Ocean (Single Dad Society #1)

Chapter 1

ONE

jashaun

“Why are we having this argument? We don’t need a part-time lifeguard at the pool.

Parents just need to watch their kids at all times.

” I leaned forward to address my beautiful nemesis on the other side of Mrs. Finch, the retired teacher and head of the condo association.

“I’m not paying more than what I already pay in fees for a luxury that doesn’t impact me. ”

“That’s the whole point of an association,” Soraya impatiently pushed strands of her perfectly inverted bob behind her ear. “Because I certainly didn’t need new elliptical machines and charging machines for my non-electric car.”

Slightly bothered by her dig at my last two approved requests, I did what I do best. Charm them with facts.

“My requests benefitted those of us who are concerned about their health and the environment, which is everyone at this table except you.” I spread my arms to the twenty or so people who attended the monthly meeting.

“I’m sorry if you haven’t paid attention to the needs of your neighbors as I have.

More of us have electric cars than children. ”

She reiterated, “In most neighborhoods and condos, shared pools aren’t above 3 or 4 feet, so anyone, even those who can’t swim, can jump in and save a child if needed. Our pool is six feet on one end.”

“I’m 6’1. That’s not terribly deep,” I argued and sat back, tapping the table.

“If we get a part-time person, it’ll probably be some kid anyway that parents still won’t trust to save their precious cargo.

The kind of lifeguard that this place deserves wouldn’t accept a part-time position.

I really don’t know why you’re bent out of shape when you don’t even have kids. ”

The diamond chip in her nose sparkled as she bit out, “They’re humans, not cargo. I don’t have to be a mother to see the point of protecting children. And lest we forget, there are adults who can’t swim.”

“And that’s our problem? They need to stay away from the deep end or the pool altogether,” I finished. Several people nodded in agreement.

Soraya’s almond-shaped brown eyes glared at my smirk.

Mrs. Finch squeezed my bicep gently. “Mr. Howard’s point is valid.

We’ve been here for 5 years with no incidents, and we have only 6 homes with children under the age of 10.

We will table the discussion for now. It’s just the beginning of March.

We still have time before the children are out for the summer. ”

“Which is why we need to decide now so we can hire a person who’s capable.

We’re not going to discuss the pay we want to offer until next month, and our pool is open year-round.

The children are not waiting until May to swim when it’s hot by March in Houston,” Soraya added. “Can we at least take a vote today?”

“If we vote now, you’ll lose. Read the room,” I said smugly. None of the residents who had children were in attendance. In fact, they rarely attended, leaving community decisions to the few.

Murmurs around the table echoed my words.

“Next month it is.” Ms. Finch hit the small gavel on the table.

“Sorry, I need to run. Whatever else you all say, I approve.” Soraya’s hair draped her heart-shaped face as she pushed back from the table.

“In the meantime, I’ll look for a dependable and experienced lifeguard who won’t financially break the association to present to the group, and I’ll make sure we have more representation from the families. ”

I tossed my empty coffee cup in the trash can behind Soraya. “Thought you were too busy working at the city to waste time on a losing cause?”

She rose and placed her purple Marc Jacobs purse on her shoulder. “Didn’t realize you were checking so hard for me.”

“Always check for beautiful women.” I smiled at her as she rolled her eyes and huffed past me out of the room. A couple of my neighbors snickered at our exchange.

Wanting a little more of her fire, I looked down at my watch and exaggerated the grimace on my face.

“Forgot, I need to get out of here to pick up my car at the shop before it closes. I need to run, too.” I patted Mrs. Finch’s hand warmly.

“Please keep me updated. I’ll approve anything that needs approving.

I trust the rest of us are on the same page. Until next time.”

Ms. Finch smiled. “Will do, Jashaun.” She reverted to my first name, now that I was leaving. She curved her hand around my wrist. “Stop being so hard on Soraya. She’s still new to us.”

“Don’t be jealous,” I teased.

“Oh, boy, stop it. You’re too young.” Ms. Finch, at least thirty years my senior, tried to pretend her interest in me was maternal when the gleam in her eye suggested that if I gave her even the hint of interest, I would be the widow’s new boy toy.

“We’re all about to wrap up soon. You won’t miss much. ”

I waved to the group and hurried out of the boardroom in our sleekly decorated shared common area. Soraya’s bob moved as she spoke to someone on the phone. “So annoying how he takes over the meeting every time. He has the lady who runs our meeting wrapped around his arrogant finger.”

