by LK Shaw
As we strode down the hall toward the living room, the thumping music grew louder, and I was surprised the neighbors hadn’t complained already. Then again, it was peak tourist season at the beach, and a holiday to boot, so I’m sure everyone around us was having an equally good time. Kyle tossed my bag on the floor next to the bar as I waved to the guys already in the room, even though I hadn’t met them before. But, if they were friends of Kyle’s, then they were friends of mine until they proved otherwise.
Two guys were playing pool while two others were planted around the bar, beer bottles and rocks glasses in hand. I couldn’t help but smile at the relaxed expression on Kyle’s face. We’d both seen some bad shit in combat, and neither of us had returned unscathed, although Kyle’s wounds were on the outside. Which was the whole reason behind this getaway. Every year we met for a week or two to unwind and forget about everything. It was how we kept our sanity. Or at least most of it. Each of us was the other’s rock. Granted, I had my family, which was a huge blessing, but Kyle had no family and very few friends. We were our own familial unit.
It was great seeing Kyle laughing and having a good time. Once I said hey to everyone, I asked which room was mine. After being directed to its location, I grabbed up my satchel and headed down the hall to settle in. Then, I was ready to head out to the water. I grew up in a small town in the middle of the U.S. where the closest body of water was the local dirty lake. I loved the ocean and, while I was here, I intended to spend every moment possible in the water.
That was part of the reason I’d joined the Navy. I loved the water. I shook off the intruding thought of what I was going to do now that I was done. I hated that the thoughts popped up randomly. Although, there was one thing I knew I wanted. A family. I was thirty-eight years old, and I wasn’t getting any younger. I’d grown up in a family of six kids, three boys and three girls. I had a plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. I’d dated women, but nothing ever came of it. I thought there could have been once, but she ran after the best night of my life.
So many nights over the last two years I pictured her curves, the softest, long blonde hair, and the biggest brown eyes that took up her entire face. There were days when thinking of her was the only thing that kept me alive. I had never been one to pick up women at the bar, but something about her drew me in. She laughed as though she was having the time of her life, but when she didn’t think anyone was watching, an anguished expression crossed her face. Then, she strongly shook it off and kept laughing at the conversation around her.
For some inexplicable reason, I’d wanted to do everything I could to keep her laughing. To make her forget about whatever it was that was making her sad. I never wanted to see a frown on her face again. So, after I woke up alone after a night of the most amazing sex, I did everything I could to try and track her down. I went back to the bar where we’d met the night before and questioned the bartender and the bouncers. With so many women coming in and out of that place, they had no idea who she was.
For three weeks, I went back every Friday and Saturday night hoping to find her again, without any luck. Then, I got a call from my Admiral with new orders. I was being deployed for no less than twelve months. I was to report for duty in three days. Reluctantly, I gave up my search for her. But I never forgot her.
Shaking off the thoughts, I quickly changed into a pair of swim trunks and headed out to the water. Nothing like a swim to clear my mind.
Chapter Three
Sofie
After a four-hour flight, I finally arrived in Miami. I was extremely proud of myself at the fact that I’d only cried once during the whole trip. That was when I found one of Mia’s binkies in my carry-on. But, I quickly got myself together and made a vow that I was done crying for the week. I was going to have a blast with my friend and enjoy every blessed moment of this mini-vacation.
Callie picked me up at the airport and once we’d gotten settled in at the house, we decided to head out to the beach to work on our tans and to catch up. Of course, I had my fifty SPF sunscreen with me, because my ghost-white skin fried to the color of a lobster if I wasn’t careful. We quickly donned our suits, my chubby, leftover baby belly fully covered by a now modest one-piece, and grabbed our towels. We descended the stairs off the back of the house and trekked across the sand.
We found a relatively open spot and settled in. Callie applied sunscreen to my back for me, and I took a well-needed nap in the sunshine. I woke shortly after and was roasting. Needing to cool off before I had a heat stroke, I hustled out to the water and wandered farther out until I was neck deep in the waves. I grew up around the water and had always been an avid swimmer when I was younger.
I bobbed up and down with each incoming wave, enjoying the coolness of the light ocean breeze. Once, I cooled down, I exited the water and started back to my towel, when out of nowhere, someone called my name.
“Sofie?”
I turned in the direction of the voice and could only stare in shock at the familiar bald head and piercing green eyes. Oh my god. It can’t be him. I’m seeing things; I just know it.
“God, Sofie, is it really you?” Shit. I wasn’t seeing things.
“Hey, um, how’s it going? Long time no see.” What are these stupid words coming out of my mouth? Please, shoot me now.
He looked at me quizzically, his head tilted slightly to the left. The lines in his forehead flattened and his expression softened a little.
“You don’t remember me, do you?”
“No, no, I do.” I just can’t remember your name. “I’m a little embarrassed honestly.”
He smiled widely then, his white, even teeth glowing brightly against his darkly tanned skin, his dimples forming deep crevices in his cheeks. I felt that familiar flutter in my belly.
