Page 116

Literally. Apparently, everyone had jumped at the chance to spend the afternoon at Cole Wagner’s house. At least, that’s what Annie had told me.
She’s handling it well, in any case.
She moves through the chaos effortlessly, keeping an eye on everyone while somehow managing to keep things organized. She’s dressed for the occasion, wearing a pair of high-waisted shorts over her swimsuit, a simple bikini top peeking out beneath a loose tank. Not the same swimsuit I peeled off of her a few weeks ago, though I wouldn’t mind getting this one off her too.
She’s laughing at something one of the kids said, her blonde hair catching the sunlight, looking completely at ease as the kids usher her toward the pool.
I can’t help but watch her.
She’sgood at this. Really good at this.
I shouldn’t be surprised after the rousing success of the gala. But damn, is there any situation that she’s not perfectly suited for?
“Dad!” Robbie’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look down just in time for him to grab my hand and start tugging me toward the pool. His wet hair sticks to his forehead, his cheeks flushed with excitement. “Come on! You have to play!”
I hesitate. “Play?”
“Yeah! You can throw us in the water!” He grins. “Like Annie does!”
I glance back over at Annie, who’s currently picking up one of the kids and tossing them into the shallow end, his delighted shriek ringing through the air before he hits the water. The other kids laugh and cheer, bouncing excitedly as they wait their turn.
I huff a small laugh. “That’s what you want me to do?”
“Yeah!” Robbie nods enthusiastically. “Come on, Dad! You said you’d have fun today!”
I did say that, didn’t I?
Sighing, I kick off my shoes and shrug off my dress shirt, leaving me in just my swim trunks, oddly nervous. I’m perfectly comfortable in a business suit, an image of power and strength, but this leaves me feeling oddly exposed.
I roll my shoulders, taking a deep breath before allowing Robbie to pull me toward the pool.
As soon as we reach the edge, Annie looks up, amusement twinkling in her blue eyes. “Did Robbie rope you into playing?”
“Apparently.” I glance at her, arching a brow. “You’re throwing children?”
She grins. “They asked me to.”
“And you said yes?”
“I wasn’t about to disappoint them.” She shrugs, water dripping from her arms. “It’s harmless, and we have a lifeguard.”
I glance at Robbie, who’s practically vibrating with anticipation, then back at the eager group of kids watching me expectantly.
“Well?” Annie teases, tilting her head. “Think you can handle it?”
I exhale sharply, then step closer to the pool. “All right,” I say, cracking my knuckles. “Who’s first?”
Chaos erupts immediately.
Every kid in the area scrambles to be next, yelling their names, bouncing on their toes, hands raised as if they’re volunteering for battle.
Annie laughs, then turns back to the kids already in the water. “One at a time, guys! We don’t want to drown Mr. Wagner.”
I shake my head, rolling my eyes. This was a mistake.
But hearing her call me Mr. Wagner stirs something up inside of me, and I cast her a heated look.
She definitely catches it and turns pink all over.