Sway

by Alana Albertson

  Dammit. I had definitely not said that right.

  “I’m not firing you. But I have a big place here, and I’ll be working most of the day. Your sisters are welcome to stay here.”

  Her eyes bulged. For a second, I thought she would immediately accept my offer, but she shook her head. “No. That won’t be necessary. They are fine at my uncle’s. I’m sorry I bothered you with my problems. I should get Sky ready for bed.”

  Had anyone ever done anything nice for this girl? “Sky is fine right now. Look, I insist. You can’t focus on my baby if you are worried about your sisters.”

  She met my eyes and didn’t look away. “Nope. It’s out of the question. I don’t need your help.”

  I was enjoying her little defiant streak. I loved that she wanted to earn everything herself. But I had received favors in my life that had helped me achieve my goals. And I was going to give her one.

  “Then, I rescind my job offer. If your sisters don’t stay here, you can’t work here. You will be too distracted to concentrate. That’s my offer. Take it or leave it.” There, that ought to do it.

  Her mouth slackened. “Wait, what? Are you sure? You really want them to stay here? Are you kidding me?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. It’s only for seven more weeks until I go back to Pensacola. It will be nice to have some laughter around here.”

  Tears welled in Paloma’s eyes. “¡Ay, Dios mió! I can’t believe this. This is the best day ever. I promise they will behave. And they love babies. We will keep this house clean, and we will be quiet. You won’t even know we are here.”

  “I’m going to call Declan to come over and watch Sky. Then we can go get your sisters.

  “Beck, you truly are an angel. I can’t thank you enough.”

  She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. I fought the urge to kiss her back.

  Ten minutes later Declan showed up. I quickly debriefed him about Sky, who was still asleep.

  “We will be back in an hour. Call if you need anything.”

  The second we left base, I was struck at once by the poverty around me. I had noticed it last year, but it had seemed less heartbreaking. But now, with Paloma by my side, the barren landscape was painfully in focus. There were so many empty businesses with boarded up windows and chained off buildings littered with graffiti. An elderly man pushed a cart of food down the road, and a young woman clutching a baby begged on a corner. It was around seven at night, and the wind had kicked up the despair with the dust.

  “Turn here. It’s that one there.”

  I turned to an apartment building which looked more like a prison than a home. Was this where her uncle lived? Where her sisters were staying? And she walked here every night? Hell, I didn’t even want to park my SUV out here. I’d even considered packing my gun.

  She opened the door. “I’ll go and grab them.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  She shook her head. “No, that’s fine. I won’t be long.”

  “Paloma, he hit you over the head with a liquor bottle. I’m going in.”

  We walked up the stairs, and Paloma pushed the door open.

  Her sisters were cuddled up on the lumpy sofa, but her uncle wasn’t in the room.

  “Beck, meet my sisters, Mónica is the older one, and Ana María is the younger one. Girls, this is Beck. Gather your things. You are going to stay with us.”

  Ana María’s eyes opened wide, and Mónica’s mouth gaped open.

  “En serio?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. Come on, let’s go.”

  I heard a door open, and some middle-aged man walked over to me, his face red and his eyes bloodshot. “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?”

  I didn’t want to fight with him, though he deserved to be punched in the face. But I didn’t want the girls to see any more violence or this loser to press assault charges on me. I just wanted to get out of this house as soon as possible. “I’m Paloma's boss.”

  Her sisters stared at me. Ana María’s hair was braided, and she had big brown eyes and a sad smile. Mónica was wearing a tight shirt and shorts.

  I knelt down to Ana María. “Do you girls want to go to McDonald’s?”

  “Yes!” Ana María jumped up and down.

  Her uncle walked up to me, and the stench of the liquor on his breath made me recoil. “The girls are my family. They stay here.”

  “Yeah, well I’m going to take them with me. Looks like you got your hands full here. Is that weed I smell?”

  “Yeah. What’s it to you? It’s California. It’s legal.”

