Page 181 of If By Chance

Karma is a bitch.

Mandy rolls over on the sand, but I feel her body shaking at my side.

I shrug because what else can I do? My head bobs up and down, chewing the inside of my cheek to smother another cackle.

“Well, it was good to see you, Claire.” Caleb stands, scratching the back of his neck. “Maybe we can catch up while you’re back?”

He’s looking for an easy ticket.

I choose to answer before Jake gets a chance. “It was good to see you, Caleb.”

He takes the hint.

We will not be catching up.

With a sheepish wave toward the panther crowding me, and a smile for Mandy, he walks away, and I release the breath I don’t know I’m holding.

Mandy turns back to me, flushed from laughter…or maybe it’s embarrassment. I know I’m feeling both. “I can’t believe I was excited for you to marry him.”

“That was the asshole you were engaged to?” Jake’s jaw is tight.

My breath catches when he feathers his thumb on my ankle.

I don’t think he realizes he’s doing it.

“Who did you think he was?”

“Some idiot trying to come onto you.”

I shake my head. “And that would be a bad thing. How?”

He raises his brow, fingers gripping tighter to my ankle.

“Don’t start, Trouble.”

I roll my eyes so hard, I’m surprised they don’t get stuck.

“I’m going back to build castles with the kids. They’re easier to deal with.” I stick out my tongue. Tipping his head, he says, “Ladies.”

He drives me crazy, but I still love watching him go.

Mandy puts her head on my shoulder. “Oh, Claire, Claire, Claire.”

I fall back on the sand with a groan. “I know, I know, I know.”

***

I’m not sure if we fall asleep, or if I’m so relaxed, even my mind is empty, but when I hear voices carrying in the wind, I perk up.

“Mine freezes. What about yours?” It’s Jake.

Alex barks a laugh. “Mine’s a runner.”

What the hell?

Propping myself up on my elbows, I throw my hand over my eyes to shield them from the sun.

Mandy stirs when I nudge her. “It looks like the guys are on a mission with the kids.”