Second Dive (Kings of the Water #3) - Jasmin Miller Page 0,74

sips as I can comfortably manage while propping myself up on my knee with my elbow.

Noah brushes my hair away from my face. “Do you—”

“Uncle Noah.” Two boys run across the room toward us, a small dark puppy hot on their heels.

Alex and Mason.

Mason points at the dog as if there was any way to not notice the fluffy bundle that’s currently trying to jump up my leg. “Look, look. That’s Brutus. Isn’t he so cool? I really want a dog too, but Mom said we can’t have one until we’re older. Can you talk to her? We really want one.”

“Yeah.” Alex’s head bobs in an excited nod. “Please?”

I wish I could buy them five.

Noah shakes his head. “Sorry, guys, but this is between you and your mom.”

They both groan and look at me as if they’re only just noticing me.

Mason stands up a little straighter, a small smile back on his face. “Can you tell our mom she should let us have a dog? I mean, you’re Uncle Noah’s girlfriend, right? I bet she’ll listen to you.”

Thank goodness I drank my water before these two cuties came over, or I’m sure I would have choked on it. “I . . . uh.”

Noah shakes his head. “Come on, guys. You know that’s not okay to ask. Your mom is the boss and the only one who can make decisions like this.”

They both let their head hang. “Sorry.”

Meanwhile, Brutus has taken a liking to me, still jumping up my leg and licking at my hand with an enthusiasm only a puppy can muster.

But goodness, I’d take him if I could. I have no idea what kind of dog he is, but he’s all soft fur and big dark eyes.

“Were you allowed to take Brutus out of his room?” Noah’s met with silence when the boys look anywhere but him.

Busted.

They shake their heads. With a resigned huff, they turn around and head toward a hallway that’s off to the side.

Mason pats his leg. “Come on, Brutus.”

After one more lick to my hand, and a tiny yelp, the fluffball turns around and runs after the boys.

“Those two.” Noah brushes a hand over his face. “I’d better make sure they behave now. Will you be okay for a couple minutes?”

Our gazes meet and I swallow. He’s so close. Almost too close after what just happened. Like my heart needs some space right now between us to function better. To get a breather, so I can clear my head.

“Actually, I need to use the bathroom if you could point me in the right direction.” I hold up my slobber-coated hand. “Need to wash off these germs and all.”

He closes his eyes for a moment. “Damn it, I read about animals and transplant patients but didn’t even think about it just now. I’m so sorry.”

“No worries. I just want to make sure I can wash it off.”

“Of course. Are you okay to stand up and walk?”

“Yeah, I’m good now, thanks.”

“Okay. Then follow me.”

And I do, because frankly, I’d pretty much follow this man everywhere.

Which is still a problem, because while I know what we’re both in for, he still doesn’t know all of it.

And while he deserves the whole truth, I’m not sure I’m strong enough to tell him.

Thirty

Noah

One thing is abundantly clear. Something’s bothering Chloe, but I have no idea what.

When she suddenly turned pale and had to sit down, worry slammed into me so hard, I slumped down next to her. Panic followed, and all I wanted to do was haul her out of here to get her checked out by a doctor.

But of course, she wouldn’t have any of it.

That’s Chloe. Stubborn.

And I clamped my unsettling emotions down hard so she wouldn’t see them.

Of course, after we took that break inside, she said she was fine and is now happily chatting away with Millie, Harper, and my sister on the other side of the backyard where they set up a pink stand with drinks. She’s smiling, laughing. But whenever she thinks no one’s watching, I see how the happy facade slips.

Am I obsessed with her? Pretty much, yes.

After the history we have, and after seeing how she’s turned into this strong, independent woman and reacquainting myself with her. How could I not be? Reconnecting with her fascinating mind. Relearning every curve of her perfect body.

“Hey, man.” Ryan snaps his fingers in front of my face. “You okay?”

Begrudgingly, I pull my gaze away from the woman who has my stomach in knots and face