  “I’m aware. But you shouldn’t be smoking around young kids. Come on girls, let’s go.”

  Paloma gathered the girls’ clothes. I grabbed their bags, and we went to my SUV. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked almost embarrassed.

  Mónica stood next to me. “I can’t believe you are going to let us stay with you. Is it true there is a pool on base?”

  A pained expression crossed Paloma’s face. She turned to me. “I’m sorry. They are just excited. They don’t know how to swim.”

  Ah, fuck. I had no idea how much the little things I took for granted would mean the world to these girls.

  Once we got into the SUV, I turned to them. “Yup, there sure is. And there are even swim lessons. Would you girls like to learn?”

  Ana María’s eyes became wide. “Are you serious? Did you hear that Mónica? We can take swim lessons!”

  A wave of satisfaction took over me. “Yes. I can sign you girls up. After we eat, we can go to Target and buy swimsuits.”

  Paloma placed her hand on my arm. “Stop. That’s not necessary. We don’t want to owe you anything.”

  “You don’t owe me a thing. Let’s go shopping. Seriously, it’s on me. No strings attached.”

  “I can’t accept any gifts.”

  Man, she was tough. “You represent me on base. I don’t have anything for the girls’ room. Please, it would make me happy.”

  She shrugged. “I guess.”

  I felt bad that I was making her uncomfortable.

  Mónica squealed. “Lo, can I get a bikini?”

  “No, you can not. You are only fourteen. You can pick out something modest.” She placed her hand on my knee, and a jolt went to my cock. “You really don’t have to do all of this. I can never repay you. Actually, you can take it out of my salary.”

  I loved how humble she was and that she didn’t want anything for free. “It’s really my pleasure. I know I told you in the interview I didn’t want to hang out with you, but honestly, I’ve been so depressed since my wife died. It will be good to have you all around and keep me distracted.”

  She squeezed my leg. “If you need to talk, I’m a good listener.”

  Maybe I did need to talk. I had refused to talk to a grief counselor, and I never really opened up to my buddies.

  We hit the drive-thru, and the girls had Happy Meals, I ordered a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and Paloma had a Filet-O-Fish. We stuffed our faces and then I turned into the shopping mall and parked in front of Target. When we exited from the SUV, Mónica whispered something into Paloma’s ear which caused Paloma to blush.

  I grabbed a red shopping cart, and they followed me into the store.

  “Okay, ladies. So, seriously, let’s get whatever you need. Clothes, some stuff for your bedroom, toys, school supplies. Don’t be shy; it’s on me.”

  Paloma whispered in my ear. “Seriously, I don’t feel comfortable with this. Maybe just a few things.”

  I grabbed her hand, caressing her soft skin. “I want to. Please don’t mention it again. And grab another cart.”

  “Okay, I’ll make it up to you.”

  I wanted to ask how, but I shut my mouth. I wasn’t offering to buy her stuff, expecting any sexual favors. Quite the opposite. No matter how hot I thought she was, I refused to get involved with her. It wasn’t ethical, and I was a man of morals.

  We zoomed around the store, and the girls
picked out clothes, swimsuits, bedspreads, and some toys. I picked up some supplies for Sky. Then I looked into the cart and noticed that Paloma hadn’t picked anything for herself.

  “Hey. I’m serious. Buy some new clothes. Whatever you need. Do you have a swimsuit? Maybe you can take Sky to the pool. I think there is a baby class.” Hell, I knew there was a Mommy and Me class. Catherine and I had looked into it.

  “Okay.” She walked over to the rack and picked out a black bikini. Heat flooded my cock as I imagined her body covered in that thin fabric barely covering her huge tits, her wide hips, her tiny waist, and that incredible ass. I’d definitely have to go to the pool with her, to make sure some dickhead like Sawyer didn’t hit on her.

  I wanted to get home to Sky. We made a final pass to the grocery section, and Paloma paused over the spices, but then walked away.

