CHAPTER TWO
Zane
The mysterious, beautiful woman studied me as she stepped closer and I couldn’t fault her- I was doing the same thing.
Of course, my son had to drop his ice cream on the hottest woman in the place, but to say I minded would be a lie. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on before.
She looked older, more mature than women my age, but that didn’t bother me one bit. I could handle each and every one of her curves.
When Teddy dropped his ice cream, I honestly expected a blow up, as most people don’t tolerate children well.
Especially mischievous toddlers with a quest of ruining your day.
Every day. With a book tucked under her arm, I’m sure she was looking for some quiet time, maybe time away from her own family.
But instead, she didn’t show one hint of annoyance. She was calm, cool, and collected, like she could handle a whole herd of kids. I was intrigued. I had to know more. Obviously so did my son.
Normally, I’d ignore his tantrum and swiftly divert his attention onto something else, but he wanted to share an ice cream with her. Why?
When she came up beside me, I smiled. “Join us for ice cream? Please?”
“Puhlease!” Teddy chimed in.
“Well, who can say no to that?” Her eyes sparkled at Teddy, and he ate up every bit of attention.
I led us to a table, helping Teddy in beside me, as she sat across from me. “I’m Zane, by the way. And this little nugget is my three-year-old son, Teddy, who you’ve met.”
“I’m Xiomara. Here for the summer. I rented a houseboat on the lake.”
“Xiomara, hmm? What a beautiful name.” I murmured as I took in more of her features, her mannerisms, anything and everything I could learn just by sitting here across from her.
“Thank you. My sister is Xina. Guess our mom liked X names.” She shrugged and laughed it off. “My parents moved to Europe a few summers ago. So, it’s mostly just me and my sister. But this summer, I decided it was time for a vacation. Alone.”
“Alone, hmm? You do realize I could be a serial killer.”
“Doubt it, unless your son is your sidekick.” She raised an eyebrow before taking another bite of her sundae. She licked her lips, a hint of whipped cream on the bottom and a swell of passion rose inside me. I pushed it deep down.
“Could be. Never know.” I winked. “How is the houseboat you rented? I only live a couple of towns over, so I’ve never stayed on the lake. Teddy and I like to come here a lot in the summer. The lake is great for swimming and boating.”
“I wish I lived closer. It’s so beautiful here. Peaceful and serene.”
“How far out are you?”
“A few hours. A small suburb outside of the city. I teach second grade.”
“Ah ha!” I grinned and Teddy looked at me and laughed. He then repeated ah ha a million times. “No wonder you’re so amazing with children.”
Xiomara’s cheeks flushed and I loved every second of it. I didn’t care how old this woman was. I wanted her. In every way possible.
“You’re sweet. I’ve always loved children.
” She smiled warmly at Teddy. “Their brains are like sponges. So impressionable. It’s amazing how much you can teach and show children, and they drink it all in, their brain ever expanding.
Plus, their innocence is so precious. To think you can invest your time in a child and make a positive impact in their life is huge. ”
I listened with awe, her kindness and caring nature, radiating off her in waves. “It is huge, I agree. It’s why I strive so hard to only have the best for my little guy. Even if it means sacrificing things I wouldn’t normally want to.”
Xiomara’s whole face lit up and I didn’t think it was possible she could become prettier, but she did. “You’re just the type of parent I love to see.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“You’re kind, caring, and respectful. What more could a woman ask for in the man raising her children?”
I swallowed hard, a sudden lump in my throat. How…
“Daddy! More please! More please!” Teddy interrupted us.
“No, no more ice cream. You’ll get a belly ache.”
Teddy began to fuss when Xiomara reached out and tapped the back of his hand, drawing his attention her way. “Tell me all about your fun on the lake. Did you go swimming? Or collect rocks? Or I know!” Xiomara made a big show of asking him. “Build a sandcastle?”
Teddys little face lit up brighter than the midday sun. “I swim like a big boy” He said and clapped his hands.
“That’s so awesome! I bet you’re a great swimmer!” Xiomara clapped her hands too and when she looked at me, my heart beat a different tune than it usually did. I lost myself in the chemistry and attraction sparking between us, as if she held me in a trance with a single look.
“Sandcastle Daddy?” Teddy asked, pulling me away from my downward spiral of thoughts.
“Yes, we can build one soon. Let’s finish up our ice cream. I’m sure Xiomara has someplace to be.”
Her cheeks flushed and she shook her head slightly. “Nope. No such thing as time this summer.”
Hmm maybe she couldn’t feel what I could? The magnetic force between us, yanking us closer and closer, though how she couldn’t feel it seemed impossible to me.
Xiomara was able to direct Teddy to his ice cream, singing a song while encouraging him to take bites until he’d had enough.
I laughed as I watched them, Teddy having an absolute ball, his giggles filling my soul in the best possible way.
I’d only ever seen him this happy with either me or my parents who helped me raise him after his mother left town.
So, to see him this way with a woman we met mere minutes ago was thrilling, exciting, and downright nerve wracking.
This woman left me smitten in the best way possible.
In a way I didn’t expect, not in the least bit.
My focus was on Teddy and Teddy alone. Always had been.
But the way she interacted with my son, as if he were her own flesh and blood, so patient, kind, and caring, made me pause.
In that moment, I claimed her and vowed silently to make her all mine.
I’d figure out the rest of the details later.