Pushing the door open before she could, evoked a surprised gasp from Soraya. I commented, “Good to know you talk about me when I’m not around.”

“You mean complain?” She arched a brow as she passed me, smelling of sunlight and joy, to walk into the breezy February evening. “It’s him. No, he doesn’t…I’m hanging up.”

“Let me guess, your friend said, that I have a nice voice?” Amused, I followed her down the pathway.

“Go away.” She waved her hand like I was a pesky fly.

“Where are you going?” I matched her stride to walk beside her past a row of cars in our parking garage.

The longer I walked behind her, the more I would stare at her round ass.

She barely spoke when we crossed paths, didn’t need to have her thinking I was more of an arrogant man than she believed.

The lady liked me even if she tried to pretend otherwise.

“To my car. We are in the garage.”

“You know what I mean.” I chuckled. “It’s a simple question.”

“That I don’t have to answer.” Her heels clicked against the concrete.

“Mm…you are wearing heels and a strapless sundress on a Saturday. Lucky man, though you’ll have more fun with me.” I bragged, ignoring the twinge of jealousy that she probably had a date.

“So, you say.” The ends of her lips curved.

“I do. Try me.”

“I’m good.” Soraya continued walking, and I saw my chances of spending time with her today diminishing.

I quickened my steps to be slightly ahead of her. “Could use a ride to pick up mine. It’s not far from here at the dealership. Won’t take up much of your time.”

She looked at me skeptically. “Why would I want to do anything to help you? You were gloating in there like you won some prize, even though you know what I said makes sense. People still drown in pools all the time, and these families with these bad ass kids that don’t like to listen could make a decision they can’t come back from. ”

“I like to win. Seems like you do too.” I pointed to her maroon Lexus. “Good job, even better condo and car. You didn’t get all those things without being a little competitive. Probably the top of your class throughout school, with ambitions at your job to be at the top.”

She pursed her naturally pouty lips. “Mr. Howard, I’m not giving you a ride anywhere.”

“You know my first name, Soraya.” I nudged her shoulder with mine. “Let’s say it together, ‘Jashaun’.”

We made it to her car, and she spun around, putting us closer than either of us expected. A flicker of desire flashed in her eyes before her jaw tightened. “Stop trying, Mr. Howard. You got your way back there. You don’t have to be nice to me when you don’t mean it. I’m not a sore loser.”

“I’m not being nice. I’m being intentional in approaching you. Isn’t that what you women say nowadays? I want a man with intention?”

“No, thank you. As I said, I’m good.” She touched her knob, and I moved to the other side of her, partially blocking her from opening the door. Soraya lifted her bag higher on her shoulder. “What?”

“Let me take you out. You’ve been here for months and won’t give me a chance.”

“For what? We don’t want the same things.”

“How do you know what I want?” I rested my arm on the top of her hood.

She scoffed loudly. “You might want to find you one of those little girls who are too young to recognize game.”

“I only date women,” I said firmly.

“You know what I mean.”

“As I said, I only date women. I love to talk about real shit, and if you can’t keep up with me, I’m not interested.

” I moved a little closer, and she didn’t retreat, eyeing me warily.

“Come on, give me a ride to get my car, and then we can go anywhere you want to eat. I know a few nice spots. We could eat some good food, have a few drinks, share a few laughs, and listen to a live band. It’s Saturday.

Come on… My treat. And don’t say you’re not hungry, I heard your stomach growl back there. ”

A hint of a smile crossed her lips. “Thank you for the invite. I’m sure one of your women will be happy to take you up on your offer. Bye, Mr. Howard.” She pulled on her door enough for me to take the hint and move.

“I still need a ride.” I grinned, undaunted by her rejection.

“Not my problem.” She eased into the car and soon disappeared around the corner of the parking garage.

Shaking my head and retrieving my cell from my pocket to call a ride, I whistled. “Why do I love a challenge?”

“Hey, Mara?” I asked as I opened the Camry’s back door, and the woman looked at me and her eyes rounded.

“Shit,” She exclaimed.

The dimple in her chin looked vaguely familiar. I stared at her. “You know me?”

She shook her head. “I thought you were someone else.”

Her answer didn’t ring true. She’d reacted too strongly to me. Easing into the car, I squinted against the fading sun, trying to place her attractive face as she turned around to drive away from the curb.