“Well, I’ve got to work for a few hours in the morning,” I said. “I give swimming lessons on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. After that, we’re pretty free to do whatever you’d like to do.”
“Why don’t you take her to GOMA?” Bekah’s suggestion was actually a great one. Getting enthusiastic about it was easy. It was a middle ground between Soleil’s normal world and mine.
“Yeah,” I said. “That could be good. We can walk over after I’ve finished at work.”
“GOMA?” Soleil looked between Bekah and me.
“The Gallery of Modern Art. It’s kinda cool. It’s not stuffy like some of the art galleries can be. If we have time, we can hit up the museum too. I hope you don’t mind walking?”
She glanced between Bekah and me before swallowing hard. “Not at all.”
“Good. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes.”
Chapter 8
DURING OUR NIGHT of booze and pizza, I learned Soleil wasn’t nearly as uncultured as I’d thought after our conversation about the Hangover. She’d seen Star Wars, the Sixth Sense, and a few other classic movies. It seemed her father had only restricted her access to the more sexual comedies. Bekah and I introduced her to Mallrats while we ate our late dinner.
Shortly after, Bekah headed back to her apartment, and Soleil and I retreated to our corners.
The next morning while I got ready for work, Soleil came to find me. “Would I be able to come with you when you go to work?”
“Why?”
“I’m not comfortable staying here by myself. What if something happens? Besides, I need to see work to see how the other half lives, don’t I?”
“I guess.” I’d never let anyone watch me while I taught swimming lessons. I had never even let anyone know where I went to do the lessons. There was a very good reason for that, and I wasn’t sure whether I wanted Soleil to know about it. Then again, it wasn’t like she could tell any of my friends what she saw. The only one she knew was Bekah—and even if Soleil told Bekah, she was the one friend who probably wouldn’t give me shit about the revelation. She might’ve given me a hard time about so many things, and been a prankster, but she didn’t go after the things that mattered. “I’ll have to check with my clients though. If they don’t agree, I won’t be able to let you come in.”
“I can always join in? I’m happy to pay for swimming lessons.”
“You lack one of the vital things you need for my lessons.”
The corners of her eyes scrunched in confusion.
“You’ll see. If you’re allowed in.”
We finished getting ready and headed down to the car. I drove north again, heading toward Aspley to the swim school I taught at. By the time we pulled in, I still hadn’t told her why she didn’t have everything she’d need to join my class despite her requests. It would be more interesting to see her raw reaction.
“Hey, Tyson.” Melissa, one of my regular clients, waved at me. Her seven-month-old son wiggled in her arms and giggled at me.
“Hey, Mel. Is Mason ready to work hard today?”
“You know it. I’ll see you inside.”
Another two mothers waved and greeted me as they passed.
“Babies?” Soleil asked. The expression on her face was priceless.
I raised my hands in a fake shrug. “What?”
“It just wasn’t what I thought you’d be doing.”
With a smirk, I said, “Why on earth not? Anything for a dollar, right?”
She grinned in a way that told me she saw through my bullshit. “Sure. Of course that’s all it is.”
“Don’t make me regret inviting you along.”
“You didn’t invite me along. I invited myself.”
“That’s beside the point.” I checked the time. “Let’s go inside before the natives get restless.”
We headed into the swim centre, and Soleil followed me to the pool.
“Ladies, and gentleman,” I said, addressing the four ladies and Andy—the single father who brought his child regularly, “I’ve got a special guest today who’d like to watch the lesson. If you don’t mind?”
At least two of the mothers gave Soleil a side-eye. I wondered if they perhaps recognised her.
“This is my friend Summer. She’s interested in being a swim teacher too. Does anyone mind if she watches?”
After everyone had agreed that they didn’t mind her watching, Soleil took a seat in the stands. I grabbed my towel off my shoulder and tossed it onto the seat beside her before tearing my shirt off.
I didn’t miss the way her gaze trailed from my board shorts and up to my face. Her breathing quickened and her tongue slicked over her lips. I met her eyes and found her staring at me with an innocence I hadn’t expected.
“I’ll have three back to back lessons of around thirty minutes each. Are you going to be okay until I’m finished?”
“I’m sure I can find something to amuse myself.” Her gaze dropped to my chest, and she swallowed.
My body reacted to her words with a sudden rush of endorphins. Every muscle tensed in response as her eyes locked on my abs. With a quick, spluttered excuse, I spun away from her. I practically raced to the pool, dropping into the waist-high water to hide my growing erection.
The parents in my class gathered around me, and I started my lesson.
Nearly two hours later, including the changeovers between each lesson, I climbed from the pool. Soleil’s gaze trailed every step I took. I’d worked hard on my body, so it was nice that she appreciated it.
The thought was enough to stop me in my tracks. Before she’d come to stay with me, I probably wouldn’t have been so happy with her obvious ogling, but now . . . it was different.
I grabbed the towel from beside her. “I’ve just got to have a rinse off. Give me five?”
She nodded. “I’ll be here.”
With the towel over one shoulder and my backpack slung over the other, I headed to the change rooms.