  “Get whatever you need. If anything, you are saving me money by cooking.”

  “I was just looking at the saffron. I’ve always wanted some, but it’s super expensive. I don’t need it.”

  “If you make me paella, you can buy it. I had some in Spain and it was incredible.” In Spain. On my honeymoon.

  “It’s twenty-two dollars. A waste of money.”

  I grabbed the little bottle. “Not if you make me paella. Okay, let’s go.”

  I paid, and we walked out of the store. Pride filled my chest when I looked at their happy faces. The girls giggled in the back seat when talked about how much they couldn’t wait to see their room. After suffering through all my grief, giving someone else joy made my heart leap.

  Paloma made another quick stop at a grocery store, and then we went back to base.

  As I pulled up to my house, I couldn’t help but notice how at ease I felt around Paloma and her sisters. They were under the assumption that I was helping them out, but in reality, they were saving me.

  11

  Paella

  The next night, the house was buzzing with excitement from the girls. Ana María loved her princess bedspread, and Mónica was experimenting with her new makeup. Both of them had been perfect angels so far. I was proud of them. Beck was watching television while holding Sky.

  And I was stressing out in the kitchen.

  I had never made paella.

  And this was Beck’s favorite dish. I most certainly did not want to screw it up. I had started on the chicken broth, refusing to buy it from a can. This had to be the best paella Beck had ever had. I didn’t care that he’d had it in Spain—mine was made with love.

  I began to strain the chicken when my phone rang.

  Ugh, my mother.

  I had to get it.

  I stepped outside, making sure to speak in Spanish so Beck couldn’t understand me.

  “Hola?”

  “Hola? Where are you? Where are the girls? My brother said you took them away with some man.”

  Great. Good news travels fast. “None of your concern. When was the last time you were home? They are safe. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Don’t you speak to me like that. You must respect me. I am your mother.”

  I exhaled. I had to do this. I had to do this now. It was a long time coming, and I didn’t have a moment to waste. Once she knew about my job, she would do anything to sabotage it. “Yeah, well about that. I want you to give me legal custody of the girls. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is you sign over your rights. The hard way is that I take you to court for abandonment.”

  Her voice became quiet. “You would do that to your own mother? How dare you. I won’t give up my babies. You have no right.”

  “No, you have no right. I swear, Mama, don’t try me. I have records of everything. No court will let you keep custody. Don’t make me fight you. Think of it as a relief. You don’t have to worry about us anymore.”

  And then I heard a soft sob. “Paloma, you must know. I love you. I love the girls. I tried, mija, I did. It was just so hard.”

  “I know it’s hard. But where there is a will, there’s a way.” I lowered my voice. I needed to give her an easy out. “Mama, look. Just sign over your rights, and once you get your act together, you can see the girls again. I’ll be leaving El Centro in a few months. I have a job. But I’ll come back and visit. And if you stop drinking, I’ll let you see them.”

  “Job? What job?”

  I was surprised my uncle hadn’t mentioned that Beck said he was my boss. “Doesn’t matter. I have to go. The girls are fine. I’ll call you in a week. Bye.”

  And I hung up the phone. I wasn’t heartless, but I was done with her excuses. I had to focus on the girls and our future.

  But even so, my heart broke for her. There was something in her voice that made me feel compassion for her despite my hatred for her. She said she had tried? Had she? I didn’t remember her making an effort. Maybe things were different when I was a baby. If she would only open up to me about my father, then maybe I could possibly understand where she was coming from.

  I walked back through the door and found Beck standing in the kitchen. I couldn’t help but stare at his biceps busting out of his white T-shirt.

  “Are you okay?”

  I wiped my hands on my apron. “Yup. Great.”

  He pressed his lips. “Who were you arguing with?”

  I refused to lie to him. “My mother, but don’t worry. She doesn’t know where we are. She won’t bother us.”

  He placed his hand under my chin. “You are amazing, do you know that?”

