Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
Raffo floated on her back in the lake and gazed up at the bright blue sky. The water was cool but not cold and as clear as the sky overhead. Little had she known that when Connor had pushed her into her car, she’d end up in this little slice of paradise.
Her head was still too full of thoughts of Mia—and her new girlfriend who, mercifully, Raffo hadn’t met—but those thoughts were more bearable out here, away from the city she shared with her ex. Away from her everyday life that hadn’t felt like hers any longer. Her heart was still broken into a million pieces, but Raffo had found an excellent distraction in Dylan.
It was easy enough to forget she was Connor’s mother—nor did it matter when it came to considering how fine her behind looked in a pair of jeans shorts. How she had the kind of hair that caught the sunlight in a way that made you feel like summer was simply an inextricable part of her. How her deep blue eyes sparkled when Raffo said something that surprised her. None of it meant anything. It was just the flimsiest of balms for Raffo’s ruptured soul. She was just taking whatever morsel of joy she could find, and sneaking peeks at Dylan brought her a tiny burst of joy every time.
Maybe it was because Dylan could not look more the opposite of Mia with her sharp body angles and jet-black hair. Dylan was much softer around the edges and the frivolous smattering of ginger freckles on her nose a sight for sore eyes as well as hearts. Raffo simply enjoyed looking at Dylan. She was hot—and kind and empathetic and a great listener—but that’s where it ended. It felt a bit like going on a wellness retreat and finding it came with a private chef/therapist who was also very easy on the eye. Like a win-win when all she’d been doing lately was losing.
Raffo tilted her body upward and gazed in the direction of the house. Dylan was standing on the deck, waving at her. Raffo swam closer.
“Lunch is ready.” Dylan threw in a wide smile as well. God, what a woman. Connor might be pissed off when he found out Dylan had lied about her trip, but he should still thank his lucky stars every single day for having a parent like Dylan. Raffo knew from experience that not every kid got that lucky.
“I might get my painting materials out later,” Raffo said. She’d been studying the spot Dylan had designated for that purpose all throughout lunch, and its appeal was increasing.
“Already?”
“Just to set up.” Raffo looked into Dylan’s kind eyes. “And don’t worry. I brought plenty of protective sheeting.”
“I’m not worried,” Dylan said. “The way I see it, any paint spatters left by Raffo Shah can only increase the value of this house.”
Raffo ignored Dylan’s comment. A paint stain on the porch was still a paint stain, no matter whose hand had left it there.
“Can that spot be screened off?” Raffo asked. “I can’t leave my paints and brushes exposed to the elements.” Raffo wasn’t too worried yet about any work she might produce, but she’d need a location for safekeeping that as well—later.
“Yep, that’s why I think it’s such an ideal place for you to work.” Dylan sent her a smile. “No pressure of course.”
Something went soft inside Raffo at the sight of another one of Dylan’s gentle, friendly smiles.
“Let me take you out tonight. To thank you.” Raffo smiled back.
“You don’t have to. Seriously. I should be thanking you for not telling Connor about me being here.” Dylan’s smile faded. “Besides, I don’t feel comfortable going out as long as I haven’t told Con. You never know who I might run into. News has a habit of traveling fast in places like this.”
“Fair enough. But I can at least pick us up a pizza or something. Please don’t feel as though you have to cook for me all the time.”
“That’s not how I feel.” The skin around Dylan’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Whether I make food just for myself or for both of us really doesn’t make a difference.”
“Okay.” Raffo nodded. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” Dylan held a hand in front of her mouth as she suppressed a yawn. “Being here on my own the past two weeks has made me accustomed to an after-lunch nap.”
“A topless after-lunch nap, if I remember correctly.” And how could I ever forget, Raffo didn’t say out loud. While she deemed it appropriate to admire Dylan’s supreme physique from a safe distance, brazen flirting was far from proper behavior. She’d probably already said too much, although it was just a joke and it was such a pleasure to see Dylan break out into a chuckle like that in response.
“You got me,” Dylan said.
“I won’t walk in on you this time. I promise.”
“Good to know.” Dylan didn’t make to get up.
“It goes without saying that I’ll take care of the dishes and your kitchen will be spotless when you come down from your nap.” Raffo wasn’t too fond of doing dishes either—of any housework, really—but cleaning up after Dylan cooking for her hardly felt like a chore.
“Thank you.” Dylan rose from her chair.
Raffo’s gaze was immediately drawn to the smooth curve of her thighs, which were now at table level. She quickly cast her eyes upward. “Have an excellent nap.”
As Dylan walked inside the house, Raffo considered that just being able to think of Dylan as a smoking hot lady was infinitely better than the coldness that had settled inside her heart since Mia had dumped her. Moreover, it was perfectly innocent, just a little indulgence which, really, was to be enjoyed as much as possible just for the sheer miracle of it existing at all.
She cleared the table while trying very hard not to think of Dylan sleeping upstairs with her breasts bared to the crisp Big Bear air.