Page 52 of Daniil
“Is there someone who can watch Micah for me?I don’t want to drag him in and out of stores, especially if I’m trying on bathing suits.”
She laughs.“Well, one person comes to mind.”
“Who?”
“How about his father?”
“Oh.”I pause.
Why didn’t I consider asking Daniil, who’s been so invested in spending time with his son?
“He’s not a bad guy, Courtney.You know that, right?No matter what happens or doesn’t happen between the two of you, underneath that hot exterior and slight rough-around-the-edges interior is a really good human being.”
“I’m starting to see that,” I admit.
“Then trust your gut.I always have.”
Chapter21
Daniil
The driveto the southern part of the country that borders the Black Sea is only about two hours, but it feels longer with five adults and three kids.The large black Chevy Tahoe is stuffed to the gills with people, luggage, and everything the kids need, but we figured it was easier to take one vehicle.By the time we get to the isolated house on a secluded island just off the shore, we’re all ready for a nap.
Luckily, the kids cooperate and while Lennox and Sandor disappear into their room, Marcus starts sweeping the house for bugs or anything else that’s not supposed to be here.Since none of them are going anywhere while the kids are asleep, I ask Courtney if she wants to go for a walk on the beach.
“Sure.”She puts a baseball cap on her head and follows me down the winding path that leads to the beach.
It’s deserted, which is nice, and there’s a light breeze coming off the ocean.This is usually the hottest part of the day, but it feels pleasant today.The perfect weather for a walk on the shore with a beautiful woman.
“Are you a beach person?”I ask curiously.
She nods.“I don’t get to a beach very often, and I’ve never been in the Black Sea, but I grew up near Savannah, Georgia so I love the water.”
“Georgia.”I frown slightly.“I don’t know why but I figured you for a New Yorker.”
She laughs.“Nope.Southern girl, through and through.Not anymore, I guess, but I like to think I am.”
“And you and Grim, er, Landon share…a father?But not a mother?”
“His mom died when he was two and his dad married my mom a year later.Then they had me.”
“So you’re close.”
“Yes.We both went the ROTC route in college followed by the Marines.He’s four years older than I am but?—”
“I don’t think I know how old you are,” I interrupt curiously.
“Thirty-four.”She hesitates.“How old are you?”
“Thirty-eight.”
“I feel like we should know these things about each other.”
“We were too busy getting naked,” I say quietly.“I guess that’s my fault.I should have been more romantic.”
“Why?It was supposed to be a weekend fling.One and done is basically the definition.”
“But when you came back, I wanted to see you again.I was excited when Lennox said you were coming to visit.”