“I don’t know, I thought it was a great night. Definitely not anything to be embarrassed about.” His smile shrank, and a serious expression now crossed his face. “I looked for you, you know. After that night. Longer than what most people would consider healthy. Then I was deployed and had to leave town. How have you been?”
I was still processing the fact that he’d looked for me. I wasn’t sure what to think of that. It took me a minute to answer.
“I’ve been doing well. Working a lot. Not too much excitement in my life.” Mia’s face flashed inside my head proclaiming me a liar. “How about you?”
This awkward conversation was going to be the death of me. How in the world was I going to explain Mia to him?
“I’m good. I just retired—”
“For Christ’s sake, Marshall, if you’re going to flirt all day, at least buy the woman a drink.”
A flush crossed his cheeks, and without missing a beat, he shot the bird to whoever had just spoken before quickly bringing his attention back to me.
“Sorry about that. Are you going to be here for a while? I mean in Miami? I’d love to get together.”
Surprise had me speechless, again. This was a whole new situation for me. Before me stood the father of my child, and he had no idea. How do you spring that on someone? By the way, you have a kid. What made it worse was that he was still as gorgeous and sexy as I remembered. Even though a lot of the finer details of that night were a blur, I would never forget the way this man made me feel. Like I was someone special. And who knows, maybe it was just the booze and the fact that I had been hurting that exaggerated those feelings. Regardless, I really wanted to take him up on his offer.
“I actually just got here today. My girlfriend and I are here for the week for a yearly vacation. We’re staying at the yellow house right there.” When I pointed at out our rental house, he started laughing.
“Well, what do you know? We’re neighbors. I’m in the blue house right next door. One of my former military buddies and I are celebrating my retirement from the Navy.”
“Congratulations. How long will you be here for?”
The smoldering look he sent my way had my nipples pebbling, and a throbbing started d
eep inside me.
“I’ll be here for as long as it takes.”
“As long as it takes for what?”
“To convince you that we could be good together. I’ll pick you up for lunch tomorrow at eleven-thirty. Wear something comfortable.”
He winked, and before I could even respond, he took off and rejoined his friends, laughing as though he hadn’t just dictated I was going on a date with him. Still speechless and with nothing else to do, I continued my journey toward my friend, who was gaping at me with rapt attention.
“Holy shit, was that who I think it was?”
All I could do was nod.
“Ho-ly shit.”
“You’re repeating yourself, Callie.”
“I don’t care. This is crazy. After all this time, you randomly run into Mia’s father on a beach in Miami. A ‘holy shit’ bears repeating I would think.”
The air was thick with silence no matter the chaos surrounding us, until suddenly it was broken when Callie spoke again.
“What are you going to do?”
I could only shrug. “I have no idea. He wants to take me out to lunch tomorrow. And I can’t even remember his name! God, what am I going to do?”
Chapter Four
David
My mind kept wandering from what Kyle was saying and focusing on the fact that after giving up ever seeing Sofie again, she’d dropped back into my life. I’d been in a funk for months, both preparing for and dreading leaving the Navy. It was all I’d ever known and the uncertainty of the future had me in knots. Suddenly, the anxiety disappeared, and I had a new purpose in life.
I couldn’t say I was in love with Sofie. We had only spent that one night together, but I definitely wanted to explore the off-the-charts chemistry that skyrocketed between us. Emotions that intense were bound to lead somewhere, and I was ready for the journey. My gaze constantly roamed to where she sat on the beach with another woman. Both were good looking, but it was Sofie I couldn’t keep my eyes off of.
After a while, I gave up even trying to have a conversation with Kyle and his friends. My focus remained entirely on Sofie until she and her friend eventually packed up and headed inside their house.
The next morning dawned, and I was up with the sun, taking my daily run. After twenty years in the military, certain habits were ingrained. Getting up at the crack of dawn and running five miles was my habit. I couldn’t say I enjoyed running, but it gave me time to reflect on my life and make plans for the future. After I met Sofie, those plans somehow seemed to include her. Even after I’d given up hope of ever seeing her again, she always factored into them. There had to be a reason why she’d come back into my life.
After my run, I showered, ate breakfast, and started planning our date. I researched restaurants around the area and picked a nice, but casual, seafood place. She had seemed more than embarrassed, almost skittish, yesterday, and I wanted to put her at ease. I found a local florist and grabbed a small bouquet of fresh flowers. I stayed away from roses because I didn’t want to come on too strong or act like I was trying too hard.
When I got back from the florist, all I could do was pace back and forth as Kyle slowly made his way to the living room, grumbling good-naturedly about “stupid morning people.” I took his ribbing in stride. It was like this every time we got together. He’d poke fun at the fact that I was always up and dressed, ready to start my day before he ever woke up. It had been a running joke for years. Even years in the military hadn’t made him a morning person.
After what felt like days of waiting, it was close enough to eleven-thirty that I bounded out the door and walked the short distance to the yellow house next to ours. My step was light as I trekked up the short flight of stairs and knocked on the door, shifting my weight back and forth. My foot tapped impatiently as I waited for someone to answer. My heart leapt in my chest when the door opened, but sank when I saw it was Sofie’s friend.
