Chapter 90
“ S hit!” I yell, seeing the time. I need to find a freelancer or two to help me out. I’m doing too much work for one person with my growing client list. It’s Saturday morning, and I’ve been working for three hours already.
I’m not the only one working too much. Adam as busy as he said he’d be. Our new reality is filled with its routines and schedules. It’s a less impulsive, more structured kind of relationship now.
Today’s our swim date with Adam’s brother and niece, and I’m excited to meet both of them.
After checking the cab and ride-share apps, it’s clear none of them can get me to Adam’s without making me really late. I decide to throw everything I need in a backpack and ride my motorcycle to his house.
Driving fast through the city, I’m smiling. Why haven’t I been riding more? This is how I should be getting around. I’ve gotten spoiled taking Town Cars everywhere. At Adam’s gate, I type in my code and pull into his underground garage.
Letting myself into the house, I walk toward the pool, removing the ring from my left ring finger.
That’s where it’s been feeling right lately, even though I know we’re not engaged.
I don’t know how much Adam’s talked about me with his brother, and I don’t want it to be a distraction for our pool day.
I drop the ring into my backpack, feeling a comfort in knowing that when I’m ready to take the next step, we will be. It’s empowering to have that control, and I’m grateful that Adam understands my need for it. Grabbing my phone out of my backpack, I see a few text notifications:
Kelsey Johnson
Wellness check. Have not heard from you in a fucking minute.
Reporter Auden
You didn’t attach your client’s headshot. I need that ASAP.
Adam Harris
Close?
I’m already annoyed with myself that I’m a few minutes late, and now, after seeing these texts, I’m more stressed. Thank God I brought my laptop.
“Dani,” Adam booms, hopping out of the pool. I love how sexy he looks, all wet and shirtless.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say after we kiss.
“What kind of shoes are those?” he asks, looking at my motorcycle boots.
“I rode here. It was the fastest way I could get here. Work is crazy right now.”
“You’re being safe, right? Not taking unnecessary risks on your bike?”
I smile, finding his concern cute. “Very safe.”
“Good. I don’t want you to be an actual organ donor.” He kisses me, and I feel awkward that we haven’t started talking to his family yet, but I really have to send the reporter that file.
“I need ten minutes. I gotta change and send a quick email.”
“Take a breath, baby.” He squeezes my shoulders. “We have all afternoon.”
Returning to the pool, I smile at Adam and am so excited for the day. Today’s one of those Indian summer Saturdays. It’s eighty degrees and sunny, which is incredibly rare for Chicago in October.
“This is Eric.” Adam gestures to the guy in the pool. He looks similar to Adam, but, like, the dad bod version and, despite being the younger brother, looks older.
“That’s Lily.” Adam points to the adorable platinum blonde wearing floaties. She clings to her father. Her big eyes smile at me; I can tell she’s uncomfortable in the water. Keeping my eye on his niece’s apprehension, the former swim instructor in me wants to come out.
“Lily, do you want to play some games?” I offer. “We could play games like red light; green light, it will be fun.”
“What do you think, Lily?” Eric asks.
She hesitates, probably unsure about me, this stranger who arrived. “Let me show you something cool. I’m going to dive in and not make a splash.”
I toss my cover-up off, revealing my family-friendly one-piece, and then dive in.
“Wow! How did you not splash?”
“Because I’m a really good swimmer. Can I teach you a couple of things?”
Her eyes light up. “Yeah!”
Eric looks relieved and grateful. “That would be amazing, Dani. Thank you.”
I nod and turn to Adam. “Why don’t you and Eric go inside? We’ll be fine out here. It will be girl swim time.” I smile at her.
“Adam, let’s get a beer,” Eric says, agreeing.
“Don’t have too much fun, girls!” Adam jokes. The guys go inside, and I’m in my element. It’s been too long since I taught a swim lesson. I loved that job.
“First thing, we have to lose the floaties.” She frowns. “I’ll hold you the whole time. I promise.” Lily nods, and I help her take them off.
“Sit on the edge.” She crawls up onto the lip of the pool with her feet in the water. “When I say green light, kick fast. When I say red light, stop.”
From the corner of my eye, I catch glimpses of Adam and Eric watching us through the window. I can see the pride in Adam’s eyes, and it makes me smile.
We play this game and then another, and before she realizes it, we’re practicing floating. Lily’s glowing, her earlier fear forgotten. After floating on her back all by herself, she yells out, “I did it!”
“You did it, Lily!” I extend my hand, and she high-fives it.
Splashing around with her, laughing, the stress of my morning is gone, and I feel proud to have helped Lily.