“Sure seems that way.”
The walk back was hot, despite the day being early. Mid-summer had really set in.
When they reached the house, Jayden nodded at the sea. “I’m going for a swim. Wanna join me?”
She stared at the ocean. “Oh, I don’t know. I—”
“Don’t say you don’t have swimwear, ’cause I saw some in that bag Brooklyn gave you.”
She kind of huffed, as if that is exactly what she was going to say.
“Come on, look where you live now. And you’ve been on the beach what … twice, three times?”
“I know, it’s just…”
“Just nothing.” He entered the house with her. “You’re coming with me.” He raised his eyebrows. “Swimwear or no swimwear.”
For a moment, she looked shocked, then to his relief, she laughed. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“There’s not much in this damn world I wouldn’t dare do.” He grinned and peeled off his t-shirt. “So, hurry up, babe.”
Chapter Twelve
Tammy examined herself in the mirror. When the hell had she last worn a bikini?
She couldn’t remember.
But it sure as heck hadn’t been like this one. Black with small leather details, the bottoms were high-waisted and barely covered her ass, and the top was a halter-neck style that gave her a good boost. She filled it well.
I can’t go out in this.
She rubbed her cross. An image of Gary’s furious face came to mind. He’d hate everything about this bikini. Whoreish. Filthy. Slutty. Prick tease. They were all words he’d use. Then he’d likely throw something or kick something.
She tilted her chin and pulled in a deep breath. It was no longer up to Gary what she wore. He was history, not ancient history, but definitely in the past.
She slipped her hands to her breasts, cupped them over the material. She was sure they were bigger than when she’d arrived in California. But then again, she’d been eating well, not terrified at every meal time that she’d flavored it wrong and a sulk or worse would be induced. Plus, Jayden was fond of ordering takeout, something Gary never did because of the cost.
“Tammy!” Jayden called. “You gonna make me come get you?”
“No. No … I’m coming.” She steeled herself, clinging to her new seedlings of confidence, then walked into the living room.
“Fucking hell!” Jayden stared at her, mouth open.
She shrank back a step. “It’s too much, isn’t it? You don’t like it?”
“Don’t like it? It’s the best damn bikini I’ve ever seen in my life.” He blew out a breath and chuckled. “And you wear itwell.”
“You think?”
“I know so.” He held out his hand. “Come on. Now I need to cool off for a couple of reasons.”
She laughed and took his hand. His palm was warm against hers, and the grip of his fingers reassuring. Jayden found her sexy, she knew he did, yet he wasn’t pushing for anything, and that in turn made him all the sexier.
And for the love of God above, the man was beautiful. Not in what she’d always thought of as traditionally handsome, but in a powerful, mysterious, dark, and intense way. With his muscles and tats and the smoldering looks he gave her sometimes, he was the definition of male strength. When that strength promised to protect her and her son, it was pretty irresistible.
She locked the door, then they rushed over the road to the sand. Kicking off her thongs, she ran several paces toward the ocean and let out a squeal.
“What?” he asked, the sun glinting off his shades.