“Can I help you?”
Jesus, I felt like a teenager on his first date meeting the girl’s parents. The tone in her seemingly innocent question reeked of interrogation.
“I’m here for Sofie.” No need to go into any further explanation.
“And you are?”
Because I knew she probably only had Sofie’s best interest at heart, I didn’t take offense to her questions. I’d be on the cautious side too if some stranger showed up at my door looking for my friend.
I gave her my most friendly smile. “David Marshall, ma’am. I’m an acquaintance of Sofie’s. She knew I was coming today.”
“Good grief, don’t ma’am me. C’mon on in. I’ll get Sofie.”
I stepped into the foyer, ignoring the head to toe once over she gave me before she walked down the hall. She didn’t invite me to follow her so I stayed where I was, anxiously awaiting Sofie’s arrival. I heard muffled voices coming from the other room and was curious to know what was being said.
Before long, Sofie made her way toward me. Was it wrong that I couldn’t help but eye-fuck her as she strolled down the hall looking more beautiful than I remembered? Two years ago, she was luscious and curvy. Since then she’d changed. Her hips were a little wider, her breasts a little fuller. Regardless, she was still absolutely stunning.
“These are for you.” I handed the bouquet over to her almost stupidly.
She ducked her head, and a blush crossed her cheeks while a shy smile appeared on her lips. It was an expression that had me wondering if no one had ever brought her flowers before. I’d change that. I’d bring them to her every day if it made her this happy.
“Thank you, David.”
“You’re welcome, Sofie. I hope you’re hungry. I found this great seafood restaurant down the street. Oh shit, I hope you like seafood or you’re not allergic to it.”
Her tinkling laughter echoed through the foyer. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh, but the horrified look on your face is priceless. Yes, I like seafood. No worries there.”
Relief spread through me. “Thank God. It didn’t even occur to me that you might not like it. Anyway, are you ready?”
“Let me go put these in water, and then I’ll be ready.” I watched the sway of her hips as she walked away. Within moments, she returned carrying her purse. I escorted her over to my car where I opened the door for her. Once she was settled, I closed the door and hopped into the driver’s seat, backed out of the driveway, and started heading toward the restaurant. Once I found a parking spot, I helped her out of the car and escorted her inside.
We made small talk once the server took our order. Every once in awhile, it seemed as though she would start to say something but then change her mind. I was curious what had her so ill at ease. That was the only way I could describe it.
“Is everything okay? You seem a little nervous.”
Just then, the server brought us our food, and she held back her words. Finally, the server left, and I continued looking at her expectantly. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Her eyes were closed, and when she opened them and stared intently at me, I knew what she was about to say would change my life completely.
“I have a daughter.”
Shoulders tight with tension eased at her confession. I’d been bracing myself for a bomb to drop. Her having a daughter was no big deal. I loved kids. I didn’t see what the problem was.
“I don’t mind seeing someone with kids if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“God, this is harder than I thought. She’s not just my daughter.” She paused again, taking another deep breath. “She’s also yours.”
Boom, there it was. Well, shit.
Chapter Five
Sofie
The relief I felt at finally getting that off my chest was immense. But, now another type of tension and stress took over. What would happen now that he knew? I had been a chicken when he came to pick me up and sent Callie to answer the door. It also gave me a way to get his name. As if dropping the bombshell that he had a daughter wasn’t bad enoug
h, I didn’t want to top it off with the fact that I couldn't remember it.
Several tense moments passed when all David did was stare. I could tell he wasn’t even looking at me though. It was a blank, I’m-trying-to-make-sure-I-heard-you-correctly look. But, I knew the moment it finally sank in, and then he did stare at me. The only thing that kept me calm was that his expression didn’t exude hatred. More like shell-shocked. I even thought I sensed a bit of happiness behind his eyes. Although, that was more than likely wishful thinking on my part.
Softly, I broke the silence, because I don’t think he could. “David, talk to me, please.”
He must have still been a little dazed because he shook his head and brought his attention fully back to me. “A daughter?”
I nodded. “Her name is Mia. She’s thirteen months old now. She looks exactly like you. I swear I would have told you if I knew how to find you,” I hastily added. “Not that I blame you for that.”
I didn’t want him to think it was his fault he didn’t know. I took full responsibility. He would have had every opportunity to know his daughter if he’d wanted to if I hadn’t run. Of course, neither of us had any idea I’d end up pregnant that night.
“Wow. I’m not sure what else to say. No, actually, I do know what to say. Why did you leave?”
Oh, where to begin?
“The night I met you, I’d caught my boyfriend cheating on me. I was so angry and hurt that I wanted to forget for a brief moment. At the bar that night I was able to. I had quite a few drinks. Then, I saw you. You were so handsome and sexy and weren’t immune to my lame attempts at flirting. You made me feel wanted when I hadn’t felt wanted in a long time. I didn’t lie when I said it was not one of my finer moments. I vaguely recall lots of heated kisses, and I barely even remember leaving with you.”
I gulped down my water, attempting to quench my thirst and help with my dry as dust mouth.