After I’d finished rinsing off and getting dressed, I found my way back to Soleil’s side. She was sitting talking with Andy. From his stance and the way he seemed to be finding excuses to touch her shoulder, I figured he was flirting with her. My fingers curled at my side and my teeth clenched together. Heat radiated from my chest, and I wanted to charge over and drag him away from her. In my experience, a single dad appealed to women the same way a plate of sugar at a picnic called to ants.
As I moved closer, he took once glance at me and then moved away.
“So was that as fun as you imagined?” I asked as I moved to her side. I chose to ignore sounding like a jealous arsehole, even if that fire had been stoked in me after watching her with Andy.
“More. The way you talked about your life made it sound terrible, but you’re helping to teach those babies to swim. Watching them all giggle and play was beautiful.”
“You’re not getting clucky, are you?”
“Hardly. I’m not even nineteen. That’s a little young to be planning motherhood. Besides, I don’t think I’d be a good mother.”
I sat next to her as I scrubbed my hair dry. “Why’s that? It’s not like they’d ever want for anything.”
Her lips twisted into a grimace. “I told you before; money isn’t everything.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
She shook her head and planted a fake smile on her lips. It was getting easier to determine when she was being genuine and when she was playing a role. “Maybe later.”
“Wanna get out of here?”
“That sounds like a plan.”
I led her back to my car and opened the door for her.
“I thought I was supposed to be experiencing real life,” she teased.
“And in real life, a common life, chivalry isn’t entirely dead. There’s nothing wrong with a man holding open the door for a pretty lady.”
A blush crept over her face. Because her make-up wasn’t heavy, the reddening of her cheek was clear. “I’ve never had anyon
e open a door for me before. At least, no one I wasn’t paying.”
“You are paying me.” The words blurted from me without thought. “In a roundabout way, anyway.”
Her demeanour shifted instantly and she frowned at me. “Yeah. I guess I am, aren’t I?”
After getting the car on the road, I debated whether it would be better driving to South Bank and paying for the parking despite the cost.
I turned to Soleil. She sat in the seat with her arms crossed over her chest. “Are you still happy to walk to South Bank? It’ll probably take about a half hour or so from my apartment.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not so precious that I can’t walk.”
“I know. I just thought we could drive over there now if you wanted to.” I was used to walking long distances, but I wasn’t sure how she’d go with the rounds. Judging by her mood though, it seemed as if she’d deny any weakness. “I’m actually a little exhausted after the lessons this morning. Plus, I’ve got some cash now so I’m happy to spring for parking. Today at least. We can use the time in the pool at South Bank instead. If you like?”
Her eyes narrowed as she assessed me. Then she grinned. It almost seemed to hold a challenge. “I think I’d like that.”
“Do you need to go back to the apartment to get changed?”
“Nope.” She popped her p.
“Let me guess, you’ll buy a swim suit when we get there?”
Her jaw flexed, but she shook her head. “No. I bought one the other day.”
“You don’t want to go get it?”
“No. I’ve got them with me.” She leaned back in her seat and lifted her light pink T-shirt up to reveal her stomach. She didn’t stop until I could see a red and white polka dot bikini top that caressed her breasts perfectly, leaving just the right amount spilling over the top.
My gaze was drawn to her body and I had to shift in my seat as she got a definite rise out of me.
“You might want to focus on the road,” she said. Her voice lilted with amusement, softening her tone.
I tore my eyes away from her just in time to see everyone in front of me hit the picks and bringing their cars to a screeching halt. I slammed my foot on my brake too, stopping just inches away from the bumper in front of me.
“Told you so.” Soleil’s words were barely intelligible through her laughter.
“It’s not my fault that you’re so hot in that bikini that it’s distracting.”
“It’s hardly my fault you can’t keep your eyes off me.” She battered her eyelashes and gave a too-sweet smile. My breathing quickened at the sight.
“Are you sure about that?”
She gave me a sly grin that suggested she’d guessed the events her actions might cause.
“Dad would love you,” I murmured as I tried to focus on the road ahead.
“Why do you say that?”
“He’s always had a weak spot for the pretty ones. And even weaker when they have a cheeky streak like you.” I recalled him describing someone else that way. “That’s why he fell for Mum.”
Soleil misread my tone and my words. “That’s sweet.”
“No. It’s not,” I corrected. There was nothing nice about my mother. Not that I knew her except by reputation. “She’s a bitch and he would’ve been better off if she’d never come onto the scene.”
“I’m sure she can’t be that bad.” Soleil placed her hand on my bicep in what I was sure was supposed to be a comforting move.
I jerked away from her touch. “That bad and worse, but I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Ty, I—”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it. Can you just drop it please?”
“Okay. For now.”
“For good.” I clenched my jaw and curled my fists around the steering wheel. “Now, let’s get to South Bank.”
Silence filled the car as I skirted around the edge of the city and headed over the William Jolly Bridge. I found a park under the Queensland Art Gallery—regretting the suggestion the instant I saw the price was sixteen dollars for the day.
