Page 54 of Just Like That
They turned and the twin stares of annoyed confusion were enough to make me giggle.
“It was just a suggestion.” I shrugged.
Teddy drew an invisible line around their half-built castle. “That’s a stage three build. We’re still developing stage two.”
“Oh ... my bad.” I chuckled and leaned back on my elbows to continue watching them.
JP was bare chested. His pecs stood out against his flat stomach. I could make out the individual muscles of his abs as he reached for another sand shovel.
He was fit in a way that said he cared about his physique but didn’t spend every waking hour at the gym. He wasn’t bulky, but lean and cut with corded muscles that bunched and flexed with every casual movement. He carried himself with the calm confidence that made it clear he knew how good he looked.
Jerk.
My life would be infinitely easier if he’d been unattractive and schlubby instead of ...that.
He leaned in toward Teddy. “The moat’s not a half-bad idea, though.”
Teddy smiled a devilish grin. “Filled with lava and sharks.”
JP’s eyebrows bounced playfully. “Definitely.”
They got back to construction, and their dark hair ruffled in the breeze. I guessed they decided to compromise because it looked like turretsandtowers were taking shape.
“Teddy!” A young voice called out, and we all looked up to see Penny running toward us, barreling past blankets and coolers. A very pregnant Lark was slowly waddling behind her.
Teddy shot to his feet and ran toward his friend, kicking up sand in JP’s direction.
He brushed off his thighs and sat back on his hands. “Well, I guess I’ve been replaced by someone cooler.”
My lips twisted to hide a smile. “Sorry, champ. Penny is pretty cool.”
Next to us, Lark started to set up a blanket, and JP popped to his feet to help her. She paused as though she was surprised by his helpfulness but didn’t comment about it. He took her small cooler and set it aside before unrolling the beach blanket and helping her get settled.
“Thanks,” she groaned as she lowered herself to the blanket.
“How’s he doing in there?” I asked over the rim of my sunglasses with a smile.
“Still cooking.” Lark laughed and tipped her face to the late-morning sun. She peeked open one eye to look at JP. “Playing hooky? That’s gotta be a first.”
JP smiled and looked out onto the vast waters of Lake Michigan, his hands on his trim hips. “Veda is a workaholic. She can hold down the fort for a few hours.”
While he looked away, Lark shot me a surprised yet pleased look, and my skin tingled. “Is Teddy excited about second grade?”
I grinned. “He can’t wait. I don’t know if it’s the routine or the learning itself, but he really likes school. Summer is fun and all, but I have the feeling he was bored and needed someone more mentally stimulating than me.”
It wasn’t a big deal to admit that I didn’t know anything about raising a kid. To me, I was doing my best, and that was good enough.
Lark smiled. “Teddy should try the library camps for kids. Emily puts them on and they arefabulous. Penny is always raving about how much fun they have.”
Library camps?
For whatever reason, the thought of things like enrichment camps felt a lot like putting down roots. I didn’t know where I was going to be next month, let alone nextyear. A pressed smile and stilted nod were all I could manage.
JP walked over to the waterline where Penny and Teddy were kicking at the waves. I tracked him with my eyes, soaking in the long lines of his back as the muscles bunched. His swim trunks were snug, and I smirked at how he’d been hiding such a great ass beneath those tailored suits.
“He’s changed,” Lark said.
My eyes didn’t leave JP’s back. “You think so?”