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“Daddy!” A little girl squeals.
I glance up and see Island and Regan crossing the lawn to me.
It feels right.
Both of them moving in my direction.
My pulse thuds.
“Daddy, we were dancing,” Regan says, a little out of breath. Her chest pumps up and down.
“I can see that, sweet pea.” I swing her into my arms.
Island steps toward me. She has to lean close to be heard above the music. Her chest brushes my arm. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you call me?”
I watch the sweat beading on her face. It trails down her chin to her neck and collarbone. I sweep my hand down her temple. “I got here earlier. I didn’t expect you to be at war.”
“Oh that.” She laughs and it’s the musical equivalent of catching lightning bugs in mason jars. “We were supposed to do hair braiding lessons, but no one liked the idea of sitting around for three hours. Regan suggested we dance and we took her up on it.”
“Regan suggested it?” My eyebrows hike.
“Me and Belle.” Regan points to Alistair’s wife and his daughter Belle who are on the edge of the fire, collapsed on two logs while catching their breaths.
I don’t know what to say to that, so I simply announce, “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, but it’s time to go home.”I hope Abe hasn’t started playing video games yet.I turn to the others. “Gentlemen. Ladies.”
Murmurs of goodbyes break out.
I catch Darrel watching me and Island knowingly. Thankfully, he doesn’t say a word about the brain scan.
“Safe trip back,” Darrel says.
I nod.
“See you tomorrow, Regan.” Island grins. “Oh, wait. Tomorrow’s Saturday. I guess I’ll see you Monday.”
Disappointment crushes me when I realize I won’t get to see Island for a full two days. I slow down. My eyes linger on her face.
Moonlight falls over her dark skin. She pulled her braids up, allowing my gaze full access to her elegant features. Soft cheeks. Perfect lips. A delicate throat that’s glistening.
I want her to come home with me. I want to lean over her and lick my way up and down her throat. Taste the saltiness of her sweat and the sweetness of her perfume.
“Daddy, where’s Abe?” Regan says.
My fingers tighten on my daughter.Keep your thoughts in check.
“Upstairs.” I give Island a curt nod, yell for my son and hurry to our car.
I’m not in my right mind tonight.
It’s been a long day and if I don’t get out of here, I might do something stupid.
“Wait!” Island’s voice is followed by the slap of the screen door.
“Abe, take your sister to the car. I’ll be right there,” I say urgently, hoping to hurry them along. If Regan sees Island, she’s going to want to stay with her.
And then I’ll want to stay with her.
And we can’t have that.