“C’mon,” I said. “Let’s go check out the lagoon.”
“I thought you said it was a swimming pool?”
I grinned. “Does the idea of swimming in a lagoon worry you?”
“A little . . . just because it’s impossible to know what animals have been in there doing their business.”
“You know pools are worse, don’t you? I mean, kids are never shy of peeing in them. That’s part of the reason I stop lessons once they stop wearing the waterproof nappies.”
Her nose curled up, and it was clear the talk of piss was turning her off. “I guess you have a point,” she said through a twisted mouth.
“Besides, this one is a pool.”
“Maybe we could skip the swim?”
“We’ll see how you feel after getting there. If we’re going to work our way through the GOMA, the art gallery, and the museum, we’ll probably be hot and sweaty long before we reach South Bank.”
“Getting hot and sweaty together, is that a promise?”
Ignoring the images conjured by her words, I shook my head. “Trust me, with Queensland’s weather, it’s more of a threat. It should be a fun day anyway though. Just slather some of the sunscreen in the glove box on before you go.”
After we’d both put some sunscreen on, I packed the bottle into the beach bag I always left in the boot together with my towel.
For the next few hours, we wandered around the Cultural Precinct taking in whatever we could. As we walked, we chatted about random things, including everything we encountered, rather than touching on any personal topics.
By the time we’d found our way to South Bank Beach—the artificial beach and lagoon in the middle of South Bank—we were both exhausted and more than ready to strip out of our clothes to climb into the cool water. The idea of escaping the heat was such a driver that it was only after we were in the water that I stopped to assess Soleil in her bikini.
So far, we’d been lucky to avoid anyone recognising her, but with her in the skimpy bikini, with the small tattoo on her hip on display, it was going to be harder. I grabbed her hand and dragged her around to a quieter patch of the lagoon. “You’ll stand out less over here, especially if people think we’re making out.”
I boxed her against the side so that her body wasn’t on display for everyone to ogle, and so that it would be harder for everyone to stare at her features.
Her breath quickened and she played along, wrapping her arms around my neck. The motion left her wet breasts pillowed against my hard chest. I glanced down at her lips, drawn in by some magnetic force.
Fuck.
I wasn’t willing to admit it to myself, but I was at risk of getting lost in her. It was too easy to do, especially as she let her guard down. It was a bad idea though. She was far too similar to my mother in one major respect—money ruled her life.
Snapping my focus away from her, I pushed away from the wall—putting distance between us.
“Ty, is everything okay?”
“I think we should be heading back. I’ve got to get ready for work.”
“Work? Again?”
“Yes, Soleil, work again. That’s what us poor suckers who aren’t sitting on million dollar trust funds have to do to pay the bills, or have you forgotten already.” Because I’d snapped a little too loudly, a few people who were gathered around us trying to beat the heat all spun to look at her at once.
A few people scrambled, no doubt trying to be the one who caught a photo of the hotel heiress in her bikini and with someone so obviously below her station. A photo like that could no doubt grab headlines and net the lucky photographer a pretty penny. Wasn’t that the promise Bekah had tested me with?
Soleil was faster than anyone else. Probably because she was used to the game. “Great. That’s just great. Thanks, Ty.”
It took a moment for my brain to catch up and tell me to run after her. I grabbed our stuff as she wr
apped a towel around herself, and then we made a beeline out of sight of everyone who’d been within earshot. It was possible that a few people had snapped photos, I had no way of protecting her completely from that, but we ran until we were certain no one around us was going to cause some problem.
Worried that the rumour mill would have started and that we’d have the paparazzi on our arse before long, Soleil wouldn’t stop her quickened strides until we’d arrived back at my ute and climbed inside.
“What happened to Summer?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest as I pulled the car out of the park. Her action was so violent, I wondered whether I’d been wrong to fear her minder, Vince. Maybe she had more capacity to harm in her tiny body than I’d anticipated.
Regardless, I wanted to put it behind us. “Sorry, it just slipped out.”
“What is your problem?” Her voice was dangerous. No doubt it was the tone she used when the shoes she wanted weren’t available in her size. It was enough to stoke the fire inside me that had yet to fully extinguish.
I clenched my jaw, not wanting to get into it. Not then. Not ever. It was a reminder of the mistake I’d made agreeing to her harebrained scheme. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, why the hell did you snap back there? I was surprised you’d be heading out to work again tonight, but that didn’t warrant you being nearly so . . . so . . . so jerky!” She threw her hands in the air in exasperation.
Her comment drew my inner snark so I sneered at her. “I don’t think I was being dried meat at all.”
She crossed her arms again, adding a pout this time. “Well you’re acting like that’s all you have between your ears.”
“Maybe if you weren’t so focused on work and money—”
“Only one of us has been focused on money,” she snapped back at me. “Having none of it has clearly made you bitter whenever you’re around someone who is better off. Or do you reserve that behaviour just for me?”
I huffed out a breath. Typical of someone like her, thinking they were the centre of the fucking universe. “Not everything revolves around you, princess.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure, a bug just happened to crawl up your ass the same day you met me.”
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