  I choked back tears. I wasn’t used to compliments. “No, but it’s nice to hear. You’re pretty great yourself. You are so generous.”

  His body brushed against mine. I held my breath, wondering what it would be like for him to kiss me.

  I turned away from him. “I need to get back to the paella, or we won’t eat tonight.”

  “Right, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “I am. Thanks.”

  I started scrubbing the mussels while I cooked the sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, and parsley. The smell of the fragrant saffron and broth mixture filled the kitchen. I was in heaven. Spanish chorizo, shrimp, mussels, chicken—this dish had it all. I was ready to feast.

  Mónica set the table, and when the dish was finally done, I served everyone. I poured Beck a glass of red wine and watched his beautiful mouth as he took his first bite.

  He reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Paloma, this is the best paella I’ve ever had.”

  12

  French Toast

  Saturday morning I woke with a hard-on and a mission.

  To see Paloma in her bikini.

  Ever since she had bought that damn thing, I couldn’t stop fantasizing about seeing her in it. And today was the day.

  I took a quick shower and threw on my board shorts and a T-shirt. I never even woke during the night anymore to take care of Sky. I would’ve been happy to on my nights off, but Paloma would always grab her before I woke. And I was so well rested, my flying drills had been as tight as ever. I couldn’t thank Paloma enough.

  How would I live without her?

  Her sisters had kept to themselves and had been quiet since they moved in a few days ago. But that bothered me. They were almost too good. As if they didn’t consider this to be their home. Today I wanted to see their personalities. I wanted them to feel comfortable around me.

  I opened the door, and the smell of cinnamon and vanilla overtook me.

  Sure enough, Paloma was in the kitchen, and Mónica was playing with Sky on the living room floor.

  My coffee was already waiting for me. “Morning. I made French Toast. It will be ready in a minute.”

  “Morning.” I resisted the urge to kiss her on her cheek. It would’ve seemed so natural, so innocent.

  Paloma was always cheerful, but I knew that she hid pain behind her bright eyes. I wanted her to cry in front of me, be vulnerable, trust me. I would have to earn her trust.

  I scooped up Sky an
d kissed her. Her goofy smile brightened my world.

  “Girls, do you want to go to the pool today?”

  Mónica’s eyes widened. “Yes. We would love to! Paloma, can we go to the pool?”

  Paloma shot me a pointed glare. “After you do your chores. Breakfast is ready.”

  I strapped Sky into a baby bouncer and sat at the table.

  Paloma handed me a plate of thick French toast. But it wasn’t any old French toast. I took one bite and my taste buds danced. The whipped cream was infused with cinnamon and the minute my fork sliced into the bread, thick chocolate oozed out. I couldn’t believe I was eating like this every day. Man, I hope Sawyer never comes over here. Even the womanizing confirmed bachelor would take one look at her and one bite of this food and would sweep her off her feet.

  But I wanted to keep her to myself.

  “This is delicious. If you keep cooking like this, I won’t fit into my flight suit.”

  Paloma smiled. “Please, you are in perfect shape. You need fuel for your body and your plane.” She paused. “Look, we all can’t swim. I’m happy to take Sky to the pool, but I’m worried about the girls. Is there a lifeguard on duty?”

  She was so adorable and non-presumptuous. “Yup, but you won’t need a lifeguard. I was on the swim team at Annapolis. I’ll teach you.”

  Her cheeks blushed. “Okay. Thank you.”

  At least I had made progress with her. She had stopped questioning me when I offered to do something with her and the girls.

  After breakfast, the girls did their chores—vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms for Mónica and dusting and putting away toys for Ana María. I bathed Sky and dressed her in a cute ruffled swimsuit with a matching bonnet. Then, I slathered her in sunscreen until her skin was opaque with lotion.

  My breath hitched when Paloma walked out from her bedroom. She was wearing a tank top and shorts, but I could see the bikini underneath. I couldn’t wait to get to the pool and see even more of her incredible body.

  “Let’s go.”