Page 6 of Summer Heat
"You don't have to cook for us."
Shep shook his head. "It's no fun cooking for one, and I've been dying for drummies ever since Maya mentioned them."
Maya grinned at him, and I wondered what it would be like if her father was like this, eager to please her. Derek saw her during his visitation weekends, but it always felt like it was more of an obligation.
I don't think he knew her favorite foods or her quirks. Those were all for me. But sometimes, I wondered what it would be like to share her with someone else who loved her as much as I did. Shep wasn't the guy for that position.
He was known for flirting with the women on the island, locals and tourists alike. He was the last of the Kingston brothers to be single. The lone, hottest bachelor on the island, and I was living with him.
I'd have to talk to him about bringing women home. As much as I appreciated him taking us in, I didn't want Maya to see that. If I was being honest with myself, I was the one who didn't want to see Shep with another woman.
I'd harbored a silly crush on him since the first time he met Maya in the office and talked to her about her coloring book. Then there was the time we came here to tour his house. He'd bought coloring books and placed them in a kitchen drawer. He claimed they were his, but I had a feeling he brought them for Maya.
He was good with her. But that didn't mean he was the man for me. He liked kids. I had to remember that.
We gathered our things and walked into the house to go upstairs when Shep said, "You can use my bathroom for now. I turned the water off in yours." Before I could formulate a response to that, he said to Maya, "And if you want a big tub, go ahead and use my soaker. It's amazing."
"Have you used the tub before?" I asked him.
Shep grinned and winked at me. "I love baths."
That was interesting. I turned away before that wink could have an effect on my nervous system, but I thought I was too late. Everything he did, whether it was take care of us or smile and wink, sent a zing of awareness through me.
I hadn't dated in a long time, but he made me remember that I was a woman who had needs.
When I first met him, I steered clear because of his reputation. But the more time he spent at my desk, the better I got to know him. I suspected there was more depth to him than the island flirt.
Upstairs, we went into Shep's cavernous bathroom where there was a huge soaking tub. I tried not to pay attention to the heavy bedroom furniture that screamed a man lived here. Over the tub, there was a large window that showcased the ocean framed by palm trees.
The bathroom itself was outdated, but Maya was dancing around, anxious to get in the tub. I ran the water until it was warm, throwing in the lavender bubbles I found on the ledge.
Shep must not have been lying when he said he used the tub, unless he meant with other women. That made me pause, but I shook my head to clear it. I would not think about Shep being with another woman.
I grabbed my things from my room and changed quickly, returning when the water was just starting to reach Maya's stomach. I sat on a white quilted ottoman that was meant for the makeup counter so I could watch her.
When the smell of dinner drifted up the stairs and into the bathroom, Maya asked to get out. I helped her dry off and brush her hair. Then she ran into her room to get dressed. I'd have to talk to her about running around naked in someone else's house. But I didn't have the energy for that tonight.
When I closed her door, Shep stood at the top of the stairs with a dazed expression on his face.
"Was that a streak of—" Shep broke off.
I held up my hands. "It was exactly what you thought it was. Don't worry. I'll talk to her."
He shrugged. "It's fine. I'll just stay downstairs during bath time. Did you want me to watch her while you jump in the shower?"
I was about to say no when his gaze lingered over my still-damp hair. "That would actually be nice."
I never had someone around to lend a hand at my place. I could easily get used to Shep stepping in.
The door opened, and Maya asked, "Is dinner ready?"
"Almost. But I need a taste tester. Do you know anyone who could be that for me?"
"I can be your taste tester," Maya said eagerly.
Shep winked at me over her head and ushered her down the stairs. For the first time since I came home and discovered the house flooded, I took a deep breath. I'd done everything I could do for the moment. It was okay to relax.
I grabbed my things and turned on the water in the shower. There were several shower heads. It was the perfect shower for a couple. I quickly soaped up using his sandalwood-scented shower gel, not wanting to think too closely about that scenario.
