeting, you know.”
“No, but I’m not sure I should finalize our plans right now anyway.”
He swims leisurely around me. “Why not?”
“I think dumping my sister and my ex-fiance on you might have soured you.”
His hair is wet and stuck to his forehead making him look far less intimidating than he is, but his sharp blue gaze is a stark reminder.
“Admittedly that did piss me off, but…” He pauses, looking into my eyes as if he’s reading me. “It wasn’t you, was it?”
I take in a breath.
